My Weight (Loss) Management from 2007-05-28 to 2011-05-28 (weight loss by Calories Restriction With Optimal Nutrition - CRON)
2007-05-28 morning, my weight = 65.0 kg, BMI = 23.588
2007-06-28 morning, my weight = 61.0 kg, BMI = 22.136
2007-07-28 morning, my weight = 59.0 kg, BMI = 21.410
2007-08-28 morning, my weight = 58.7 kg, BMI = 21.302
2007-09-28 morning, my weight = 57.5 kg, BMI = 20.866
2007-10-28 morning, my weight = 57.5 kg, BMI = 20.866
2007-11-28 morning, my weight = 56.2 kg, BMI = 20.394
2007-12-28 morning, my weight = 55.5 kg, BMI = 20.140
2008-01-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2008-02-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2008-03-28 morning, my weight = 54.5 kg, BMI = 19.777
2008-04-28 morning, my weight = 54.4 kg, BMI = 19.741
2008-05-28 morning, my weight = 54.1 kg, BMI = 19.632
2008-06-28 morning, my weight = 54.6 kg, BMI = 19.814
2008-07-28 morning, my weight = 54.5 kg, BMI = 19.777
2008-08-28 morning, my weight = 54.3 kg, BMI = 19.705
2008-09-28 morning, my weight = 54.9 kg, BMI = 19.923
2008-10-28 morning, my weight = 55.3 kg, BMI = 20.068
2008-11-28 morning, my weight = 54.5 kg, BMI = 19.777
2008-12-28 morning, my weight = 55.6 kg, BMI = 20.177
2009-01-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2009-02-28 morning, my weight = 55.9 kg, BMI = 20.285
2009-03-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2009-04-28 morning, my weight = 55.3 kg, BMI = 20.068
2009-05-28 morning, my weight = 55.4 kg, BMI = 20.104.
2009-06-28 morning, my weight = 55.2 kg, BMI = 20.031
2009-07-28 morning, my weight = 55.1 kg, BMI = 19.995
2009-08-28 morning, my weight = 55.2 kg, BMI = 20.031
2009-09-28 morning, my weight = 56.3 kg, BMI = 20.431
2009-10-28 morning, my weight = 55.8 kg, BMI = 20.249
2009-11-28 morning, my weight = 56.2 kg, BMI = 20.394
2009-12-28 morning, my weight = 56.1 kg, BMI = 20.358
2010-01-28 morning, my weight = 55.6 kg, BMI = 20.177
2010-02-28 morning, my weight = 56.5 kg, BMI = 20.503
2010-03-28 morning, my weight = 56.4 kg, BMI = 20.467
2010-04-28 morning, my weight = 55.7 kg, BMI = 20.213
2010-05-28 morning, my weight = 55.1 kg, BMI = 19.995
2010-06-28 morning, my weight = 56.4 kg, BMI = 20.467
2010-07-28 morning, my weight = 55.5 kg, BMI = 20.140
2010-08-28 morning, my weight = 55.8 kg, BMI = 20.249
2010-09-28 morning, my weight = 55.8 kg, BMI = 20.249
2010-10-28 morning, my weight = 55.4 kg, BMI = 20.104
2010-11-28 morning, my weight = 55.6 kg, BMI = 20.177
2010-12-28 morning, my weight = 55.5 kg, BMI = 20.140
2011-01-28 morning, my weight = 55.4 kg, BMI = 20.104
2011-02-28 morning, my weight = 56.5 kg, BMI = 20.503
2011-03-28 morning, my weight = 55.6 kg, BMI = 20.177
2011-04-28 morning, my weight = 55.7 kg, BMI = 20.213
2011-05-28 morning, my weight = 55.6 kg, BMI = 20.177
Note 1: On 2010-10-30, Tanita BC532 replaced watson Scale because the battery low too fast.
Note 2:
At 0530 hour of 2011-05-28. Watson Scale = 55.1kg + 500g = 55.6 kg
(Tanita BC 532 Scale is out of order)
At 0530 hour of 2011-04-28. Watson Scale = 55.2kg + 500g = 55.7 kg
(Tanita BC 532 Scale is out of order)
At 0730 hour of 2011-03-28. Watson Scale = 55.1kg + 500g = 55.6 kg
(Tanita BC 532 Scale is out of order)
At 0530 hour of 2011-02-28. Watson Scale = 56.0 kg + 500g = 56.5 kg
(Tanita BC 532 Scale is out of order)
At 0530 hour of 2011-01-28. Tanita BC 532 Scale = 55.5 kg
At 0700 hour of 2010-12-28. Tanita BC 532 Scale = 55.5 kg
At 0800 hour of 2010-11-28. Tanita BC 532 Scale = 55.6 kg
At 0530 hour of 2010-10-28. Watson Scale = 54.9 kg + 500g = 55.4 kg. Tanita Scale = not used
At 0530 hour of 2010-09-28. Watson Scale = 55.3 kg + 500g = 55.8kg. Tanita Scale = not used
At 0730 hour of 2010-08-28. Watson Scale = 55.3 kg + 500g = 55.8kg. Tanita Scale = not used
At 0530 hour of 2010-07-28. Watson Scale = 55.0 kg + 500g = 55.5kg
But Tanita Scale = not used
At 0530 hour of 2010-06-28. Watson Scale = 55.9 kg + 500g = 56.4 kg
But Tanita Scale = 56.2 kg .
At 0650 hour of 2010-04-28. Watson Scale = 55.2 kg and
Tanita Scale = 55.7 kg which is the same as Watson reading (in kg) + 500g.
At 0630 hour of 2010-05-28. Watson Scale = 54.6 kg + 500g = 55.1 kg
At 0650 hour of 2010-04-28. Watson Scale = 55.2 kg and
Tanita Scale = 55.7 kg which is the same as Watson reading (in kg) + 500g.
Note: From 2010-02-01, Watson weighing scale had replaced Camry, which became faulty.
In the past reading of Camry was about 500g more than that of Watson. To maintain consistency, so my weight =Watson reading (in kg) + 500g.
On 2010-03-28, at about 7.40 am, my weight by Camry = 55.9 kg + 500g = 56.4 kg. I also used Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor to confirm that my weight was 56.4 kg.
My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9. For me, the range of healthy weight is 50.9786 kg (BMI = 18.5) to 63.10324 kg (BMI = 22.9).
People with BMI values of 23 kg/m2 (or 25 kg/m2 according to some sources) and above have been found to be at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
To be healthy, I must have a healthy weight.
Be as lean as possible without being underweight, as recommended by World Cancer Prevention Foundation, United Kingdom.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
One in five young adults may have high blood pressure
Straits Times, ,May 26, 2011 (Thursday.
One in five young adults may have high blood pressure
CHICAGO - NEARLY one in five young US adults may have high blood pressure, researchers said on Wednesday in a study suggesting the problem of hypertension is more widespread than previously thought.
The latest findings by a team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are in sharp contrast to a federal government study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that suggested only 4 per cent of young adults might have high blood pressure, a condition that raises the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Both studies used the same definition of hypertension: a blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 millimeters of mercury or more. Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120 over 80 or lower.
'The findings are significant because they indicate that many young adults are at risk of developing heart disease, but are unaware that they have hypertension,' said Quynh Nguyen, a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, whose study appears online in the journal Epidemiology.
The researchers did not study why the numbers may be rising or relate the findings to US intake of sodium, a major contributor to high blood pressure. US health officials say the study is a worrisome signal, but are cautious to embrace the new findings until they have been confirmed in other studies.
'This one study by itself shouldn't lead us to a revision of health policy or health assessment. it is just a signal we need to examine in greater detail,' Dr Steven Hirschfeld of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, one of the National Institutes of Health, said in a telephone interview. -- REUTERS
One in five young adults may have high blood pressure
CHICAGO - NEARLY one in five young US adults may have high blood pressure, researchers said on Wednesday in a study suggesting the problem of hypertension is more widespread than previously thought.
The latest findings by a team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are in sharp contrast to a federal government study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that suggested only 4 per cent of young adults might have high blood pressure, a condition that raises the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Both studies used the same definition of hypertension: a blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 millimeters of mercury or more. Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120 over 80 or lower.
'The findings are significant because they indicate that many young adults are at risk of developing heart disease, but are unaware that they have hypertension,' said Quynh Nguyen, a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, whose study appears online in the journal Epidemiology.
The researchers did not study why the numbers may be rising or relate the findings to US intake of sodium, a major contributor to high blood pressure. US health officials say the study is a worrisome signal, but are cautious to embrace the new findings until they have been confirmed in other studies.
'This one study by itself shouldn't lead us to a revision of health policy or health assessment. it is just a signal we need to examine in greater detail,' Dr Steven Hirschfeld of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, one of the National Institutes of Health, said in a telephone interview. -- REUTERS
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Happiness Index --- Be happy! It's not all about economic growth
Straits Times, May 25, 2011
Be happy! It's not all about economic growth
OECD launches 'happiness index' to better measure quality of life
PARIS - PERHAPS a country's success is not just a matter of economic growth after all.
The tacit acknowledgement came from no less than the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which on Tuesday launched a so-called 'happiness index' to better measure the quality of life.
Deviating from its focus on hard economic figures - such as gross domestic product - for the first time in 50 years, it announced its 'better life initiative', which measures more qualitative factors such as general satisfaction, security and work-life balance.
The new index marks a significant change for the OECD, which for half a century has been known for its orthodox approach to economics and its promotion of structural reforms to boost GDP growth. Consisting of 34 member nations, the economic organisation was founded in 1961 with an aim to stimulate economic progress and world trade.
Yesterday, it said it was time to move beyond GDP when measuring the success of societies.
'This index encapsulates the OECD at 50, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding in a pioneering and innovative manner,' said OECD secretary- general Angel Gurria. -- AFP, AP
================================================
Taking the pulse
IT WAS Bhutan that started it all, with its famous Gross National Happiness which measured the country's progress and well-being in terms of happiness rather than in dollars and cents.
Coined in 1972, the index eschewed Gross Domestic Product and other economic numbers for more intangible indicators such as psychological well-being, culture and health.
Few people took it seriously until several countries in recent years started to embrace the wisdom of measuring success similarly. Fans note that 'happynomics' can help guide governments in policymaking.
Last year, Britain said it will introduce a 'happiness index' to gauge its populace's psychological and environmental well-being, and could thus become the first Western country to officially monitor general happiness.
France and Canada are reportedly considering similar initiatives, while China this year included a happiness index in its annual competitiveness study of the country's cities.
Bhutan's index has nine indicators to reflect the components of happiness: ecology, psychological well-being, health, education, culture, living standards, time use, community vitality and good governance.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's 'better life initiative' - launched yesterday - has 11: housing, incomes, employment, social relationships, education, the environment, the administration of institutions, health, general satisfaction, security and the balance between work and family.
Be happy! It's not all about economic growth
OECD launches 'happiness index' to better measure quality of life
PARIS - PERHAPS a country's success is not just a matter of economic growth after all.
The tacit acknowledgement came from no less than the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which on Tuesday launched a so-called 'happiness index' to better measure the quality of life.
Deviating from its focus on hard economic figures - such as gross domestic product - for the first time in 50 years, it announced its 'better life initiative', which measures more qualitative factors such as general satisfaction, security and work-life balance.
The new index marks a significant change for the OECD, which for half a century has been known for its orthodox approach to economics and its promotion of structural reforms to boost GDP growth. Consisting of 34 member nations, the economic organisation was founded in 1961 with an aim to stimulate economic progress and world trade.
Yesterday, it said it was time to move beyond GDP when measuring the success of societies.
'This index encapsulates the OECD at 50, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding in a pioneering and innovative manner,' said OECD secretary- general Angel Gurria. -- AFP, AP
================================================
Taking the pulse
IT WAS Bhutan that started it all, with its famous Gross National Happiness which measured the country's progress and well-being in terms of happiness rather than in dollars and cents.
Coined in 1972, the index eschewed Gross Domestic Product and other economic numbers for more intangible indicators such as psychological well-being, culture and health.
Few people took it seriously until several countries in recent years started to embrace the wisdom of measuring success similarly. Fans note that 'happynomics' can help guide governments in policymaking.
Last year, Britain said it will introduce a 'happiness index' to gauge its populace's psychological and environmental well-being, and could thus become the first Western country to officially monitor general happiness.
France and Canada are reportedly considering similar initiatives, while China this year included a happiness index in its annual competitiveness study of the country's cities.
Bhutan's index has nine indicators to reflect the components of happiness: ecology, psychological well-being, health, education, culture, living standards, time use, community vitality and good governance.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's 'better life initiative' - launched yesterday - has 11: housing, incomes, employment, social relationships, education, the environment, the administration of institutions, health, general satisfaction, security and the balance between work and family.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Farm to Fridge - The Truth Behind Meat Production (Youtube Video)
Farm to Fridge - The Truth Behind Meat Production
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Choose fruit over juice
Straits Times, Mind Your Body
May 19, 2011
Feature
Choose fruit over juice
Choosing food which is dense in nutrients can help lower your risk of obesity. Jonathan Liautrakul reports
Mr Jonathan Loo, a 50-year-old general manager of a manufacturing company, stays away from deep-fried and fatty food.
In a day, he typically has a slice of white bread with a cup of coffee for breakfast and a bowl of dry fishball noodles and a glass of fruit juice for lunch at the hawker centre. He usually has white rice with steamed prawns in sweet and sour sauce and a serving of stir-fried cabbage for dinner at home.
But his diet would be even better if he boosted his intake of nutrient-dense food, or food that is packed with goodness such as vitamins and minerals but has relatively fewer calories.
For instance, he could have fish slice noodle soup to increase his protein intake and add vegetables to the prawn dish to further increase the vitamin and antioxidant content, said
Ms Maggie Yap, a dietitian at the Singapore General Hospital.
Instead of juice, which is high in calories and low in fibre, he could have a serving of fruit, she added.
Mr Loo is sticking to his diet, but may consider changing it in the near future. 'Maybe when I retire and am no longer living this hectic lifestyle,' he said.
One can calculate a food's nutrient density by dividing the quantity of a nutrient in milligrams, by the total number of calories in one serving of the food, said Ms Kalpana Bhaskaran, a nutritionist at the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association.
For instance, a cup of skimmed milk delivers about 300mg of calcium and 85 calories, so its nutrient density is 3.5mg per calorie, she said.
A similar cup of full-cream milk - with 285mg of calcium and 163 calories - is less nutrient-dense at 1.74mg per calorie.
Having a nutrient-dense diet is important as it lowers the risk of obesity, said Mr Benjamin Lee, a Health Promotion Board nutritionist.
One can be physically obese and physiologically malnourished at the same time, he said.
The counterpart of nutrient- dense food is energy-dense food, which is high in calories but not very nutritious. This is usually food prepared with lots of fat or sugar, such as curry puffs or nasi lemak.
People often do not choose nutrient-dense food because it tends not to be presented in a way that is appealing or tasty, saidMr Derrick Ong, a dietitian at a nutrition consultancy in Far East Shopping Centre.
To maximise one's intake of nutrients while keeping the calories to a minimum, one has to first determine where the calories are coming from and balance the energy intake by following the recommended servings from each food group, said Ms Yap.
'The main sources of calories are from carbohydrates, protein and fats, which may lead to obesity, and thus one should opt for foods with lower fat and no added sugar,' she said.
Mr Ong said: 'Choosing more nutrient-dense foods helps people make every mouthful count.'
While choosing foods within a group, it is important to go for the more nutrient-dense options, he said. For instance, wholemeal bread offers more dietary fibre and carbohydrates than white bread, which makes it a better option.
The nutrient density of a food can change with its method of preparation and processing.
For instance, vegetables stir-fried in oil are less nutrient-dense than steamed vegetables, as oil adds more calories without any nutrients.
Nutrient requirements vary among groups of people. Older people and post-menopausal women need more calcium to maintain bone mass, while sporty people need more carbohydrates, proteins and sodium to build up muscle mass and have energy.
A simple way to make sure that one gets the most bang for the buck: Eat more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains - which are low-fat and fibre- and vitamin-rich - and calcium-rich foods.
Mr Lee said: 'Eating fruit, vegetables and wholegrains makes a person feel full for longer and - if these are prepared with less fat and sugar - consume fewer calories, leading to less weight gain over time.
May 19, 2011
Feature
Choose fruit over juice
Choosing food which is dense in nutrients can help lower your risk of obesity. Jonathan Liautrakul reports
Mr Jonathan Loo, a 50-year-old general manager of a manufacturing company, stays away from deep-fried and fatty food.
In a day, he typically has a slice of white bread with a cup of coffee for breakfast and a bowl of dry fishball noodles and a glass of fruit juice for lunch at the hawker centre. He usually has white rice with steamed prawns in sweet and sour sauce and a serving of stir-fried cabbage for dinner at home.
But his diet would be even better if he boosted his intake of nutrient-dense food, or food that is packed with goodness such as vitamins and minerals but has relatively fewer calories.
For instance, he could have fish slice noodle soup to increase his protein intake and add vegetables to the prawn dish to further increase the vitamin and antioxidant content, said
Ms Maggie Yap, a dietitian at the Singapore General Hospital.
Instead of juice, which is high in calories and low in fibre, he could have a serving of fruit, she added.
Mr Loo is sticking to his diet, but may consider changing it in the near future. 'Maybe when I retire and am no longer living this hectic lifestyle,' he said.
One can calculate a food's nutrient density by dividing the quantity of a nutrient in milligrams, by the total number of calories in one serving of the food, said Ms Kalpana Bhaskaran, a nutritionist at the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association.
For instance, a cup of skimmed milk delivers about 300mg of calcium and 85 calories, so its nutrient density is 3.5mg per calorie, she said.
A similar cup of full-cream milk - with 285mg of calcium and 163 calories - is less nutrient-dense at 1.74mg per calorie.
Having a nutrient-dense diet is important as it lowers the risk of obesity, said Mr Benjamin Lee, a Health Promotion Board nutritionist.
One can be physically obese and physiologically malnourished at the same time, he said.
The counterpart of nutrient- dense food is energy-dense food, which is high in calories but not very nutritious. This is usually food prepared with lots of fat or sugar, such as curry puffs or nasi lemak.
People often do not choose nutrient-dense food because it tends not to be presented in a way that is appealing or tasty, saidMr Derrick Ong, a dietitian at a nutrition consultancy in Far East Shopping Centre.
To maximise one's intake of nutrients while keeping the calories to a minimum, one has to first determine where the calories are coming from and balance the energy intake by following the recommended servings from each food group, said Ms Yap.
'The main sources of calories are from carbohydrates, protein and fats, which may lead to obesity, and thus one should opt for foods with lower fat and no added sugar,' she said.
Mr Ong said: 'Choosing more nutrient-dense foods helps people make every mouthful count.'
While choosing foods within a group, it is important to go for the more nutrient-dense options, he said. For instance, wholemeal bread offers more dietary fibre and carbohydrates than white bread, which makes it a better option.
The nutrient density of a food can change with its method of preparation and processing.
For instance, vegetables stir-fried in oil are less nutrient-dense than steamed vegetables, as oil adds more calories without any nutrients.
Nutrient requirements vary among groups of people. Older people and post-menopausal women need more calcium to maintain bone mass, while sporty people need more carbohydrates, proteins and sodium to build up muscle mass and have energy.
A simple way to make sure that one gets the most bang for the buck: Eat more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains - which are low-fat and fibre- and vitamin-rich - and calcium-rich foods.
Mr Lee said: 'Eating fruit, vegetables and wholegrains makes a person feel full for longer and - if these are prepared with less fat and sugar - consume fewer calories, leading to less weight gain over time.
How Colours affect you.
Straits Times, Mind Your Body dated 2011-0519, Thursday.
RED
The colour red stimulates brain wave activity and increases heart rate and blood pressure. This can explain why many fast cars are painted red.
The colour red may also stimulate aggression and agitation in people. Therefore, people who have problems managing their anger may need to avoid this colour in their environment.
ORANGE
The colour orange is invigorating and stimulates the mind.
Orange is often associated with food and some studies have shown that like the colour yellow, it stimulates appetite.
Orange is often used in active environments such as entertainment areas and fast-food restaurants.
YELLOW
A warm colour, it reflects more light than green and blue, and is more stimulating. Some may associate it with feeling cheerful and being energetic.
But looking at the colour yellow for too long may over-stimulate the eyes and cause irritation and fatigue.
GREEN
A cool colour that is soothing and relaxing to the mind and body.
It is considered the most restful colour for the eyes. It is sometimes used by therapists to calm down emotionally troubled people.
BLUE
Another cool colour which has a calming effect as it reminds people of the sky and sea.
American art historian and expert in colour theory, Faber Birren, said that blue promotes oxidation in the tissues and lowers respiration rate and blood pressure.
RED
The colour red stimulates brain wave activity and increases heart rate and blood pressure. This can explain why many fast cars are painted red.
The colour red may also stimulate aggression and agitation in people. Therefore, people who have problems managing their anger may need to avoid this colour in their environment.
ORANGE
The colour orange is invigorating and stimulates the mind.
Orange is often associated with food and some studies have shown that like the colour yellow, it stimulates appetite.
Orange is often used in active environments such as entertainment areas and fast-food restaurants.
YELLOW
A warm colour, it reflects more light than green and blue, and is more stimulating. Some may associate it with feeling cheerful and being energetic.
But looking at the colour yellow for too long may over-stimulate the eyes and cause irritation and fatigue.
GREEN
A cool colour that is soothing and relaxing to the mind and body.
It is considered the most restful colour for the eyes. It is sometimes used by therapists to calm down emotionally troubled people.
BLUE
Another cool colour which has a calming effect as it reminds people of the sky and sea.
American art historian and expert in colour theory, Faber Birren, said that blue promotes oxidation in the tissues and lowers respiration rate and blood pressure.
More to colour than meets the eye
Mind Your Body of Straits Times,
May 19, 2011
Healthy spaces
More to colour than meets the eye
Experts say colours have a physiological and psychological impact on a person?s mind and body. LEA WEE reports
Colours are not simply reflections of light perceived by the eyes.
They also have a powerful impact on a person's mental state and body, said Ms Esther Ann, a senior occupational therapist at the National University Hospital.
With that in mind, occupational therapists sometimes use coloured images to alter the moods of emotionally troubled people. Said Ms Ann: "We may advise such patients to look at scenic pictures or paintings of greenery or of the beach to soothe and relax themselves whenever they feel anxious."
Research has also shown the colour blue to have such a calming effect on people that it can lower respiration rate and blood pressure.
On the other end of the spectrum are the warm colours which are stimulating. So occupational therapists may encourage parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) to avoid using the colour red in their child's bedroom.
The physiological impact of colours might have a chemical explanation, among others, said Ms Ann.
Research shows that in the day, when sunlight lights up the colours around us, the brain's hypothalamus releases the stimulant called serotonin. At night, when the world is bathed in grey and black, the hypothalamus releases a depressant called melatonin.
Said Ms Ann: "In many cultures, bright colours are associated with liveliness and wakefulness and darker colours with melancholy."
A form of colour therapy, where natural bright colours are exaggerated, may help reduce the high level of melatonin seen in people with depression, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder) and reproductive problems.
Dr Norman Li, an associate professor of psychology at the Singapore Management University, said research is starting to show that colours in the natural world influence human beings' responses to man-made scenes or objects in similar colours.
He said: "Different things in our natural world have different colours.
"When we see the same colours on our walls, our minds believe we are actually seeing those natural scenes. Accordingly, we react as we would in nature to the underlying stimuli."
Summarising the effects of four common colours, he said: "The colour red provides energy and arousal, yellow is warming, blue is calming, and green is associated with safety and peacefulness."
But one's memories, experience and cultural norms can affect the emotions associated with the different colours.
The Chinese, for instance, see the colour red as an auspicious colour and like to use it in their weddings and celebrations. People may view red as a symbol for love because of Valentine's Day marketing of red hearts and red roses.
On the other hand, said Ms Ann: "Red may remind someone of the blood that flowed from his brother's wounded hand not long ago."
Realising that colours have a significant impact on peoples' moods and emotions, major paint manufacturers such as AkzoNobel Paints and Nippon Paint Singapore have developed their own short quizzes which allow buyers to find out what colours match their character, so that they will buy the right paints.
May 19, 2011
Healthy spaces
More to colour than meets the eye
Experts say colours have a physiological and psychological impact on a person?s mind and body. LEA WEE reports
Colours are not simply reflections of light perceived by the eyes.
They also have a powerful impact on a person's mental state and body, said Ms Esther Ann, a senior occupational therapist at the National University Hospital.
With that in mind, occupational therapists sometimes use coloured images to alter the moods of emotionally troubled people. Said Ms Ann: "We may advise such patients to look at scenic pictures or paintings of greenery or of the beach to soothe and relax themselves whenever they feel anxious."
Research has also shown the colour blue to have such a calming effect on people that it can lower respiration rate and blood pressure.
On the other end of the spectrum are the warm colours which are stimulating. So occupational therapists may encourage parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) to avoid using the colour red in their child's bedroom.
The physiological impact of colours might have a chemical explanation, among others, said Ms Ann.
Research shows that in the day, when sunlight lights up the colours around us, the brain's hypothalamus releases the stimulant called serotonin. At night, when the world is bathed in grey and black, the hypothalamus releases a depressant called melatonin.
Said Ms Ann: "In many cultures, bright colours are associated with liveliness and wakefulness and darker colours with melancholy."
A form of colour therapy, where natural bright colours are exaggerated, may help reduce the high level of melatonin seen in people with depression, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder) and reproductive problems.
Dr Norman Li, an associate professor of psychology at the Singapore Management University, said research is starting to show that colours in the natural world influence human beings' responses to man-made scenes or objects in similar colours.
He said: "Different things in our natural world have different colours.
"When we see the same colours on our walls, our minds believe we are actually seeing those natural scenes. Accordingly, we react as we would in nature to the underlying stimuli."
Summarising the effects of four common colours, he said: "The colour red provides energy and arousal, yellow is warming, blue is calming, and green is associated with safety and peacefulness."
But one's memories, experience and cultural norms can affect the emotions associated with the different colours.
The Chinese, for instance, see the colour red as an auspicious colour and like to use it in their weddings and celebrations. People may view red as a symbol for love because of Valentine's Day marketing of red hearts and red roses.
On the other hand, said Ms Ann: "Red may remind someone of the blood that flowed from his brother's wounded hand not long ago."
Realising that colours have a significant impact on peoples' moods and emotions, major paint manufacturers such as AkzoNobel Paints and Nippon Paint Singapore have developed their own short quizzes which allow buyers to find out what colours match their character, so that they will buy the right paints.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
THE CASE AGAINST VEGANISM - 2
Info source:
EXAMPLES
MAHATMA GANDHI AND 22 COMPANIONS FAIL AS VEGANS - 1946
DR. GIAN-CURSIO ABOUT DISEASES DUE TO VEGAN DIET
OUR VEGAN CHILD WAS DEFICIENCY-DAMAGED
RICKETS IN VEGAN INFANT
FAMILY WITH SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY STRICT VEGAN DIET 2001
THE VEGAN HEALTH PROBLEM SURVEY
INTERVIEW WITH ESSENE VEGETARIAN
THE SAD SIDE OF DIETARY PURITY
VEGAN MOTHERS - BRAIN DAMAGED INFANTS by Dr. Fielder
FAMILY DEVELOPED SERIOUS DEFICIENCY ON VEGAN/FRUITARIAN DIET
STRICT VEGAN DIET - DANGEROUS
BABY DEATH BY VEGANISM - Atlanta Vegan Couple Gets Life in Prison After Baby Dies of Starvation
VEGAN INFANT STARVED TO DEATH - Florida trial
VEGAN BABY TRIAL - Queens parents sentenced to prison
VEGAN CENTENARIANS – WHERE ARE THEY? by Brian White
VEGANISM IS IMPOSSIBLE IN THIS WORLD by Swami Narayanananda
VEGANISM CAUSING PARKINSONS by Joel Fuhrman
VEGAN TURN-AROUND in a book by Lierre Keith
Note: INHS' diet position is based on these case examples and many more, of humans who have been damaged by vegan diets.
THE CASE AGAINST VEGANISM - 1
BACK to "What is the optimal diet in NH?"
CONTINUE to "The Vegan Health Problem Survey"
http://naturalhygienesociety.org/diet3.html
THE CASE AGAINST VEGANISM - 2
EXAMPLES
MAHATMA GANDHI AND 22 COMPANIONS FAIL AS VEGANS - 1946
DR. GIAN-CURSIO ABOUT DISEASES DUE TO VEGAN DIET
OUR VEGAN CHILD WAS DEFICIENCY-DAMAGED
RICKETS IN VEGAN INFANT
FAMILY WITH SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY STRICT VEGAN DIET 2001
THE VEGAN HEALTH PROBLEM SURVEY
INTERVIEW WITH ESSENE VEGETARIAN
THE SAD SIDE OF DIETARY PURITY
VEGAN MOTHERS - BRAIN DAMAGED INFANTS by Dr. Fielder
FAMILY DEVELOPED SERIOUS DEFICIENCY ON VEGAN/FRUITARIAN DIET
STRICT VEGAN DIET - DANGEROUS
BABY DEATH BY VEGANISM - Atlanta Vegan Couple Gets Life in Prison After Baby Dies of Starvation
VEGAN INFANT STARVED TO DEATH - Florida trial
VEGAN BABY TRIAL - Queens parents sentenced to prison
VEGAN CENTENARIANS – WHERE ARE THEY? by Brian White
VEGANISM IS IMPOSSIBLE IN THIS WORLD by Swami Narayanananda
VEGANISM CAUSING PARKINSONS by Joel Fuhrman
VEGAN TURN-AROUND in a book by Lierre Keith
Note: INHS' diet position is based on these case examples and many more, of humans who have been damaged by vegan diets.
THE CASE AGAINST VEGANISM - 1
BACK to "What is the optimal diet in NH?"
CONTINUE to "The Vegan Health Problem Survey"
THE CASE AGAINST VEGANISM - 1
Info source:
CHIMPANZEES HUNT AND EAT MEAT
CHIMPANZEE LIFE-SPAN RESEARCH 2004
MICE EXPERIMENTS 1996 - TESTING DIFFERENT VEGETARIAN DIETS
RAT EXPERIMENTS 1941
RAT EXPERIMENTS 1912
RESEARCH BY DR. WESTON A. PRICE - 1939
ANTHROPOLOGICAL DIET RESEARCH - 1989
SUMMARY OF SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING - M2M 1993
http://naturalhygienesociety.org/diet2.html
Dr. Herbert Shelton believed that science pointed in the direction of veganism (100% plant based diet) as natural for humans, and in 1928 there was not much evidence against this conclusion. He summarized his thinking in this article Man's Dietetic Character from 1944. But the evidence has now mounted in the other direction, against veganism and for omnivorism (animal & plant based diet) as the natural state of humans, for 3/4 of a century.
CHIMPANZEES HUNT AND EAT MEAT
CHIMPANZEE LIFE-SPAN RESEARCH 2004
MICE EXPERIMENTS 1996 - TESTING DIFFERENT VEGETARIAN DIETS
RAT EXPERIMENTS 1941
RAT EXPERIMENTS 1912
RESEARCH BY DR. WESTON A. PRICE - 1939
ANTHROPOLOGICAL DIET RESEARCH - 1989
SUMMARY OF SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING - M2M 1993
NATURAL HYGIENE - what is it?
Info source: http://naturalhygienesociety.org/
NATURAL HYGIENE - what is it?
Definition: (NATURAL) HYGIENE is that branch of biology that relates to the preservation and restoration of health. --- "There are no cures - Nature returns to normal when enervating habits are given up." Read more
In Natural Hygiene we want to teach a simple health care solution that everyone can afford.
NATURAL HYGIENE - what is it?
Definition: (NATURAL) HYGIENE is that branch of biology that relates to the preservation and restoration of health. --- "There are no cures - Nature returns to normal when enervating habits are given up." Read more
In Natural Hygiene we want to teach a simple health care solution that everyone can afford.
BABY DEATH BY VEGANISM
BABY DEATH BY VEGANISM
6 week old Atlanta baby dies of starvation - the parents convicted of murder
The New York Times
Nina Planck
May 21, 2007
WHEN Crown Shakur died of starvation, he was 6 weeks old and weighed 3.5 pounds. His vegan parents, who fed him mainly soy milk and apple juice, were convicted in Atlanta recently of murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty.
This particular calamity — at least the third such conviction of vegan parents in four years — may be largely due to ignorance. But it should prompt frank discussion about nutrition.
I was once a vegan. But well before I became pregnant, I concluded that a vegan pregnancy was irresponsible. You cannot create and nourish a robust baby merely on foods from plants.
Indigenous cuisines offer clues about what humans, naturally omnivorous, need to survive, reproduce and grow: traditional vegetarian diets, as in India, invariably include dairy and eggs for complete protein, essential fats and vitamins. There are no vegan societies for a simple reason: a vegan diet is not adequate in the long run.
Protein deficiency is one danger of a vegan diet for babies. Nutritionists used to speak of proteins as "first class" (from meat, fish, eggs and milk) and "second class" (from plants), but today this is considered denigrating to vegetarians.
The fact remains, though, that humans prefer animal proteins and fats to cereals and tubers, because they contain all the essential amino acids needed for life in the right ratio. This is not true of plant proteins, which are inferior in quantity and quality — even soy.
A vegan diet may lack vitamin B12, found only in animal foods; usable vitamins A and D, found in meat, fish, eggs and butter; and necessary minerals like calcium and zinc.
When babies are deprived of all these nutrients, they will suffer from retarded growth, rickets and nerve damage.
Responsible vegan parents know that breast milk is ideal. It contains many necessary components, including cholesterol (which babies use to make nerve cells) and countless immune and growth factors. When breastfeeding isn't possible, soy milk and fruit juice, even in seemingly sufficient quantities, are not safe substitutes for a quality infant formula.
Yet even a breast-fed baby is at risk. Studies show that vegan breast milk lacks enough docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, the omega-3 fat found in fatty fish. It is difficult to overstate the importance of DHA, vital as it is for eye and brain development.
A vegan diet is equally dangerous for weaned babies and toddlers, who need plenty of protein and calcium. Too often, vegans turn to soy, which actually inhibits growth and reduces absorption of protein and minerals. That's why health officials in Britain, Canada and other countries express caution about soy for babies. (Not here, though - perhaps because our farm policy is so soy-friendly.)
Historically, diet honored tradition: we ate the foods that our mothers, and their mothers, ate. Now, your neighbor or sibling may be a meat-eater or vegetarian, may ferment his foods or eat them raw. This fragmentation of the American menu reflects admirable diversity and tolerance, but food is more important than fashion. Though it's not politically correct to say so, all diets are not created equal.
An adult who was well-nourished in utero and in infancy may choose to get by on a vegan diet, but babies are built from protein, calcium, cholesterol and fish oil.
Children fed only plants will not get the precious things they need to live and grow.
Nina Planck is the author of Real Food: What to Eat and Why.
Info source: http://naturalhygienesociety.org/diet-veganbaby.html
More and cheaper organic veggies (in Singapore)
Sunday Times, 15 may 2011
By Jessica Lim
More consumers are going 'organic', and supermarkets here are happy to oblige, while bringing prices down too.
Organic vegetables are grown without pesticides and other chemicals.
Pasar Organic - the housebrand organic range of supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice - now stocks white asparagus, sugar snap peas and chayote shoot.
By August, 27 other greens will be added, doubling the number of organic items under this housebrand. Cost savings can go up to 70 per cent less than the brand-name counterparts.
FairPrice reckons that demand for its organic greens has grown 25 per cent year on year since 2008, when the trend first took off.
Cold Storage and Jasons Market Place too have had organic vegetables on their shelves for some years.
Over the past two years, they have increased their range of organic vegetables by 30 per cent, with demand seeing year-on-year double-digit percentage point growth during that time.
One wholesaler, Zenxin Organic Food, a major organic greens supplier to supermarkets and restaurants, has seen a 20 per cent jump in sales over the past two years. It now sells 100 types of organic vegetables, up from 70 two years ago. Among the new items it has started importing are four-angled beans, silverbeets, kale, Swede and lemongrass.
'Customers requested these items so we decided to bring them in,' said the company's director, Mr Tai Seng Yee, 28, who owns five farms in Malaysia.
He felt that the generally lower prices of such greens now have helped to spur demand. 'Last time you could not get any organic vegetables for less than $2 per 250g. Now, you can,' he said.
Mr Tai sells organic xiao bai cai at $1.99 for 250g, and sweet potato leaf at $1.80 for 250g. Two years ago, these items would have cost more than $2.
Mr Tng Ah Yiam, FairPrice's managing director of group purchasing, merchandising and international trading, attributed the lower prices to increased supply from the region as a result of improved technology and the heightened demand.
'Previously, many farmers in these places did not know how to get high-yield levels without using pesticide. Improved technology has changed that,' he said. He added that increased demand encouraged more farmers to grow such crops. 'The trend is really catching on. Consumers are now more educated and health-conscious.'
Consumers also benefit price-wise when more farmers in the region grow organic vegetables, since it is cheaper to transport vegetables from such areas than from farther-flung countries.
FairPrice pushes prices down even further for Pasar Organic by cutting down on middlemen. It goes straight to the source - 11 farms in Thailand, sweetened by long-term contracts.
The chain also helps the farms to source for organic seeds, increase their yield and transport their harvests to Singapore in air-conditioned trucks.
Pasar Organic also comes with its own certification label guaranteeing that the items are truly organic. Some rules: The farms in Thailand have to be about 10km away from industrial land, and organic produce must be packed in special containers away from non-organic ones.
The chain aims to stock its organic brand at 50 of its stores by 2013. It now stocks it at 30 stores, including all FairPrice Finest outlets, up from 20 in 2008.
Teacher Christine Teo, 24, started going organic a month ago.'I've read a lot about the harmful effects of pesticides and now it's not as expensive as before. I pay just a little more, so why not?' she said, adding that the recent food scares also played a part in her decision to go organic.
Others, like Madam Fang Qiu Li, 52, a civil servant, eat organic vegetables for health reasons and the added nutrition.
Experts, however, say this is a myth.
'The term organic describes a method of production rather than the characteristics of the food,' said Mr Lim Meng Thiam, a dietitian at the Health Promotion Board's Adult Health Division.
'There is no conclusive evidence that organic food is nutritionally superior to conventionally produced food.'
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Are you eating right?
Mind Your Body of the Straits Time dated May 12, 2011
You may think you are, but dietitians tell JONATHAN LIAUTRAKUL that an Asian diet often lacks vital nutrients
Ms Julie Neo has always believed her diet was a reasonably healthy one - low in fat and high in greens.
So the 57-year-old administrator in a private company was concerned when she was told she may not be getting enough wholegrains, fruit and calcium.
In a typical day, Ms Neo has a slice of plain white bread with a cup of coffee for breakfast, white rice with a bowl of mixed seafood soup and vegetables from the hawker centre for lunch, and white rice with stir-fried vegetables and steamed egg with pork for dinner at home. She also has biscuits, a pear and a cup of green tea as snacks.
What she is eating is not high enough in the nutrients stakes, said Ms Lim Yen Peng, who heads the department of nutrition and dietetics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
'She is not consuming adequate amounts of wholegrain products and she has not included any dairy products or other high-calcium food. Her fruit consumption is also inadequate,' MsLim said.
On the positive side, Ms Neo is eating enough carbohydrates, vegetables and protein.
She agrees her diet could be better.
'I don't take milk at all. I will try to include that, brown rice for my dinner and more fruits each day,' she said.
Like Ms Neo, many Singaporeans have a nutritional gap between what they eat and what the daily recommended requirements are, said MsKalpana Bhaskaran, a nutritionist at the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association.
This may be because wholegrains and dairy products are not regular features in Asian meals. However, it is important that they are incorporated, said MsBhaskaran.
Wholegrains help in cholesterol control, while dairy products provide calcium for strong bones. Fruit and vegetables are chockful of antioxidants that protect against a host of chronic diseases including cancer.
Luckily, there are easy ways to include these foods, even for busy folks who eat out a lot, said Ms Lim.
For instance, breakfast could comprise wholegrain bread with low-fat cheese or wholegrain cereals with low-fat milk.
'Mix white rice with brown rice for dinner and eat wholewheat biscuits, high-calcium soya milk or low-fat yogurt for snacks. Eat at least two servings of fruit per day,' she advised.
The Health Promotion Board recommends that adults should have five to seven servings of carbohydrates each day, of which at least one serving should be a wholegrain product like brown rice. Two servings each of fruit and vegetables, and three servings of protein a day are also recommended.
One serving of fruit is equivalent to a small apple, while a serving of vegetables is equivalent to 150g of raw leafy vegetables.
'Generally, it is more challenging to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients when one is having meals frequently at hawker centres,' said MsLim.
'In order to achieve a healthy, balanced diet when eating out, adult Singaporeans will have to make a conscious effort to ensure that they choose more vegetables, ask for wholegrain options whenever they are available, and remember to end their meals with fruit.'
For calcium, include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, sardines, green leafy vegetables, lentils and calcium-enriched orange juice.
Food choices are important as they can either 'promote our health or increase our risk of developing chronic lifestyle-related diseases', added Ms Bhaskaran.
Finally, food that is steamed, boiled, grilled, baked or raw, is healthier than fried.
Are you eating right?
You may think you are, but dietitians tell JONATHAN LIAUTRAKUL that an Asian diet often lacks vital nutrients
============================================
Ms Julie Neo has always believed her diet was a reasonably healthy one - low in fat and high in greens.
So the 57-year-old administrator in a private company was concerned when she was told she may not be getting enough wholegrains, fruit and calcium.
In a typical day, Ms Neo has a slice of plain white bread with a cup of coffee for breakfast, white rice with a bowl of mixed seafood soup and vegetables from the hawker centre for lunch, and white rice with stir-fried vegetables and steamed egg with pork for dinner at home. She also has biscuits, a pear and a cup of green tea as snacks.
What she is eating is not high enough in the nutrients stakes, said Ms Lim Yen Peng, who heads the department of nutrition and dietetics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
'She is not consuming adequate amounts of wholegrain products and she has not included any dairy products or other high-calcium food. Her fruit consumption is also inadequate,' MsLim said.
On the positive side, Ms Neo is eating enough carbohydrates, vegetables and protein.
She agrees her diet could be better.
'I don't take milk at all. I will try to include that, brown rice for my dinner and more fruits each day,' she said.
Like Ms Neo, many Singaporeans have a nutritional gap between what they eat and what the daily recommended requirements are, said MsKalpana Bhaskaran, a nutritionist at the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association.
This may be because wholegrains and dairy products are not regular features in Asian meals. However, it is important that they are incorporated, said MsBhaskaran.
Wholegrains help in cholesterol control, while dairy products provide calcium for strong bones. Fruit and vegetables are chockful of antioxidants that protect against a host of chronic diseases including cancer.
Luckily, there are easy ways to include these foods, even for busy folks who eat out a lot, said Ms Lim.
For instance, breakfast could comprise wholegrain bread with low-fat cheese or wholegrain cereals with low-fat milk.
'Mix white rice with brown rice for dinner and eat wholewheat biscuits, high-calcium soya milk or low-fat yogurt for snacks. Eat at least two servings of fruit per day,' she advised.
The Health Promotion Board recommends that adults should have five to seven servings of carbohydrates each day, of which at least one serving should be a wholegrain product like brown rice. Two servings each of fruit and vegetables, and three servings of protein a day are also recommended.
One serving of fruit is equivalent to a small apple, while a serving of vegetables is equivalent to 150g of raw leafy vegetables.
'Generally, it is more challenging to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients when one is having meals frequently at hawker centres,' said MsLim.
'In order to achieve a healthy, balanced diet when eating out, adult Singaporeans will have to make a conscious effort to ensure that they choose more vegetables, ask for wholegrain options whenever they are available, and remember to end their meals with fruit.'
For calcium, include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, sardines, green leafy vegetables, lentils and calcium-enriched orange juice.
Food choices are important as they can either 'promote our health or increase our risk of developing chronic lifestyle-related diseases', added Ms Bhaskaran.
Finally, food that is steamed, boiled, grilled, baked or raw, is healthier than fried.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Elderly men missing out on proper meals
Mind Your Body of The Straits Times dated 5 May 2011, Thursday.
Elderly men missing out on proper meals
Men are more likely than women to be malnourished and less likely to care about healthy food choices. JONATHAN LIAUTRAKUL reports
==========================================
A 57-year-old blue-collared worker tends to skip dinner as he feels it would 'help him lose weight'. An 80-year-old retiree is not bothered about healthy eating because it is 'so convenient eating out'.
These two men, who live with their families, typify the kind of neglect common in the nutrition of older people today.
An informal Mind Your Body poll of 10 seniors on their diets found that four might be at risk of malnutrition. They are usually retired and have families who are out at work, leaving them to eat alone.
Ms Chong Hui Hsien, a senior dietitian at Changi General Hospital, noted that men are more likely than women to not bother about their meals.
She said: 'Males are less likely to have a more balanced diet than females, and they don't seem to care about healthy choices.'
Ms Lim Yen Peng, a senior dietitian at the department of nutrition and dietetics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), said that while most of the respondents have at least three meals daily, it is important to include at least two servings of fruit and more vegetables.
The lack of attention by the elderly to their diet was highlighted recently in a poll done by health-care company Abbott Nutrition last year.
Only 1 per cent of 421 respondents aged 50 years and above had a diet that met the recommended servings of food by the Health Promotion Board.
Dietitians said the root of the problem is ignorance about the kind of nutrients that the elderly need and the physical changes wrought by ageing that make proper meals a challenge.
In an ageing population, untreated malnutrition could pose a growing risk.
It causes fatigue and poor healing of wounds. It increases the risk of infection and injury due to falls, leading to hospitalisation and death.
Mr For Wei Chek, the dietetics manager at Mount Alvernia Hospital, said the elderly tend to have a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, which offers little nutritional value.
Often their diets lack vitamins and dietary fibre from fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, protein from fish and meat, minerals like iron from legumes and calcium from dairy products.
An elderly person may not eat enough because changes in hormone levels and gastrointestinal functions, or medication, could take a toll on his appetite. The lack of hunger could be exacerbated by chewing problems or poor dental health.
Ms Chong said: 'The elderly have a reduced sense of taste and smell. This is often results in a reduced interest in food.'
This lack of interest in food is often wrongly attributed to age.
Ms Chong said: 'Many elderly folk and even their family members think it is all right to eat less as one ages.'
Problems with chewing and swallowing can also affect interest in food, said Dr Tan Thai Lian, a senior consultant at the department of geriatric medicine at TTSH.
Then there are the socio-psychological factors. Elderly people who live alone and feel isolated or are mostly confined at home have little motivation to eat.
Ms Lim said: 'They may not be willing to put in so much effort to cook for themselves compared to cooking for their family, and often end up eating very simple and repetitive meals lacking in variety.'
Another problem is that the elderly do not drink enough water because of reduced sensitivity to thirst, said Mr For.
Dr Tan recommends small frequent meals, which are easy to chew and swallow, throughout the day.
Dr Lim Si Ching, a consultant at the department of geriatric medicine at Singapore General Hospital, said family members can pick vegetables and fruits like pumpkins, legumes, papaya and watermelon, which are softer and easier to chew.
'There is no need to totally restrict the intake of salt and sugar as food without flavour will worsen their appetite,' she said.
Finally, families must learn to bear with the eating difficulties faced by the elderly and strengthen familial bonding.
Dr Lim said: 'Social interaction is important in building up the appetites of the elderly. Encourage them to eat more healthily by letting them be present at the same dinner table.'
Elderly men missing out on proper meals
Men are more likely than women to be malnourished and less likely to care about healthy food choices. JONATHAN LIAUTRAKUL reports
==========================================
A 57-year-old blue-collared worker tends to skip dinner as he feels it would 'help him lose weight'. An 80-year-old retiree is not bothered about healthy eating because it is 'so convenient eating out'.
These two men, who live with their families, typify the kind of neglect common in the nutrition of older people today.
An informal Mind Your Body poll of 10 seniors on their diets found that four might be at risk of malnutrition. They are usually retired and have families who are out at work, leaving them to eat alone.
Ms Chong Hui Hsien, a senior dietitian at Changi General Hospital, noted that men are more likely than women to not bother about their meals.
She said: 'Males are less likely to have a more balanced diet than females, and they don't seem to care about healthy choices.'
Ms Lim Yen Peng, a senior dietitian at the department of nutrition and dietetics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), said that while most of the respondents have at least three meals daily, it is important to include at least two servings of fruit and more vegetables.
The lack of attention by the elderly to their diet was highlighted recently in a poll done by health-care company Abbott Nutrition last year.
Only 1 per cent of 421 respondents aged 50 years and above had a diet that met the recommended servings of food by the Health Promotion Board.
Dietitians said the root of the problem is ignorance about the kind of nutrients that the elderly need and the physical changes wrought by ageing that make proper meals a challenge.
In an ageing population, untreated malnutrition could pose a growing risk.
It causes fatigue and poor healing of wounds. It increases the risk of infection and injury due to falls, leading to hospitalisation and death.
Mr For Wei Chek, the dietetics manager at Mount Alvernia Hospital, said the elderly tend to have a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, which offers little nutritional value.
Often their diets lack vitamins and dietary fibre from fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, protein from fish and meat, minerals like iron from legumes and calcium from dairy products.
An elderly person may not eat enough because changes in hormone levels and gastrointestinal functions, or medication, could take a toll on his appetite. The lack of hunger could be exacerbated by chewing problems or poor dental health.
Ms Chong said: 'The elderly have a reduced sense of taste and smell. This is often results in a reduced interest in food.'
This lack of interest in food is often wrongly attributed to age.
Ms Chong said: 'Many elderly folk and even their family members think it is all right to eat less as one ages.'
Problems with chewing and swallowing can also affect interest in food, said Dr Tan Thai Lian, a senior consultant at the department of geriatric medicine at TTSH.
Then there are the socio-psychological factors. Elderly people who live alone and feel isolated or are mostly confined at home have little motivation to eat.
Ms Lim said: 'They may not be willing to put in so much effort to cook for themselves compared to cooking for their family, and often end up eating very simple and repetitive meals lacking in variety.'
Another problem is that the elderly do not drink enough water because of reduced sensitivity to thirst, said Mr For.
Dr Tan recommends small frequent meals, which are easy to chew and swallow, throughout the day.
Dr Lim Si Ching, a consultant at the department of geriatric medicine at Singapore General Hospital, said family members can pick vegetables and fruits like pumpkins, legumes, papaya and watermelon, which are softer and easier to chew.
'There is no need to totally restrict the intake of salt and sugar as food without flavour will worsen their appetite,' she said.
Finally, families must learn to bear with the eating difficulties faced by the elderly and strengthen familial bonding.
Dr Lim said: 'Social interaction is important in building up the appetites of the elderly. Encourage them to eat more healthily by letting them be present at the same dinner table.'
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
HL123 List of organic food retailers and wholesalers in Singapore
Last Update: 2014-12-25
From 2011-05-03, HL123 blog will be compiling HL123 List of organic food retailers and wholesalers in Singapore. The list will be improved and refined over time. Your feedback, comments and advice are most welcome.
Note: Please call the retail shops to find out the availability of the product(s) you are looking for.
HL123 List of organic food retailers and wholesalers in Singapore.
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BestOrganicFood.SG (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.bestorganicfood.sg/
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Brown Rice Paradise (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.mybrp.com.sg/
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Choice Organic (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.choiceorganic.com.sg/
======================================
Country Farm Organics (Ref: M2013H26)
http://www.countryfarmorganics.com/
Ang Mo Kio
Block 720, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6,
#01-4120 Singapore 560720.
Tel: 02-6456 0733
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 9.00am - 9.00pm
Jurong East
Block 345 (Ground Floor),
Jurong East Street 31,
#01-25 Singapore 600345.
Tel: 02-6569 2860
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 9.00am - 9.00pm
YiShun
Blk 106, Yishun Ring Road,
# 01-155, Singapore 760106.
Tel: 02-6758 5738
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 10.00am - 10.00pm
Marine Parade
Marine Parade Central,
Block 82, Marine Parade Central,
#01-602 Singapore 440082.
Tel: 02-6344 0901
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 8.30am - 8.30pm
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eat ORGANIC Pte Ltd (Ref: N2014F15)
619H Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269728
Phone 62197156
Fax 62197157
Email eat_organic@pacific.net.sg
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Fireflies Organic Farm
http://www.fireflies.sg/
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Go Organic International (Organic farm) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.goorganic.com.sg
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Green Circle (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.greencircle.com.sg/
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Green Valley Farms (Ref: N2014F15)
No.1 Bah Soon Pah Road
Singapore 769959
Contact No: 67540689
Fax: 67546770
Email: sales@gvalleyfarms.com
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HealthyTimes Products (Where to buy in Singapore) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.healthytimes.sg/where.php
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http://www.herbsgarden.com.sg/
Kampung Senang
http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/saturdayMart.jpg
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Kin Yan Agrotech Pte Ltd (Organic farm) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://kinyan.biz/
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KBL Organic Vegetarian & Supermarket (Ref: 2014-08-09)
Blk 406 Tampines Street 41 #01-25
Tel:67879311
Note: Organic vegetables and grains, seeds and other foods
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Himalayan Premium Foods (Ref: 2016-09-19)
New Organic Stores in singapore:-
4-27 Peninsula Shopping center
3-coleman street
Singapore :-179804
http://www.himalayanpremiumfoods.com/
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Nature's glory
http://www.natures-glory.com/home.asp
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New Sky Land Organic Agriculture Pte Ltd
Address: NO.3 LIM CHU KANG LANE 6 SINGAPORE 718860
Tel: 93835997, 91600208
Fax: 66672067
Email: xtdzhangaimin@foxmail.com
NTUC FairPrice (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
www.fairprice.com.sg
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Nutrimax Organic Store (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.nutrimaxorganic.com/
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Organic for lesshttp://www.organic4less.com/
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Organic Garden (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.organicgardensg.com/
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ORGANIC PARADISE PTE LTD (CUPPAGE PLAZA)
Add: 5 Koek Road Cuppage Plaza #01-25/27
Singapore 228796 Tel:+65 67362089,+65 67371824
Website:www.organic-paradise.com.sg
Email: orgpar@singnet.com.sg
Operating Hours: Mon - Sat: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Sun: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Closed on Public Holidays
(Ref: HL123-N2014-04-21)
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Origins Healthcare Pte Ltd
http://www.originshealth.com.sg/
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Piore Organic Pte Ltd (Ref: HL123-K2011i09)
http://home.pioreorganic.com/ ======================================
Quan Fa Organic Farm (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.quanfa.com.sg/
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SUNNYCHOICE PTE LTD (Ref: M2013H26-Add)
Main Outlet
-----------
434 Upper Bukit Timah Road
The Rail Mall Singapore 678060
Tel: 6892 2383
Open Daily from 10am – 9pm
Email:info@sunnychoice.com.sg
Branch
Blk 630 Bukit Batok Central
#01-154 Singapore 650630
Tel: 6899 0918
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am – 9pm.
Branch
Blk 125 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-158
Alexandra Village Singapore 150125
Tel: 6272 3138
Open Monday to Saturday from 10am – 3pm.
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SuperNature (Established in 2001) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.supernature.com.sg/
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Yes Natural Pte Ltdhttp://www.yesnatural.biz/
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The Sukha House (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.sukhahouse.com/
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SKYORGANIC.COM (Organic Farm) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.skyorganic.com/
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Taste Original Pte Ltd(Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.net-profit-marketing.com/organic-food-singapore-1.html
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Unitednature (Far East) Pte Ltd
www.unitednature.com.sg
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ZENXIN ORGANIC FOOD - PASIR PANJANG WHOLESALE CENTRE, SINGAPORE
(Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
Blk14 Wholesale Centre #01-25(Along West Coast Highway)
Singapore 110014
Tel: +65 67787369, +65 67797839
http://www.zenxin.com.my/
Products: Organic vegetables, organic tropical fruits, organic brown rice
OPEN DAILY 8.30AM – 6.30PM
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The following is from http://www.organiclife.com.sg/organic_food_singapore_retails.php for your convenience. (Ref: 2014-08-09)
Yong Xu Organic Enterprise
Blk 156 Yishun St 11
#01-106
Tel: 64815508
Teng Yang Organic Trading
Blk 70 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-331
Tel: 62500187
Teng Yang Organic Trading
Blk 210 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 #01-105
Tel: 62500187
Feng Cun Organic
Health Food
Blk 410 Ang Mo Kio
Avenue 10 #01-847
Tel: 65530989
Taste Orginal Pte Ltd
1 Maritime Square #03-57 HarbourFront Centre
Tel: 62745852
That Health Shop
50 East Coast Road #02-111 Roxy Square 2
Tel: 85187188
KBL Organic Vegetarian & Supermarket
Blk 406 Tampines Street 41 #01-25
Tel:67879311
Yising Trading
Blk 79 Red Hill Lane #01-121
H/P: 90676699 Create Healthy Lifestyle
190 Middle Road #02-17
Fortune Centre
Tel: 63364355
Xin Yuan Vegetarian
Food Trading
190 Middle Road #01-25 Fortune Centre
Tel: 63383456Nature
Harvest Cafe
149 Rochor Road
#02-08 Fu Lu Shou Complex
Tel: 62971220
New Century Nature Trading
Blk 428 Jurong West
Avenue 1 #01-254
Tel: 65659858
Yes Natural Pte Ltd (Retail)
51 Lorong 27 Geylang
Tel: 68461580
Yes Natural (Tiong Bahru) Pte Ltd
Blk 58 Seng Poh Road
#01-27
Tel: 62273280
Chong Hoe Chinese Medical Store Pte Ltd
No.61 Serangoon
Garden Way
Tel: 62884652
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From 2011-05-03, HL123 blog will be compiling HL123 List of organic food retailers and wholesalers in Singapore. The list will be improved and refined over time. Your feedback, comments and advice are most welcome.
Note: Please call the retail shops to find out the availability of the product(s) you are looking for.
HL123 List of organic food retailers and wholesalers in Singapore.
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BestOrganicFood.SG (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.bestorganicfood.sg/
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Brown Rice Paradise (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.mybrp.com.sg/
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Choice Organic (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.choiceorganic.com.sg/
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Country Farm Organics (Ref: M2013H26)
http://www.countryfarmorganics.com/
Ang Mo Kio
Block 720, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6,
#01-4120 Singapore 560720.
Tel: 02-6456 0733
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 9.00am - 9.00pm
Jurong East
Block 345 (Ground Floor),
Jurong East Street 31,
#01-25 Singapore 600345.
Tel: 02-6569 2860
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 9.00am - 9.00pm
YiShun
Blk 106, Yishun Ring Road,
# 01-155, Singapore 760106.
Tel: 02-6758 5738
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 10.00am - 10.00pm
Marine Parade
Marine Parade Central,
Block 82, Marine Parade Central,
#01-602 Singapore 440082.
Tel: 02-6344 0901
Mon-Sun & P/Holidays : 8.30am - 8.30pm
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eat ORGANIC Pte Ltd (Ref: N2014F15)
619H Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269728
Phone 62197156
Fax 62197157
Email eat_organic@pacific.net.sg
Fireflies Organic Farm
http://www.fireflies.sg/
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Go Organic International (Organic farm) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.goorganic.com.sg
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Green Circle (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.greencircle.com.sg/
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Green Valley Farms (Ref: N2014F15)
No.1 Bah Soon Pah Road
Singapore 769959
Contact No: 67540689
Fax: 67546770
Email: sales@gvalleyfarms.com
HealthyTimes Products (Where to buy in Singapore) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.healthytimes.sg/where.php
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Herbs Garden (Ref: HL123-L2014L25)
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http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/saturdayMart.jpg
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Kin Yan Agrotech Pte Ltd (Organic farm) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://kinyan.biz/
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KBL Organic Vegetarian & Supermarket (Ref: 2014-08-09)
Blk 406 Tampines Street 41 #01-25
Tel:67879311
Note: Organic vegetables and grains, seeds and other foods
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Himalayan Premium Foods (Ref: 2016-09-19)
New Organic Stores in singapore:-
4-27 Peninsula Shopping center
3-coleman street
Singapore :-179804
http://www.himalayanpremiumfoods.com/
Organically Grown Organic Foods Fruits and Vegetables of Nepal now in Singapore!
Nature's glory
http://www.natures-glory.com/home.asp
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New Sky Land Organic Agriculture Pte Ltd
Address: NO.3 LIM CHU KANG LANE 6 SINGAPORE 718860
Tel: 93835997, 91600208
Fax: 66672067
Email: xtdzhangaimin@foxmail.com
(Ref: HL123-M2014-04-13)
======================================NTUC FairPrice (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
www.fairprice.com.sg
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Nutrimax Organic Store (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.nutrimaxorganic.com/
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Organic for lesshttp://www.organic4less.com/
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Organic Garden (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.organicgardensg.com/
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ORGANIC PARADISE PTE LTD (CUPPAGE PLAZA)
Add: 5 Koek Road Cuppage Plaza #01-25/27
Singapore 228796 Tel:+65 67362089,+65 67371824
Website:www.organic-paradise.com.sg
Email: orgpar@singnet.com.sg
Operating Hours: Mon - Sat: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Sun: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Closed on Public Holidays
(Ref: HL123-N2014-04-21)
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Origins Healthcare Pte Ltd
http://www.originshealth.com.sg/
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Piore Organic Pte Ltd (Ref: HL123-K2011i09)
http://home.pioreorganic.com/ ======================================
Quan Fa Organic Farm (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.quanfa.com.sg/
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SUNNYCHOICE PTE LTD (Ref: M2013H26-Add)
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434 Upper Bukit Timah Road
The Rail Mall Singapore 678060
Tel: 6892 2383
Open Daily from 10am – 9pm
Email:info@sunnychoice.com.sg
Branch
Blk 630 Bukit Batok Central
#01-154 Singapore 650630
Tel: 6899 0918
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am – 9pm.
Branch
Blk 125 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-158
Alexandra Village Singapore 150125
Tel: 6272 3138
Open Monday to Saturday from 10am – 3pm.
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SuperNature (Established in 2001) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.supernature.com.sg/
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Yes Natural Pte Ltdhttp://www.yesnatural.biz/
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The Sukha House (Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
http://www.sukhahouse.com/
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SKYORGANIC.COM (Organic Farm) (Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.skyorganic.com/
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Taste Original Pte Ltd(Ref: HL123-K2011E17)
http://www.net-profit-marketing.com/organic-food-singapore-1.html
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Unitednature (Far East) Pte Ltd
www.unitednature.com.sg
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ZENXIN ORGANIC FOOD - PASIR PANJANG WHOLESALE CENTRE, SINGAPORE
(Ref: HL123-K2011E04)
Blk14 Wholesale Centre #01-25(Along West Coast Highway)
Singapore 110014
Tel: +65 67787369, +65 67797839
http://www.zenxin.com.my/
Products: Organic vegetables, organic tropical fruits, organic brown rice
OPEN DAILY 8.30AM – 6.30PM
=======================================
The following is from http://www.organiclife.com.sg/organic_food_singapore_retails.php for your convenience. (Ref: 2014-08-09)
Yong Xu Organic Enterprise
Blk 156 Yishun St 11
#01-106
Tel: 64815508
Teng Yang Organic Trading
Blk 70 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-331
Tel: 62500187
Teng Yang Organic Trading
Blk 210 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 #01-105
Tel: 62500187
Feng Cun Organic
Health Food
Blk 410 Ang Mo Kio
Avenue 10 #01-847
Tel: 65530989
Taste Orginal Pte Ltd
1 Maritime Square #03-57 HarbourFront Centre
Tel: 62745852
That Health Shop
50 East Coast Road #02-111 Roxy Square 2
Tel: 85187188
KBL Organic Vegetarian & Supermarket
Blk 406 Tampines Street 41 #01-25
Tel:67879311
Yising Trading
Blk 79 Red Hill Lane #01-121
H/P: 90676699 Create Healthy Lifestyle
190 Middle Road #02-17
Fortune Centre
Tel: 63364355
Xin Yuan Vegetarian
Food Trading
190 Middle Road #01-25 Fortune Centre
Tel: 63383456Nature
Harvest Cafe
149 Rochor Road
#02-08 Fu Lu Shou Complex
Tel: 62971220
New Century Nature Trading
Blk 428 Jurong West
Avenue 1 #01-254
Tel: 65659858
Yes Natural Pte Ltd (Retail)
51 Lorong 27 Geylang
Tel: 68461580
Yes Natural (Tiong Bahru) Pte Ltd
Blk 58 Seng Poh Road
#01-27
Tel: 62273280
Chong Hoe Chinese Medical Store Pte Ltd
No.61 Serangoon
Garden Way
Tel: 62884652
==============================
Origins brand Lecithin Granule （天然大豆卵磷脂细粒）as an optional ingredient for my multi-grain rice (Chinese Ten-grain rice).
Origins brand Lecithin Granule （天然大豆卵磷脂细粒）as an optional ingredient for my multi-grain rice (Chinese Ten-grain rice).
The above picture shows an older version of packaging copied from http://www.originshealth.com.sg/index.php?target=products&product_id=29888On 2011-05-3, Tuesday morning, I bought a 500-gram pack of Origins brand Lecithin Granule （天然大豆卵磷脂细粒）from NTUC Fairprice, Bedok North A at promotion price of S$10.80 (Usual price = S$13.50).
I would use Lecithin Granule as another optional ingredient of my multi-grain rice (Chinese Ten-grain rice).
Main Nutrition Information per 100g (from the packaging of the Origins brand Lecithin Granule)
Energy = 697.6 kcal
Protein = 0 grams
Total fat = 53 grams (including saturated fat 12g, transfat less than 5g)
Cholestrol = 0 grams
Total carbohydrates = 8g
Dietary fibre = 0 gram
Sodium = 30mg
Note: Origins brand Lecithin Granule is a product of Origins Healthcare. Origins Healthcare is an associate company of NTUC Healthcare which was established on 1st August 1992. (Info source: http://www.ntuchealth.com.sg/about/ )
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dr. Fuhrman's Food Pyramid vs. USDA Pyramid
USDA Food Guide Pyramid (since 2005)
The above picture is from http://www.natural-health-guide.com/new-food-pyramid.html
Info Source: http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/foodpyramid.aspx Dr. Fuhrman's Food Pyramid vs. USDA Pyramid
The USDA’s pyramid bases the diet around grains, dairy, and meat, rather than vegetables – only 2-3 servings each of vegetables and fruits are recommended. Their pyramid reflects the American diet as it is – centered on animal products and processed foods rather than whole plant foods.
(1) The USDA pyramid allows for multiple servings daily of dairy, meat, and oils – nutrient poor foods that should be limited to 2 or less servings per week in Dr. Fuhrman’s Pyramid. These foods do not contribute beneficial micronutrients and therefore do not deserve such prominent positions in the diet. For example, the USDA pyramid recommends approximately 3 servings of dairy per day for adults. Dairy products are not essential for good health, and contribute saturated fat and animal protein, both of which should be limited to prevent chronic disease.
(2) The USDA pyramid places the most emphasis on grains, whereas Dr. Fuhrman’s pyramid places the most emphasis on vegetables. They recommend that half of grain servings each day are whole grain rather than refined – this leaves too much room for dangerous refined carbohydrate products in the diet, and less room for fruit and vegetable servings. Although whole grains are healthful, their nutrient density is not as great as those of the other unrefined plant foods. In Dr. Fuhrman’s pyramid, whole grains can be included daily, but are limited; fresh fruits, vegetables, and beans, because of their high nutrient to calorie ratios, can be eaten in unlimited quantities.
(3) The USDA pyramid combines meat and beans into one category. Both meat and beans are sources of protein, but it is important to differentiate between these since meat is a disease-promoting food and beans are a health-promoting food. The protein in meat is packaged with saturated fat and cholesterol, and the protein in beans is packaged with fiber and phytochemicals. Meat contains no fiber or phytochemicals. Beans help you maintain your weight by promoting satiety, protect against cancer, and help to keep cholesterol levels down. In Dr. Fuhrman’s pyramid, beans are eaten daily and meat is limited to two servings or less per week.
(4) The USDA pyramid does not convey the importance of nuts and seeds for good health – there is no ‘nut and seed’ food group. Nuts and seeds are also included in the meat and beans cateogy. In Dr. Fuhrman’s Pyramid, nuts and seeds are included every day because of their potent cardiovascular benefits. Because of their calorie density, they should be limited for individuals trying to lose weight.
Dr. Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Pyramid is based on the foods that are the richest in micronutrients and have shown consistent benefits to health and longevity in scientific studies. The USDA pyramid treats these protective foods as “side dishes,” and allows the vast majority of calories to be obtained from nutrient poor foods.