6 Exotic Fruits You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

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exotic fruits

When we think of fruits, certain ones usually pop in our heads. And typically, we integrate these same ones into our diet. Apples, bananas, strawberries, or whatever is in season are examples of common fruits that are frequently sold at the majority of grocery store chains. Therefore, we repeatedly purchase and eat these fruits. While just about any fruit offers health benefits it may be worthwhile to pick an exotic fruit if presented with the opportunity. Exotic fruits add some pizazz to the palate and offer some additional nutrients that are generally fruitless to the ordinary, mundane diet.

 

What Makes Exotic Fruits Exotic?

Exotic fruits generally grow in a foreign part of the world. Many grow in a warm or tropical location. When looking at an exotic fruit for the first time it may seem strange and unusual. Many people are not even be sure how to go about eating it. Before sinking your teeth into this foreign fruit, you may want to conduct some research on the new piece of fruit. After all, some exotic fruits can make you extremely sick if eaten improperly.

While one’s familiarity and knowledge of exotic fruits vary from person to person, there are probably 40 to 50 fruits that most are not aware of. Below is a list of the names of some names and descriptions of exotic fruits from around the world. Read on to learn how these different fruits can add some flavor to your diet and provide health benefits as well .

 

6 Exotic Fruits You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

 

Aizen Fruit

Place of Origin: West Africa

Description: This berry grows in clusters, much like grapes. More sphere-like in shape however, this fruit starts off yellow and turns green as it ripens.

How to eat: It is important to peel the outer scaly layer prior to eating. Aizen fruit is usually eaten as is, cooked, or dried. It is also popular in juices and as a syrup.

Health benefits: Vitamins B1, B2, and B5 are provided by this fruit, along with iron and potassium. This fruit is also a healthy source for energetic carbohydrates.

 

 

Conkerberry

Place of Origin: Central Australia

Description: This berry resembles a large cranberry in size, but a plum in color when fully ripe. These berries grow on shrubs and start out green. They darken to black or a deep purple when they are ripe.

How to eat: When the fruit is ripe it is usually sweet in taste but can only be eaten directly when ripe. Unripe Conkerberries are actually poisonous, as is the rest of the plant.

Health benefits: Conkerberries contain a significant amount of iron, calcium, and Vitamin C. This fruit is also a great source of fiber. Many natives even use conkerberries for medical purposes. Users say that it can do wonders from easing a toothache to combating venereal diseases.

 

Durian

Place of Origin: Malaysia and Indonesia

Description: This unique fruit is a rather large one. Durians grow to be almost a foot long and 6 inches in diameter. They generally weigh two to seven pounds. The outside of the fruit is spikey and greenish in color, while the flesh inside resembles a smooth cheese.

How to eat: Once removing the spikey exterior, the flesh inside is edible. Take caution however, because the inside of the fruit has an extremely strong odor. And not a pleasant one. Despite its pleasant taste, many can’t get beyond the raw sewage-like smell to even desire taking a bite.

Health benefits: This fruit provides a significant amount of Vitamin E. Natives who eat this fruit regularly believe that Durians provide energy and also serve as an aphrodisiac. Because of the odor, cutting open one of these is also an easy and effective way to drive unpleasant people away.

 

Kumquat

Place of Origin: China and Southeast Asia

Description: A Kumquat is about the size of a large olive. It is yellow or orange in color and has leathery skin like an orange.

How to eat: Unlike an orange, this fruit’s outer layer is edible. The outside is sweet, while the inside has segments that usually taste more tart. Kumquats are commonly used in jams and jellies.

Health benefits: This fruit is low in calories and is a great source of fiber. Kumquats also contain a significant amount of Vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants.

 

Dragon Fruit

Place of Origin: Mexico, Central and South America. Although this fruit originated in South America it also grows in Southeast Asia and Israel.

Description: This fruit received its name because when fully ripe it resembles a dragon. The plant it grows from is actually a cactus. There are three variations of this fruit: two have a bright pink skin and either white or dark pink colored. The other one has a yellow exterior and a white interior. When ripe, the fruit exterior is an even, bright color and has scales like a dragon.

How to eat: Despite its inviting color, the skin of the Dragon fruit is not edible. An easy way to consume Dragon Fruit is to cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh inside. It is possible to eat the flesh directly. Some even like it chilled. Dragon Fruit is sweet and tastes like a combination of kiwi and pear. It also contains tiny seeds like kiwi which are edible. Different juices and tropical drinks are made using Dragon fruit.

Health Benefits: Dragon Fruit contains Vitamin C, Potassium, and Calcium. Dragon is also a strong source of fiber and antioxidants.

 

Pummelo Fruit

Place of Origin: This fruit originated in Southeast Asia, but now grows also in warmer areas of the United States like California and Florida.

Description: This fruit very much resembles a grapefruit but larger. Additionally, it is much sweeter in taste. The fruit’s smooth exterior appears greenish yellow in color when it is ready to eat.

How to eat: Pummelo fruits are eaten just like a grapefruit; the flesh inside is directly consumable and the peels have culinary properties as well. Unlike a grapefruit, this fruit is very sweet. In fact many compare the fruit’s taste to chocolate pudding! Many bartenders even use Pummelos to make tasty tropical drinks.

Health Benefits: Pummelos are high in Vitamin C. Eating this exotic fruit also boosts the immune system and prevents Osteoporosis and strokes. While this fruit does have many health benefits, it is dangerous when mixed with certain medications.

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Making Sense of Scents: A Guide To Aromatherapy

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aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is becoming an increasingly popular way to enhance one’s well-being. The aromas from various essential oils, extracts, and herbs are useful in reducing stress and enhancing one’s mood. Certain aromas even increase cognitive functions. Some chronic sufferers of pain even argue that this type of therapy leads to pain relief.

Because of its frequent appearance in social media and health magazines these days, many assume that Aromatherapy is a new term. Some skeptics think the term was coined by air freshener companies as a marketing stunt. But the truth is that this technique has quite a history to it. While some of the aspects and procedures of it have changed over the years, aromas had healthy effects thousands of years ago. Many incorporate natural scents into their lives in current times to have health benefits as well.

 

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

 

Egypt

The basis for this health therapy started more than 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. In those early days, aromatics was tied with religion and spirituality. Ancient Egyptians used to burn spiced incense in hopes of the scented smoke reaching upwards to the heavenly gods.

Not too long afterwards, the Egyptians made perfumes out of various herbs and spices. Many women also created scented oils. They applied these oils after bathing to nourish the skin and protect it from the harsh, desert sun. As the Egyptians increased their making of fragrances, their perfumes were purchased from people all over the Middle East. Over time, the Egyptians gained a reputation of being master perfumers.

 

Greece

Years later, aromatics spread to Europe. The Greeks especially took an interest in the effects that herbs and plants have on the body. Hippocrates (circa 460 – 377 BC), known as the founder of medicine, made the discovery that illnesses are explained by science. Previously, people thought illnesses were caused by supernatural forces. During his lifetime he experimented with many herbs and plants to see which ones benefited patients suffering from a particular illness. He also used aromatics to see how different herbs and spices helped to enhance one’s overall mind, body, and spirit. These are the key fundamentals of holistic health.

Another Greek who made a key contribution to the foundation of aromatics is Theophrastus (circa 371 – 287 BC). This student of Aristotle studied plants over his lifetime. He wrote several books giving details about the different types of plants and herbs. He also wrote how to grow them and the practical uses of them. Because of his extensive work he is commonly known as the father of Botany.

The actual term Aromatherapy didn’t come about until 1937. Rene- Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist and perfumer, wrote a book entitled “Gattefosse’s Aromatherapy.” Hence, the term was founded. In his work, Gattefosse wrote how using essential oils helps treat a variety of physiological illnesses.

Since then many have shown interest in the study of aromas and its health benefits. Many advocates of this scented therapy like the fact that it is natural and non-invasive. It is a healthy alternative to medicines that incorporate a ton of chemicals. Different herbs and spices have different effects. To see a list of common aromas used in this process and their healthy effects read on.

 

10 Common Aromas used in Aromatherapy

 

Basil

This herb is useful in suppressing coughing. Basil also helps provide respiratory relief to those suffering from Asthma, Bronchitis, or sinus infections.

 

Cinnamon

This spice often reduces drowsiness. Additionally, when the essential oil is added to a bath, it can reduce muscle tightness. Cinnamon also has a history of being a natural aphrodisiac and can spice up the romance.

 

Coffee

Even the mere smell of coffee awakens the senses. In a study conducted with rats, the aroma of coffee reduced stress on a group of sleep-deprived rodents.

 

Eucalyptus

Inhaling the oils produced from this evergreen reduces anxiety and stress. Also, breathing in the aroma of eucalyptus helps to sooth respiratory issues – especially those that arrive during cold and flu season.

 

Also Read: The Healing Properties Of Eucalyptus Oil

 

Ginger

The oils from this plant root are effective in fighting sensations of nausea. Ginger also energizes the mind and body. After a night of drinking, Ginger helps to alleviate a nasty hangover.

 

Jasmine

The essence from this flower leads to a calming effect. It is useful in reducing fears and anxieties; it also is beneficial to those suffering from post-natal depression.

 

Lavender

In addition to being a pretty flower, lavender also has a calming effect. It frequently leads to a more restful sleep at night. When lavender oil is added to bathwater it helps to reduce muscle pain and soreness.

 

Also Read: Health Benefits Of Lavender Oil

 

Lemon

Breathing in this fruit instantly awakens the senses. In addition to stimulating the senses, lemon oil improves neurological activity. This essential oil also can help combat depression and improve one’s overall mood. Lemon can also help ease a hangover.

 

Peppermint

This fragrant plant is useful in elevating one’s mood. Its stimulating nature also helps to fight mental fatigue and improves concentration.

 

Vanilla

Extracted from the vanilla bean, vanilla has several positive effects. It is useful for elevating one’s overall mood, combating anxieties and depression. It also stimulates testosterone and estrogen hormones and serves as a sweet-smelling aphrodisiac.

 

Practical ways of incorporating Aromatherapy

It is easy to incorporate aromas daily in plenty of ways. One way is to add a few drops of the essential oils to water in a spray bottle. Spritzing the scented water in the room as an air freshener is easy and effective. Spraying water with calming oils directly onto pillowcases promotes a more relaxing sleep.

For those that enjoy taking a warm bath, add a few drops directly to bath water. This is especially effective for those that take baths to relieve sore muscles and have pain.

Lighting scented candles also have beneficial aromatic results. Some prefer to make their own scented-candles by adding a few drops of their favorite essential oil onto the melting wax as the candle burns.

Finally, some prefer to simply massage a few drops of their favorite essential oil directly onto the skin. The scent stays with you for most of the day and will hopefully lead to a better day as well as better health overall!

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How To Run Faster – 4 Useful Tips

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how to run faster

Many sign up to run a race for the sense of accomplishment it brings. After all, training up for a race and then competing requires significant effort and is time-consuming. For some this challenge comes in the form of a 5K or 10K race. For others who are willing to put in the time, a half or full marathon is the ultimate goal. Read on if you want to learn 4 tips on how to run faster.

 

How To Run Faster – 4 Tips

 

Going the distance is challenging enough in the sport of running. Trying to go the distance and run faster can feel like an extremely difficult undertaking. However, when training for a race, this duality is one that many runners encounter. Being able to run faster is not a skill that is attained overnight. It takes a lot of practice. In order to run faster in a race, an athlete needs to run at a faster pace while training. Implementing the following during training will help you to run at a faster speed on race day.

 

Invest in a Fitness watch

Modern technology has brought us a lot of great gadgets, and a fitness or running watch is a great tool for running. While running watches can vary in their features – as well as their price – buying one that utilizes GPS is worthwhile. The GPS feature is useful in that it continually keeps track of your pace as you are running. For example, if you have a goal of keeping a 10 minutes per mile pace, wearing this watch when running will allow you to see if you are on target or if you need to pick up the pace.

In addition to running pace when learning how to run faster, the average runner will benefit from a running watch that can keep track of distance and time as well. Some watches have features that monitor heart rates and keep track of the number of calories burned. If you really want to keep track of your progress, many watches allow you to download your running results onto a smartphone or computer so that you can keep a track record of your workouts over time. Garmin is a maker of fitness watches that many runners rely on. Taking the time to chart your pace and distance is an effective way to see if you are running faster over time.

 

Incorporate Interval Training

One of the biggest ways to learn how to run faster is to incorporate interval training into your jogging workouts. This is done by increasing the running pace for a brief period of time. If you are just starting out in interval-training you may want to accelerate your pace for 30 seconds or so. Then return to your regular pace for the other 4 and a half minutes. Once you feel comfortable with this interval, you can increase your pace for an entire minute, and then return to your regular speed for four minutes.

While a running watch can make interval training more of an exact timing, it’s not imperative. Interval training can also be done geographically. For example, a runner may want to alternate speeds (slow, medium, fast) via blocks in their neighborhood. Others like to increase their speed as they approach hills, and then catch their breath on the downhill.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when doing interval training. One, increasing the pace during an interval means exactly that; it’s not a sprint. Sprinting is often tiring and the goal of interval training is to increase the pace, but also to maintain longevity.

Additionally, interval training affects breathing. If you have a tendency to run at a constant pace, and have relatively even-breathing, interval training will shake this up. After doing an interval of acceleration is may seem difficult to return to that comfortable breathing pattern. But after doing this type of training a few times it does get easier. Soon you’ll probably find that it becomes easier to run faster.

 

Also read: Running After Injury

 

Kick start your run with Caffeine

When we feel tired or sluggish starting a run on the right foot can be difficult. Especially if we are learning how to run faster. For many runners it can take quite a bit of time and distance until they can establish a rhythmic jog. If you struggle at the start, consume a little bit of caffeine prior to the start of a run. Caffeine typically perks a runner up. The caffeine not only gives you a burst of energy that makes you feel more ready for a workout, but it also stimulates the rest of the body too. This makes it easier to get in that groove of setting a good jogging pace and run faster.

Most runners find it is often helpful to intake a small amount of caffeine 30 minutes to an hour prior to a run. Drinking a liter or two of diet coke prior to running would not necessarily benefit your running performance; all that liquid sloshing around in your stomach may have you running for the restroom instead. Rather, perhaps try drinking a half cup of coffee. A smaller volume of liquid won’t upset the stomach as much, and the caffeine will give your workout a boost.

For those who don’t like coffee, some runners like to get their caffeine kicks by nibbling on some dark chocolate. There are also a myriad of flavorful running gels on the market that contain caffeine as well. Some athletes like to consume a gel prior to running and one during their run if they plan on going a long distance.

 

Also read: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Coffee

 

Stay hydrated

In order to maximize efficiency when learning how to run faster it is imperative to stay hydrated. Studies have shown that dehydration significantly hampers performance and that you run faster when hydrated. Essentially, when a person is dehydrated the body has to work harder to transfer heat and stay cool. This accelerates the heart rate and makes it harder for the body to keep up with the demands of exertion of exercise while regulating body temperature. Hence, staying hydrated while running makes it easier to go the distance and run faster.

Drinking plenty of water prior to training or participating in a race is one way to stay hydrated. Downing a glass or two keeps joggers cool in the long run, especially on those warmer days. Purchasing and wearing a hydration belt is also a great way to stay hydrated during training. The majority of these belts are lightweight and come with two to four 10 oz. water bottles. Finally, remembering to drink water after a run is important as well to help replace all the water lost from sweating!

 

To maximize speed it is best to incorporate the above tips during training as and on the day of your race. Continually doing so will help you run a faster race and become a faster runner overall.

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The Dangers of Diet Soda You Need To Know

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dangers of diet soda

We are becoming a nation of soda addicts. What used to be a beverage enjoyed occasionally with lunch or dinner has become a daily dependent staple for many. Because of the excessive amounts of sugar regular soft drinks contain, many Americans are making the switch to diet soda. While those who switch think they are doing themselves a healthy favor they don’t realize the dangers of diet soda.

 

Dangers Of Diet Soda

 

Part of the problem lies with the fact that nowadays people are consuming a vast amount of diet soda. Rather than drinking from moderate-sized glasses people are purchasing mega-sized cups of the carbonated beverage. The average local convenient store is notorious for these large-scale soda sales. These gigantic gulp sizes seem more appropriate for King Kong rather than the average human being. Even the standard cup holders of most cars can’t accommodate the girth of these ginormous soft drinks. If you guilty of the big gulp you may want to read on to learn about the other dangers of diet soda – even though it may be difficult to swallow.

 

The sinister side of Sucralose

How does diet soda taste sweet without the use of sugar? It’s not magic. It’s through the use of artificial sweeteners. A very common one that many diet sodas contain is called Sucralose. Sucralose was invented in a laboratory as a sweetener through a complex, chemically involved process in the 1970’s. It was later approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998. Since its approval, Sucralose has been used as a sweetener by a plethora of companies that manufacture diet soda.

Because Sucralose is derived from actual sugar many companies (i.e. those that make the sweetener) claim that Sucralose is more natural than other artificial sweeteners. But the process to make Sucralose is anything but natural. In fact, numerous chemicals come into play in the manufacturing of the sweetener.

 

Chlorine

One of those chemicals is chlorine. Therefore, when you drink diet soda a lot of that chlorine stays in your body, especially if you drink a lot of diet soda. Studies have already revealed that one of the dangers of this chlorinated sweetener is that it kills the healthy bacteria that lives inside the intestines. This bacteria is a vital part of maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Also, just think of the unpleasant effects that chlorine has on the outside of your body if you are a frequent pool user. It bleaches our hair and our swimsuits. It makes our hair and skin feel extremely dry. Some individuals even break out with rashes because of the harsh chemical. Over time many swimmers find that their hair becomes brittle (or a greenish hue) and that their swimsuits start to deteriorate from the chemical. Knowing all the negativity that chlorine can have on our external body, do we really want to expose this harmful chemical to our insides with every sip we take?

 

The Weight gain factor

It would seem ironic for diet soft drinks to result in weight gain, but sadly that is one of the dangers of diet soda. Again, this factor is a result of the use of artificial sweeteners. In a sense, artificial sweeteners mess with the body’s overall internal system. The more artificial sweeteners consumed, the more it throws off a body’s regulation system. Some of the weight-gaining side effects these sweeteners can lead to are as follows:

• increase cravings for carbohydrates
• hampers the body’s ability to control calories
• can lead to metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes

 

As if these effects weren’t distressing enough it has been shown that drinking diet soda can actually double the risk of obesity. Considering that the main reason most consume diet soda is to maintain a healthy weight. It’s disturbing to learn that the very opposite can occur.

 

Also read: Why Exercise Doesn’t Work 

 

The Sodium Factor

When looking at the nutrition facts label on the side of a diet soda can it can be refreshing to see a bunch of zeros. Especially when it comes to unhealthy nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and sugars. However, one nutrient that diet soda does contain is sodium. A 12 ounce can of a diet soft drink contains approximately 40 milligrams of sodium, which accounts for two to three percent of the FDA’s recommended daily values. While this initially doesn’t seem like much, it may be beneficial to ponder a couple of things here.

One, most people do not drink just one “serving” of soda, especially those who frequent convenient stores. Some of those behemoth beverages are more than five times larger than what is deemed a single serving size. Hence, the sodium dangers of diet soda become more significant with these larger portions.

The other problem that comes into play has to do with the foods that people typically eat while drinking diet soda. Most people aren’t pairing their diet soft drinks with fruits and veggies. Because of the sweet taste of diet soda most have a tendency to reach for something salty instead, like potato chips. These salty munchies have a ton of sodium. Drinking large quantities of diet soda and eating salty foods results in the body having excessive amounts of sodium.

 

Why Sodium?

Consuming too much sodium has been proven to lead to many dangerous health issues. A common issue eating foods with excessive sodium can lead to is high blood pressure. Those who have high blood pressure are much more at risk of having a stroke, heart failure or a heart attack.

Aside from high blood pressure, studies have shown that those who consume a lot of sodium can have other health problems as well. Lovers of sodium-filled foods are also more at risk of developing stomach cancer. In addition, high amounts of sodium can result in a decrease in the amount of calcium within the body. Having low levels of calcium can lead to bone-density problems and even Osteoporosis, a disease that is due to a thinning of the bones.

 

Reducing the dangers of diet soda

Obviously the easiest way to alleviate the dangers of diet soda is to not drink diet soda. But “easier said than done,” is probably the immediate thought that comes to mind. Perhaps it can be a more realistic goal to monitor your intake. Instead of purchasing a soda size that would seem more appropriate for an elephant, perhaps buy one that can easily fit in your hand.

Or, maybe sip on some alternative beverages. If you like a cold drink that is accompanied with a kick of caffeine, there are a variety of iced green tea blends on the market. If you need to sweeten it up a bit, add some natural sweeteners. Honey or agave nectar are naturally sweet and have additional health benefits. It may take some adjusting to if consuming diet soda is habitual. However, over time it does get easier and hopefully you will feel healthier.

The post The Dangers of Diet Soda You Need To Know appeared first on HB News Network.

The Dangers of Diet Soda You Need To Know

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The Dangers of Diet Soda You Need To Know

http://hbnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dangers-of-diet-soda.jpg

dangers of diet soda

We are becoming a nation of soda addicts. What used to be a beverage enjoyed occasionally with lunch or dinner has become a daily dependent staple for many. Because of the excessive amounts of sugar regular soft drinks contain, many Americans are making the switch to diet soda. While those who switch think they are doing themselves a healthy favor they don’t realize the dangers of diet soda.

 

Dangers Of Diet Soda

 

Part of the problem lies with the fact that nowadays people are consuming a vast amount of diet soda. Rather than drinking from moderate-sized glasses people are purchasing mega-sized cups of the carbonated beverage. The average local convenient store is notorious for these large-scale soda sales. These gigantic gulp sizes seem more appropriate for King Kong rather than the average human being. Even the standard cup holders of most cars can’t accommodate the girth of these ginormous soft drinks. If you guilty of the big gulp you may want to read on to learn about the other dangers of diet soda – even though it may be difficult to swallow.

 

The sinister side of Sucralose

How does diet soda taste sweet without the use of sugar? It’s not magic. It’s through the use of artificial sweeteners. A very common one that many diet sodas contain is called Sucralose. Sucralose was invented in a laboratory as a sweetener through a complex, chemically involved process in the 1970’s. It was later approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998. Since its approval, Sucralose has been used as a sweetener by a plethora of companies that manufacture diet soda.

Because Sucralose is derived from actual sugar many companies (i.e. those that make the sweetener) claim that Sucralose is more natural than other artificial sweeteners. But the process to make Sucralose is anything but natural. In fact, numerous chemicals come into play in the manufacturing of the sweetener.

 

Chlorine

One of those chemicals is chlorine. Therefore, when you drink diet soda a lot of that chlorine stays in your body, especially if you drink a lot of diet soda. Studies have already revealed that one of the dangers of this chlorinated sweetener is that it kills the healthy bacteria that lives inside the intestines. This bacteria is a vital part of maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Also, just think of the unpleasant effects that chlorine has on the outside of your body if you are a frequent pool user. It bleaches our hair and our swimsuits. It makes our hair and skin feel extremely dry. Some individuals even break out with rashes because of the harsh chemical. Over time many swimmers find that their hair becomes brittle (or a greenish hue) and that their swimsuits start to deteriorate from the chemical. Knowing all the negativity that chlorine can have on our external body, do we really want to expose this harmful chemical to our insides with every sip we take?

 

The Weight gain factor

It would seem ironic for diet soft drinks to result in weight gain, but sadly that is one of the dangers of diet soda. Again, this factor is a result of the use of artificial sweeteners. In a sense, artificial sweeteners mess with the body’s overall internal system. The more artificial sweeteners consumed, the more it throws off a body’s regulation system. Some of the weight-gaining side effects these sweeteners can lead to are as follows:

• increase cravings for carbohydrates
• hampers the body’s ability to control calories
• can lead to metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes

 

As if these effects weren’t distressing enough it has been shown that drinking diet soda can actually double the risk of obesity. Considering that the main reason most consume diet soda is to maintain a healthy weight. It’s disturbing to learn that the very opposite can occur.

 

Also read: Why Exercise Doesn’t Work 

 

The Sodium Factor

When looking at the nutrition facts label on the side of a diet soda can it can be refreshing to see a bunch of zeros. Especially when it comes to unhealthy nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and sugars. However, one nutrient that diet soda does contain is sodium. A 12 ounce can of a diet soft drink contains approximately 40 milligrams of sodium, which accounts for two to three percent of the FDA’s recommended daily values. While this initially doesn’t seem like much, it may be beneficial to ponder a couple of things here.

One, most people do not drink just one “serving” of soda, especially those who frequent convenient stores. Some of those behemoth beverages are more than five times larger than what is deemed a single serving size. Hence, the sodium dangers of diet soda become more significant with these larger portions.

The other problem that comes into play has to do with the foods that people typically eat while drinking diet soda. Most people aren’t pairing their diet soft drinks with fruits and veggies. Because of the sweet taste of diet soda most have a tendency to reach for something salty instead, like potato chips. These salty munchies have a ton of sodium. Drinking large quantities of diet soda and eating salty foods results in the body having excessive amounts of sodium.

 

Why Sodium?

Consuming too much sodium has been proven to lead to many dangerous health issues. A common issue eating foods with excessive sodium can lead to is high blood pressure. Those who have high blood pressure are much more at risk of having a stroke, heart failure or a heart attack.

Aside from high blood pressure, studies have shown that those who consume a lot of sodium can have other health problems as well. Lovers of sodium-filled foods are also more at risk of developing stomach cancer. In addition, high amounts of sodium can result in a decrease in the amount of calcium within the body. Having low levels of calcium can lead to bone-density problems and even Osteoporosis, a disease that is due to a thinning of the bones.

 

Reducing the dangers of diet soda

Obviously the easiest way to alleviate the dangers of diet soda is to not drink diet soda. But “easier said than done,” is probably the immediate thought that comes to mind. Perhaps it can be a more realistic goal to monitor your intake. Instead of purchasing a soda size that would seem more appropriate for an elephant, perhaps buy one that can easily fit in your hand.

Or, maybe sip on some alternative beverages. If you like a cold drink that is accompanied with a kick of caffeine, there are a variety of iced green tea blends on the market. If you need to sweeten it up a bit, add some natural sweeteners. Honey or agave nectar are naturally sweet and have additional health benefits. It may take some adjusting to if consuming diet soda is habitual. However, over time it does get easier and hopefully you will feel healthier.

The post The Dangers of Diet Soda You Need To Know appeared first on HB News Network.

The Dangers of Diet Soda You Need To Know

from WordPress https://hbnewsnetwork.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/the-dangers-of-diet-soda-you-need-to-know/