Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Pancreas is a large, elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach. It lies at the back of the abdominal cavity and is divided into head and the body. Pancreas performs numerous important functions in the body. It produces enzymes and coenzymes which help in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Moreover, it secretes bicarbonates to neutralise the effects of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach. Several other hormones of pancreas also help control intestinal function.

Another very important function of pancreas is production of insulin. Insulin helps maintain normal level of sugar in the blood. The deficiency of insulin may lead to a disease known as diabetes. Diabetes is known as the “mother of diseases” because it gives rise to various medical conditions such as kidney failure, cardiovascular problems, glaucoma, loss of vision, high blood pressure, gangrene, and erectile dysfunction. There are many factors that may contribute to the development of this disease. They include family history, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and depression.

Diabetic patients should consume cod liver oil as it helps improve overall health and well-being. Salmon, herring, mackerel, black cod, sardines, wild game, albacore tuna and anchovies make rich dietary sources of cod liver oil. However, if your diet is limited in these food items, then you should use a dietary supplement that makes use of omega-3 oils in its formulation.

HealthAid Cod Liver Oil 550mg is a popular brand on the market that contains cod liver oil, omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA, vitamins A & D in its formulation. Not only does this supplement help maintain the health of cardiovascular system, but it also promotes healthy bones and flexible joints. Vitamins A and D are good for eye vision and they play an important role in nourishing gums, teeth, hair and skin.

Salmon or Oncorhynchus is a fish species which is found in both rivers and seas. This well known and delicious species is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins particularly vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin D, and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, molybdenum and selenium.

There are numerous health benefits of consuming salmon. First of all, omega-3 fatty acids in fish help maintain a good cardiovascular health. Not only do they help reduce serum cholesterol levels, but they also strengthen cardiac muscles and maintain flexibility of arteries. Moreover, amino acids promote healthy triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, and help repair the damaged cardio-vascular tissues.

Omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin A and amino acids, help prevent loss of vision and muscular degeneration. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain normal blood sugar levels by facilitating absorption of sugar and increasing influence of insulin.

You should consume at least 2 servings of salmon per week to provide your body with essential nutrients. It also makes a good idea to take a supplement that makes use of omega-3 fatty acids in its formulation.

HealthAid Cod Liver Oil 550mg is a popular brand on the market that contains omega-3 nutrients such as EPA and DHA, and vitamins A, D and E. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain the health of cardiovascular system, bones and joints, whereas vitamins A and D play a vital role in nourishing the hair, nails, skin and eyes. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that helps destroy free radicals.

A healthy balanced dietary routine plays an important role in maintaining your good health and overall well-being. It provides you with essential nutrients that help strengthen your bones and maintain a great cardiovascular health. Moreover, it protects you against numerous diseases because it helps improve your immune system. There are plenty of fresh unadulterated foods that you can incorporate into your daily meals especially lunch to maintain your good health.

Green leafy salads make a good choice to eat because they contain beta carotene, folic acid, roughages, vitamins especially vitamin C and carbohydrates. Some vegetables such as spinach make a rich source of antioxidants called carotenoids. A regular consumption of green leafy salads may reduce the risks of cardiovascular problems, muscular degeneration, neuropathy, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even cancer.

Sprouts are a wonderful choice to incorporate into lunch because they make concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes and phytochemicals which may help combat the harmful effects of free radicals within your body.

Make sure that you consume salmon, sardine, mackerel and tuna as they make rich dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help maintain normal cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent your blood from clotting.

It is also a good idea to use bean salads because they are naturally low in fat and contain macro-minerals and trace elements. Moreover, beans have a low Gl which helps maintain a stable blood glucose level. Another benefit of consuming a bean salad is that it contains soluble fibre which keeps you feeling fuller for longer after lunch.

Tomatoes are great dietary sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Furthermore, they contain an antioxidant known as “Lycopene” which helps reduce the risk of cancer. Tomatoes contain other phytochemicals as well that protect against premature aging and certain health conditions.

Make sure that you use probiotic yoghurt in lunch because it contains lots of friendly bacteria which promote healthy digestive and immune systems. Another benefit of consuming probiotic yoghurt is that it contains very little saturated fats.

In order to supply your body with different probiotic bacteria, you can also use a dietary supplement such as Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System. It contains 6 different probiotic strains such as acidophilus, combined with prebiotics to help maintain overall immune system, digestive health and energy levels on a daily basis. Moreover, this supplement promotes a healthy balance of friendly bacteria throughout the entire intestinal tract.

Among different natural food sources, lean meats especially fish make an important dietary source to supply your body with important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as “Good Fats”, help keep your heart healthy and protect you from rhythm disorders. Numerous studies have revealed that men who eat fish at least once a week have fewer heart strokes and heart attacks. Moreover, those men are less susceptible to depression, panic attacks and schizophrenia as well.

Avoid eating chips, pizza and burger because all these fast food items contain lots of fat and sodium, which can impair your cardiovascular system. Whenever you eat fast food, make sure that you drink 2-3 glasses of water afterward to flush away excess sodium. It is also important that you increase the duration of your exercise session on that particular day to burn those extra calories which you have consumed in the form of a burger or soft drink.

You can also get the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids by consuming a supplement such as Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Plus Multivitamins on a daily basis. This supplement makes a unique combination of omega-3 fish oil and vitamins A, D and E. Other ingredients include fish oil, Vitamin B-complex, C & E, sunflower oil, thiamine, folic acid, soya lecithin, lactose and nicotinamide. Not only it helps release energy, but promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. Moreover, it helps maintain strong teeth and bones and promotes flexible and supple joints.