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Chia seeds derive from the plant Salvia hispanica that originated in Mexico and South America. The word "chia" comes from the Aztec word "chian" which means oily. These seeds are full of beneficial fats and oils. The seeds are becoming a popular dietary "super food" in the United States. Eating chia seeds can be beneficial to your health as well as help with weight loss.

1. Significance

   • With the growing popularity of organic foods and natural health remedies, chia seeds are being recognized as a super food. With Dr. Mehmet Oz touting the benefits of chia seeds on "Oprah" and Dr. Andrew Weil discussing their benefits in "Prevention Magazine," their popularity is growing daily (see link in Resources).

   History

   • Chia seeds were grown in Mexico and South America in Pre-Columbian times. The seeds were a staple of the Aztec diet and were also given as tribute to the rulers and priesthood.

   Geography

   • Chia seeds are currently grown and harvested commercially in Mexico, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and Australia. They are consumed primarily in Mexico, South America and the Southwestern United States.

   Benefits

   • Chia seeds are full of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber and oil. Chia seeds are also high in anti-oxidants and have been found to be beneficial to diabetics due to their ability to inhibit the speed of carbohydrates being turned into sugars. The seeds are also being used as a diet aid because they help a person feel fuller and, therefore, curb hunger.

   Preparations

   • Chia seeds can be eaten raw in salads or cereals. They can also be added to breads or muffins and cooked. Ground chia seeds can be added to foods as well. Chia seeds, whether added to drinks or eaten as puddings or gruels, are popular in Mexico.

   Fun Fact

   • Chia seeds are the same seeds that are used on the ever-popular Chia Pets. Chia Pets appeared in the United States in the 1980s and remained a fairly popular item over the next few decades.

Resources

• The Magic of Chia Seeds
• What are Chia Seeds?
• Chis Seeds in Prevention Magazine
• Dr. Oz on the New Superfood

• Photo Credit sxc.hu/Cyanocorax/Gabriela Ruellan

Chia seeds derive from the plant Salvia hispanica that originated in Mexico and South America. The word "chia" comes from the Aztec word "chian" which means oily. These seeds are full of beneficial fats and oils. The seeds are becoming a popular dietary "super food" in the United States. Eating chia seeds can be beneficial to your health as well as help with weight loss.

1. Significance

   • With the growing popularity of organic foods and natural health remedies, chia seeds are being recognized as a super food. With Dr. Mehmet Oz touting the benefits of chia seeds on "Oprah" and Dr. Andrew Weil discussing their benefits in "Prevention Magazine," their popularity is growing daily (see link in Resources).

   History

   • Chia seeds were grown in Mexico and South America in Pre-Columbian times. The seeds were a staple of the Aztec diet and were also given as tribute to the rulers and priesthood.

   Geography

   • Chia seeds are currently grown and harvested commercially in Mexico, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and Australia. They are consumed primarily in Mexico, South America and the Southwestern United States.

   Benefits

   • Chia seeds are full of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber and oil. Chia seeds are also high in anti-oxidants and have been found to be beneficial to diabetics due to their ability to inhibit the speed of carbohydrates being turned into sugars. The seeds are also being used as a diet aid because they help a person feel fuller and, therefore, curb hunger.

   Preparations

   • Chia seeds can be eaten raw in salads or cereals. They can also be added to breads or muffins and cooked. Ground chia seeds can be added to foods as well. Chia seeds, whether added to drinks or eaten as puddings or gruels, are popular in Mexico.

   Fun Fact

   • Chia seeds are the same seeds that are used on the ever-popular Chia Pets. Chia Pets appeared in the United States in the 1980s and remained a fairly popular item over the next few decades.

Resources

• The Magic of Chia Seeds
• What are Chia Seeds?
• Chis Seeds in Prevention Magazine
• Dr. Oz on the New Superfood

• Photo Credit sxc.hu/Cyanocorax/Gabriela Ruellan

1. Overview

   • Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

     Tempurpedic mattresses are a popular choice for consumers looking for a bed with comfort and added back support. The memory foam in Tempurpedic mattresses was first developed by NASA. However, despite the advanced technological research that went into developing memory foam, there are many unhealthy side effects of Tempurpedic mattresses. These unhealthy side effects affect not only your health but the environment as well.

   Heightened Body Temperature

   • Tempurpedic mattresses are weight and heat sensitive. They are made with open cell technology, which is said to increase airflow throughout the entire mattress. However, some consumers report that the open cell technology present in Tempurpedic mattresses causes them to have an increase in their body temperature. Though this poses no serious health risk, it can be irritating and may contribute to sleeplessness and night sweats. Make sure you are used to your Tempurpedic mattress before you sleep on it during hot summer nights.

   Chemical Allergies

   • Memory foam gets its signature properties through a series of chemical processes used in manufacturing. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the chemicals present in Tempurpedic mattresses. These allergy symptoms include sleeplessness, itchy eyes, rashes, nausea and headaches. People who have chemical allergies should not buy Tempurpedic mattresses, since these symptoms are unlikely to lessen over time.

   Environmental Hazards

   • Tempurpedic mattresses are produced without chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). However, all Tempurpedic mattresses are produced with petroleum-based chemicals during the manufacturing process. Petroleum is a major contributor to harmful emissions that ultimately lead to pollution of our environment and the depletion of fossil fuels and natural resources.

   Odors

   • Numerous complaints about Tempurpedic mattresses and memory foam are about the odor. The manufacturing proccess of Tempurpedic mattresses involve harsh chemicals like polyurethane, which leave behind foul odors that can last for weeks. All products that use polyurethane have a similar odor, but the density of memory foam will hold the odor for even longer. This odor may be unpleasant and cause headaches, nausea and may contribute to sleepless nights.

Insulin resistance precedes type 2 diabetes. This condition occurs primarily from an unhealthy diet that consists of high-glucose foods such as those made from sugar and processed white flours. Over time, the body is unable to use insulin to remove glucose from the bloodstream for energy. Weight loss can stop the progression of insulin resistance. Losing just a few pounds can begin to reverse it. Keep your weight within normal ranges and you will avoid insulin resistance. Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes to lose weight and after your weight-loss program to maintain a weight loss.

1. Processed Foods

   • To lose weight effectively to get your insulin resistance under control, eliminate as much processed foods as possible. These foods offer very little nutritional value to your diet and can have a dramatic impact on your blood sugar levels. Foods that are made with refined sugars and white flours must be avoided on a successful weight-loss diet.

     Replace breads and products made with these refined foods with natural whole grains. Choose whole-grain bread and rolls instead of white bread, and sweeten foods with fruit juice.

   Carbohydrates

   • About 40 percent of your total calories should come from carbohydrates. When you are trying to lose weight for insulin resistance, choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars and carbs. Complex carbohydrate sources include fruits and vegetables. The glycemic index is a good tool to find foods that have a lower impact on your blood sugar levels. Choose foods that do not cause your glucose levels to rise quickly.

   Proteins

   • Choose lean proteins from fish and skinless chicken to lose weight. Red meat can be included on your weight-loss diet, but it should be kept to a minimum. Proteins do not affect your glucose and insulin, but they do contain saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat is not healthy for your heart and increases your calorie count. Protein should make up 30 percent of your total daily calorie count.

   Fats

   • Include some healthy fat to lose weight effectively. olive and canola oils are heart-healthy fats. About 30 percent of your calories must come from fat sources. Stay away from trans fats such as hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. These are typically found in processed foods. Read ingredient labels carefully to find these hidden fats.

If you are significantly overweight, and diet and exercise are not doing the trick, you may be considering weight-loss surgery. You will need to discuss this option with your doctor to determine if this procedure is right for you. As with any type of surgery, there are always risks you must carefully consider. Due to these risks, there are certain requirements established by the National Institutes of Health that may be required before you and your doctor can consider bariatric surgery.

1. Morbid Obesity

   • The main qualification to have bariatric surgery is that you have a body mass index of 40 or above. This also means that you are at least 100 lbs. overweight.

   Failure or Noncompliance with Other Programs

   • Patients who are evaluated by a medical professional and judged to have a low chance of success with nonsurgical measures are usually considered. You may have a history of failure in established weight control programs or be reluctant to enter such a program.

   You are at High Risk for Obesity-Related Diseases

   • If you have a high risk of life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity-related cardiomyopathy, severe sleep apnea or severe diabetes mellitus, you may be a good candidate. If your obesity is severe enough that it is greatly inhibiting your lifestyle, employment, family function and ability to ambulate, surgery may be the answer.

   Motivation to Change

   • Good candidates for this surgery should be well-informed and able to accept the risks listed below that are involved with this procedure. The patient needs to be motivated to take part in her own care, make the necessary lifestyle changes and be able and willing to participate in treatment and long-term follow-up.

   You Must Understand the Risks

   • While most patients do well with this surgery, you need to understand that you are at risk for infections, dehiscence, leaks from staple breakdown, stomal stenosis, marginal ulcers and various pulmonary problems. Gastrointestinal leaks, deep venous thrombosis and death occur in some patients.

Resources

• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Weight Control
• American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• Mayo Clinic: Gastric bypass surgery: What Can You expect?