Here's To Your Health - Drinking For Your Good Health

Our body is made of mostly water which helps to keep it refreshed and hydrated. Fluids, especially water, carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells, remove waste matter and regulate the body's temperature.

And while fluid intake is so important to our health, about 500 ml of fluid can be lost a day due to perspiration and excretion. Furthermore, up to 4 liters a day can be lost during exercise in very hot conditions. Good hydration with a variety of fluids, therefore, is a means of providing an ongoing supply of fluids which our body needs. There are a number of healthful ways in which to hydrate the body and give it the fluids that it needs and some of those ways are discussed below.

Vegetable Juices

Freshly made vegetable juices are an excellent way to add fluids to your body. Drinking lots of fresh vegetable juices is also a great way to add vitamin C and a range of other nutrients to your diet. Because the majority of the vegetable is included in the juice, all of the health-giving components remain intact when you drink vegetable juices.

One of the most important benefits that one gains from drinking vegetable juices is the chlorophyll it contains. Chlorophyll, which is often referred to as the very blood of the plant, is the substance in vegetable juices that accounts for the green color. Moreover, chlorophyll is a marvelous healer to the body and not only helps to rejuvenate it but also helps the body to purify the blood, build red blood cells, and protects the body from cancer.

Vegetable juices are also abundant in enzymes as well. Called "the spark of life" by researcher and physician Edward Howell, a pioneer in enzyme study, enzymes help in almost every metabolic function of our body. Enzymes assist in the breakdown and digestion of our food, as well as help in weight loss, detoxification of the body, slowing down the aging process, building muscles and strengthening the immune system. Fresh juices are a tremendous source of enzymes. In fact, the fresher the juice the more potent and powerful the enzymes will be.

green Tea

green tea is another good way to keep your body hydrated and to give your body the fluids it needs each day. According to a number of published studies, green tea contains a number of common antioxidants including Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Antioxidants are substances found in the food that we eat that protect the body from a variety of diseases including breast cancer, prostate cancer and a host of other diseases. Moreover, green tea has been shown to be about 200 times more powerful than all of the aforementioned vitamins. Furthermore, green tea helps to strengthen the immune system, increases the friendly bacteria in the intestines and prevents tooth decay.

Water

Of all the benefits of the fluids mentioned formerly, nothing compares with the benefits of water. Water is the very fluid of life - without which we would cease to exist in a very short time. Water helps our body to digest food and absorb vitamins and minerals which come from our food. It aids in the detoxification of our blood, liver and kidneys. The very waste matter which we excrete everyday is carried out with the assistance of water. In fact, even our very energy level is greatly affected by how much water we drink. Research shows that even a small drop in water levels in our body will cause a significant drop in our energy level. Although many doctors recommend 8 glasses of water per day, this is a case where more is better - especially if you are an active person.

In addition to water and other fluids mentioned above, there are many food sources that help to hydrate the body including fruits like watermelon, which is made of mostly water, oranges, grapes and grapefruit. Another good source of hydration and nutrition is SenSatiaFruit. Additionally, foods such as cottage cheese, soups, yogurt and carrots all contain a good amount of water as well.

Patricia is a health focused content writer. To see why Patricia advocates drinking SenSatiaFruit

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South Beach Diet Meal Plans

Meal plans are a great thing. Theyre convenient, easy, mindless all helpful qualities for someone who is trying to fit in healthy eating with a busy life. But, they can be too much of a good thing. If you are too attached to meal plans, you could be doing yourself more harm than good.

The South Beach Diet is built for flexibility and convenience. That is why there is no weighing and measuring of portions or rigid guidelines around what and when to eat. Instead, the diet aims to teach you about nutrition and give you the tools to choose healthy options in the right portions. That is also why there are three different phases. The first two are designed for weight loss. By Phase 3 (maintenance), you are expected to be familiar enough with the guidelines of the diet to make your own decisions and do without a food list.

If thats the premise behind the South Beach Diet, why provide meal plans at all? Well, meal plans can be very instructional for beachers that are just starting out or looking for new ideas. Sometimes, too much flexibility can lead to confusion. The meal plans are an easy way to illustrate a day in the life of a beacher and provide guidance when needed.

So, when should I use meal plans?
If you are just starting out, sticking to a meal plan can be a great way to get familiar with the principles of the South Beach Diet. If you have been on it for a while and are looking for new ideas, meal plans can offer you new options. Stalled weight loss is also another good reason to stick to a meal plan for a while. It could bring your attention to when and how you are indulging and what changes you need to make.

When should I stop using meal plans?
Stop using meal plans if you are bored or if you find yourself eating meals just because they are listed on the meal plan. We want you to enjoy being on the program. If you find yourself avoid social outings or eating foods youre not too crazy about, take a step back. If you still feel the need for the meal plans structure, make sure to substitute items you like for items you dont. Boredom is your number one enemy on this plan.

Overall, meal plans can be an excellent tool. Just make sure you use them in a way that benefits you.

Reggie Dunn is a long time diet enthusiast and follower of the South Beach Diet.
You can find more information on the South Beach Diet at http://www.online-diet-reviews.info/south-beach-diet.html

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