9 Unexpected Foods That Are Bad For Healthy Bones

Have you had some issues with your bones? 

I do. 
And I guess each and everyone of us would love to have healthy bones.

Let's build healthy, strong bones!
picture: Pixabay

Building healthy, strong bones needs two key nutrients, which are vitamin D and calcium. While calcium supports the teeth and bone structure, vitamin D helps improve the absorption of calcium and bone growth. Most of us know about what to eat for healthy, strong bones – anything that is full of calcium and vitamin D. However, just as important, but less regularly discussed, are foods and beverages that weaken your bones. This article will show you 9 unexpected foods that are bad for healthy bones.

1. Coffee

Similar to soda, coffee could reduce the ability of your body to absorb calcium, thereby hurting your bone health. Therefore, you had better reduce your intake of coffee to less than 3 cups per day. In the morning, instead of having several shots of espresso, you can reach for an apple as an alternative. Apples can provide you with more energy than a cup of coffee thanks to its high content of simple carbs.

picture: pixabay

2. Sodium-Rich Foods

Before reaching for the bag of potato chips, think again. It is said that sodium-rich foods may cause our bodies to lose calcium and result in bone less. The more salty you consume, the more calcium you lose. In essence, salt causes excessive calcium excretion via kidneys. Nutrition experts recommended taking under 2,300mg of salt per day and you will be fine. This intake amount should be reduced further if you have other health conditions like high blood pressure.

3. Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is beneficial for our health, we all know that. Nonetheless, the time you take it matters. Most foods that are bad for healthy bones are a direct result of interfering with the absorption of calcium, thereby causing bone loss. If you are eating calcium-rich foods, you had better avoid iron-rich ones to maximize the amount of calcium absorbed.

4. Soy Products

Soy products are also in the list of foods that are bad for healthy bones because they may interfere with calcium absorption. Actually, soy products like tofu, tempeh, edamame and soy beverages are rich in the bone-building protein, but they also have plant compounds which may hamper the absorption of calcium.

5. Alcohol

Is drinking alcohol bad for your bones? 

The answer is yes. 

When drinking alcohol, it acts like a calcium-blocker, which prevents the important bone-building minerals from being absorbed into your body through the foods you eat.

Heavy drinking also disrupts the process of bone remodeling by preventing the bone-building cells (osteoblasts) from doing their job. As a result, your bone will become weaker and your healing is also interfered.

Instead of drinking alcohol, you can choose beverages that are lower in alcohol. They may taste as good as alcohol, but are not hard on your bones.

6. Sugary Snacks

Do not go overboard on sugar, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Despite there is no proven link between sugary snacks and their negative impacts on bones, the harm to bone health might be resulted from consuming too much added sugar while not getting enough essential nutrient-rich foods. If you want to indulge your sweet tooth, choose cranberries, prunes and other antioxidant-rich fruits. Antioxidants are healthy nutrients for bone health.

7. Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenation process that turns liquid vegetable oil into the solid oils used in baking, damages vitamin K found naturally in oils. Vitamin K is necessary for strong, healthy bones, and vegetable oils like olive oil and canola oil are the 2^nd best source (dietary) of such key nutrient.

Instead of eating pastries and bread bought from bakeries or baking your bake goods (because they contain hydrogenated fats, you ought to eat more dark green leafy veggies like spinach, collard, Swiss chard, etc. They are rich sources of vitamin K, an important bone-boosting nutrient.

8. Vitamin A-Rich Foods

Vitamin A-rich foods include eggs, liver, dairy products, and vitamin-fortified foods. They are rich sources of animal-derived vitamin A, also known as retinol. Despite vitamin A can improve eye health, clear acne, amp up your immune system, taking too much of it may weaken your bones. For example, if you take more than 3 ounces of beef liver, you may stimulate bone breakdown or osteoclast activity. To control your risk of over intake of vitamin A through foods, you should switch to non-fat or low-fat dairy product and consume egg whites instead of whole eggs.

9. High- Protein Foods

Taking too much protein, particularly animal protein, may take the bone-building nutrient – calcium – from your bones, causing weakened and brittle bones and a higher risk of pain and injury.

In fact, diets that are high in protein may interfere with calcium absorption. For example, if you eat red meat excessively, you may hurt your bones.

Conclusion

Knowing what to eat and what not to eat for healthy, strong bones are important because it helps protect your bones in the old age. It also enhances your life quality and boasts your longevity, and reduces the risk of falls, injury, osteoporosis, arthritis, brittle bones and joints. Avoidance of the foods that are bad for healthy bones above will help improve your bone health.

Stay healthy, everyone!

About the author:

John Hughes is a Health and Beauty expert who has more than 5 years of experience in Health Care industry. For more health care tips on healthy living, visit him at the website TrueRemedies.com. There, you will find posts on natural treatments, recipes, healthy foods, and so much more.

What Your Geography Teacher Didn't Tell You about the Caribbean...

The Caribbean is a place full of sun, sand and famously wild parties!  When you’re confined to a classroom and four walls, you may learn about this exotic location but you’ll never truly experience it.  That’s why  Agness and Cez from etramping.com have provided an informative list of facts that your Geography teacher may have missed. So, if you’re about to venture into this tropical destination, it’s worth taking a look at what’s below…

Where did the Giant Rodents go?

The Caribbean is actually a key area for biologists to study mammal extinction. Recently, evolutionary researchers found out that there’s a lost world of ancient mammals on the islands. Human settlements are thought to be the core reason as to why many creatures became extinct. Vampire bats and giant rodents are a few of the Caribbean fossils that have been found and there are continuous studies being carried out to unravel additional discoveries. Furthermore, the first settlers are said to have been Amerindian and would have hunted the mammals for food. When a habitat’s natural movement changes, something inside of it just switches. Sometimes, the environment just doesn’t know how to handle it and that’s where extinction plays its role.

You can drive into a Volcano

Yep, that’s right! In St Lucia you can actually drive into a volcano. This is the world’s only volcano that you can actually drive straight into, so it’s best to make the most of it! It’s known as the La Soufriere Drive-in and it takes you right through the crater. Despite the fact it is sleeping, it’s the Eastern Caribbean’s most active geothermal area.  Not often can you tell someone that you’ve actually taken a ride through a volcano so it’s definitely a cool feature of the island. Apparently, the volcanic mud there is said to have extra special healing effects. For instance, it can soothe bug bites and get rid of unwanted eczema. 

Want to take a Taxi or an Ostrich?

In Curacao, you can visit the local Ostrich farm and meet a few furry friends. Now and then, they allow visitors to ride them as long as you have an allocated spot. The ride itself is rather comical as the bird bounces about the path. If you’re not into taking an Ostrich round the island, you could simply visit them and give them a few snacks. The large flightless birds are friendly but be warned. They have a ferocious front kick and can kill humans and potential predators in seconds. Despite their threatening skill set, these majestic and wonderful creatures are admired around the world. 

A Mountain was named after Obama 

Here’s an intriguing fact for you. Did you know that Ex-president Barack Obama actually had a mountain named after him in Antigua in 2009? With so many islands to choose from, the highest point of this island changed its name from ‘Boggy Peak’ to ‘Mount Obama’.  It can be climbed from the southern and northern side and is a popular trail. It’s an easy to moderate hike and if completed at a steady pace, it will take you around 1 to 3 hours. According to various sources, it’s said that Obama himself was very grateful to be named as the centre point of a National park. 

Fancy some Iguana Soup?

If you’re feeling a little daring then the Caribbean iguana soup will suit your taste buds perfectly. It’s such a sought after dish that restaurants sell out of it in seconds. The consumption of this meat is traditional yet new laws have prohibited female iguanas from being used. An average bowl of the iguana soup will consist of meat, pepper, mint, onions and carrots. According to Caribbean folklore, this soup is said to enhance strength and promotes endurance. Plus, it’s also capable of curing a strong hangover. This is just one of the many exotic and cultural delicacies you can try. 

 ‘Women Island’ exists

Isla Mujeres got its nickname ‘women island’ from the Spanish in the 16^th century. When they set foot on the serene island, they noticed that there were several female figurines standing tall. Therefore, they gave the land this label and it has lived on ever since. You can find some gorgeous getaway spots here and beautiful Beloved Hotels. This particular island is known as a pure piece of paradise, carved by Gods. Another story which flows through Isla Mujeres is that it was home to a goddess named Ixchel for around 1000 years. With the tropical climate and hot weather, it’s clear to see why she made it her home.

Jamaica has healing waters

Located in St. Ann’s Bay, there’s a pool of water which can catch fire. Please be advised that it is not wise to try this out alone unless it has been prescribed by a legitimate doctor. The locals who surround the ‘fire water’ say that it contains a high concentration of sulphur. Those who dare can walk through the flaming pool and opt for fire massages. Historically, the water was discovered 80 years ago when a lady named Mehala Smith bathed in the water. As she rinsed herself, she tried to burn a wasp nest above. The light hit the surface of the pool and it caught alight.

There’s a Swimming pool in the middle of the Sea

The Nylon pool in Tobago is said to be full of rejuvenating powers. Despite the speculation, it’s not manmade and it’s only one metre deep. Surrounded by a sea of tranquillity, the nylon natural phenomenon was actually named by the British Princess Margaret in 1962 when she spent her honeymoon in Tobago. Locally, it’s described as a fountain of youth. Similar to the Jamaican fire pools, the water is meant to be magical. Perhaps this is something your Geography teacher informed you about with regards to the spectacular Caribbean landscape…

Do you have any cool facts to share about the Caribbean?

How to Use Stopover Flight to See More Countries

How to Use Stopover Flight to See More Countries

Image source: here

If you’re a passionate traveler who is constantly on the road, then you probably fly a lot. 
Especially as holiday is coming!
You experienced the struggle of airport processes and long waits, but have you ever asked yourself could you use time spent on an airport in a better way? Imagine you can use time spent on the airport to explore the city where you’re waiting. If that sounds like a thing you'd like to do, then we would like to tell you it’s possible to explore the city where you’re waiting for a connecting flight almost free of cost. 

The answer lies down in using and combining stopover flights when buying the plane ticket. Agness and Cez, two best friends who started with full-time traveling, have an extensive experience in air transportation and they would like to share with you some tips how you can explore more places taking advantage of stopover flights. 

 

What is a Stopover Flight?

No more long waiting hours between connecting flights. source of image is here

When you’re buying a plane ticket, you probably want to spare some money on it to have a bigger budget during exploration of a new destination. To get the cheaper tickets, you shouldn’t look for direct flights, but instead connecting flights. The ticket will always drop in price that way, but you’ll probably have a layover or stopover at the connecting airport. Why it’s a good thing? Well, if you need to wait more than 12 hours for a connecting flight, you can ask to get a stopover deal from airlines. 

Stopover is the option major airlines offer to their passengers while they’re waiting for the connecting flight. You can usually stay for a few days in the city where the airport is located and airways will cover a transportation and accommodation costs. It means that you’ll have time to explore new destinations on your way to reaching a final destination. It’s a perfect way to explore and experience more. Imagine you have a flight from NYC to Bangkok with the connecting flight to Dubai. If the connection wait is too long, you can have a chance to explore Dubai for a ridiculous amount of money.

How to Plan a Stopover Flight?

Always inform yourself directly with the company about the stopover options. Image source: here

Before buying a plane ticket, let us give you some travel advice. 

We recommend you to check the official airways websites when looking for the best deals. Majority of these sites has detailed search options with many filters, so you should set the filter to check the flights with connecting flight and wait that is longer than 12 hours in connecting city. That way, you’ll get the list of tickets that could probably lead you to interesting adventure even before you reach the final destination. Some airways will give you a free stopover, while others will provide you everything with a huge discount applied. Before planning a stopover destination, it’s a good thing to ask yourself and make a list of cities you’d like to explore. There is no point of taking advantage of stopover flight if you arrive in the city you don’t have an interest in exploring. Always combine your ticket the way that will give you a chance to explore the city you actually want to experience. When you’re checking different airway websites, it will be hard to navigate stopover options, so we advise you always to call their office and kindly ask them if they have a stopover option available. 

Just think about how many cities and different cultures you can experience if you start getting flight tickets that offer a free stopover!

Airlines That Offer a Free Stopover and Amazing Places You Can Visit Along the Way

Many airlines offer free or low-cost stopover options for travelers who have to wait more than 12 hours for a connecting flight. Each company has different policies regarding stopovers and we would like to list a few and show you the amazing cities you could explore on your way to the last destination.

Icelandair

Explore this beautiful Nordic island country. Image source: here

Imagine exploring the beautiful island country Island on your way to final destination. The country has so much to offer and listed as the most peaceful country in the world. Icelandair offers travelers a completely free stopover that can last up to 7 days. They will cover the costs of transportation from and to the airport as well as accommodation fees. You’ll have enough time to explore breathtaking Geysers, delicious food and beautiful culture. 

Emirates

Stay in Dubai for up to 4 days and explore the city and culture. Image source: here

If you fly with Emirates, then you’ll pass through Dubai every time on the way to the final destination. They have many different stopover packages available, and they are actually encouraging people to explore the city for a few days. Once you bought a flight ticket, you should contact their local office to add a stopover option to your ticket. Emirates will add some fees depending on the level of service you’re looking for and you’re ready for the exploration of Dubai. Emirates has a deal with major companies that offer different activities and attractions to see, so if you get a stopover through them, you will get significant discounts on these attractions. That’s a perfect way to explore this desert city for an affordable price.

Qatar Airways

 Qatar Airways offers a totally free visa, accommodation and transport Image source: here

If you’re traveling to Asia or Europe, then you should check Qatar Airways as this company has the highest quality service and often low-ticket prices. Also, they are offering different packages of stopovers that can last up to four days. A stopover includes a free visa, transportation and hotel stay for a one night if you’re flying in economy class. Doha is the very exciting city to explore and all the architecture with lights will attract you to explore and experience more from their culture. Also, if you don’t have an option to apply for a stopover, the company offers daily free tours through Doha along with a free transit visa. Ask the airport staff about it and you’re all set. It’s a perfect thing to spend your time if you have a long layover. 

Have you ever took advantage of stopover flights? 

Which airline companies do you recommend?
Happy traveling :)

5 Amazing Benefits of Vegetable Food

Can you think of a food group so powerful that it can help you lose weight, reduce risk of cancer, makes you look younger, strengthen your bones and also have been attributed with living longer? Now, Imagine that this group of food tasted good, is also readily available and relatively inexpensive. You can’t think of anything? No, it is not a dream. It is a reality and this food group is known as vegetables.

“Eat your vegetables!” is a directive that you have mostly heard your whole life. The importance of vegetables in a diet cannot be overlooked. Vegetables come across as quite amusing as they are packed with healthy nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and K. there are so many varieties of vegetables and so many vitamins and minerals to be had. Falafels are the best example. If you ever have the pleasure to visit Dubai and don’t try falafel there, then it’s a shame. The best falafel in Dubai can be found in the numerous restaurants spread out in the city.

The nature of vegetables and the nature of human health are matched up in a way that simply cannot be duplicated by other food groups. Vegetables can benefit your health in a number of surprising ways. Some of the five benefits are listed below:

1.     Lowers Blood Pressure

Image source: http://doctormurray.com/

   People, who include vegetables in their diets daily, automatically have normal blood pressures due to higher intake of potassium-rich foods. People suffering from high blood pressure should include stuff up their plates with vegetables as potassium helps lower blood pressure which leads to less stress and anxiety. Meat and most of the animal food have little to no potassium and actually raise blood pressure.

2.     Lowers Cholesterol

Image source: https://www.pinterest.com

      Many people suffer from high cholesterol nowadays, as their diets are messed up. One of the main benefits of including vegetables in your daily diet is that it lowers cholesterol. Most people have no idea that plants contain no cholesterol. People should balance the intake of fat whether you are a vegan or not, consuming vegetables is one of the easiest ways to lower ones’ cholesterol.

3.     Lowers Chances of Cancer

Image source: http://healthshlok.com/

     Cancer is a dreadful disease that we are fighting with no immediate cure. So, fighting with it from the very beginning is the answer. People who have proper intake of vegetables in their diet are less likely to suffer from cancer. A low fat, whole vegetable diet is the number one way to improve your chances at avoiding cancer risks. Many animal foods have been linked to cancer. 

4.     Better blood sugar

Image source: http://www.webmd.com/

      Nowadays many people of the young generation are suffering from diabetes because their diets are not balanced. The best way to fight high blood sugar is to eat more fiber. It slows down the absorption of sugars in the blood stream and as a result it helps to improve your hunger all day long and it balances your chemical levels that cause stress. Animal foods have been linked to raise blood sugar. 

5.     Weight Loss

Image source: http://www.drstevenlin.com/

Many people are not aware of this fact but one of the best benefits of having vegetables in your diet is that it helps in weight loss. If you are consuming a whole food, plant-based diet, you are going to lose weight. Weight loss naturally occurs when you consume more fiber, vitamins, nutrients and minerals that can be found in vegetables than you do in animal foods and proteins. So, having lots and lots of vegetables in your diet is essential.

You should consume lots of vegetables in your diet daily as they are crucial for your health. Many benefits of vegetables are mentioned above. When you are having proper intake of vegetables in your diet you will also experience less constipation, better sleep along with less inflammation and lesser chances of diabetes. If you are turning towards vegetables altogether, be sure you choose clean products to optimize all of these benefits.

About The AuthorRachel Stinson has always had a knack for writing, food, fashion, and places. Blogging has combined all four for her with an added bonus of enthusiastic audiences. She expertly analyzes real estates and restaurants with respect to pricing and people involved and can express her opinions in an unhesitant, engaging manner.