Health Benefits of Dancing

Dance is an integral part of our daily life. Almost everybody enjoys this activity and it is not astonishing to find people tapping or swirling their hips whenever they are listening to a good beat. Shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have over 24 million people across the globe. Furthermore, the Latin-inspired dance workout also attracts over 10 million participants every week. This is just a clear indication of how people value this activity; no wonder, there was need to have a National Dance Day in America.

Generally, dance is one activity which guarantees a total body workout. There are a number of people who have benefited from dance classes with some burning over 400 calories in a 1 hour dance class. Very few people can achieve this in their daily working routines. This implies that dieting may be insignificant here. Ideally, attending dance classes for only three days in a week; you will drop about 20 pounds in one year. In addition to this, as you attend the dance classes, you will boost brain power, tone body muscles and improve balance.

To achieve all these, you need to enroll for your dance classes in a reliable and reputable dance studio which has all the necessary facilities and qualified instructors. In addition to this, you need to choose a dance style which you are comfortable with. Most of these dance studios offer quite a number of dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz, tango, tap and ballroom dance just to mention a few. They have both kids and adult dance classes with a number of private dance classes with flexible schedules. Every dance style has its unique health and fitness benefits.

Ballet dance
Like other dancing styles, ballet dance also offers a total body muscle workout. Ballet dance is described to be graceful and fluid in nature, thus a number of people tend to assume that it is one of those dance styles which do not require a lot of effort and energy. This is not always the case; it requires tremendous power and control. In addition to this, it requires a good deal of commitment to acquire all the necessary skills; a lot of discipline than the other dance styles and total body precision. It is one of the few dance styles with quite a number of rules which the dancer must adhere to. Those who enroll for ballet dance classes improve their flexibility tremendously and their body posture.

Latin dance
This is one style which is identified with a fiery attitude; quick and sharp steps with a lot of hip action. A number of dance styles in this category, such as the merengue and salsa require a partner, however; you can opt for other options such as the Zumba where a dancing partner is not compulsory.

In most cases, Latin dances are characterized by fast beats of about 160 and 210 beats per minute. This gives the participants an opportunity to burn more calories. The muscles supporting the spine also get a 360 degree workout as the dance involves twisting and pulling the muscles around this region. It involves moving the muscles around the spine region.

Masala Bhangra style
This is one of the most popular India’s Electric Slide dance. In this style, the arms do a lot of work in the entire dancing process. It is categorized as a low pressure workout, dance style. It can be a good workout for the injured rotator cuff muscles.

Jazz dance
In this style, the moves blend the sharp kicks and sultry slides. They require a lot of energy since the dance involves “large and dynamic moves” which requires the use of the entire body. It boosts metabolic rate, hence; very important.

Karate Kata And Health Benefits

The kata are vital in the development of anyone participating in the martial art of karate. The kata have many uses that enable the practitioner to develop throughout their karate training. It is essential that anyone entering into the art has the ability to focus, and that they are prepared to be patient, and realise that certain levels of fitness and stability are required.

Movements in all martial arts should be smooth, and they should appear effortless. One of the most beneficial elements of kata is fitness itself. Both the upper and lower body will be worked on during the moves, so the fitness of an individual partaking in the art will increase.

A full kata session will work most of the major muscle groups in the body. The muscles that are used when performing kata include the hamstrings, calves, quadriceps and the gluteus muscles. The arm muscles that are worked are the biceps, triceps and the shoulders. The back and the neck are also worked throughout kata, as the tensing of these areas, and the control needed, enable them to strengthen.

Another area of fitness that will improve over time is the flexibility of the body. The body needs to bend and relax at specific points of the workout and this involves a lot of stretching, which increases the flexibility of the body.

It is vital that people performing kata learn to breathe properly, as this will assist in the performance of anyone partaking in the art. The mental focus needed to breathe properly can also help in the element of discipline, as the body will need to be trained to breathe at the correct times, and this requires a great deal of concentration.

Concentration levels naturally increase when kata is being performed, as the kicks, blocks and punches need to be performed in a certain sequence. For the more complex kata, this requires a great deal of focus and discipline, as there can be up to 70 different moves in a full sequence. The memory will need to be built up and this also requires great discipline.

The moves and their sequence can be helped with the shouting that occurs in certain stages of the kata. The shout only occurs on the final blows throughout the sequences, and the movements can be picked up a little more easily if the person learning knows when the shout is to occur. The rhythm that the kata induces will help with the memory aspect, and as the body begins to move with more ease, so the moves will become more natural.

The speed and the power created with each move should be effortless, and the more experienced kata practitioners will appear almost dance-like in their movements. This is simply down to fitness and discipline. When practising kata, it is advisable to take things a step at a time, as once each step is mastered, the sequence as a whole will be simpler to complete. Once the hand movements have been perfected, it will be easier to incorporate them into the whole sequence of moves.

Bunkai is the application of the techniques that the kata teaches. This can help with both fitness and discipline, as it is performed in pairs and requires great concentration. Whereas with kata the opponent is imaginary, with bunkai the opponent is real, and this means that new elements to the moves may need to be introduced. The distance between opponents is important, and bunkai can assist with this.

This also helps with the stability of the competitor, as they need to ensure that their starting and finishing positions are kept to. This assists with discipline and the memory aspect of the kata. By following the partners’ moves, learning the moves themselves can be easier. Bunkai is required by some martial arts schools to achieve a grading promotion, and it is essential that kata perfection is achieved before bunkai can be attempted.

The kata can be helpful when it comes to the mind. It teaches the body to react to mental visualizations. The reaction that takes place is a physical one, and by repeating processes again and again, as people need to when practising kata, this increases the conditioning process of the mind. This can also assist with the rhythmic moves that are vital in performing kata correctly.

Practice makes perfect, and the more practice that is put in, the more natural the moves will be to people. Following the rhythm of the kata regularly through practice, helps the mind recall the next move before it needs to occur; this will help with the smoothness of the sequence as a whole.

Kata assists in the overall art of karate greatly, as the movements that are performed help to increase the knowledge of the art in a number of ways. The competitor will learn the importance of the distance needed to effectively block attacks, whilst also being able to predict the distance needed to attack effectively.

Accuracy should be worked on before speed, as if moves are accurate, when the speed is increased, the accuracy will still be present. A karateka who performs the moves accurately will be more relaxed and the relaxation will then enable them to increase speed without even thinking about it.

The techniques used for blocks, punches and kicks are also made more effective with the use of kata, and this will stand a karateka in good stead throughout their training. The use of power and speed are vital in kata and these improve fitness, and discipline. It is important for a student to understand the reason for each move, as this will make them easier to learn and perform.

The Health Benefits of Curry

Basically curry’s medical benefits are derived from their spice rich ingredients; here is the break down of usual spices found in curry (and their benefits):

Turmeric, curry’s main ingredient is recognized by its yellow color. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has long been associated with its healing properties. Used as a common antiseptic in India, turmeric is used regularly to treat damaged skin such as cuts or burns. It’s even being touted as a possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a natural antioxidant which is beneficial to the beautification purposes, not to mention cinnamon oil has antimicrobial properties which prolongs the life of the curry.

Black Pepper – Black pepper has a very long history of medical benefits, the list goes like this: Alleviated hemorrhoids, Alleviates gas, helps constipation, improves digestion, improves appetite lost, promotes sweating (cardio workout), Promotes urination, anti-bacterial effects, natural anti-oxidant, and everyone’s favorite; helps in breaking down fat cells.

Allspice – Allspice is also known as Jamaican pepper, Myrtle pepper. It’s beneficial attribute comes from folklore whereby it provide relief for digestive problems.

Anise – Anise leaves in curry are used to treat digestive problems, toothaches and the oil extract can be used to treat lice and scabies.

Asafoetida – the main medical usage for Asafoetida is for the aid of digestive system, mild cases of asthma, bronchitis and is traditionally used in the aid of children’s cold.

Cardamom – Cardamom is used traditionally in Chinese medicine to treat stomach-aches, constipation, dysentery, and other digestion problems.

Chili Pepper – Red chili peppers are very rich in vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. Additionally, peppers are a good source of most vitamins B, especially B6. Potassium in chili that are high magnesium and iron would really make up for those lazy days.

Clovers – Clovers are reported by many people to be extremely effective in their struggle with nicotine cravings. Well, imagine having craving for curry instead (who’d complaint).

Coriander leaves – Coriander leaves has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iranian folk medicine.

Cumin – Cumin can be really helpful in asthma, common and a booster in immune system during cold and flu season. Capsulated Cumin can be beneficial to hair and nails, and if mixed with moisturized cream you can reap the benefits of a healthier skin.

After listing only a fraction of the benefits for eating curry, the people that gave the word curry should really give it a new identity, not as a combination of different herbs, but a combination of different medical miracles that really taste GOOD.

Health Benefits of the Virgin Bloody Mary Drink

Cocktails are a lot of fun no matter what the environment. There are some people who simply do not want to drink cocktails because they do not enjoy the negative health effects which they face by drinking too much alcohol. This causes people to avoid cocktails altogether, but there are many cocktails which can be made in a non alcoholic version which will have great health benefits for you. One of the best recipes you can have without alcohol is the virgin Bloody Mary drink. So, put away the punch and the wine. Put the beer back in the fridge and get ready to try a recipe for a healthier cocktail everyone can enjoy.

Why the Bloody Mary is Healthy

The main ingredient in a Bloody Mary is the main reason why the drink is so healthy to begin with. The tomato juice which is used for the cocktail includes many different vitamins in a concentrated dosage. One of the most abundant vitamins is Lycopene. This is a water soluble vitamin which is very good for your heart. It helps in removing clogs which are caused by plaque in your arteries as well as other heart maladies.

You will also find a lot of vitamin C in tomato juice. Many people are unaware of how much vitamin C you can get from a tomato. Since Tomato juice contains all of the water from the tomato, you are getting every ounce of vitamin C the tomato has to offer. What better way to enjoy it than with the spicy concoction that is the Bloody Mary drink. You will even find you will consume less sugar and sodium than you will if you were to drink a soft drink of the same volume.

How to Increase the Health Benefits

While the standard Bloody Mary is already pretty healthy, you will enjoy even more benefits when you pair it with a stalk of celery or even add celery puree to your mixture. Adding garlic and onions is another great heart healthy way to drink yourself into a healthier future. Even the addition of the spice is a great way to increase metabolism and awaken the senses. You can find this in horseradish or in hot sauce. Both of these are common ingredients. Use fresh lime juice in the cocktail and the health benefits will go through the roof.

Some may try to tell about how wines have been proven to help reduce fat and increase heart functions. While there might be some truth to this, drinking any alcohol is simply not for everyone. This does not mean you have to miss out on all of the health benefits which are available to you through a properly prepared beverage. You can enjoy a Bloody Mary drink and your body will thank you for it. The best part is, this is a cocktail you can share with the entire family even if they like to drink alcohol. No one will miss the vodka if you have a good recipe to share.

Health Benefits Of Chicken Curry Recipes

Chicken

Chicken is an excellent source of protein and contains less fat than most meats, especially the breast which contains half the fat of a steak. Chicken is a good source of niacin, which possesses cancer fighting properties as well as the trace mineral selenium.

It is also a good source of vitamin B6, which in conjunction with niacin, is good for energy production by helping the body’s conversion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into usable energy, as well as good cardiovascular health.

Onion and garlic

Onion and garlic are frequently used in curry recipes and both have protective effects – onion has been shown to protect against stomach and colon cancers for instance and garlic is well known for its anti-fungal and antibiotic properties. When cooked it is less powerful, but supposedly is good for the cardiovascular system.

Onion has also been used for centuries to treat coughs, colds and asthma as well as angina, bacterial infections, and breathing problems, while The World Health Organization recommends the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent arteriosclerosis.

Spices

While many people associate spices with the strong flavours of Indian food, they forget that like all foodstuffs they can provide important nutritional value.

For example both Ginger and turmeric appear to have an anti-inflammatory effect making them suitable for the treatment of arthritis. Unsurprisingly ginger does contain chemicals similar to those found in conventional anti-inflammatory medications, although it also acts to thin the blood, while turmeric seems to suppress the chemicals responsible for causing inflammation.

Cinnamon has also been identified as being important in the inflammatory response and a small amount taken every day will help lower the risk of factors leading to type 2 diabetes and heart disease by as much as 10 to 30 percent, although the jury is still out on cinnamon’s anti-bacterial properties.

As well as its anti-inflammatory properties, one component of ginger, known as gingerol, has been shown to reduce the effects of nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness as well as possessing cancer-fighting attributes.

And cayenne pepper, responsible for much of the heat of a curry, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties too – it seems to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and may be useful as an analgesic too.

The Health Benefits of Oak Aged Wines and Spirits

There are several aspects to any health benefits of oak aged wines and spirits. The first component is the wine or spirit itself. It has been thought for a long time, and recent research seems to back it up, that moderate consumption of 1 or two alcoholic drinks per day can increase the average lifespan of an otherwise healthy person. It has been shown to raise the good HDL cholesterol, prevent blood platelet clumping and sticking which cause deadly blood clots that lead to heart attack and stroke, and also to combat prevent the taking on of parasites in regions where safe drinking water is not the norm. Wine and grape spirits contain many healthy polyphenol antioxidants, resveratrol, and gallic acid, which all combat cell damage which can lead to cancer. The action of antioxidants has long been known to give anticancer benefits, and the potent antioxidants in red wine, wine, and grape spirits, are no exception. Red wine has even more since the dark red pigment from the grape skins contains the most antioxidant content. Flavonoids and resveratrol go further by preventing the platelet stickiness that leads to deadly blood clots which result in heart attack and stroke.

The second aspect of oak aged spirits is a particularly potent antioxidant found in the oak barrels. It is the same antioxidant which is found in many fruits and vegetable matter, such as grapes, strawberries, walnuts, pecans, raspberries, pomegranates, and other natural produce. It is called ellagic acid, and it is highly concentrated in the oak wood that the aging barrels are made of. This chemical is leeched into the aging spirit during the lengthy oak aging. During the temperature fluctuations common in spirit aging environments, the liquid penetrates the wood barrel and comes out again, many times over, thus infusing the liquid with plenty of ellagic acid from the oak. This would happen with any oak aged liquid, most commonly aged wines, cognac, brandies, bourbon & scotch whiskies, and even some aged rums. All of these alcoholic beverages contain hefty amounts of ellagic acid, as well as the many other substances that are inherent in the drinks themselves before the aging process.

Ellagic acid has been shown to cause cell death in cancer cells. It is also thought that it prevents carcinogens from binding to DNA. As we all know, DNA damage passed on through replication can result in cancerous mutations. It also strengthens connective tissue resulting in the prevention of the cancer from spreading. Ellagic acid also reduces heart disease, liver fibrosis, birth defects, and it promotes wound healing. It has also been shown to prevent tumor growth, bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, leukemia, and prostate cancer. It is also antimicrobial.

Oak aged wines and spirits contain many health promoting compounds, as well as ellagic acid from grapes (in grape spirits and wine) as well as from the oak barrels which they are aged in. Remember that the key to integrating these drinks into a healthy diet is moderation. In the case of alcoholic beverages, more is not better, and you should stick to the one or two drink per day limit or risk turning a health benefit into a liability. Enjoy responsibly and you can have a longer and tastier life.