Have you ever experienced a sudden, unexplainable bout of chest pain? Chances are, you are not alone. More than 6 million people in America alone experience this chest pain, specially when the heart muscle doesn’t get an adequate flow of oxygen-carrying blood. This condition is known in the medical world as – Angina.

What is Angina? Usually, when you experience an intense chest pain, the problem lies with your heart. Triggered by ischemia, your heart doesn’t get all the blood it needs when you are under violent emotions or physical stress. Many people have felt like there is something squeezing their hearts, as if a heavy pressure lies on top of their chests.

Do you feel over-worked? You can experience stable angina when you do physical exercises. This is totally predictable, since you know the regular pattern of its occurrence. Your chest pain will normally subside after taking a few minutes of rest, or after having taken anti-angina pills.

On the other hand, unstable Angina can be very fatal and it needs immediate medical attention. One will experience chest pain even while the body is at rest. This happens more to older people, which can lead to heart attack. If you have this type of Angina, don’t ever try self-treatment and seek medical care.

What are the signs and symptoms of Angina? The very tricky part about this condition is that it can mimic chest pains caused by indigestion, heart burn, muscle spasm, or even asthma. You must watch out for pain behind the breast bone, arms, neck, jaws, or your back. Until proven otherwise, you are left guessing what your pain really is.

Unfortunately, you are really what you eat and to avoid having angina – you have to really watch your diet. Less salt, fat, and calories means more health. Give up smoking and keep on moving. Exercise can also help you relieve stress and maintain your ideal weight as well.

Is there a Wonder Diet that truly Works Against Angina?

YES. You must know that angina happens because of atherosclerosis. You can eat your way to health and get rid of those arterial plaques for good. Here are some helpful tips:

• Limit yourself to less than 6 ounces of poultry, meat and seafood daily

• Choose lean meat and remove all the fats

• Avoid the skin of your poultry

• Serve more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains on your daily diet

• Skip pastries from your local bakery

• Use olive oil instead of butter or margarine

• Love pure, dark chocolates

• Switch to agave or honey for your sweetener

• Love your ayurvedic herbs such as hawthorn and kudzu

Moderation is the key in making this wonder diet work. This is only a fraction of your preventive care. If you can, avoid all forms of stress that can make your blood pressure skyrocket. Remember that angina is not a heart attack, but it can definitely lead to one.

Your doctor will run several tests to know if you are a candidate for Angina or not. This would include Electrocardiogram ( ECG ) that records your heart activity by putting electrodes on your chest. You might be asked to do rounds on a treadmill or stationary bike during a stress test. Some doctors might even suggest EBCT ( electron beam computed tomography ) or MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ). Most importantly, unstable angina should never be self-treated.

A simple way to de-stress yourself is to simply relax and meditate in the solitude of your own private space. Master your whole body and have total control over your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Live Healthy. Eat Hearty. Be Stress-Free!

Like music, your heart needs a balanced rhythm in order for your body to work at its optimum. Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood with its four chambers, and this is done in sequenced beats. When this sequence is interrupted, your heart then experiences a condition known as Arrhythmia.

What exactly is Arrythmia? When your heart beats abnormally, you experience arrythmia. This means that your heart doesn’t effectively distributes oxygen-carrying blood to where it is needed. Your heart may skip a beat, or produce an extra beat, which is mostly caused by very intense emotions or physical exercises. Some arrythmias can be temporary, and some are benign.

What are the categories of Arrythmia? There are two types: Supraventricular and Ventricular. Supraventricular Arrhythmia happens on the heart’s upper chambers, known as the Atrium, while Ventricular Arrythmia occurs on the heart’s lower chambers called Ventricles. Both are defined by the speed of a heart beat.

How to know if you suffer Arrythmia:

• Rapid chest palpitations or pulse

• Being light-headed

• Unexplainable Tiredness

• Loss of Consciousness

• Difficulty Breathing

• Dizziness

• Cold Sweats

• Discomforts in the neck and chest

There are many factors causing arrythmia. A person should avoid feeling violent emotions like anger and fear. Having a coronary heart disease can trigger abnormal heart beats. Another factor is Atherosclerosis, when arterial plaque builds up on the inside walls of your artery. Add to it your daily dose of stress, unhealthy diet, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol – all of which makes a harmful cocktail in aggravating this malady.

Effective treatment of arrythmia means prevention from serious heart diseases. Other than having a complete, healthy lifestyle change, you can also do these:

• Have Regular Checks

• Understand the Risk of Your Condition

• Discuss Options with Your Trusted Physician

• Monitor Your Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels

• Follow Your Treatment Plan Rigorously

• Take Your Prescription Medicines on Time

• Report Any Changes to Your Doctor ( as soon as possible )

Can Arrythmia Be Cured – Without Pills?

Although it is wise to follow your doctor’s advice in taking your maintenance pills daily, having an alternative back-up solution won’t hurt too. This means you will have to love your fruits, specially your fruit juices.

Your body needs to heal from within and you get a good power dose of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and many more unique vitamins and minerals when you drink your juice. Peach and Apricot juices are known to strengthen your heart muscles and some people says it cured their arrythmia. If you are recovering from a serious disease or surgery, you may love pomegranate juice. Your favorite apple juice will even help you unclog your arteries, making your heart pump a good flow of blood into your body.

According to statistics, about 2 million Americans suffer heart arrythmia and about 20% of healthy adults experience abnormal heart beats in a day. In the end, managing your stress will help a lot in protecting yourself against this potentially-fatal condition. Before being so flared up with anger, think twice. Ask Yourself: Is it worth risking your very heart’s health?

Posted in Heart Health ]]> http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/finding-natural-remedies-for-cardiac-arrythmia/feed/ 0 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/25/stop-arterial-plaque-with-fruit-juices/ http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/25/stop-arterial-plaque-with-fruit-juices/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 10:01:13 +0000 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/?p=103 Continue reading →]]>

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of many heart diseases that lead to stroke, paralysis, or even death. Imagine your kitchen drain. It needs to be clear of debris in order for water to flow smoothly. The same thing goes with your arteries. There should be no plaque build-up, in order for blood to reach all your vital organs and cells to keep your body healthy.

Your arteries are responsible in making sure you have an adequate supply of oxygen and blood to your heart, brain, and other body parts. When these blood vessels are blocked, it can cause many serious cardiovascular diseases. These nasty plaques becomes hard, covering the inside walls of your arteries. It can be made up of many substances like fat, LDL cholesterol, calcium, and many others.

You must be warned that some people with Atherosclerosis don’t usually experience any symptoms, until their first heart stroke. Depending on which arteries are affected, this condition can develop into the dreaded coronary artery disease, which is the No. 1 killer in the world. It can also lead to carotid artery disease when there is not enough blood supply to your brain. A person may also suffer peripheral arterial disease that creates numbness or pain on the arms, legs, or pelvis.

No one is safe from arterial plaque and studies are still being made to find the most potent cure. The big question now is: Can You Do Something About It?

Yes. In fact, a new research proves that drinking apple juice or eating apples helps a lot in fighting Atherosclerosis. Like grapes, apples have been found to reduce arterial plaques that can harden the arteries. Both fruits are rich in antioxidants – be it the whole fruit or the fruit juice version.

What is the secret? Researchers think that the heart-healthy benefits of fruits came from a compound known as phenols. Even pomegranate, orange, pineapple, and grape fruit makes a perfect juice for your heart.

Before you even grab a bottle of commercially-made juices, you must know that freshly-made fruit juices are better. For this, you may want to grab yourself a powerful fruit juicer to give you a fresh glass of your favorite tasty blend every morning. Not only will you feel energized without the sugar crash, but you also give your body a boost of health-giving Phytonutrients. These plant nutrients helps your body get optimal energy to fight the stress of modern-day living and serious damages brought by free radicals. Fruits have a wonderful way of healing us from the inside to the very skin on our bodies and the power to make that healthy choice is always in your hands.

Doctors can only advise you to have a lifestyle change in warding off Atherosclerosis. This means putting exercises, healthy-eating habits, and a healthy lifestyle into your daily routine. If you can do so, try to quit smoking and lessen your alcohol intake, specially when you have a family history of coronary heart disease. Remember, fruit juices may not be the ultimate cure, but there’s no harm in drinking up a glass or two each day, to keep your body living healthy and your mind… worry – free.

We have all heard how cholesterol makes us prone to cardiovascular diseases and that we must, at all times, watch our cholesterol levels. Ordinary people and medical experts have been throwing the blame to high cholesterol levels that make the heart weak. Everything is all about cholesterol, or is it really the nasty culprit that it seems to be?

Fact: Not All Cholesterol are Bad

There are many misconceptions about cholesterol and you should know that there is a good cholesterol too. These fatty compounds are mostly seen in your bloodstream, flowing to every cell of your body. Without cholesterol, you cannot produce cell membranes and the hormones you need. In short, it may be called your ” necessary evil ” in keeping your body on the go.

What exactly is good cholesterol? HDL cholesterol or High-density Lipoprotein is our ally in keeping our heart safe from diseases. This carries all the bad cholesterol away from your arteries, flushes them out to the liver and definitely – out of your body for good! This good cholesterol acts like a magnet, attracting bad cholesterols from forming plaques into your arteries.

In every story, there’s a protagonist and an antagonist. LDL cholesterol or Low-density Lipoprotein is the opposite of HDL. It slowly forms in the inner walls of your arteries which carries blood to your heart and brain. This results to clots, also known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart stroke.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to cholesterol. Here are the top 3 Myths about Cholesterol:

Margarine is Better than Butter

Think again. Both of these are high in fat and one must use them in moderation. Learn to limit your intake of saturated and trans fat. Oils or liquid versions of your favorite margarine are better than your bar or spread. Always be on the lookout for Zero Trans Fat when checking out your food labels.

You don’t have to Worry about Cholesterol if You are Thin

Really? Just because one looks fit and healthy doesn’t give that person an excuse to be complacent. Although obese people are more prone to high cholesterol levels, thin people must also have regular checks. Besides, heart disease can strike almost anyone.

Only Middle-Aged People Need to have Their Cholesterol Checked

Heart disease can strike anytime, anywhere… and to anybody it chooses. A healthy person must regularly check for his or her cholesterol levels starting at age 20. Even obese children or those who have a family history of heart disease must consult their health-care practitioner for preventive measures.

Learn this: What You Eat has Great Effects on Your Cholesterol Level

Making that lifestyle change to a healthier you is a tough thing to do, especially with your eating habits. By taking in more fruits and vegetables, you also help your body lower its cholesterol levels. If you don’t like eating it fresh and raw, there are plenty of online casseroles and soup recipes that you will surely enjoy. In the end, it is a balanced combination of heart-healthy foods, healthy habits, and moderate exercises which will keep you living healthy – for good.

Posted in Heart Health ]]> http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/cholesterol-wars-ldl-vs-hdl/feed/ 0 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/natures-best-against-coronary-heart-disease/ http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/natures-best-against-coronary-heart-disease/#comments Sat, 23 May 2009 01:49:54 +0000 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/?p=99 Continue reading →]]>

Coronary heart disease is a top killer not only in America, but the whole world, and this disease doesn’t respect age, sex, race, or even religion. According to the American Heart Association, more than 36 million American women of ages 55 or older have been in high risk to cardiovascular disease. The study have been made in the year 2005 and there is a major ongoing campaign to raise public health awareness, specially in older women.

What exactly is Coronary Heart Disease? The human heart needs a healthy supply of blood to nourish the heart and other vital body organs. Today’s modern lifestyle have created unhealthy trends that created oxidation in our bodies. We all know that our body is like a car, and we need to maintain it properly for it to work efficiently. Our body needs a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients to keep it going. When the arteries are clogged, blood flow is limited, and injury happens.

Even before adolescence, fat can already build up on your blood vessel walls. Sadly, the older we get, the thicker these unhealthy deposits can get. Some of these are soft, and there are just those tough blood clots that wouldn’t fade away that easily.

The battle between coronary heart disease had been very difficult with women, especially when misconceptions still exist and this disease is not seen as a real dilemma. Early detection means early prevention. This means that before you wait for that stroke to strike without notice, you must do something to keep your body healthy. It is a fact that 15 to 30 percent of people who survived stroke are disabled – for life. That alone should be a reason enough to stay vigilant.

Is there a safe, proven, natural way to fight coronary heart disease? The answer is – YES. A study made in August 2001 in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that those women who were on a diet high in fruits and vegetables are less likely to be a candidate of coronary heart disease. There is truly a wisdom behind the saying: Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables Everyday.

How do we know which fruits or veggies are best for us? You may check the latest nutrient information to get the best out of your local produce, or make a fusion of your favorites. It is important to have a healthy habit too. You can’t eat fruits rich in antioxidants and smoke at the same time. This just defeats the purpose. Also, always find time to exercise. Even a 10-minute walk daily can help a lot.

When it comes to disease prevention, always look for nature’s very best. Fruits and vegetables may not be your typical tasty treat, but your body needs all the antioxidant it can get to defend itself. Get a dose of foods rich in Folate, if you can. The modern, smart woman knows how to pro-actively check her blood cholesterol level and manage a healthy weight. She definitely loves her dose of reds, greens, yellow, and oranges – which will help her live life to the max.

Today’s fast paced, modern lifestyle makes us miss out on our daily healthy servings of fruits and vegetables. When nutritionists tell us to take at least five servings of these hearty orange, red and greens everyday, we just don’t have the time to do it. Most often, we feast on a breakfast full of acid, fats, starch, and carbohydrates – from orange juices, toasts, omelette’s, bacons, pancakes, sausages and more.

What we eat during the day might give us all that energy needed to keep us going, but we might be unaware of the damage we bring to our bodies. The problem with today’s food-on-the-go is the amount of acid it gives us. Acid means toxins and our bodies need a pH level of 7.356 to be healthy. Imbalances on the pH scale would either result to being underweight or overweight. Acidosis can make our bodies sick, and we need all the Alkaline we can get from our foods.

Which foods are rich in Alkaline?

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday can help restore your body’s pH levels. Other than this, whole grains and legumes also help you get your Alkaline fix. Just remember not to drink and eat all at once, and chew your foods properly to get the best alkaline fluid for your body.

Which foods are Acid-forming?

Most foods rich in acid are usually the ones that we really can’t avoid eating. These include poultry, meat, fish, refined sugars, and processed foods. Many of our food today are spiked with dangerous food additives like aspartame, MSG, and chemical preservatives, which heightens the effect of acid in our bodies. Having too much acid in the body can mean disease, on top of your daily stress, unhealthy diet and lack of proper exercise.

What are the Health Benefits of a Balanced pH Level in Your Body?

• You will have a better protection against free radicals damage and premature aging, specially from Chlorophyll-rich fruits and vegetables

• Your body will achieve better immunity from cardiovascular and digestive diseases. Because your blood pressure is kept at a healthy level, this means a healthy supply of blood and oxygen throughout your organs, tissues and cells.

• Your will also be free from toxins and toxin-related diseases like cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, arthritis, osteoporosis and various neurological diseases. Alkaline simply means detoxification.

• You will have a better digestion because of enzymes found in fruits and vegetables. This means the nutrients will be easily absorbed by your body.

It is recommended that one should include 75 to 80 percent of Alkaline-rich foods in a diet to keep the body healthy. It is never too late to balance your body’s pH level by taking a healthy amount of your green foods. Restore your health, be energized and feel the difference!

Not all berries are created equal, and when it comes to antioxidant powers, cranberries beat your blueberries, fair and square. These red berries are not only great for those holiday cheers, from your Christmas fruit baskets to your sumptuous Thanksgiving cranberry dishes. Grown in temperate climates, cranberries are highly nutritious fruits better than your average vitamin pill. From the aroma-rich raw fruit to your bottle of cranberry juice, you are only sure of having the best of both fitness and health.

Here are the Top Reasons why Cranberries are Great for Your Body:

Cranberries Means Anti-Oxidants

Not only rich in phytonutrients, studies have shown that cranberries contain more antioxidants than 19 of your most popular fruits. The healing power in cranberries plays a vital role in keeping your heart healthy. We all know that free radicals can cause certain types of cancer and premature aging, and cranberries help fight these damaging effects. You’ll feel better and look younger with these tasty reds.

Cranberries Fight Urinary Tract Disorders

The Proanthocyanidins or PAC in cranberries prevents bacteria from making havoc in our body’s urinary tract. The anti-adhesive property of cranberries makes it hard for E.Coli bacteria to stick to the bladder and uterus’ cell walls. Not only will your body be clean of harmful toxins, but you’ll also have healthy gums and stomach as well. This means reduced risk from dental plaques, stomach ulcers and kidney stones.

Cranberries are Great for Weight Loss

Studies have shown that the sweet tart scent of fruits helps in curbing your cravings caused by stress. The smell of cranberries alone can stimulate your hypothalamus, controlling your urge to eat more of those unhealthy foods. These bright reds also give you energy and stamina to keep you stay active and fit.

Cranberries are a Beauty Must-Have

Not only will cranberries make you feel good from the inside, but it can also restore your skin’s radiance, making you glow naturally. The ellagic acid in this fruit cleans out the toxins and dirt from your skin, all the way down to your pores, which makes you radiant with life. This is the reason why cranberries can make a good facial scrub or a luscious gloss for your pout.

There’s no reason why you can’t splurge on cranberries since these are always available in your local market. Fresh cranberries will always taste great, giving you the heartiest benefit. Always go for natural and organic fruits and vegetables, without the extra preservative mostly found in canned or bottled products.

Mother nature’s super green foods from the sea have been the oldest health food in the world, shared by humans and animals alike, as far as the prehistoric years. We have all evolved from the sea and the best way to supplement our vitamin and mineral deficiencies is to get them from marine plants and algae.

Spirulina is one of the first blue-green algae on Earth which is proven to be super healthy for the body. Many people in developing nations are taking Spirulina as a health supplement and its popular immune-strengthening properties have spread like wildfire all over the world. Studies say that Spirulina is better than your average soy and carrots. This means getting 60% more vegetable protein, plenty of beta carotene and a unique dose of antioxidants not found in your local produce.

Chlorella may be just another “Brain Food” , but this green algae is really helpful in making sure you have a healthy supply of red blood cells that carries oxygen to your entire body. Plants may not be the only living thing needing Chlorophyll. We need it too. What makes Chlorella great is being a mega-detoxifier, making sure our bodies get rid of those harmful toxins that make us sick.

Put these two wonder algae together and you have the purest green food that nature can give. There are very few products out there giving you the healthiest super tag team of Spirulina and Chlorella. This means you get the best of antioxidants plus detoxification.

What exactly will you get from Spirulina and Chlorella? Here are reasons why choosing both will give you the healthiest option:

Super Antioxidants

Not only will you feel good, but you will also look better. Spirulina’s antioxidant powers are potent enough to fight free radicals that causes cancer in your healthy cells. This also means an added defense against premature aging. Spirulina also helps block viral diseases, and studies are being made on its effect against HIV, which causes deadly AIDS. Chlorella and Spirulina’s high Beta-Carotene content, combined with other essential nutrients, will surely be your best ally in health.

Better Immune System

Both Chlorella and Spirulina gives your body an extra defense to boost your healthy lifestyle. Not only will you have a healthy blood circulation, but you will also have a reduced risk from allergic reaction brought by histamines. The high protein content, amino acids, iron and other vitamins and minerals are great for your bones and joints. Women and children suffering iron deficiency will greatly benefit from this super tandem.

Better Food Digestion

Both Spirulina and Chlorella will help your body maintain its healthy pH level. These greens rich in Alkaline will neutralize the acid found in your soda, coffee, sugar, alcohol,and meat. Chlorella gives you enzymes that are beneficial to your intestinal tract, making your body digest food efficiently.

Super Detox

Spirulina and Chlorella are both rich in Chlorophyll, which aids the body in getting rid of toxins. These smart algae will not bind to your essential nutrients, which means targeting only those wastes your body needs to flush out.

Healthier Heart

The enzymes in Spirulina and Chlorella make sure you have a healthy flow of blood, sugar and oxygen in your body. This means having a reduced risk from heart attack and stroke, which are the biggest silent killer in the world. With these algae, your body is guaranteed of great energy and metabolism for optimum health.

No one has ever reported to have side effects with Spirulina and Chlorella, and both are safe, healthy food supplements. These super green foods are not only beneficial to humans, but to our planet as well, producing more oxygen than than all the trees in the forests can ever yield.

Posted in Nutrition ]]> http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/healthiest-tandem-chlorella-and-spirulina/feed/ 0 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/fruit-smoothies-health-myth-exposed/ http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/fruit-smoothies-health-myth-exposed/#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 01:28:45 +0000 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/?p=90 Continue reading →]]>

Summer means smoothies, where these refreshingly cool and tasty fruit blends are a major hit among all ages. Smoothie bars are making skyrocketing sales and long queues during this hot season. The promise of having that healthy dose of fruits, plus the image of being one mega healthy snack, makes smoothies so popular that many are sipping this hype.

What you never know can’t hurt you and the truth is, you’re better off having a slice of cake than drinking your way to calorie overload. There are hidden, ugly truths you need to know before ordering another blend of your fave fruit mix.

Unless you skip all those sugar, you’ll be packing a whole lot of sugar wallop than you can ever recall. Some smoothies are spiked with high-fructose corn syrup or highly refined sugar, which are contributing factors to obesity. This means adding more sugar content to the natural ones the fruits already have. Many commercial smoothies are packed up to a whopping 600 calories. This means getting your sugar high, which will be followed by a sudden crash, making your body want to get more sugar for energy. Other than this, corn syrup can also cause mild allergic reactions like that of having hay fever at Spring.

Myth: Smoothies Power Boosters are Extra Healthy for You

We see many smoothie bars offering designer blends where they promise an extra boost for your needs – from weight loss, energy boosters to essential vitamins. These blends are sold to be the healthiest green snack, with all the tasty flavor and style. What you don’t know is that these extras are mostly chemical fillers made of synthetic compounds. They don’t even get absorbed properly into your body and your local retailer might not be held accountable for the added ingredient. The only way to be safe is to know if those extras are organic and toxin-free.

Myth: Sugar Free or Light Smoothies are Totally Healthy

Just because you have skipped the sugar doesn’t mean you are sipping that glass of your healthy blend. It is always good to ask what kind of sweeteners are being laced on your drink. Between sugar and artificial sweeteners, the first one is the lesser evil. Asparteme have been questioned as a food additive, since it can give lots of nasty side effects like headaches, migraines, memory loss, lymphoma and fibromyalgia. This doesn’t mean you have to skip smoothies at all. You have to be careful with your choices and if you can’t stop that sweet tooth, choose organic agave or raw honey instead.

Studies have shown that smoothies are the culprits behind tooth decay among kids. The sugar and acid flush causes dental erosion and damage to the tooth enamel. This means tooth decay and bacteria which can greatly affect your oral hygiene.. If you’re going to drink up, wait for 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, which gives time for your mouth to restore its natural pH levels.

Choose Well. Get Smart with Your Smoothie!

Posted in Nutrition ]]> http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/fruit-smoothies-health-myth-exposed/feed/ 0 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/sweet-potatoes-for-a-sweeter-health/ http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/sweet-potatoes-for-a-sweeter-health/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 01:54:27 +0000 fit4maui http://fit4maui.wordpress.com/?p=88 Continue reading →]]>

Sweet Potatoes have been a favorite Thanksgiving treat for many years and people are still in the dark on the mega health benefits they give to one’s diet. Commonly known as yam, this tuber with heart-shaped leaves comes in a variety of colors – purple, red, light yellow or white, depending on where they are grown.

Called as Ipomoea Batatas in the scientific world, it must be noted that there are two kinds of sweet potatoes: dry and moist. This vegetable is full of fiber and beta-carotene which are equal to those found in carrots. Rich in Vitamin C and Potassium, just a small yam can give you half of your daily needs.

Here are the Top Reasons to Love Sweet Potatoes:

1. Sweet Potatoes are rich in antioxidants which give your body the strongest defense against free radicals damage. Not only do sweet potatoes taste great, but these are superb immunity boosters as well.

2. Stopping your sweet tooth with sweet potatoes can keep you feeling full for hours. Contrary to popular belief that all potatoes are bad, this vegetable is an exception to the rule. Rich in starch yet being fat-free, sweet potatoes will fill you with healthy fiber to keep you stay in shape.

3. Sweet potatoes are good substitutes for rice and are easily digested. If you want to build muscle mass, you may want to snack on these hearty treats that give you a powerhouse of energy to keep you active.

4. The aroma of sweet potatoes are great in giving relief to those suffering nasal congestion to asthma. The anti-inflammatory properties of this vegetable is so unique that no other potatoes share its quality.

5. The mix of essential nutrients like Vitamin-B complex, magnesium and zinc helps ease your joint pains caused by arthritis. Water used for boiling sweet potatoes can also be applied as a topical agent to ease your pain.

Remember to choose the reddish variety if you are after its potent aroma. If you like juicier flesh, go for the pale variety. A baked sweet potato ( 3 oz ) contains zero fat and 90 calories, which makes feasting on it a smarter choice than your favorite bag of potato chips.