We have been eating various kinds of meats as part of our diets ever since childhood. In present years nutritionists have been constantly warning us about the repercussions of eating meat centric diets. In this article I will try to separate the healthy meats from the much publicized “unhealthy meats”. The title of “healthiest meat” is won by turkey meat.

Let’s start with the most common beef. Per 100 grams it contains 5.1grams fat and 136 calories. Almost half of the fat is monounsaturated fat (heart friendly fat). Pork per 100grams contains 4 grams fat and 123 calories, pigs are immensely reared, so there is higher chance of chemical containment in pork.

Next comes lamb; per 100 grams it contains 8.3 grams of fat and 156 calories, lamb meat however, is regarded as fatty meat (unhealthy fat), but since, it is the least reared animal, it is comparatively healthy. Ham per 100grams contains 3.3grams fat and 107 calories; packaged ham has high doses of salt and flavorings and, hence, should only be eaten in moderation.

Venison per 100 grams contains 2.4 grams of fat and 120 calories. Since, it tends to be wild is the best choice in healthiest meats and ideal for red meat lovers. Bacon per 100grams contains 16.5 grams of fat and 215 calories. Like ham, it is high on preservative salts that are the central point of cancer scares. Likewise, you should indulge in bacon moderately.

Turkey per 100 grams contains 1 gram of fat and 119 calories, turkey meat is rich in B vitamins, zinc and tryptophan (a brain improving nutrient). Duck per 100grams contain 11.2 grams of fat, it’s a very fatty meat comprising of saturated fats (not heart friendly fats), but it is considered healthy as it contains big portions of iron, zinc and B vitamins.
Finally it’s the turn most common type of white meat: chicken. Per 100 grams it contains 3.2 grams of fat not counting skin and 116 calories. It is full of iron, zinc and B12. The healthiest chicken meats are the ones that are intensely farmed meats as they contain high portions of well, everything!

Although chronic depression is a form of low-grade depression that can last for many years, it is very serious. It is also known as dysthymic disorder or dysthymia. In a few words, dysthymia is a form of depression that last for at least two years without any significant decrease in its severity. According to estimates chronic depression is found in roughly six in every hundred people. Contrary to clinical depression, chronic depression does not prevent a person from functioning in his normal roles. However, it does prevent enjoyment of everyday life events. People with dysthymia continuously have feelings of “reject-ness” and often find themselves in state of despair.

Even though it is generally accepted that depression can be substantially devastating, many people believe that they can overcome these feeling on their own, and without going for proper treatment. Accordingly, people with chronic depression may not be able to identify that they have a treatable disorder, or many will not try to seek treatment out of shame and stigma. It depends how individuals perceive and understand depression that determines how they will manage and likewise, treat this illness.

Since, chronic depression is a long-term disorder, for its treatment drugs are not the ideal solution. The various forms of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, couples therapy, solution-focused therapy, family therapy and interpersonal therapy should be considered as long-term treatments for chronic depression.

Even though, drugs are not the ideal treatment, researchers have shown a significant decrease in chronic depression symptoms with the use of antidepressants. Favorable outcomes and results have been obtained by the use of omega-3 fatty acids, regardless of whether consumed as supplement or as oily fish. There are still ample of blanks to be filled by future research regarding the use of drugs for treatment of chronic depression, as according to a 2005 review the evidence suggesting antidepressants to be an effective alternative for mild to moderate depression is “inconsistent and confusing”

Did you know that gum disease and not old age is the main reason why 80% of U.S citizens loose their teeth! Gum diseases do not only occur in people at the age of your grandparents, it is very common in teenagers. Gum diseases can be, for instance cause for bad breath which can be very embarrassing or can be serious ones resulting in tooth loss and painful procedures. These things are not just painful but also embarrassing as you walk around with a metal structure in your mouth.
The medical term for gum disease is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is actually an infection of the bones and the tissues that support the teeth. Gum diseases can range from plain gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious diseases that consequently damage the bone.

Gum diseases are mainly caused by the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is an invisible muggy layer of bacteria and germs that naturally forms on the teeth and gums and if not removed forms tartar. Nearly hundreds of bacteria live in this plaque and snacking upon starchy food and sugar increase the acids which penetrate the tooth enamel. Now, ever wondered why “brushing and flossing regularly” slogan was taught so many times in childhood?
Everyone is at risk of having gum diseases, but certain teens are more prone to developing this disease, for example, some teens may have inherited this tendency, or the ones who braces can have a difficult time brushing away the plaque. Smoking, diabetes, Down syndrome, and lousy diets can also increase the risk of gum diseases.

Serious gum diseases like periodontitis (which are not so easy to control once developed) are widespread. They can be treated by Scaling, root planning, antibiotics, surgery, and gingival grafting. Fortunately, there is good news: serious gum diseases that happen to be very painful can be prevented with simple solutions! You just need to brush and floss and take good care of teeth. If you have trouble trying to brush for the recommended 3 minutes, try remembering your favorite song it’s got to be at least 3 minutes long!

Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small amounts for proper nutrition. A daily intake of milk and milk products, bread and cereal, egg yolk, fish liver oils, green vegetables, nuts, fruits and meats, fish or poultry sufficiently provide you with all the vitamins you need. These foods should be prepared in a manner that preserves and retains their vitamin content. For instance, overcooking of vegetables or exposure to air diminishes the vitamin content in foods. If you take a balanced diet, you will never need vitamin supplements.

Deficiency of vitamins can be stimulated by diseases and drugs, and are common in affluent countries. There is no doubt that lack of vitamins will result in illness, but over-dosage of vitamins can cause major medical problems, excessive vitamin A (retinol) can cause enlargement of liver and spleen, hair and weight loss and severe headaches; in children excess vitamin A can retard growth while, chronic vitamin D (calciferol) can cause nausea, constipation or diarrhea, high blood pressure; and in children vitamin D overdoses can impair physical and mental development. Hence, it is always advised to overzealous parents not to buy vitamin fortified candies for their children advertised on television.

Excess of vitamin K can be very harmful for new born babies, especially premature ones. Large excess of vitamin E can cause disturbances in the reproductive functions of the body. Excess and accumulation of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can prove to be toxic and excess of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can cause severe diarrhea and cases of development of gout has also been reported.

People take extra supplements of vitamins as they believe that vitamins pills will grow hair, curb appetite, or make one look youthful, this is all false publicity to sell vitamin supplements. It should be made clear that vitamins are needed in only small amounts but those small amounts are vital for good health, we must stick to a balanced diet comprising appropriate amounts of all vitamins!