Welcome to Hokto’s new website! My name is Leslie Kay and I am a registered dietitian, author and frequent presenter on the various topics of food and nutrition. My specialty area is working with clients and patients that want a more natural approach to better health by increasing foods in the diet that contain unique properties that help to prevent or manage an illness or disease. For example, adding enough fish oil to the diet can help lower triglyceride levels; increasing fiber can help manage glucose levels, and adding the right combination of nuts and plant foods can help manage high blood pressure and heart disease.
Tag: healthy
National Men’s Health Week: Men, Umami and Hokto Mushrooms
National Men’s Health Week is celebrated each year as the week leading up to and including Father’s Day, which this year occurs between June 14th and June 22nd. The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Research has shown us that a diet high in plant foods can help lower risk for disease such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. Good dietary habits can begin at any age and mushrooms may contribute significantly towards better health.
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Vitamin B1
What is the role of Thiamine or vitamin B1?
Vitamin B1, the first member of the vitamin B complex family, is an essential nutrient for the body.
Vitamin B1 is required by the body to establish ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used by cells, in the body, to release energy.
Vitamin B1 aids in changing carbohydrates into glucose. In other words, it transforms foods consumed, into energy that the body requires. In addition, it also helps break down fats and protein.
Thiamine helps to promote a healthy and active nervous system, and also improves the functioning of the heart.
Also known as the “anti-stress” vitamin, vitamin B1 vitamins helps the body to withstand intense stress and helps to promote healthy hair, skin, mouth, liver, and eyes.
Lack of vitamin B1 may cause diseases such as:
- You might suffer from both dry and wet varieties of Beriberi.
- Alcoholics might experience severe brain abnormalities such as the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- Possibilities of Anorexia.
- Heart failure and increased heart rate.
- Congestion in the lungs.
- Burning and prickling sensation in the feet and toes.
- Abnormal development of nerves and muscles.
- Frequent fatigue and psychological depression.
- Nausea and headaches.
- Discomfort in the abdomen.
- Chances of developing cataracts.
- An elevated possibility of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin B1 might be created exclusively in fungi, bacteria, and plants despite all living creatures needing it. It is an important nutrient for humans because, like all other animals, they need to acquire it through their diet. While a deficiency in mammals leads to optic neuropathy, Korsakoff’s syndrome and Beriberi disease, which attacks the cardiovascular system and/or the peripheral nervous system, in birds, polyneuritis is far more common due to the lack of vitamin B1. If left untreated, a deficiency might even prove to be fatal. In cases which are not severe, there might be occurrences of weight loss, confusion, malaise, and irritability.
Thiamine mononitrate, which is non-hygroscopic, is the Vitamer which has been employed for food and flour fortification. Vitamin B1 is on the list of one of the most crucial medications required in a rudimentary health system, namely, the List of Essential Medicines of the World Health Organization.
When thiamine became the first water-soluble vitamin to be detected, many more such trace compounds necessary for the survival were gradually discovered.
A surgeon general who worked in the Japanese navy by the name of Kanehiro Takaki had refused the earlier germ theory attributed to beriberi and contemplated that it was caused due to deficiencies in the diet. He discovered that when he switched the diet of white rice to a diet consisting of bread, meat, barley, milk, and vegetables, he was able to reduce beriberi on a navy ship on a voyage. But having randomly added food products into the diet which was successful, he wrongly thought that the beriberi was cured due to the increased intake of nitrogen.
However, in 1905, anti-beriberi factor was found in brown barley rice and rice bran and Takaki’s efforts were appreciated finally. He was made a baron in the peerage system of Japan and Takaki was henceforth known as the ‘Barley Baron.’
Mushroom and Pasta Salad
A well balanced and Delicious salad. Perfect for a lunch on the go or served as a side dish.
Ingredients
1 Package (100g) Bunashimeji
1 Package (100g) Bunapi
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 Mini Tomatoes
1 Cucumber
60g Parmesan cheese
100g Pasta
Cheese of Choice
2 Tbsp Olive oil
2 Tbsp Mayonaise
1 Tbsp Ketchup
Salt and Pepper to taste
Vitamin B3
What is the role of Niacin or Vitamin B3?
The third member of the vitamin B complex family, vitamin B3 or niacin (nicotinic acid), also has 2 other variations called niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate.
The roles of vitamin B3 in the body
It may aid in :
– nervous system
– the digestive system
– skin
– proper brain function
– promotes healthy skin
– improves memory
– regulates proper blood circulation
– controls and lowers cholesterol levels in your body
It also may help breakdown :
– carbohydrates
– proteins
– fats
-And transforms them into energy
It may be important for :
– sexual wellness
– producing sex hormones in the body
And may help fight disorders like impotence and erectile dysfunction
It may improve :
– mental health
– lower blood pressure levels
– lessen body inflammation
-treat acne
Lack of vitamin B3 may cause various diseases including pellagra.
- Vitamin B3 deficiency is also associated with :
– memory loss
– motion sickness
– increased sensitivity to sunlight
The Antiatherosclerotic effect of Bunapi
An overview of arteriosclerosis
Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream is a major cause of arteriosclerosis. Cholesterol builds up on the walls of bloodvessels, forming atherosclerotic plaque.
Blood vessels become more prone to clogging, and may be lead to issues such as: cardiac infarction, cerebral infarction/ stroke and aortic aneurysm.
A Look at Food Trends in 2010 – Plus a Recipe Makeover Using Hokto Mushrooms
Despite the abundance of convenience foods and drive-thrus, in today’s economy, families are beginning to cook more at home. According to research published by the Food Channel, CNN and others, quick, simple meals expressing individuality, flavor delivery, and sprinkled with a dash of ethnicity are a few of the latest trends in 2010. Home cooked meals in minutes. Hokto mushrooms can certainly contribute to that!
Also, more and more people are moving away from a “meat and potatoes” diet to include more vegetables and less meat in their home-cooked meals. According to USDA statistics, consumption for meat has been decreasing over the last three years. In fact, this trend has created a new word, “flexitarian”. While not true vegetarians and not quite fulltime carnivores (meat-eaters), flexitarians tend to eat a mostly plant-based diet composed of grains, vegetables, and fruits, but they occasionally obtain protein from lean meat, fish, poultry, or dairy. A quarter of Americans fit the description, consuming meatless meals at least four days a week, according to the American Dietetic Association.
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The Role of Mushrooms in the Promotion of Insulin Secretion
An overview of diabetes
According to The NICHD, “Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s levels of blood sugar and the hormone insulin are out of balance. It is one of the most common diseases in the United States, and its numbers are constantly rising.” – The NICHD / Diabetes: Overview
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Food Trends in 2010 & How Hokto Mushrooms Fit In –
Part 2
Last week’s blog targeted the growing trend of simplifying meals with an emphasis on flavor and health. Today’s blog continues with more food trends identified by The Food Channel and CNN for 2010, and how Hokto mushrooms fit right in.
Food Trends in 2010
• Back to basics economy and a return to natural ingredients
• Flavor delivery using international foods
• Food Safety
• Sustainability
• Foods with nutritional benefits
• Food with flavor (Umami)
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Part 2″
The Role of Eryngii in Body Fat Reduction
An overview of obesity and metabolic syndrome
According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), “Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. The term “metabolic” refers to the biochemical processes involved in the body’s normal functioning. Risk factors are traits, conditions, or habits that increase your chance of developing a disease. Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common due to a rise in obesity rates among adults.” – NHLBI / Metabolic Syndrome
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