Water is best known as “the elixir of Life”. Today we are alive and thriving because we have water. All plant, animal and human life on earth needs water. As humans, we have made water necessary for generating electricity, for running steam engines, for ironing clothes and for an infinite number of other things in our daily lives. If you look carefully, you will see that the major civilizations in ancient times were set up on the banks of major rivers like the Nile.

The earth is made up of approximately 97% of saline oceans and 3% fresh water. Scientifically speaking, water is a chemical substance that has 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen that are connected by covalent bonds. Water has many uses. It is a good solvent. It has no taste and no smell. It mixes with most other liquids and it is found in many forms like vapor, icebergs and clouds.

Water contamination

Water is made available for drinking and other purposes via all the fresh water sources. It is transported to far-flung areas through pipes, canals and other portable means. However, all water that is good for use comes only from fresh water rivers and streams. Rivers originate in the mountains where rainwater of melted ice collects. This builds in volume and soon starts flowing down to the plains. Around the world the highest mountains have major rivers coming down to the plains.

Today industrialization and progress has created a lot of pollution in our oceans and rivers. Unlike our ancestors who could drink directly from a river, we now have to use filters and purifiers to rid the water of its added pollutants.  Filtering plants are set up to provide direct drinking water to homes and offices, factories and manufacturing units across the world.

The danger of drinking tap water

Water pollution is a tricky affair. Lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater are all susceptible to contamination. Pollution can happen at every level, from pipes, ditches, factory discharge, ocean and river going vessel that discharge engine waste into the water and so on and so forth.

The problem arises when all these pollutants find their way into drinking water pipes that are travelling to and fro underground. Even the tiniest pinpoint hole will lead to contamination. It is physically impossible to keep check on the miles of pipe travelling across the city. Therefore, it’s advisable under these conditions to be wary of tap water coming into your home.

In some cities, government has decided to put some additives to the water like fluoride which they believe is beneficial for health. Unfortunately, fluoride has lost its reputation for being safe and is now being promoted as unhealthy.

Tap water is best filtered or boiled and used for drinking. The only reason for this is that one is never sure what kinds of contaminants have found their way in. impure water leads to all kinds of health issues like diarrhea, jaundice, hepatitis etc.

Spring water

Spring water is considered to be safe for drinking because it literally springs from an underground source. The water is considered free of contaminants as it is believed that the water has come from deep inside the earth where contaminants and pollutants have not found their way yet. It is thought that spring water has retained its mineral levels, as filtration techniques have not been used.

However, logically speaking, this would be true of springs that have sprung up in the mountains far away from human occupation. Smart business acumen has recognized this as a potentially big business opportunity and today water is tapped, bottled and sourced to the public via retail stores.

The USP of spring water lies in its refreshing taste and in its crystal clarity that cannot be duplicated. If water is your need of the hour spring water is a good option bottled or natural.

Why glass bottled water is better than plastic?

Plastic was introduced as far back as 1862 and since then it has continued to evolve to its present form. It has now permeated into our lives in almost every sphere. Glass is thought to be around since 3000 BC but modern glass was born during the Ptolemaic period in Alexandria. Glass was used for bottling long before plastic. On August 2, 1904, Michael Owen was granted a patent for a “glass shaping machine”. And so was born the age of bottles, jars, and other containers.

Today plastic has overtaken glass simply because it is a lighter and cheaper material. However, plastic is a chemical substance that decomposes over time so it is possible that the contents get contaminated. This is the main reason why glass bottles are better than plastic.

Glass is also environmentally friendlier as it can be recycled over and over again. Plastic recycling is not as easy. Plastic in the world has now reached a stage where it is found in the stomach of cows to fish and from drains to oceans and in every nook and corner of life.  It has become a pollutant of the worst kind.

So, next time you use water for cooking or drinking, make sure that it is free from pollutants. It is always best to use recommended water filtration methods to be on the safer side.

To your health,

There are certain foods that boost a body process called metabolism. By increasing this process your rate of fat and weight loss is increased. You may be surprised by some of the foods listed...

Being concerned about your fitness is a good thing, and you obviously know that the only way to become fit is by exercising and eating the right diet. However, there’s one more factor which can make a difference by speeding up the process of becoming fit, and that is boosting your metabolism. If you can make your metabolism work better, then it greatly affects your chances of remaining fit.

You may think that the factors determining the metabolism of an individual, such as age, sex, genetics, and body type cannot be controlled by you. However, there are certain foods that are known to boost your metabolism and make it work better. In this way, you are increasing the chances of losing weight and becoming fitter and healthier.

What are these magic foods that can boost your metabolism? You may be surprised to see some of them on this list because of how common they probably are, which is why you may have ignored them in favor of some other exotic fruit or foods which are being touted as the next best thing in the fitness world. Here’s a look at some of these foods which researchers have found to be the best when it comes to increasing your metabolism:

Water – Yes, water is one of the best things that you can consume to increase your metabolism and lose weight. People who don’t drink enough water often have slower metabolism, which in turn affects water retention and makes them feel bloated. When you drink enough water throughout the day, you burn more calories. Water also prevents binge eating because it significantly curbs your appetite by making you feel full.

Apples – Boost your metabolism with an apple. Apples are low in fat, but their sweetness can inhibit your cravings for something sweet and calorific. Also, fruits like apples and pears make sure that your blood sugar is on the right level, and that helps your metabolism focus on burning calories instead of storing them.

Oats – Switch to eating rolled oats for breakfast, because it’s one of the healthiest meal options that you can have in the morning. The carbs can give you a boost of energy, and oats are good for lowering cholesterol levels too. Additionally, oats can also charge up your metabolism.

Green Tea – There’s a lot to be said for the benefits of green tea. The Chinese have been drinking it for centuries, and not without reason. Green tea is full of antioxidants which fight disease and help you stay young. It can also make your metabolism work better and faster and help you burn those calories.

Yogurt – The next time you feel like snacking, open a carton of low fat yogurt and dig in. Not only is it great to taste, but it contains plenty of pro-biotic enzymes that keep your digestive system working properly as well. When your intestines are working properly, it’s only a matter of time for the rest to fall into place, especially your metabolism.

Beans – Are you a big fan of beans? Then it’s time to rejoice, because beans are good for you. They’re loaded with fiber and they induce a feeling of satiety, thus making you feel full for longer. When you’re full, you don’t binge eat or have something completely inappropriate just because you feel like it.

Eggs – Eggs are also a good way to bring your metabolism up to speed. This protein rich food is known to encourage weight loss and also make you feel fuller for longer. Research has shown that after an egg based breakfast, people tend to consume lesser calories during subsequent meals, which is a good way to help lose weight.

Berries – Everyone knows that berries are good for health. They’re being touted as superfoods because of their antioxidant properties and the ability to fight cancer. However, very few people know that berries are also a good way to boost metabolism and make it work better. Opt for berries as a light but satisfying snack the next time you feel the need for a sugar rush.

Cayenne Pepper – Hot peppers may burn your tongue, but they’re being increasingly used in fat burning foods. The reason? Cayenne pepper has capsaicin, which can heat up your body. In order to cool down your body, it needs to burn calories, which in turn boosts the metabolism.

Getting your metabolism to work for you can be one of the best ways for you to start losing weight and become fit. Try out some of these foods and incorporate them in your daily lifestyle, not just because they can better your metabolism, but also because they’re very healthy for you.

References -
http://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/10-foods-to-raise-your-metabolism.html
http://www.weightladder.com/6-foods-that-help-your-metabolism/
http://www.myfit.ca/foods_that_speed_metabolism.asp

To your health,
Sonia