Archive for January, 2010

Can Vegetarians do Low Carb Dieting? The Answer is Yes!

Posted in Vegetables on January 27th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Lots of people inevitably associate the low carb diet phenomenon with meat, meat and and more meat. After all it’s all about high protein, high fat as well as low carb – precisely the things that are associated with eating animal flesh.

Well the good news is there is no reason at all why vegetarians and even vegans cannot successfully lose weight on a low carb diet, or even why the typical commercially successful programs such as Atkins or the Zone diet cannot be adapted and applied for vegetarian use.

If you are a typical lacto-ovo vegetarian you can easily follow any program simply by substituting meat with egg or dairy options – indeed it has been stated that a fresh, free range organic hens egg is the perfect low carb protein, typically containing less than half a gram of carbs.

Dairy foods such as cheese can certainly form part of a low carb vegetarian diet, but you do have to watch the calorie load – how ever many carbs you omit, if you consume more calories than you burn off in a day, you will gain weight rather than lose it, so do be careful.

For vegans, and all vegetarians, tofu is a fantastic low carb food that is packed with protein, and can be used in any low carb program including the induction phase of Atkins. It is also an excellent substitute for meat in any mainstream low carb recipes. If you are not used to cooking and eating tofu, or have had previous bad experience with it, do try not to be put off by the bland appearance and taste – tofu is fantastic at absorbing any flavours you put with it, try marinading and grilling for delicious outcomes. Tempeh and seitan are also great low carb protein sources that are 100% vegan and easy to substitute for meat in various meals

Nuts and other pulses are also excellent low carb protein sources, that are completely vegan. And you can of course enjoy a wide selection of delicious fresh vegetables and even some fruits – avoid the starchy ones such as bananas etc.

The main thing to remember when you are planning a low carb vegetarian diet is that EVERYTHING contains some net carbs – there simply arent the range of 100% protein options for you that the flesh eaters ‘enjoy’… whilst many foods are low carb, those quarter grams here and there add up quickly, especially if you are following an induction program or carb-cleanse – for example Atkins recommends no more than 20g per day in the initial phase. So the secret is to count, carefully and accurately, you keep track of it all successfully.

Daisy Richards is editor of Vegetarian Weight Loss Success, which includes comprehensive advice on succesful low carb vegetarian dieting

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Vegetarians Live Longer Than Meat Eaters but Superfoods Can Add More Years

Posted in Vegetables on January 27th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Do you know that vegetarians or people who only eat foods from plants like fruits and vegetables live longer than meat eaters or those who like to eat pork, poultry, beef, and other kinds of animal meat? Some studies have shown that eating vegetables and fruits instead of meat could extend the years of your life especially if you will choose superfoods or organic kinds of food.

Meat like poultry, beef, and pork are not very healthy even though they are good sources of protein. Most of the animals like cows, pigs, and chickens are being fed with food that has chemicals in it. The plants that they eat could contain pesticides which could be dangerous for their health and for the people who will eat their meat.

You can even hear some news about different diseases that affect the health of these animals like the mad cow disease, foot and mouth disease, and even bird flu. These diseases could make the animals weak and can even lead to death.

There are some cattle raisers that still sell the meat of animals affected by these diseases even though there are laws or resolutions prohibiting the selling, distribution, and consumption of these kinds of meat. Eating these meats could cause risks to your own health and could lead to the development of other diseases.

On the other hand, vegetarians who eat organic fruits and vegetables can be sure that the foods that they eat will make them healthier and will not cause any harm to their health. Organic foods are grown in a naturally healthy soil so there will be no need to use fertilizers that are made of chemicals.

The soil is rich in vitamins and minerals that the plants could absorb so you will be sure that you are getting the right kind of nutrients that your body needs. Organic foods don’t need to be genetically modified in order to look fresh and more delicious. Some companies inject hormones that will improve the size and appearance of the fruits and vegetables so they could sell them for a higher cost.

Whether you are a meat eater or vegetarian, eating superfoods is highly recommended because these are considered to be the best kinds of food in the world today. They are the safest and most nutritious food that you could ever eat. They are rich in natural vitamins and minerals and they could provide you with complete nourishment.

They also contain the best antioxidants which could make you healthier and could make you look younger. They contain essential oils and most amino acids. These foods can be found in the ocean, on the mountain or even in the desert. They will help your body maximize nutrient absorption that will help your body grow and be more healthy. Your defense system will be stronger so you will be protected from sickness and fatal diseases.

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Healthy Steamed Vegetables On The Barbecue Grill

Posted in Vegetables on January 20th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

BBQ salads are the easy accompaniment to an outdoor cookout and do work really well but sometimes I like my barbecue menu ideas to be a little different. In fact, not just different, something that can become a bit of a talking point too.

My inspiration comes from cooking corn cobs. When doing them on the barbecue grill it’s important to soak the husks for a good 30 minutes in water so that when heat is applied the leaves steam and cook the kernels. Having tried the corn over charcoal idea a couple of times, sparks of inspiration started to fly in all directions as I thought about how we might steam other vegetables on the outdoor barbecue grill. No sooner had I tried the base concept and the menu ideas came thick and fast.

Essentially were going to steam the vegetables in foil packs and the real beauty of cooking this way is that you can put the foil packs on the grill while the charcoal is still settling down and because of the foil protection there’s no chance to burn the food. By the time the vegetables are cooked, the charcoal is ready for the meat, do the remainder of the cookout and while the meat is resting for five minutes simply slap the foil parcels back on to warm through.

Let’s take carrots as an example. Take a rectangular piece of foil, chop the carrots finely and place them in one half of the foil rectangle. Season with salt and pepper and fold the foil over and “scrunch” the sides together just leaving a hole at one point where we can add water. Pour in half a cup full of water and make the final scrunch to seal the package. Slap it on the grill and 15 minutes later you’ve got beautifully delicious steamed carrots. A knob of butter and “Bob’s your uncle!”

The same logic can be applied to many vegetables so why not experiment? The only thing to remember is to slice the vegetables thinly so that there’s a good surface area for the steam to work on.

For an easy variation on the theme, rather than water, why not try a little dry white wine? It adds and certain “je ne sais quoi” to the recipes and sure makes for some interesting questions when your guests see you filling foil parcels from a wine bottle. They really know that they’re in for a treat!

Alternatively how about potatoes? Again, slice them thinly, place them on one half of the foil and season, now add a tablespoon of crème fraiche and start the scrunching. Finish off by pouring a good lug of white wine before sealing the parcel and then it’s onto the barbecue grill. You’ll need to be a little more careful with this barbeque menu idea because too much heat can burn the cream so be a little gentler with the cooking and go for about 30 minutes cooking time.

One last tip – it’s also great to make individual packages so that everyone can rip into their own parcel and enjoy. It also makes it easy because all we have to do as the chef is throw a foil parcel onto each plate – how’s that for presentation? Healthy and tasty outdoor barbecue recipes

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The Importance Of Fruit And Vegetables

Posted in Vegetables on January 20th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Everyone knows that fruit and vegetables are important, as essential building blocks of any diet. Not only are they loaded with vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy living, but they also help fill you up, as part of a balanced diet. By increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables, you will benefit your health no end, and will boost your immune system, as well as building resistance to common illnesses and infections. Furthermore, fruit and vegetables can leave you looking better and feeling great, as part of a healthy diet, which can be an all round improvement for your well-being.

Experts suggest that we should all consumer five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. This may sound initially like a large proportion of your daily overall intake, although it is essential that you strive to meet this target most days, for the benefit of your physical and mental health. Additionally, by filling out meals and increasing satisfaction at meal times. On top of that, the natural goodness contained within these ultimate healthy foods will provide the necessary energy to fuel you through the day, and give you the drive and determination to progress through a course of exercise to improve overall fitness.

Fruit can act as a substitute for sugary snacks, which otherwise deplete energy and lead to numerous other health problems. The natural sugar contained within fruits is essential for the effective maintenance of the immune system and the body’s natural defense mechanisms. As well as increasing fruits within the diet as a healthy snacking alternative, it is also a good idea to make more use of vegetables in every meal.

Vegetables should account for a substantial proportion of each meal, to ultimately improve your diet, and by ensuring a substantial increase in the role they play within your diet, you should end up seeing the benefits in your skin, hair, and general health.

By increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy balanced diet, you can really benefit from the healthy nutrients and minerals these foods contain. In addition to this, fruit and vegetable intake can leave you feeling physically better and more alert, increasing attention span and reducing tiredness.

Why not try introducing more vegetables and fruit into your diet today, by doing a straight swap of fruit for sugary snacks, and introducing vegetables to boost any meal, as part of a nutritious and healthy balanced meal.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Cooking, Health, and Nutrition

Article Source: articlestreet

Weight Loss Acai Berry and Vegetables For Good Health!

Posted in Vegetables on January 20th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

The Acai berry fruit may be found in some of the large palm trees that grow in the Amazon rain forest. The Acai berry is a distinct purple berry that grows on high palm like trees.

The Acai berry trees can reach as high as 70 to 80 feet! The Acai berries grow in large bunches. Just one average palm tree can yield from three to eight bunches.

What health qualities does the Acai berry have?

The Acai berry is fast becoming known as a super food due to its versatility. Acai is loaded with many nutrient properties and is naturally rich in: – Antioxidants – Protein – Vitamins A, B1 and E – omega fats (the good kind) – amino acids – electrolytes

The people of Brazil use Acai berries to flavor meat and fish entrees, topping dishes with a pulpy, curd-like substance made from the fruit.

The people of the Amazon rainforest use Acai in many different ways from drinks and shakes to breakfasts and bars.

Acai is known to be used for treatment of digestive problems, skin irritation, and even insomnia. The Acai berry is naturally low in sugar.

Not only does Acai provide a delicious taste to complement food, it is known around the Amazon for other health benefits.

Not only are consumers finding the benefits of Acai to their interest, but researchers and the media are amazed by the power of this small berry.

In recent years have people in North America have discovered how Acai makes them feel energetic and healthy.

You may find at your favorite smoothie place that Acai as one of the add-in ingredients available to your smoothie.

What about Vegetables to Assist In Weight Loss?

It is well known that vegetables and foods possess very low calories. They do not add to body fat, whatever amount you eat. They do not increase body weight. On the other hand, if you eat these in plenty, then you will improve

your health as these are loaded with nutrients like vitamins, carbohydrates and antioxidants.

Can eating vegetables and fruits help reduce weight?

Are there any special vegetables and fruits for weight loss?

If it is true that certain vegetables and fruits are good for weight loss, then what is the secret behind this?

These are the questions which are debated these days.

If we accept that there are such fruits and vegetables, and then the question arises, what are these foods with special properties?

People have tried various foods and found the following to possess this property.

The foods that help reduce weight generally include fibrous vegetables and fruits such as given below:

Asparagus, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, radish, spinach, etc.

Apricot, berries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, guava, lemon, melon, mandarin, orange, peach, plums, watermelon, etc.

You should note that your body should get all the necessary nutrients and minimum number of calories for healthy functioning. You can include these foods in your diet and take maximum advantage of these foods.

To your weight loss success, health and happiness, John Schmidt – Weight loss Nutritionist

John Schmidt is regarded as a leading weight loss and nutritionist expert. John takes the subject deeper into the inner person. The emotions, fears and past histories need to be addressed for successful and permanent weight loss. The world is experiencing an epidemic with overweight and obese individuals on the rise. John recognizes the problem from modern day processed foods. http://www.johnschmidt.name http://www.skyrocketweightloss.com

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The Rise of Vegetarians Around The World

Posted in Vegetables on January 10th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

What do Brad Pitt, Martina Navratilova, David Duchovny, Bob Dylan, Pamela Anderson, and Brigitte Bardot have in common? All are known to be vegetarians. Apart from India, it is estimated that about 1% of the global population abstains from poultry, meat and fish and that about 0.1% are vegans, avoiding all animal products. These figures translate into about 60 million vegetarians worldwide, not including India.

A large 2008 study of vegetarians [Vegetarianism in America, published by Vegetarian Times] shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults (7.3 million people) follow a vegetarian-based diet. About 0.5 percent (1 million) of those are vegans, who consume no animal products whatsoever. In addition, 10 percent of U.S. adults (22.8 million people) say they follow a semi-vegetarian diet, which includes occasional consumption of fish.

The 2008 study indicates that of the non-vegetarians surveyed 5.2 percent, or 11.9 million people, are "definitely interested" in following a vegetarian-based diet in the future. This clearly shows that most people believe a vegetarian diet equates to a healthy diet.

The vegetarian study collected data on age, gender and other demographic factors revealing that: – 57.1 percent have followed a vegetarian diet for more than 10 years; 18 percent for 5 to 10 years; 10.8 percent for 2 to 5 years, 14.1 percent for less than 2 years. – 42.0 percent are age 18 to 34 years old; 40.7 percent are 35 to 54; and 17.4 percent are aged over 55. – 59 percent are female and 41 percent are male.

The 2008 study also indicated that over half (53 percent) of vegetarians in the USA eat a vegetarian diet to improve their overall health. Environmental concerns were cited by 47 percent, 39 percent cited ‘natural approaches to wellness”, 25 percent cited weight loss, 24 percent cited weight maintenance, 31 percent cited food-safety concerns, and 54 percent animal welfare.

In Western Europe the number of vegetarians varies between 2% and 4% of the population according to to a 2006 Mintel survey (Mintel.com), with the United Kingdom as the exception. The UK is shown as having the highest per capita vegetarians in Western Europe at 6% of the population. The large number of vegetarians in the UK is accounted for to some extent by health scares relating to mad cow disease.

By contrast, the number of vegetarians in Eastern Europe is much lower, varying between 0.3%% and 1.9% of the population according Mintel. Looking at the rest of the world, data is scarce but estimates vary between 0.2% and 4% vegetarians as a percentage of population, but there are two big exceptions to this: Israel and India.

Israel, at 8.5%, has the world’s second largest percent of vegetarians, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health, which equates to a remarkable 595,000 people in such a small country. India holds more vegetarians than the rest of the world combined. A 2006 survey by the Hindu newspaper found that 40 percent of the population, or 399 million people, are vegetarians.

Today, more than 400 million Indians are vegetarian, mostly driven by class and religious concerns, with the Brahmin class expected to not eat meat, the Hindu religion suggesting vegetarianism and the Jain religion absolutely requiring it.

The Jain religion in India regards all forms of life as sacred. With over 7 million members, they prohibit consumption of any kind of flesh, eggs, and honey. Root vegetables (which might harm soil insects when harvested) are also avoided. Fruit and vegetables that have been on the ground, or those that are more than 3 days old (including pickles and preserves) are avoided. Water is boiled before drinking, and other liquids are strained before consumption, usually by use of a cloth.

There are different types of vegetarians, depending on dietary restrictions. For example, some vegetarians exclude all cooked food, others may exclude milk or eggs, and so on.

It is interesting to note that when vegetarians are compared with their non-vegetarian peers in the same demographic (same socio-economic-cultural background), scientific research shows that vegetarians are less healthy. This explodes the myth that a vegetarian diet is the healthiest way to eat. In fact, peer-reviewed research shows that vegetarians have a higher incidence of diseases such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, eating disorders, cancer, dementia, infertility and other ailments.

Russell Eaton is the author of The Vegetarian Paradox which explains why vegetarians are less healthy than their non-vegetarian peers. The Vegetarian Paradox makes compelling reading for anybody interested in good health. Claim your free copy now by going to ==>> http://www.the-vegetarian.com/types-of-vegetarians.php

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Vegetables – Raw or Cooked For Anticancer Power?

Posted in Vegetables on January 4th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Ask any doctor whether or not they think vegetables can help prevent cancer. Chances are that they’ll say yes. However, ask them if consuming raw vegetables is better than cooked ones, and you’ll get varying responses.

There are numerous studies that support each camp. And it can be quite difficult to decide which of them you should believe since both sides have enough proof to support their case. This article presents you the argument of each side and a suggestion on where you should stand on the issue.

Raw Vegetables Retain Their Anti-Cancer Properties

Proponents of this camp say that eating raw vegetables is more effective in fighting cancer because it retains the anti-cancer components that make them effective in the first place. Cooking only disintegrates or deactivates these anti-cancer components, according to them.

That’s what happens in the case of broccoli. A 2000 article showed that broccoli is less effective as an anti-cancer vegetable when cooked. According to the article, the enzyme in broccoli called myrosinase releases antioxidants that fight cancer when you chew raw broccoli. Microwaving this vegetable deactivates the myrosinase which makes broccoli less effective. Cooking broccoli reduces its potency by a third, according to the same article.

Cooking Vegetables Make Them More Effective In Fighting Cancer

Then there’s the camp that says that cooking vegetables make them more effective in fighting cancer. Some studies that support this claim show that cooking breaks down the cell walls that contain antioxidants and other nutrients found inside the vegetable. It then makes these healthy and cancer-fighting components easier to absorb by the body.

An example is a study that compared the difference between raw and cooked carrots in terms of the amount of carotenoids absorbed by the body. Carotenoids is a class of phytochemicals which include alpha and beta carotene, and that which gives plants and fruits their colors (e.g. the red in tomatoes, orange in carrots, etc.). The study found that the body absorbs as much as 15% of carotenoids when carrots are cooked compared to only 5% in raw carrots.

Which Camp Should You Belong To?

Confused already? Looking at the examples from each camp seems to suggest that some vegetables are better consumed raw than cooked, and vice versa. Now do you really have to know which vegetables are better eaten raw and those that are better when cooked? Well, not really because that would be very time-consuming and impractical.

So what should you do then? What we suggest is that you create a balance between eating raw and cooked vegetables. For example, eat raw broccoli for lunch and snack on steamed carrot sticks. Balancing raw and cooked vegetables ensures that you are getting the best of both worlds.

Aside from that, you should always include vegetables in your daily diet. Eating vegetables is better than not having them in your diet at all. Reduced anti-cancer properties or not, the effectiveness of vegetables in fighting cancer cannot be discounted.

Eat plenty and different variety of vegetables. Find out how to ensure their freshness and wholesomeness, and how to use them to enhance the quality of food at your table at the vege.

Article Source: articlestreet

3 Vegetables That Lower High Blood Pressure

Posted in Vegetables on January 2nd, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

When your doctor tells you that you have a high blood pressure or hypertension, it signals that your health is at risk. Hypertension exposes you to heart diseases and stroke. These two belong to the top three conditions that kill many Americans annually.

How Do You Know That You Have High Blood Pressure?

A simple blood pressure test done by a doctor or nurse will determine if you have high blood pressure or not. Or if you have a device to check it at home, you can do that too. A reading below 120/80 is considered the normal blood pressure.

Once your blood pressure hovers over the 120/80-139/89 level, then you have what is called prehypertension. You don’t have high blood pressure yet, but unless you take steps to lower it, then your chances of having it will increase in the future.

Finally, if you reach the 140/90 level and above, then you already have high blood pressure. You should now take serious steps to normalize it. Otherwise, you run the risk of suffering from heart diseases and stroke, as we mentioned earlier.

How Can You Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Changing your diet is one of the first steps you should take to lower your blood pressure. This is especially the case if you are accustomed to eating foods that are high in fat and cholesterol since these two things contribute a lot to having hypertension.

There’s a diet plan called DASH which stands for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension". This diet plan involves eating foods that are low in saturated and total fat, and cholesterol. Also, people under this plan are required to eat whole grains, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables, among other healthy foods.

Eating Fruits and Vegetables to Combat Hypertension

Eating fruits and vegetables is one of the most effective ways of dealing with high blood pressure. Why? Because these foods are effective in flushing cholesterol out of your system. Aside from that, they do not contain cholesterol. Thus, you don’t add more cholesterol to your body when you eat fruits and vegetables.

Vegetables that are Effective Vs. Hypertension

If you’re looking for vegetables that should be a part of your diet, then refer to the list below.
1. Spinach – this green leafy vegetable is a rich source of fiber which helps flush out cholesterol from your blood stream. High cholesterol levels contribute to hypertension because it clogs your arteries, making your heart work harder to pump more blood through these narrow arteries.
2. Sweet potatoes – are also a good source of fiber so always have them on your menu to counter hypertension.
3. Tomatoes – are rich in potassium. Although the relation between potassium and lower blood pressure is only suggested and not completely established, potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes are still widely considered to prevent hypertension and stroke.

How You can Fight Hypertension Effectively

Of course, it isn’t enough that you just eat healthy in the hopes that it will lower your blood pressure. You should also combine it with regular exercise and healthy living to maximize your chances of putting up a better fight against hypertension.

Eat plenty and different variety of vegetables. Find out how to ensure their freshness and wholesomeness, and how to use them to enhance the quality of food at your table at http://www.thevege.com.

Article Source: articlestreet

Eating Healthy With Fruits And Vegetables

Posted in Vegetables on January 1st, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

If you are going to have a successful diet then you know the importance of have a balance of fruits and vegetables in your diet. They are the key to a healthy lifestyle with more energy

In addition, fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants, Which are important part of maintaining a healthy diet. Antioxidants help prevent all types of diseases. Things such as antioxidants and micro nutrients are not going to be found in your everyday over the counter vitamin.

Tips for choosing the best fruits and vegetables

Be sure to stick with fresh fruits and vegetables
Be careful when cooking vegetables. If you over cook the vegetables they will loose all of the nutrition, so quickly steam the veggies for best results

Adding a pound of butter to your vegetables is not healthy. You need to watch the amount of butter and oil you use.

Understanding portion sizes

We have all heard the government recommendations that we eat 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This talk of servings and portions can sometimes be confusing, so lets take a look at just what a serving consists of.

Some tips for healthier living
Do not store junk food in your house but rather stock the fridge with snacks like celery sticks and carrots that are a healthy choice

Keep a bowl of fruit, stocked with healthy attractive fruits like oranges, apples and bananas, on the kitchen counter and dining room table

Be sure to consume at least one glass of juice a day

Salads are packed with nutrition and you should eat a salad at least once a day. If you are bored with salads try new thinks, add chicken breast, different dressings low fat of course, and different vegetables.
Snack on fruits like apples and oranges.

Dried fruits like apricots and raisins also make handy and nutritious snacks

Be sure to try to have to servings of vegetables with every meal that you serve. This will help your from overeating on fatty meats

Spice up the grill with vegetable and fruit kabobs
Think of low fat dessert ideals with fruits.

Add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, lentils and peas to soups, stews and casseroles.

If you adjust the way you look at fruits in vegetables and modify your diet you can live a healthier better life. So, get in the kitchen and start thinking of creative ideas for some healthy dinners.

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Life Insurance Is Cheaper For Vegetarians

Posted in Vegetables on January 1st, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Vegetarians are set to benefit from reduced life insurance premiums. Recent surveys into the death rates reveal that vegetarians are less likely to suffer major illnesses than people that eat meat.

As a result Animal friends Insurance have offered a 6% discount on their life insurance cover for veggies. The company is a not-for-profit enterprise. The managing director Elaine Fairfax was quick to demonstrate the sense in the company’s decision to offer reduced rates for vegetarians (which includes fish eaters). She stated that, "The risk of vegetarians suffering from some cancers is reduced by up to 40%" She also stated that the risk of vegetarians suffering from heart disease is reduced by up to 30% compared to their meat eating counterparts. The reduction in policy premium costs is said to reflect these statistics.

Non-smokers

Insurance premiums are generally determined with three main categories in mind. These are the three main variables from a mortality table: age, gender and use of tobacco. Non-smokers are considered to be a much safer bet for Insurance companies than smokers. As a result policies have always been cheaper for non-smokers and conversely more expensive for smokers.

This has been generally accepted as a fair way of determining prices and as a result has become widely accepted by the customers. Many people have been keen to see these benefits for healthier people to be extended to benefit those that adhere to a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Healthy lifestyle

Many people have pressed for insurance providers to consider a variety of external factors when calculating the cost of a life insurance policy. It is well known that smokers are more susceptible to life threatening illnesses and the premium costs are reflected accordingly.

It is also widely accepted that people that exercise regularly and those that maintain a healthy diet are significantly less likely to suffer from serious illness. However at present policy providers do not take this into account when calculating the cost of a life insurance policy premium.

Critics have noted that if insurance providers were to start calculating there premium costs based on diet and activity they would have to penalise the unhealthy policy holders by raising the cost of their premiums. To provide bespoke insurance a company would need to make profits elsewhere and will need to balance good offers to the healthy against less attractive offers to the unhealthy.

It might also make it difficult for insurers to measure a policy holder’s lifestyle and companies say that if they were to monitor their policy holders it would cost a great deal and raise the cost of life insurance.

Shaun Parker is an expert on all types of Insurance. He looks into the variety of different Life Insurance policies available on the market. To find out more please visit http://www.theidol.com/

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