Food Supplement Info

Garage del Parco

2011-12-28T06:14:00.001-08:00

Recently I found a website to buy or sell vehicles based in Italy, Garage del Parco. The website is simple and easy to look through. At a first glance, the layout of the site is very user-friendly and the speed of loading is fast.

The website focuses on second hand cars. This is a site to look for used cars (auto usate milano), to sell your used cars (vendita auto usate) or to buy used cars (compro auto usate). You can look at its photo-gallery, get assistance from their page on how to buy a car or learn more about safety and guarantee issues. There is another page dedicated to privacy issues that are explained in detail. On the left side of the site, you can fill in your email in a form to receive updates of the website.

Referring from the background of this family business, it sounds very reputable as it was founded since year 1978 and the children are managing it today. All personnel employed in the business seem very experienced in this field and are committed to deliver their best customer service and satisfaction.

Notably, the company also owned a fully-equipped and extremely tidy workshop. Here is where all vehicles acquired are fully inspected, maintained, washed, polished and even disinfected before they are released for sale. Their workshop is also supported by a team of experienced mechanics, to attend to all enquiries.

To get more information about Garage del Parco, feel free to visit their website at http://www.garagedelparco.com/ .

Colon Cleanse - The 5 Successful Rules of Colon Cleanse Supplements!

2010-05-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Colon cleansing has caught up in a big way today. The health supplements market is flooded with products to cleanse the colon and people seem to be going head over heels for them. Amidst the frenzy, most of us forget that not all supplements are created equal and to get benefits off any product, the choice of product and adhering to certain rules and laws pertaining to it are vitally important. This article will help you in that very regard. Read on to know of 5 successful rules of colon cleanse supplements:

1. Natural Supplements Deliver Best

To get best colon cleanse results, it is necessary that one settles for a 100% natural supplement, that is made entirely out of herbs and does not have any chemicals added to it. This is important as chemicals worsen the condition and exert the already malfunctioning colon.

2. Appropriate Diet Is Quintessential

Combining colon cleansing with an appropriate diet that constitutes of fiber rich, low calorie foods is required to get benefits off it. Or else the unhealthy food you eat is going to exert the colon and make it tough for it to recuperate.

3. Exercising Is Must

Some people confuse exercising and physical activity to be entailing a negative effect for the recuperating colon. This however isn't true and instead exercising helps the digestive health to be maintained better. So make sure you do not commit the folly of quitting it.

4. Drink Lots Of Water While The Supplement Is In Use

Make it a point to consume as much water as possible as a rule while undergoing colon cleanse and even post the therapy. Water aids in flushing out the toxins off the system better and doesn't let the chemicals and impurities to stay.

5. Using Them After Regular Intervals Is Necessary

Though colon cleanse supplements need not be used on a regular basis, these need to be repeated after regular intervals. Depending upon your lifestyle, you must undergo cleansing every 6-8 months to keep the colon in its proper shape.

Until you stick to these rules, getting benefits off colon cleanse supplements is going to be impossible. I personally lost 32 pounds in less than 30 days by sticking to these while also curing my digestive troubles completely. You really need to stick to these to feel the change.

Hi, I'm Janet Pierce and I invite you to grab your Free Trial packs of Colon Cleanse and Acai Berry TODAY. These Free Trial packs helped me loose 32 pounds in 30 days and they also helped me cure my chronic abdominal ailments permanently. I'm sure they'd help you loose weight in a natural and cost effective manner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Elizabeth_Pierce

Anti-Cancer Foods : Heal Prostate Cancer Naturally

2010-03-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

From a western nutritional perspective, we know that including an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats helps to strengthen our overall health, improve cardiovascular health, and create strong immunity systems.

A Chinese nutritional perspective embraces those ideals and expands the role of food as medicine in acknowledging that certain types of food have specific resonances with the energies of the immunity system and our abilities to release carcinogenic pathogens, and give support to the body to recover from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Turnips

This remarkable yet common healing food has an impact on all 12 meridians (energy pathways in the body) to help us move out pathogens and detoxify the body.

Turnips in the diet can provide support to people who are going through chemotherapy or radiation therapies or for those who need to detoxify stress chemicals that form as we respond to everyday life.

In Asian countries, soups are made of turnip, carrots and cabbage to help strengthen the immunity system and heal from viruses, bacterial infections and other pathogens. A cup or two of this type of soup 4-7 times a week, can strengthen the internal organs and promote a vibrant flow of energy throughout the body. When our energy flows smoothly and without obstructions, disease cannot exist.

You can make this soup easily by using a base of 4 cups of organic chicken broth (low sodium or organic vegetable broth), 3 large turnips diced, 3 large carrots diced, and 1/2 cup of white cabbage. Add in 1-2 tsp of toasted garlic, 1 small purple onion, 2 tsp of fennel seed, and 2 stalks of finely chopped organic celery for flavor.

Bring to boil, then simmer for one hour.

Lycopene Rich Foods

Lycopene is similar to beta carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant that helps to prevent cancer. Lycopene occurs naturally in the prostate and declines with age. However, we can help to support healthy levels of lycopene through diet.

Foods rich in lycopene include red vegetables and fruit, especially cooked or processed tomatoes. Other foods include pink grapefruit (check for interactions with certain cancer and other medications), watermelons, apricots, and pink guava.

However, before you rush out to buy lycopene supplements, you should also be aware that the efficacy of supplements of lycopene and high consumption of lycopene rich foods has been questioned by the FDA after examining data from 107 observational studies and 23 studies that included blood analysis.

The FDA stated that consuming lycopene supplements or high amounts of lycopene rich foods does not have a significant impact on prostate health and cancer. The FDA's position on this issue was reported in the Journal of Cancer Institute (July 10, 2007) issue.

Yet, anecdotal clinical evidence exists of clients improving their PSA levels (levels that indicate the health of the prostate) by adding lycopene rich foods to their diets.

From a Chinese nutritional perspective, lycopene and other anti-oxidants are not magic bullets. Instead, it is thought that the presence of anti-oxidants such as lycopene, in combination with other nutritional and energetic properties of foods, can be a powerful tool in helping the body to detoxify and protect against cancer. This is why it is important to take a balanced approach and integrate a wide variety of foods in the diet.

Similarly, the American Cancer Society advocates a diet comprised of a wide variety of foods as opposed to being excessive with any one food or taking high levels of anti-oxidant supplements.

Pumpkin Seeds

This simple food appears to diminish the triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone-a conversion product of testosterone). As a result, pumpkin seeds may help to prevent enlargement of the prostate gland.

Pumpkin seeds help to create healthier cholesterol levels, and protect bones by providing a source of zinc (low levels are associated with more hip fractures and osteoporosis) .

Sprinkle raw pumpkin seeds over salads, into soups and over other favorite foods. For added flavor, you might wish to toast the seeds but the nutritional value is higher when eaten raw.

Organic Chicken

In the Chinese nutritional system, chicken helps to strengthen the internal organs of the kidneys, said to rule our reproductive organs on an energy level. Organic chicken is free of hormones, antibiotics and pesticides, and helps to detoxify the body. Chicken is also a lean source of protein.

Include other lean organic meats and fresh produce to further reduce toxins in the diet.

Affordable sources of organic produce and some meats are available at local farmer's markets. Also, you may wish to join a community garden to obtain the freshest sources economically and help others partake of organic foods.

Drink Healing Beverages

Decaf green tea, chrysanthemum tea, barley tea, red clover, and saw palmetto tea: All of these natural teas are rich in anti-oxidants and have detoxifying properties.

Chrysanthemum has a cooling, detoxifying effect. When combined with a small amount of decaf green tea, cinnamon and ginger, chrysanthemum can help quell nausea from chemotherapy and radiation therapies.

Trained Chinese herbalists often combine chrysanthemum with other herbs to create a decoction or tea that helps to heal prostate cancer.

Foods to Avoid

Decrease the level of sugar, caffeine, and fat in your diet, particularly trans-fatty acids. Read labels. When you see the word" hydrogenated," that is a clue that trans-fatty acids are present. All of these foods create excessive heat in the body on an energy level. Since the energy of cancer is hot, if we diminish foods that feed heat, we can also protect our bodies against cancer.

Similarly, chemotherapy and radiation are also hot in nature. By reducing hot natured foods in our diet, we can empower ourselves to minimize the side effects of these types of treatments and detoxify the body.

Eliminate sugar substitutes such as sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (Nutrasweet). Although many studies have produced data which suggest that these sugar substitute sweeteners are safe for regular human consumption, these products do not contain properties that heal the internal organs.

Also eliminate sweeteners which contain saccharin, which studies have found is associated with certain health risks such as birth defects and cancer.

Please note that information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult with your medical physician before implementing any new dietary changes when recovering from prostate health challenges.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kay_Hutchinson

Diabetic Diet Plan - Manage Diabetes with Diet

2010-03-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

If some is suffering from diabetes, it means that his body cannot produce insulin in normal fashion. As a result, it increases the glucose level in the blood. Switching to healthy diabetic diet plan can be of help at this time. Planning for an appropriate diet is a crucial part of your treatment journey, because it can manage the level of glucose in your blood.

Sensible selections of food along with healthy and disciplined lifestyle are the two key success points of diabetic treatment. A healthy diabetic diet plan must include six essential factors such as restricting consumption for sweet products, frequent eating, attentive towards carbohydrate consumption, consume plenty amount of whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, eating low-fat products, restriction in alcohol consumption.

Diabetic Diet

If you are having diabetes, it doesn't mean that you should start eating special foods or depend on only strict diabetic diet plan. In most of the case, it is simply switching to a variety of foods in moderate amounts but following a fixed timing.

You should not follow a complicated diabetic diet plan, rather your diet should comprise with a wise selection of nutrients and low in calorie and fatty contents. There are two essential factors that you must not forget while preparing your diet plan. One is eating foods at regular time every day and the second point is the selection of healthy food in right amounts.

Carbohydrate counting is a crucial part for healthy diet plan, especially if you are on insulin medication. In fact, fat and protein counting is not as important as carbohydrate counting is. But that doesn't mean you should not be careful enough about the fat or protein intake. High calorie and high fat always increase the risk of various health complications including cardiac problems, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Diabetic Diet and Sweets Consumption

The fact says if you are suffering from diabetes, all your near and dear ones continuously warn you not to have sweets in your diet. Contrary to popular belief, scientific studies confirmed that sweets may not produce any harm if it can be used in a balanced amount in the meal plan. Although, different sweets affect blood sugar level in a varied fashion, but the total carbohydrate count matters the most. If you consider a small amount of sweets in your overall diabetic diet plan, it will not harm your health.

Vegetarian Diet

Some people believe that switching to a vegetarian diet may cure their diabetes problem, but it is not totally correct. Well, it can be managed well with vegetarian diet compared to a non-vegetarian one. In that sense, vegetarian diet can be a wise inclusion to diabetic diet plan.

There is no hard-and-fast rule for preparing a vegetarian diet plan. Vegan diet is the austere form of vegetarian diet. Vegans typically do not feed themselves on any sort of animal products such as dairy and egg. However, other vegetarians can eat these products.

An austere vegan diet comprises of almost no-cholesterol content in it. It also contains low saturated fat. It is mostly prepared with a generous selection of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These food products are essentially high in fiber. Typically, a vegetarian diet offers lesser calories than non-vegetarian one. So it is beneficial for diabetic patients.

Vegetarian diet is an effective choice in diabetic diet plan because of its weight loss ability which significantly benefits people with type-II diabetes. Some scientific studies confirmed that vegetarian diet can make the body more receptive to insulin.

Vegetarian diet can not cure diabetes, but of course it can alleviate various diabetes-related symptoms including cardiovascular disease and kidney problems. But, obviously this is profoundly dependent on the selection of food.

If you have diabetes and you are planning to change your diet to a vegetarian one, you should consult your dietician. The dietician can guide you for the best selection of diabetic diet plan suitable to your health system.

Dr John Anne is an ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Visit Diabetes Diet at http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com for Diabetes Mellitus Information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_John_Anne

Common Ingredients of Anti-Aging Supplements

2010-02-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

It is rather painful to see the signs of age catching up with you day by day or more realistically minute by minute. However, the endeavors to discover and invent newer and newer technology has come as a boon for mankind as a whole as now there are treatments, anti aging supplements and procedures that would help you turn back the body clock by quite a few years.

The anti-aging supplements help you to get back those glorious days of your life that almost seemed like the bygone era. Many of the anti-aging supplements are extracts from natural and nutritious products and therefore, widely recognized as natural anti-aging supplements and nutritional anti-aging supplement. These anti aging supplements have no drawbacks or side effects, if consumed in the proper manner. However, the effects of these anti-aging supplements can really be magical at times.

The natural anti-aging supplements are created or produced from natural ingredients gifted to us by the Mother Nature. The natural anti-aging supplements help reverse and maybe also stop the body clock for a few years giving you that much needed confidence and glow to see you through the rigmaroles of today's highly competitive everyday life.

The skin goes through very tough conditions everyday and the drying of the skin due to several factors results in aging. The nutritional anti-aging supplements can be consumed as in the form of skin care supplements that can be useful, it can show you the difference in just a matter of days. A balanced diet and taking the right nutritional anti-aging supplements is more than half the battle won against your strong opponent -age. The nutritional anti-aging supplements bridge the gap by providing the much needed nutritive supplements that are so very important for the body.

The anti-aging supplements are made up of a number of ingredients that help rejuvenate the skin and give it back the lost moisture to tone up the skin and do away with the sagging layer. Some of the common ingredients found in the anti-aging skin care supplements include zinc, phosphorous, Vitamin A, C, D, E and K; inositol, choline, calcium, copper, iodine, Gingko Biloba, anti-oxidants, fibre, collagen, protein, essential fatty acids, selenium, amino acids to name a few. Although the composition of the individual anti aging supplement might change as per the manufactures, however on the whole the ingredients used in the anti-aging supplements has only aim to provide those essential elements in your body that you have lost or reduced over a period of time. All these ingredients aim at re-hydrating the skin and gifting it that lost glow.

If the anti-aging supplements, whether you choose natural anti aging supplement or nutritional anti aging supplement, consumed together with a balanced diet can do wonders in very less period of time. As we all know that these anti-aging supplements are likely derived from the natural products, so we do not have to worry about any side effects, although you still need to take it as per the prescribed dosage. After consuming any anti aging supplement for a few days, you will definitely feel like asking "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall..."

Caitlina Fuller writes about health and fitness. The natural anti-aging supplements are created or produced from natural ingredients gifted to us by the Mother Nature.

The anti–aging supplements are made up of a number of ingredients that help rejuvenate the skin and give it back the lost moisture to tone up the skin and do away with the sagging layer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

Liquid Vitamins and Minerals - Why You Should Take Liquid Vitamins and Minerals

2010-02-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

Are you like millions of other people who wonder if they are getting the proper amount of nutrients from their diet? Very few of us can claim to follow a balanced diet. Some of us have absolutely horrible diets that are loaded with sugar, fat and over processed foods. Maybe you have thought about taking vitamin and mineral supplements, but hate the idea of swallowing tons of pills. If so, liquid vitamins and minerals might be the answer.

Let's be honest. It's very hard to maintain a so called balanced diet. Many of us lead fast paced lives and find it difficult to prepare healthy nutritious meals every day. Some people hate fruits and vegetables. To make matters even worst is that we are constantly bombarded with commercials from the fast food giants enticing us with their high fat, high sodium meals.

We all know how important it is to get the proper amount of nutrients to stay healthy, that's why ten of millions of Americans routinely take vitamins and mineral supplements. Even still, millions of people do not take any kind of nutritional supplements because they hate swallowing pills. If you hate taking vitamin and mineral supplements in pill form you can still get the nutrients you need by taking liquid vitamins and minerals.

There are three great advantages for taking liquid vitamins and minerals. Those advantages are number one, there are no pills to swallow. Number two, liquid vitamins and minerals have a better absorption ratio than pills. And number three, even if you are consuming a fairly "good" diet, there is an ever increasing deficiency in our soil which means that our produce may not contain the optimum amount of nutrients. Let's examine each of these points.

There are no pills to swallow. More people than you might think avoid taking vitamins and minerals just because they have serious difficulty swallowing those huge horsey pills. For some people swallowing pills gives them a choking sensation. I myself have had a few frightening episodes where a few pills were lodged in my throat. For a few scary seconds I thought I was actually going to choke! With liquid supplements you get to drink your nutrition quickly, easily and comfortably.

Liquid supplements have a better absorption ratio than pills. Pills have a much slower absorption rate than liquid supplements and the body uses much more of the actual nutrients from liquids than from the pills. In fact, only 3-10% of the nutrients from pills actually make it throughout your body and into the bloodstream. Because most vitamins and mineral pills have no fat, proteins or carbohydrates, there is no signal to the liver to react and send bile juice to help turn the vitamins and minerals into enzymes.

Here is something that most people don't realize. The quality and the potency of our produce isn't the same as it used to be. Way back in 1936 a senate document alerted Americans to the fact that there was a massive vitamin and mineral deficiency in our nations farmlands.

The frightening fact is that our food (fruits,vegetables,grains) no longer contain enough of certain nutrients. This means that no matter how well you may think your diet is, you may not be getting enough of vital nutrients needed to keep you healthy. That is one of the major reason why you must supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals and one of the best ways of doing so is to consume liquid supplements.

When you take into account that pills are difficult for some people to swallow and that they take much longer to be absorbed into the body, as well as our produce may lack certain vital nutrients, supplementing your diet with liquid vitamins and minerals makes a lot of sense.

Michael Sibley is a former amateur boxer, fitness enthusiast and the owner of Ultra Nutrition Plus, a website featuring high quality natural whole food vitamins and preventative health products. Sign up today for a free news letter for important health tips as well as to receive valuable coupons for great insider discounts on Ultra Nutrition Plus products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Sibley

Anti Aging Supplements - The Best Anti Aging Solution

2010-02-12T02:57:00.000-08:00

Have you tried every crème designed to prevent wrinkles? Not only can these anti aging creams be very expensive, but they can also be very ineffective. If you are interested in preventing yourself from showing any signs of aging, then it may be time for you to consider an anti aging supplement.

Anti-aging supplements are compromised of a number of different ingredients which are known to combat wrinkles and other signs of aging. Usually, the key ingredient in most anti aging supplements is antioxidants. Since a diet which is rich in antioxidants is known to be one of the most effective remedies for combating signs of aging, an anti aging supplement which contains this ingredient is believed to be the perfect solution to prevent or reverse the effects of aging.

Do you break out from almost every single one of the skin care products that you try? If so, anti-aging supplements can be a great alternative.

For starters, you do not actually need to apply them to the skin, which means that you will be less likely to break out. Many supplements for anti-aging are also made from all-natural ingredients, so you probably will not break out unless you have an allergy.

Using an anti aging supplement is a great choice for anyone who has really sensitive skin.

Anti-aging supplements are usually made of all-organic ingredients, which means that there is much less for you to worry about. You do not need to worry about the different chemicals which can be found in most anti aging skin care products, which can have adverse effects on your skin.

Of course, this goes back to having sensitive skin. If these chemicals cause you to have a skin reaction, the good news is that almost any organic anti aging supplement will not cause you to experience this.

If you want something that will really work, then you definitely may want to think about using a supplement for anti aging. Not only are they known to be very effective, but they are also a very good choice for anyone who has sensitive skin.

For anyone who has tried just about every anti wrinkle cream on the market with no results, it may be time to think about using an anti aging supplement.

And there are some excellent highly effective supplements around, naturally and organically produced. But don't look for them at your local drugstore, you won't find them there.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Clark

Remedies For Ovarian Cysts - Consider Trying Natural Herbs

2010-02-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

Do you have a problem with recurring cysts but are confused as to what avenue you should take to address the problem? Rest assured that you're not alone. There are many different remedies for ovarian cysts for you to consider, and one option that more and more women are choosing is a natural approach to dealing with this painful condition.

Before you decide on which treatment plan you're going to use, your first step absolutely needs to be a trip to your doctor to determine what type of cysts you have. The good news is that most cysts, while painful and very annoying, are not serious and there are many natural alternatives to prescriptions medication or painful surgery. One of those remedies for ovarian cysts often used is natural herbs.

Before I share with you the natural herbs that are most commonly used as remedies for ovarian cysts, you should understand that this will not be an instant cure. You may be looking at weeks, possibly a couple of months, before you'll actually notice relief from your condition. But there are other things you can do in conjunction with the herbal treatment to help you through the process.

Herbs often come to mind when looking at remedies for ovarian cysts due to effect they have on a woman's hormonal levels. It's common belief that cysts may be caused due to a hormonal imbalance, and natural herbs have been used effectively by many women to stabilize their hormonal levels.

The most popular herbs used as remedies for ovarian cysts are:

* Black Cohosh
* - Regulates the menstrual cycle and stabilizes hormonal levels. Red Clover
* - Its estrogen-like effect on the body assists in bringing stability to hormonal levels. Milk Thistle
* - Its detoxification properties makes it effective in treating cysts. Dandelion Root
* - Beneficial to the liver, and some studies show there is a direct correlation between hormone levels and stress on the liver. Chasteberry - Used to regulate the menstrual cycle and treat infertility, both which come into play when considering remedies for ovarian cysts.

Other less common herbal remedies for ovarian cysts include:

* Licorice
* - Used commonly to balance hormonal levels and reduce a woman's testosterone level. Peony
* - A popular Chinese medicine that has been used for many, many years to address menstrual disorders. Saw Palmetto
- Possibly helpful to women who suffer from PCOS.

Natural herbal treatments is only one of many avenues to consider when choosing effective remedies for ovarian cysts, and the key is finding a system that works for you as an individual. If you do choose herbal remedies, it's very important that you advise your doctor of any herbs you may be taking as they may interact with other prescription medications.

In addition to herbs, there are other natural remedies for ovarian cysts that have worked wonderfully for many women to alleviate their cysts. The real key is to choose a treatment plan that has been proven to work for others, and then dedicate yourself to following that program as it is laid out for you. Done properly, natural remedies for ovarian cysts can help a woman to avoid the harsh side effects of prescription medications and possibly even prevent painful surgeries.

What if you could finally be relieved of the pain and frustration of cysts once and for all? Visit http://ovarian-cysts-treatments.com and read every word on the page that follows to learn more about natural remedies for ovarian cysts and discover a step-by-step guide that will literally take you by the hand and guide you through the process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Stapleton

Male Enhancement Supplement - Enzyte

2010-02-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

If you've been searching a male enhancement supplement then you're probably trying to discover what is good for you to take. This is really a problem that has oftentimes on a man’s mind and it's very common. Regrettably, men are slightly embarrassed to talk about the issue with their physician, forcing them to buy an nonprescription medication. While not all of these are harmful, you can never be too certain. Enzyte isn't very new on the marketplace, but it is not as well recognized as Viagra. We are going to reveal what this medication is all about.

Each man that's tried Enzyte has had different effects. The side effects also vary depending on your total health condition and any medications that you're taking with the drug. Anyway, Enzyte isn't a drug. It's actually a supplement. Enzyte became more and more popular earlier due to the fact that there has not been anything else like it on the marketplace. Enzyte is also not endorsed by the FDA so they're being needed to commercialize themselves as an herbal supplement. The deciding factors that separates Enzyte as an herb and not a drug is due to the main ingredients.

There are numerous plant extracts in the pill, such as an African tree, but there are a few unsafe side effects. These include urinary tract infections, increased blood pressure, and so on. While plants do have medical benefits, it's hard to show these claims until proven. There necessarily to be right trials carried on in order to show that they're safe. However, the basis of their claim states that Enzyte is for male erecticle dysfunction, even though it's a disease. The basic facts are that Enzyte is more herbal than drug, and it contains a special supplement called Niacin that helps on blood circulation to the sexual organs. Epimendium is also involved in the pill, which is used to deal with erectile problems and restore sexual libido.

Enzyte remains a personal preference for many. You don't have to refer with your physician before purchasing the supplement, but it's advised that you do talk with your physician for safety reasons. There are positive and negative factors that are involved Enzyte, but every person has a different experience with the supplement.

Find out more about Enzyte and other so called penis enlargement pills at enhancementadvice.com

10 Benefits Of Fish Oil

2010-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Fish oil has many extraordinary benefits for your health. Consuming omega-3 fish oil or oily fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon two times up to four times a week is greatly good to your wellness.

Here are ten benefits of fish oil:

1. Fish oil forbids heart attack - Dr Alexander Leaf and co-workers at Harvard Medical School discovered that consuming oily fish like salmon or tuna at least twice a week could prevent a heart attack.

2. Fish oil keeps against heart disease - Researchers at Southampton University discovered that omega-3 fish oil breaks off the develop of fatty deposits in the artery, protecting against heart disease, cardiovascular and stroke.

3. Fish oil cuts the risk of dying from a sudden heart attack - Chief researcher Dr Roberto Martial, from the Consortia Mario Negroid Sod research institute in Santa Maria Embargo, Italy discovered that one gram daily dose of omega-3 fish oil was sufficiency to significantly cut down the risk of death from a sudden heart attack by 42%.

4. Fish oil keeps mothers from delivering to very little babies - The University of Bristol research team discovered that a mother-to-be who consumes fish during the later stages of maternity is less likely to have a very little baby.

5. Fish oil helps lupus sufferers - Researchers in Northern Ireland the University of Ulster discovered that people with the lupus disease who consume tuna, mackerel and similar fish containing omega-3 fish oil reduce their lupus symptoms.

6. Fish oil helps prostate cancer sufferers - The Paterson Institute researchers came up that a diet rich in a fat found in oily fish and some seeds may keep men with prostate cancer from developing a more aggressive form.

7. Fish oil reduces the development of breast cancer - Researchers from Indiana University discovered that when blending compounds from omega-3 fatty acids with the anaesthetic propofol, mutually they came out to cut down the development of breast cancer cells.

8. Fish oil lessens inflammation - The researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that a diet richly in oily fish like salmon and mackerel may help improve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis; the oily fish diet worked better when combined with low aspirin dosages.

9. Fish oil prevents certain symptoms of complex cancer - Professor Kevin Fearon and colleagues at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary discovered that oily fish keeps cachexia - the severe wasting and weight loss related with some types of complex cancer.

10. Fish oil protects against asthma - The researchers at Cambridge University discovered that oily fish could protect against asthma.

Finally, the benefits of fish oil are marvelous for your health. If you want to lead a hale and hearty life, possibly it’s time for you to start consuming oily fish containing omega-3 oils now. For a healthiness, The Food Standards Agency advises that we consume oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel or omega-3 fish oil up to four times every week. Feel free to visit http://www.fishoil.com/ to get more info.

Natural Cure for Sinus Infection

2010-01-25T05:11:00.000-08:00

For many people all over the world who suffer from chronic sinusitis, they would realize that a permanent cure for this condition is indeed elusive.

Somehow as we age, sinus infection symptoms seem to hit us doubly hard and seem a lot more severe. Perhaps this is due to the slowing down of the body's natural healing process.

How do we get Sinusitis?

Nasal congestion is the chief cause of sinus infection. When we have a cold or viral influenza, our nose becomes clogged up. This is caused by the inflammation of the mucosa, the membrane-like tissue which lines the nasal passages and sinus cavities. As a result, natural ventilation into these areas is restricted. When that happens, bacteria start to multiply rapidly and a bacterial sinus infection develops.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinus infection symptoms would include sinus pain and pressure experienced in the region of the sinuses such as the front of the head above the eyebrows. Tenderness felt in the cheek area when pressure is applied when there is a maxillary sinus infection. Pain felt in the areas between the eyes when there is ethmoid sinusitis.

When there is acute bacterial sinusitis, there is possibility of a fever as well. Sore throat, abnormal amounts of post-nasal drip, coughing, sensitivity to bright lights, thick, sticky mucus and dizziness are common symptoms of sinusitis.

Medical Treatment for Sinusitis

When there is a bacterial sinus infection, medically known as acute sinusitis, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is necessary because it will destroy the bacterium that causes this disease. At the same time, decongestants, which help to clear up the clogged nose and antihistamines, if allergy is the cause of the nasal congestion, may be prescribed too.

Besides oral drugs, home remedies are welcomed as they help preventing another recurrence of sinusitis and also increases the effectiveness of the treatment given by the doctor.

Natural Home Cures for Sinusitis

Hydration: Drinking lots of water is always good for the body to detoxify. This can help thin our mucus so that evacuation from the sinuses become easier.

Steam inhalation: Place a towel over your head and sit or stand with your head positioned directly over the steam. The purpose of the towel is to trap the steam and direct it upwards so that you can get the maximum benefit. For those with chronic nasal congestion, you can add herbal extracts such as eucalyptus oil or menthol into the steaming hot water which should assist in opening the clogged nose.

Nasal irrigation: Yoga practitioners use a saline solution to cleanse their sinuses. It can be done by means of a plastic syringe or a neti pot.

However, even though these home remedies are effective to a certain extent, preventing sinus infections may not be easy for some individuals due to the physical structure or anatomy of their nose. As mentioned earlier, chronic nasal congestion is the main cause of sinusitis and if a person suffers continuously from such a condition, he would be predisposed to sinusitis.

For people who unfortunately belong to this category, sinus surgery may be the last resort.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Wong

Acai Berry weight loss supplement

2009-12-20T19:04:00.001-08:00

Acai Berry weight loss is well thought-out the "next big thing" in dieting.
But how does it work? The answers might surprise you.

The tropical rain forests are known for giving us incredible medicines and supplements that enhance our health. It's like a veritable goldmine of healthy materials, all waiting for us to make use of them! The Acia berry is one of those rare finds that seems to have all the properties necessary not only to help with weight loss, but to help with other medical issues as well.

The Acai berry is found in the Amazon rainforest. It is about the size of a marble, and only about ten percent of it is actually edible fruit. The rest of it is a pit that must be removed before the berry can be eaten. The Acai berry is purple or black in color, and looks quite a bit like a small grape.

It seems perfectly normal, but this little tiny berry packs a huge wallop of antioxidants. It also contains fiber, amino acids and omega acids. This tiny berry contains cyanidin, a very strong antioxidant compound that promotes the "draining" of body fat.

How does all this work together to promote Acai berry weight loss? Let's start with the fiber. Fiber helps your digestive tract work to move food through your body, and it also keeps you feeling satisfied (full) after a meal. Omega fatty acids help your body speed up metabolism, so you naturally burn fat at a faster rate. Amino acids are essential to protein, and help your body use the protein more efficiently. This helps you build muscle, which in turn speeds the loss of fat. Finally, the cyanidin in the Acai berry is known for helping to melt away fat cells.

Besides being good for weight loss, many people believe the berry is good for other beneficial things. It works to improve the health of your skin and your overall appearance. It is known to help ease pain and fatigue, as well as helping to heal quickly from an injury. Some say the Acai berry helps with sexual dysfunction in both men and women, and is known to have long-lasting effects that slow down the aging process. The antioxidants in the berry are good for fighting off cancer cells, and another added bonus is the health of your circulatory system, as well as a boost to your immune system.

The Acai berry is considered a "superfood", meaning it is one of those rare finds that does only good things for your body and does nothing negative for it. It is quite similar to the blueberry but appears to have much higher levels of antioxidants.

You can use Acai berries in your everyday meal plan by sprinkling them over cereal, oatmeal or other dishes that beg for a good berry taste. You can take it in the form of a liquid extract, where the effects are concentrated. Or you can swallow a capsule filled with the goodness of the Acai berry.

There is no doubt that Acai berry weight loss works. Now you know why!
For additional information about effective weight loss strategies, visit http://www.MyLastWeightLoss.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yolanda_Keating

Vitamin Supplements - Do They Work?

2009-11-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Vitamin Supplementation is huge worldwide. Most of us take vitamins now or have taken vitamins in the past. The US ranks top in dietary supplementation globally. 18.9% of Americans had taken at least one dietary supplement in 2004. Over 100 million Americans use vitamin and mineral supplements everyday. The global market has become a multi-billion dollar industry and the dietary supplement sector is growing the fastest.

The most common reason for supplement use is "to improve overall health and general well being." It is a popular belief that vitamins are antioxidants and can therefore protect us from oxidative stress that causes many health conditions.

The most common supplements taken are:
multivitamin/multiminerals - 22%;
multivitamins plus vitamin C - 15%;
vitamin C as a single vitamin - 13%;
herbal and botanical supplements - 7%;
vitamin E as a single vitamin - 6%.

Over the years, more and more reports on the health benefits of vitamin supplements have emerged, ranging from cardiovascular benefits to cancer prevention. This is mainly due to the antioxidant properties of vitamins that can protect us from oxidative stress. As a result several studies have been conducted to confirm these reports. Some of the latest studies summarized below reveal surprising results to say the least.

One of the very first studies to comprehensively examine the health effects of vitamin supplements was carried by Danish researchers in 2007. They performed a meta-analysis on data pooled from several clinical trials which used supplementation of the antioxidant vitamin A, vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C and selenium used as stand-alone or as combination supplements to treat a wide range of health conditions, from cardiovascular disorders to cancer. Their results were a surprising, even troubling. For one, no benefits of these "antioxidant supplements" were found. Second, supplementation with vitamins A and E and beta-carotene (but not vitamin C and selenium) actually increased overall mortality. This study prompted other researchers to take a second look at the benefits of vitamin supplements.

In a more recent review paper, the same researchers done another meta-analysis of more data from several clinical trials, this time involving over 200,000 people who are healthy as well as those with existing health conditions. The researchers only considered studies which compared the efficacy of antioxidant supplements against placebos in the primary and secondary prevention of different medical conditions. The authors reported that they "found no evidence to support antioxidant supplements for primary or secondary prevention. Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin E may increase mortality."

Another meta-analysis examined the anti-cancer properties of antioxidant supplements, particularly against gastrointestinal cancers. They looked at data of trials which studied beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E and selenium. The authors concluded that "we could not find convincing evidence that antioxidant supplements prevent gastrointestinal cancers."

One of the most recent developments in vitamin supplement research is the long-term SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) study of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The study evaluated the efficacy of selenium and Vitamin E in preventing prostate cancer and enrolled 35,000 male participants in the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: group 1 were given vitamin E supplements only, group 2 were given only selenium, group 3 took both supplements in combination, and group 4 were given placebos only. Five years into the study, the NCI decided to stop the trial because of some "concerning" findings, namely:

1. The analysis found no lower risk of prostate cancer in men taking the supplements, either alone or together.

2. Men who were taking only vitamin E actually had a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

3. Men taking only selenium seemed to have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes.

Another study evaluated the efficacy of combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in reducing cancer risk among women. Their result show that combined folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 treatment had no significant effect on overall risk of total invasive cancer or breast cancer among women during the folic acid fortification era.

A study published in December 2008 evaluated whether vitamins C and E and beta carotene supplementation have an effect on overall cancer risk. The data was taken from the Women's Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study and occupied 8,171 women who were cancer-free at the beginning of the study about 9.4 years ago. The findings of the study showed that "supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta carotene offers no overall benefits in the primary prevention of total cancer incidence or cancer mortality."

The Women's Health Initiative Calcium/Vitamin D Trial evaluated the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplements on blood pressure and risk for hypertension risk of 36,252 healthy postmenopausal women. The women were assigned in 2 groups: one group received a daily supplement of 1000 mg of calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D3 daily. The other group received placebo only. The researchers reported that "calcium plus vitamin D3 supplementation did not reduce either blood pressure or the risk of developing hypertension over 7 years of follow-up in postmenopausal women."

The Physicians' Health Study II evaluated whether vitamin E or vitamin C have cardioprotective properties that can reduce risk for CVD in men. A total of 14,641 American doctors were enrolled in the study, aged 50 years and older, and were followed up for 8 years. The study results showed that "neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. These data provide no support for the use of these supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older men."

This study evaluated whether antioxidant (vitamins E, C and/or beta-carotene) supplements can prevent atherosclerosis. The researchers done a meta-analysis of 22 trials which involved 134,590 participants. The researcher conclude that "...the majority of studies included in this review does not support a possible role of antioxidant supplementation in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease ... no definite conclusion can be drawn to justify the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements for the prevention of atherosclerotic events."

Folic acid is routinely prescribed for pregnant women to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. It has also been thought that folic acid, which reduced the levels of homocysteine in the blood, can prevent cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid used as biomarker for cardiovascular disorder. This trial investigated whether a vitamin combination pill with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 (vs. a placebo) can reduce cardiovascular risk. It enrolled more than 5,400 American women with a history of cardiovascular disease or with moderate to high risk profile for ccardiovascular disease. After 7.3 years of treatment and follow-up, a combination pill of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 did not reduce a combined end point of total cardiovascular events among high-risk women, despite significant homocysteine lowering.

While most of the evidence from studies summarized here does not seem to support the health benefits of vitamin supplements, there are some studies which indicate that vitamin D supplementation is worthwhile, even essential. Vitamin D is unique because we cannot get our vitamin D requirements from food alone. Instead, vitamin D is synthesized by the body upon exposure of the skin to the sun, thus earning it the title "sun vitamin." However, since the sun is said to cause skin cancer, people tend to avoid exposure leading to widespread vitamin D deficiency.

American health experts are convinced of the necessity of vitamin D supplements and thus, routinely prescribe vitamin D supplements even for newborn babies. Milk and other dairy products in the US are fortified with vitamin D but not in many parts of the world. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for vitamin D supplementation to recommend the doubling of the dose for babies and children from 200 IU to 400 IU per day.

According to a review paper, "vitamin D is not only important for calcium metabolism and maintenance of bone health throughout life, but also plays an important role in reducing risk of many chronic diseases including type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, deadly cancers, heart disease and infectious diseases."

In summary, antioxidants in fresh fruit and vegetables have been shown to have extensive health benefits. Unfortunately, except for vitamin D, the use of vitamin and mineral supplementation does not seem to reproduce the protective effect of natural food stuffs, as shown by many different studies summarized here. Worse, some studies suggest that vitamin supplementation can increase risk for certain health conditions and mortalities. The largest part of the studies cited were long-term randomized, placebo-controlled trials relating thousands of participants. The data they presented are therefore, highly reliable.

The antioxidant supplement pill fits in quite nicely in this era of convenience food and lifestyle on the go. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like a real healthy lifestyle and convenience can go hand in hand. The take home message is, when it comes to nutrition, there is no substitute for natural food stuff. Nature is still the best source of our nutritional needs.

Benefit of EATING FRUITs...

2009-11-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

It's long but very informative

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! * FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange..

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher.. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can u believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food.. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer.. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack . Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive...

Foods that help you sleep

2009-11-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Foods affect your sleep. To get a restful sleep is to get your brain calmed. Foods contribute to restful sleep called sleepers while foods keep you awake called wakers. Sleepers are contained with acid amino named tryptophan that helps body to build serotonin, which slows down nerve traffic so your brain relaxed. Wakers are contained with chemicals that perk up the brain activity.

You can get restful sleep of this biochemical trait by choosing meals to calm down your brain. For teenagers and adults, medium carbohydrate and high protein meals are best consumed for breakfast and lunch. A high complex carbohydrates meal or snack contains just enough tryptophan is good for dinner or bedtime. The best bedtime snack has complex carbohydrates, protein, and some calcium. Calcium activates the use of the tryptophan. That’s why dairy products are the top sleep-inducing foods. Try to avoid high carbohydrate snack which high in junk sugars because you may set off the effect of plummeting blood sugar and the discharge of stress hormones that will keep your eyes awake.

Here are some of high in the sleep-inducing amino acid foods:

1) Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese
2) Soy products: Soybean nuts, soy milk, tofu,
3) Seafood: Shrimp, cuttlefish, crab
4) Meats: Beef, mutton
5) Poultry and eggs: Chicken, duck
6) Whole grains: Cereal, bread
7) Beans: Lentils, broad beans
8) Nuts: Hazelnuts, peanuts

Light meals are expected to provide you a restful sleep. Large servings and high fat meals make longer digestive process and it may keep you awake. Although you may fall asleep faster, all the process to digest a big meal is probably to cause a poor quality of sleep and frequent waking. Some people discover that high seasoned and spicy foods such as garlic and hot peppers interfere with sleep. For most people, having a full stomach before going to bed does not promote a restful sleep. Therefore take your evening meal early.

Foods that are high in carbohydrates and medium in protein will help you to calm down in the evening and also provide a good sleep. Here are some suggestion meals for sleep:

1) Pasta with cheese
2) Pasta seafood with cheese
3) Scrambled eggs with cheese
3) Fried tofu
4) Whole grain pita with hummus
5) Meats or poultry with veggies
6) Tuna sandwich with salad

Snacks that have complex carbohydrates, protein, and some calcium make ideal sleep-inducing bedtime. It takes about an hour for the amino acid in the foods transfer to the brain, so have your snack at least an hour before bedtime. Here are some ideal snacks examples:

1) Cereal with milk
2) Ice cream and apple pie
3) Tofu and nuts
4) Raisin and oatmeal cookies, best with a glass of milk

Avoid foods that keep you awake such as caffeine-containing foods. Know your caffeine proportion and time it boost. Many people can take up to 3 cups of coffee or a large bottle of cola in a day but no sleeping problems. Usually the effect of caffeine is within six hours, so take coffee in the morning or cola in the afternoon will not interfere with night’s sleep.

Now you know foods that help you sleep. Have a good night’s sleep!

Why we need breakfast

2009-11-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

There are so many people choose to skip breakfast. Plenty of studies show that people who regularly eat breakfast are less likely to be classed as obese, are less likely to develop diabetes and to succumb to heart disease, and yet many people still fall into the trap of believing that if they miss breakfast they will lose more weight faster. The truth, though, is that missing breakfast simply messes up people's metabolism and makes them more prone to bingeing on junk food, and thus breakfast should be considered essential for weight management.

Eating a healthy breakfast, rich in complex carbohydrates, calcium,protein, and minerals and vitamins, sets people up for the day, as they have energy. They may wake up feeling drowsy, and breakfast provides the perfect opportunity to perk themselves up. Their bodies need nourishment having been deprived of food for a considerable amount of time, and eating breakfast can boost people's metabolism, helping the body to burn fat more effectively. Their blood sugar levels will also benefit from a nutritious, well-balanced breakfast giving them energy.

When people feel as if they have energy they are generally in a more positive frame of mind, being better able to cope with stress and with other people, and can concentrate more on what they are doing. There is also more potential for them to be physically active, as they will be able to walk or cycle to work if they want, without feeling extremely drained. Exercising is obviously another essential feature of a healthy lifestyle, which eating breakfast can facilitate.

People who are eat breakfast in the morning are less likely to reach for junk food, as they have no need to. Individuals who are continually hungry, having not received the energy and nutrients needed at breakfast time, are more likely to make poor dietary choices to give them the quick-fix they need to keep them going. Their energy levels may temporarily increase, but they will soon revert back to feeling lethargic and ill-tempered.

Therefore breakfast should be a priority for anyone who wants to control their weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. It might be tempting for some people to simply cut calories by missing a meal, but doing so only jeopardises their ability to practise weight management effectively, as well as their overall sense of well-being.

Best vitamins for women

2009-11-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

A multi-vitamin is a necessity for every woman unless you are one of the 7% of women who actually get the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. For women and men, multi-vitamins are formulated with a specific mix of vitamins and minerals that work together to ensure proper absorption. Taking a multi-vitamin is more cost efficient than purchasing each vitamin separately and are even formulated now for children, adolescent girls, women, senior women, women with menopause, and women with osteoporosis and other health issues.

If targeting a certain issue, then, it is appropriate to take a specific vitamin. Below are certain vitamins that women need to target specific problems.

Folic Acid
Folic Acid is necessary for women who are considering having a baby or are pregnant. Folic Acid prevents anemia and birth defects, helps prevent preterm delivery, Alzheimer's, depression, cancer and high blood pressure. Although most multi-vitamins do have Folic Acid, their dose is lower than pregnant and breast feeding mother's should take. If pregnant, up your dose to 600 mcg, and if breast feeding be sure to get 500 mcg. For women who are taking a birth control pill, it is advisable to take Folic Acid because the pill actually prevents your body from absorbing B12 and Folic Acid.

Vitamin B12
If you are pregnant of breastfeeding, it is important to get extra B12. B12 prevents anemia, depression, heart disease, and maintains nerve and brain function. If you are taking a birth control pill, you may have to supplement your diet with extra B12 because the pill prevents your body from absorbing this essential vitamin.

Vitamin B6
If you are pregnant, B6 reduces morning sickness and risk of depression and high blood pressure.

Calcium
With osteoporosis on the rise, getting enough Calcium is essential. If 19-50 make sure you are consuming at least 1000mg to help prevent osteoporosis, high blood pressure and possibly colon cancer. After 50 years old, increase your dose to 1200 mg.

Copper
Copper aids in nerve transmission, red cell formation, and helps maintain nerve, brain, heart and immune function. It is suggested that it also helps prevent against birth defects.

Iron
Women need iron because of loss of blood during their period. It also helps prevent fatigue, boost immune systems, and maintain alertness and memory. Ages 19-50 should consume 18 mg daily, if you are pregnant 27 mg, and over 50 years of age 8 mg. A lot of women are sensitive to iron or cannot process iron in a supplement. Discuss with your doctor if you have any adverse reactions after taking a multi-vitamin with iron or supplement. You can increase your iron in food by eating red meat, fish, poultry, beans, peas, leafy greens and whole grains.

Zinc
Zinc speeds healing, boosts immunity and helps prevent pregnancy complications. Normally 8 mg is sufficient, but if pregnant increase dose to 11mg and 12 mg if you are breast feeding.

Black Cohash
It may help control hot flashes during menopause. If you are pregnant or have breast cancer do not take this herb.

Although a multi-vitamin contains most of the vitamins and minerals essential for men and women, consult your health care professional if you are pregnant or experiencing certain side effects. Your doctor should be able to help you find the appropriate dose for vitamins to help target your immune system, nerve system, heart health or mental health and memory.

All About Barley Grass

2009-10-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Barley is an excellent food that can be used in some ways throughout its life span. Barley is a widely used grain at full maturation which is used in many products from cereals to livestock feed. The great thing about barley is the fact that it is highly adaptable to its surroundings; it can be grown in wet or dry areas as well as warm or cool. While there are so many uses for barley as a fully matured grain, the truly amazing benefits come before it's fully matured and while it is a tender grass. When barley is completely grown it is considered a grain, however, when barley is young and in the grass state, before the grain develops, it is more closely related to dark green leafy vegetables. This green grass is truly a wonderful nutritional source that has been linked to some seriously healthy benefits dating all the way back to 2,000BC.

When we think of some vitamins or minerals, we usually have a fruit or vegetable that comes to mind as the richest source. For instance when I say Vitamin C you most likely think of and orange, when I say calcium you most likely think of milk, and finally when I say iron most of you will think of spinach. Well, throw all those thoughts out and create a new way of thinking. What if I were to tell you that barley grass has ten times the calcium as milk, or six times the vitamin C as an orange, and finally four times the iron as spinach. Amazing isn't it, and this is just the tip of the nutritional ice berg. Barley grass also contains potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, beta carotene, folic acid, vitamin B1, B2, B6, and pantothenic acid as well as chlorophyll. It is also an AMAZING source of vitamin B12.

Without a doubt, with all of these vitamins and nutrients included in one supplement, it is no wonder why barley grass is one of the most popular, and widely taken supplements around the world. The fact that Barley grass has been associated to things such as lowering cholesterol, improving circulation, and preventing cancer isn't bad either. However, it is essential to make sure the grass was harvested at exactly the right time, to ensure you are getting all these amazing vitamins and minerals. In general, the grass should be harvested when the nutrient packed leaves are about 14 inches high.

After the grass is harvested it is usually dried to make supplementing easier, although it can be juiced, but juicing it makes supplementing a little more difficult for some people. Once the leaves are dried they are ground into a powder for your supplemental use; this powder can be mixed with water or juice and taken with a meal. Be sure to avoid mixing the powder with hot or warm liquids as this will deactivate the enzymes in it. There are several types of Barley Grass Powders to choose from. Some have flavorings such as green tea, and some are plain and made to mix with a juice of your preference. No matter what flavor you choose plain, berry, or green tea the important thing is that you take it, and join the millions world wide that are drinking their way to a healthier life.

How to Select the Best Vitamin and Mineral Supplement

2009-10-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Why Most Health Foods Are A Waste Of Money?!
And The Real Reason You Can Take Vitamins, Minerals, And Herbs By The Handful And Still Suffer Poor Health.

It can be quite confusing to go shopping for vitamins and minerals these days. They are in every store. They come in every shape and milligram with some having thousands of milligrams. Here is a brief history of vitamin and mineral supplements to help you better understand what the best choice is for you.

The history of vitamins and minerals goes way back to the discovery in the 1930's. At this time certain deficiency diseases were recognized as being caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals. When this was realized the development of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) came about. In a nutshell the RDA is the amount of essential nutrients from food that is needed to keep a healthy person healthy.

What does this little history have to do with vitamins and Minerals?

The first generation of vitamin/ mineral supplements were developed using synthetic versions of vitamins and minerals. These supplements were created in the laboratory to provide an inexpensive and standardized way to meet RDA requirements. In fact the vast majority of vitamin and mineral supplements are still made using synthetic vitamins and minerals. This includes some of the most popular brands (the ones advertised regularly on the TV).

The major disadvantages of supplements made like this are: Synthetic vitamins are not food so our body cannot uptake and utilize these at the optimal levels. Dirt and Rocks are not food. The solubility of minerals and their uptake and utilization in the body are critical factors.

A first generation vitamin may list 100% or more of the RDA for a given nutrient. But this does not mean your body will be able to absorb and utilize any or some of that nutrient. In other words synthetic vitamin and mineral salts are less expensive but they do not provide effective support for our body to bridge the nutritional gap in our diets.

The next generation of multi-vitamin and minerals is from whole food extracts. They are food and vegetable extracts and or single exotic plant or fruit products, e.g. Aloe Vera, golgi berries, etc. Whole food supplements have nutrients that the human body is able to utilize.

While whole food supplements are better than synthetic vitamins they also have some disadvantages. The reality of our current fruits and vegetables is that they are often deficient in important nutrients. Whole food supplements cannot be standardized for the amounts of vitamins, minerals or phytochemicals they may contain so they cannot be labeled for nutritional values. No single fruit, vegetable, or plant can meet all RDA requirements. Most plants are very high in vitamins but they are generally very low in mineral levels. Whole food supplements are a step in the right direction but since they cannot be standardized they can be significantly deficient in some of the critical nutrients we need for maintaining wellness.

The next major advancement in vitamin and mineral technology is here. The newest generation of supplements has many advantages including standardized natural vitamin complexes, standardized plant-derived minerals, standardized plant-derived phyto-chemicals, and all sources of these individual nutrients are specifically identified and labeled.

So how do you find the third generation of vitamin and mineral technology products? Really you have to be very careful when shopping and label reading. If the label says "whole food" or "plant sourced," make sure you look closer to see if chelated minerals or mineral salts are in the ingredients. Those would indicate that they are not a whole food source. Another common claim is colloidal and liquid minerals are better absorbed by the body. These minerals are still rocks and the body recognizes them as such. The key factor for absorption is a plant source. The best way to make sure you are getting the best nutrient is to ask questions of the seller/ merchant. Ask them until they tell you all the advantages I listed above of the third generation vitamin and mineral supplement.

If you have any further questions, get The Missing Ingredient for Good Health as reference.

Discover the Amazing Fish Oil Health Benefits That Most People Don't Know About

2009-10-25T19:05:00.001-07:00

Millions of people are discovering the fish oil health benefits that have been proven by scientists and researchers from all over the world. Omega-3 fatty acids have been constantly studied for over 20 years.

Researchers first became interested in these essential fats when they discovered that Eskimos were eating a diet high in fat diet and were practically free of disease.

Since then, more and more fish oil health benefits have been discovered. Most people are unaware of the fact that the human brain alone is made up of about 60% of these essential fats.

Recent studies have shown that the majority of people today are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. This can begin to explain why almost all people experience the fish oil health benefits very fast. A deficiency of these fats has been linked to depression, anxiety, worry, heart problems, memory problems, difficulty losing weight and even Alzheimer's.

The Fish Oil Health Benefits

I have personally been using omega-3 fatty acids for several years. During this time I have experienced positive results, such as improved memory, focused, quality of sleep, stomach function, skin, energy and mood.

Clinical studies have proven that omega-3 fatty acids can help in the following areas:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Gout
• Weight loss
• Learning
• Bipolar disorder
• Behavioral problems
• Aging
• Energy
• Stomach
• Insomnia

This is just the people of the iceberg. I cannot list all the fish oil health benefits that modern science has discovered. I just want you to be aware of how helpful omega-3 fats have been proven to be.

They are among the best selling nutritional supplements for a good reason. With so many people being deficient in these fatty acids, now is the time for you to take control of your health and start improving your life.

Fish High in Omega 3 - How to Find the Best EPA and DHA Sources Available

2009-10-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

The omega-3 acids that are found in different types of fish are very good for the health of your heart, but they play a major part in the brain function too.

They are responsible for the normal development and growth of the human body. Some recent studies have proven that the consumption of fish high in omega-3 can greatly reduce the risks of sudden cardiac death and all the other conditions of the heart.

Two of the species of fish high in omega 3 are tuna and hoki. The tuna has a very high level of omega-3 and it is a very tasty food too. You can consume it either in sushi or in the classical sandwiches with canned tuna.

The only problem with the tuna is that it is a large fish that has many chances to get contaminated with the toxins from the waters. It is perfectly healthy for you to consume as long as you don't do it in excess.

A good alternative to the tuna is hoki, another fish high in omega 3. Hoki is a fish that lives somewhere near New Zealand, in the Southern Ocean. It is a sort of fish rich in omega-3 and it is as beneficial as the tuna for your health.

If you do not enjoy eating so much fish, you can easily go for some supplements that are derived from species of fish high in omega 3.

The main benefit of these supplements is that they are purified. This means all the toxins from the fish are removed and the product is a very healthy one. You can look for supplements that are developed from hoki and tuna in order to preserve the benefits these fish high in omega 3 have for the human body.

The supplements of fish oil are recommended for both adults and children in order to preserve an optimum overall state of health and enjoy a long life without illnesses or diseases.

Discover How Liquid Omega 3 Can Change Your Life for the Better

2009-10-16T02:15:00.000-07:00

The liquid omega 3 represents an alternative to the encapsulated omega-3 products and it is a nutritional supplement indispensable for your health. Thus, it is important to offer fatty acids to your body by dietary supplements and a healthy diet.

The liquid omega 3 encloses high levels of fish oil that is collected from different species of fish. The supplement is produced with the latest technology that refines the oil in order to eliminate all the possible toxins from it. The finished product has a liquid state that contains the two essential fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

After the distillation process, the oil is either encapsulated or bottled for making the liquid omega 3 products.

The benefits of consuming fish oil have been demonstrated in thousands of studies. The most important and widely known of them are the heart health, the healthy mental development, weight control, healthy skin, joint health and so much more.

The liquid omega 3 offers the same nutrients as the majority of the other products, the only difference being its taste. Some people think that the liquid omega 3 tastes funny, but other people might like it. In comparison, the capsules that contain fish oil are tasteless and odorless.

The liquid omega 3 is totally pure and there are no side effects that might appear after its consumption. On the other hand, it is safe to use by everybody ad it has plenty of benefits for the pregnant and lactating women. However, if you were in this condition, it would be advisable to check with your doctor before taking the pills.

We live in a time that is so hard that our eating habits become very poor. This is the reason it is important to preserve the balance of the necessary nutrients for our body. The omega fatty acids offer you the great balance of nutrients for a long and healthy life.

There are also other options, such as pills, tablets and capsules, which I prefer myself because the taste is not as prevalent as in liquid omega 3 supplements. The main thing is that you get more omega-3's into your body and start improving your health today.

Delicious Omega 3 Recipes Revealed - Improve Your Brain and Body With EPA and DHA Fats

2009-10-11T17:53:00.001-07:00

You can get pleasure from numerous benefits from cooking foods that contain rich omega-3 products. The products that contain omega-3 fatty acids are really healthy and this is why it must be a wise idea to find out some omega 3 recipes.

The most popular and valued fish that is rich in omega-3 is tuna. It is a delicious fish and there are immeasurable ways you can cook it. The easiest one to cook is the tuna steak.

It will offer you a reliable and rich in proteins meal just in several minutes. The tuna steak can be prepares grilled, griddled or pan fired. It is not suggested to bake it, because the fish will become too dry. You can go with your tuna steaks with some sugar snap peas or asparagus tips in order to have a healthy meal that is low in calories.

The salad tuna nicoise is one of the most popular omega 3 recipes. It is more often than not prepared with tinned tuna. In addition to that, you will also need half a pound red potatoes, small green beans, scrubbed, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, parsley, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and some lettuce. Mix them together and you will have a delicious meal that will be full in omega-3 fatty acids.

Since tuna is very low in calories, it is the perfect fish to use in the omega 3 recipes especially by people who feel like to lose weight or maintain their current weight. There are a lot of omega 3 recipes online and you can simply try them for a change in your diet.

Of course, if you think it is too difficult to try the omega 3 recipes, you can have the needed intake of fish oil from the supplements that are available on the market. They have a lot of beneficial effect for your body and they will help you protect your health for a life time.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea - Discover How to Make Your Own Green Tea

2009-10-08T00:15:00.000-07:00

There is plenty ways that we can carry out towards improving our immune system. Green tea has been reputed to fight virus in the plants grown by the tobacco farmers of the south. It appears that one of the active constituent found in the green tea averts crop damage that results from the tobacco mosaic virus. This element of the tea is none other then catechin which supplies us with the antioxidant for which the tea has become identical with.

During research tests it was discovered that the catechin has a very strapping effect upon the influenza virus as well. It seems to attach and deactivate the virus causing it to appear dormant. For us it means we are quickly over the dreaded flu or virus that we unintentionally caught. By merely drinking a daily cup or two of green tea we can drastically improve our immune system to the point where we are virtually virus free.

It was an encouraging situation when this virus fighting attribute was discovered for it tended to unchain several additional avenues towards possibly resolving the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS virus. By all indications this much feared infectious disease may perchance be heading to in the way of many other previously dominated diseases.

Green Tea also make you lose more weight, feel better, & prevent more harmful diseases than any other tea treatment.

Did you know that you can make your own green tea?
You can make your own magic green tea that's even more powerful than their stuff, and safer too. For more information, click here.

Omega 3 Information - Simple Secrets to Jumpstart Your Health and Well-Being

2009-10-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

If you are concerned in your health and want to do more for the benefit of your body, than you could definitely use some information of omega 3.

The omega 3 fatty acids are some essential building blocks from the cell membranes and they play a most important role in many functions of the human body.

They are very important for preserving the good health. The benefits of the omega 3 on the human body have been mostly observed at some Indian populations that had a diet rich in fish and other marine products. The research is now growing and more benefits are discovered every year.

If you are interested in getting some more information of omega 3, you need to know that the importance of a balanced diet rich in omega-3 acids is crucial for the healthy development of the body and for treating several health issues. The most important of them are the heart conditions, the lower levels of bad cholesterol and the good effect on people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

The omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in some fish species such as salmon, tuna, hoki and mackerel. More information of omega 3 can be found in the process of manufacturing the nutritional supplements from the fish oil. A very important part of this process is the distillation of the oil.

The fish live in contaminated water and the fish oil can be full of toxins. These toxins are removed from the oil with the help of the purification process.

The omega 3 fatty acids might keep the body from the accumulation of a sort of protein that is possibly connected to the growth of the Alzheimer's disease. If you are an adult and consume the fish oil, you can experience a greater power of concentration and a better memory.

As you can see, there is plenty of information of omega 3 that is very helpful for improving the health of the human body. If you want additional information of omega 3, you can easily read some of the numerous studies that prove the benefits of the oil for your health.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules Are Essential If You Want a Healthy and Long-Lasting Life

2009-10-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

The omega 3 fish oil capsules are a very important supplement you can make for your diet, because they have nutritional elements that can help any person get the overall health better and enjoy a long healthy life.
Some of the most important benefits you can have by taking omega 3 fish oil capsules are the prevention of the heart attacks and strokes, the lowering of the blood pressure and cholesterol and many more others that are progressively discovered in time.
Some of the most recent discoveries include the improvement of the eyesight as well as the improvement of your immune system.
In recent times there is a problem with the increased number of products that you can choose from when it comes to omega 3 fish oil capsules. There are a lot of supplements that do not correspond to the standard of quality these products be supposed to have.
The most important thing you have to consider when selecting omega 3 fish oil capsules is that they include a proper level of DHA, which is the most important fatty acid from the fish oils. Some of the recent studies discovered that the DHA is responsible for the greater part of the health benefits.
It is an important element that supplies to the good functionality of our brains and thus you can simply observe the significance of it in our diet.
You have to make sure that the oil contained in the capsules is tasteless and odorless. This way you will guarantee it is fresh and you should keep away from the products that make use of different flavors in order to disguise slightly rancid oil.
The last thing you need to test when you buy omega 3 fish oil capsules is that they have undergone a distillation process in order to get rid of all the toxins that are accumulated in the oil. This way you will be sure that the product you buy will have only beneficial effects on your body.

3 Foods Containing Omega 3 - Discover How You Can Improve Your Health with Essential Fats

2009-10-04T20:58:00.001-07:00

Almost all people these days are unaware of the healthy benefits that omega-3 fatty acids can provide. By knowing more regarding the foods containing omega 3, we can start eating more of them and take advantage of the health benefits.

Researchers have found that more than 90% of people today are most likely lacking in DHA and EPA, which are the two important long-chain fatty acids that can be found in the human body and in fatty fish for example.

3 Foods Containing Omega 3 Fatty Acids

With all that said, I'm sure that you want to find out more about the foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Here they are:

1. Fatty Fish - This is one that almost everybody knows about. Fatty fish such as tuna, anchovies, salmon, mackerel and herring are all excellent sources for omega-3 fatty acids. The only problem with them is that they sometimes are toxic if eaten in large quantities.

2. Flaxseed Oil - Another superb source of mostly ALA fatty acids. The problem with ALA is that it has to be converted to DHA and EPA, which are the important fatty acids found in fish oils. Studies have shown that only around 5-15% of ALA is changed into DHA and EPA, so it is a slow process.

3. Nuts - Some nuts, for example walnuts contain a little bit of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a handful of nuts daily is great for your health, but eating too much can be a health disaster.

If you're not into any of these foods, then you might want to look into fish oil supplements. Many people have been using fish oil supplements for several years with great success.

Creatine

2009-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Creatine is one of important parts of your body as it supplies energy to your muscles. In the human body half of the stored amount of Creatine was actually produced by food that you ate. You need to eat foods that are high in Creatine.

Vegetables are not one of those foods. Unlike other organic acids which are used generally to produce protein, this organic acid is instead stored in our skeletal structure. It does not stay inactive without end, it gives people the ability to use the energy within their body and turn it into muscle. This is very important, particularly when you are weight lifting or doing any other activity where muscle is going to be produced.

Just like many of the bodies other naturally occurring materials, this one is being examined to see whether it holds any promise for the people who need it most. People suffering from muscular diseases such as Parkinsons may some day be benefited from treatment by Creatine. You would be surprised at what such a simple little ingredient within your own body is capable of. It could produce new muscle growth and many other promising things.

Many people want to grow larger muscles on their body. They are not sure how all of the muscle growth actually works. Well, you begin to exercise. Then your body will signal your brain to let go the Creatine that has been stored up from foods that you have eaten. You will soon grow more muscles on your body! It is as simple as that.

Acai Berry Diet Reviews

2009-09-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

A great deal attention is now given to the Acai berry fruit, especially because it has been featured in talk shows like Oprah and Rachel Ray. It has also been tagged as a super food by some researchers, clinicians, and consumers alike. Moreover, diets are now also based on this fruit which promises weight loss results in just a short span of time.

The supplements have been well-known to be used with most weight loss diets these days. Due to its growing public demand, an Acai berry diet review is an important fact that can help fans and soon-to-be fans of the berry fruit to learn and understand more without just relying on the labels.

The diet is well-known to contain three different supplements: Acai berry supplement, Wu-Yi Green Tea, and Total Cleanse. These are taken together as it is said to have powerful fat burners. They are also known to suppress appetite. The ingredients of these products are not listed and cannot be found on any website that is why consumers rely on any available Acai berry diet review.

An Acai berry diet review found on the web also stated that there is no actual guarantee that the synergy of the three products can actually result to the all the claimed effects.

In addition, since consumers cannot view the ingredients of any of these three products on an official website, extra care is regarded. The advantage of losing weight is more linked with the green tea and colon cleanser products. Last, before you try any weight loss product, be sure to choose a trust worthy and legitimate manufacturer.

Sugar and Sugar Substitutes - Trick Or Treat?

2009-09-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

All carbohydrates, both complex and simple, affect blood sugar. While complex carbohydrates increase blood sugar slower and simple sugars can more easily spike blood sugar, the most important factor for those with diabetes is the total amount of carbohydrate you have. Diabetes educators agree that sugars can included in your meal planning.

For any healthy diet, the American Dietary Guidelines suggest no more than 8 to 10 teaspoons per day of added sugars. Furthermore, the added sugar content of candy, desserts, and sodas can cause you to easily exceed the recommendations of both the dietary guidelines and your carbohydrate-conscious diet.

A small-sized Halloween treat bag or bar averages 2 to 3 teaspoons of added sugar , a single chocolate bar has about 6 teaspoons, and single serving package of Skittles has whopping 11 teaspoons of sugar. In order to healthfully consume foods with sugar:

- Keep added sugars to a smallest amount. Eat small portions and make it a one time in a treat.
- Make sure to keep track of your full amount carbohydrates. If you must have a sugary treat, be sure to control other carbohydrates in your meal plan.
- When possible, suit your sweet tooth without added sugar. Fresh fruit is naturally sweet and contains fiber as well as minerals, vitamins and other phytonutrients that are good for your health.

Sugar Alternatives

Sugar substitutes can help offer the treat without the "trick." For candies, gums and mints, the most regularly used substitutes are sugar alcohols. Ironically, sugar alcohols contain neither sugar nor alcohol. Produced from other carbohydrates, sugar alcohols contain smaller amount calories and are not digested like other sugars -- resulting in less impact on your blood sugar. Some common sugar alcohols or "-ols" are mannitol, maltitol, sorbitol, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol, and isomalt.

Sugar substitutes such as aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium (Sweet One), saccharin (Sweet 'n Low), and stevia (a food supplement) can also let you to enjoy the sweet taste you love without the effects of sugar (as do reduced/no-calorie blends like Diabi-sweet).

These sugar substitutes are used to cut back the sugar content in packaged goods and are simply recognized in supermarkets and on tabletops in their blue, yellow, and pink packaging. Whichever you choose, the FDA, the American Dietetic Association, and the American Diabetes Association consider all of them safe and effective substitutes for sugar. When including any sugar choice in your diet, remember:

- Carbohydrates and calories still count. "No-sugar" does not mean totally no carbs or calories!
- For sugar alcohols, you may take away one-half the grams of sugar alcohol listed on the food label from the carbohydrates
- Make sure to eat foods with sugar alcohols in moderation, especially until you are sure of your personal tolerance limits. GI distress and a laxative effect can happen with excessive consumption.
- Hot and cold beverages are perfect places to switch out sugar with sugar substitutes.
- When cooking or baking, be sure to use a "baking blend" or a sugar substitute such that can withstand high temperatures.

Healthy Low Sugar Treats!

Substituting "empty" sugar calories with sugar substitutes and no-added sugar treats can make it easier to keep your diabetes diet in check. Fulfilling your sweet tooth with homemade good-for-you treats is even better!

Acai Berry Distributors

2009-09-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

The Acai berry trend has been the talk of the town for months now. It gained so much attention after being featured in a popular talk show in the US, aside from that, the various health benefits which have been associated with this fruit have become one of the reasons why many people were enticed to try the different Acai berry products. Furthermore, due to this fruit's popularity, there was an increase in the number of different distributing companies already sell Acai berry products online. Available products range from juice, powder for smoothies, puree, and diet supplements or pills.

Nearly all companies opt to sell Acai fruit products online which make it more accessible for consumers, rather than putting up physical stores. If you try to browse online offers for the different products particularly supplements, large number of risk-free trial offers are promoted by most manufacturers and distributors. Other distributors selling Acai berry products also take in promotional tools like a year magazine subscriptions. The continuous increase in demand resulted to the need of increasing the supply which made way for many bogus distributors to practice unacceptable schemes.

Though most require your credit card information especially for free trials since you have to pay for the shipping and handling costs, others see this as an advantage to charge more to their customers account. Some also make it difficult for their customers to cancel their subscription. This is not a new issue in the Internet business, but opportunists found new ways in technically stealing from people.

Concentrated Fish Oil Supplements Avoid Alzheimer's Disease

2009-09-18T08:51:00.001-07:00

Alzheimer's disease is a incapacitating disease that affects a large number of older people. It is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the mental ability of the sufferer. It results in loss of memory, dementia, changes to the personality and eventually in death.

It is caused by the growth of "plaques" on the brain. These are buildup of the beta amyloid protein which is toxic to the neurons of the brain. Scientists have found a connection between the levels of another protein, LR11 and beta amyloid which is important in the study of Alzheimer's disease.

Sufferers of Alzheimer's disease have significantly lesser levels of the LR11 protein which has been revealed to prevent the development of the beta amyloid protein. Therefore by raising the levels of the LR11 protein the beta amyloid levels can be reduced and the deadly "plaques" which cause Alzheimer's disease can be evaded.

The levels of the LR11 protein can be increased by concentrated fish oil which is high in the omega3 fatty acid DHA. Increasing the intake of DHA raises the levels of LR11 and lessens the levels of beta amyloid.

DHA is an important fatty acid, meaning is it is important to the diet of humans however cannot be created by the human body. It must be gained by the human body in the diet. It is found most richly in cold water oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. It is also contained in seeds such as flax seed and certain nuts such as walnuts.

Cold water fish in the wild generate this fatty acid from the naturally occurring algae they eat. Fish which are farm reared do not eat these algae as their atmosphere is usually kept free of algae.

Eating these varieties of oily fish can supply to the intake of the omega 3 fatty acids. They can also be obtained from concentrated fish oil supplements which are generally in the form of fish oil capsules.

These capsules are produced from fish oil by a process known as micro distillation or stripping which concentrates and purifies the fish oils. The finish product is not only concentrated and high in the essential omega3 fatty acids but also free of contaminants.

Consuming fish oil supplements daily can guarantee that the essential omega fatty acid DHA is obtainable for the production of the LR11 protein which can lessen or prevent the development of the beta amyloid protein which is the cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Omega3 fish oil supplements are also identified to contribute to the well being of sufferers from other complaints such as arthritis, inflammation and gout. When choosing a supplement product considers the purity and strength of the product. Pick the product that offers the purest oil and the highest concentration at the best price. But remember, before taking such supplement, it is advisable to consult with medical doctor.

How to determine the number of calories and nutrients needed per day?

2009-09-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for all those food labels, the lists on nearly every bottle, box and jar in the supermarket, detailing the item's ingredients and nutritional content. By reading these labels, consumers gain tremendous information about their diets.

However, the data on these labels are by necessity calculated to suit a generic American adult, one who takes in 2,000 calories per day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency that monitors food labels, can't possibly customize the information for everyone. But what if you're a 200-pound, six-foot-two, 25-year-old man? You require closer to 3,100 calories per day, and the amount of protein, fat, iron, etc., that you require will be far different from the needs of, say, a 120-pound, 70-year-old woman who's five-foot-four. Children, teenagers, pregnant women, athletes their daily caloric needs vary widely... keep on reading..

Top 10 most nutritious vegetables

2009-08-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Vegetables are important for health. Most vegetables are low in calories and fat. Some vegetables are loaded with nutrients and anti aging properties. The most nutritious vegetables help you to stay healthy and good shape. They also give you amazing protection against critical disease ... Read more...

Spirulina and how it can help you

2009-08-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

Is Spirulina the future miracle food that can possibly provide amazing amounts of protein, or was it the miracle food that was known as manna in the Bible? Could it possible that it is the same and we are just now discovering its many wonderful benefits.

While the protein, vitamin, and mineral content of this potential miracle food is almost beyond comparison, this very small organism could very possibly be more important because of its richness in enzymatic pigments more than any other quality... Read More...

Eat More Fish to Cheat Death

2009-08-02T22:20:00.001-07:00

Forget that icelandic men eat practically no vegetables, and that they affectionately refer to their local liquor as Black Death. Chances are, you could learn a lot from them about healthy eating.

You see, the men in Iceland live longer than those anywhere else on the planet -- an average of 78.7 years, to be exact. That beats the second-place Japanese by a couple of months, and the likes of you by more than 4 years. The natives claim that the secret to their longevity is their Viking blood. Science points to their dinner plates.

Every year, the people of Iceland eat 29,000 tons of fish, which equates to 200 pounds of fish per capita, more than any other nation, except for a few tiny, unpronounceable island states. (No offense to our loyal readers in Tokelau and Niue.)

That's 200 pounds of live weight, but even after you subtract for bones, heads, guts, and leftovers gone bad, it's more than 6 ounces of fish every day, for every man, woman, and child -- eight times the amount the average American eats. It's not difficult to connect the dietary dots.

What is it about fish? Scientists believe it's the fat. Nutritionists usually recommend that you avoid the fat in beef and pork, but the fat in fish is, well, an entirely different animal. That's because it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy polyunsaturated fats that are essential for many biological functions. In fact, you need them to live.

"Omega-3 fatty acids are part of the membrane of every cell in the body; they're also the building blocks of hormones that govern much of the body's physiology," says David Katz, M.D., director of the Prevention Research Center at the Yale school of medicine.

A quick primer on omega-3 fatty acids:

• There are three types: eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid, known respectively as EPA, DHA, and ALA.

• EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids that are most easily used by your body, are found in significant amounts only in marine life, particularly cold-water fish (because they carry more fat for insulation).

• ALA, on the other hand, is obtained from plant-derived foods, such as flaxseed, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.

An important detail: "For ALA to provide any health benefits, your liver must convert it into EPA and DHA," says Bruce Holub, Ph.D., a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Guelph, in Ontario. "The estimated average efficiency of conversion is around 10 percent to 15 percent."

That means for every gram of omega-3s you take in from fish sources, you need about 6 grams from plant foods to glean an equivalent amount of EPA and DHA. And that may be why fish consumption is related to longevity.

In the 1970s, scientists observed a very low death rate from heart disease in Greenland Eskimos, despite the high fat content -- nearly 40 percent of total calories -- of their diet. This became known as the "Eskimo Paradox," since it contradicted previous findings that a high-fat diet increased cardiovascular-disease risk. In subsequent investigations, Danish researchers found that the pivotal factor was the source of the fat.

Turns out, there was a strong correlation between the Eskimos' low incidence of heart disease and their high consumption of fatty fish, a finding that was later echoed in studies of other fish-eating cultures -- in Japan, Alaska, and the Mediterranean.

And that established a direct link to the life-extending benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, since they're mostly absent in plant and land-animal food (unless you count lamb and pig brain).

Foods that are good for your eyes and vision

2009-07-29T03:42:00.000-07:00

Good foods fuels your body, contributes to healthy eyes and can influence your mind functions.

A healthy diet is important for strengthening your muscles and bones, and also keeping you alert. Wise food choices contain with good nutrition keep your skin smooth and also plays a role in maintaining healthy vision... Read More

Foods that are good for your hair

2009-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Lather, rinse and repeat… may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner won't give you the healthy hair you desire. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.

Hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the basis of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat. If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body… inside and out.

Here are list of some foods for healthy hair diet.

Health Benefits of Kefir

2009-07-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

Kefir is a cultured creamy milk product that is similar to yogurt which is popular in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Russia and parts of the Mediterranean. It is made by inoculating milk with kefir grains. These grains are a combination of yeasts and bacteria which grow and increase as the milk undergoes fermentation. This self replicating fermentation process makes the milk sour slightly, producing a drink which is almost similar to fizzy yogurt.

Traditional kefir is prepared from camel’s milk. However milk from other animals can be used too. It has a tangy, rich flavor which can be consumed plain or may be altered with the addition of ingredients like sweeteners and pureed fruits.

Kefir naturally contains useful yeast with the friendly bacteria as found in yogurt that provide superior health benefits. These are some of the known health benefits:

- Helps lactose digestion

Kefir can be a healthy choice to replace milk and yogurt for people who have lack natural lactose enzyme. It contains a number of good bacteria that are working to break down lactose in the stomach.

- Rich in vitamins

It is rich vitamins including vitamin B, vitamin K, and important minerals such as magnesium and calcium. These vitamins and minerals help to control almost every organ in your body.

- Promotes immune function

There is a study published in a journal in year 2006 showed that kefir has the potential to positively modulate immunity in rats. The result shows that it is effective at destroying viruses and bacteria in the rats as well as destroys tumor cells. Although this study still needs to be confirmed in humans, the potential for it to be useful in maintaining a healthy immune system seems possible.

- Helps digestive function

Research advice that a good digestion system will keep you from getting sick and a bad one will cause allergies and disease. Kefir is rich with healthy microorganisms known as pro-biotic. These microorganisms help to keep normal digestive function. They are very helpful in treating traveler’s diarrhea and also reduce gas formation by promoting healthy digestive function. They also used during antibiotic treatment to cut down on the diarrhea.

- prevents breast cancer

There is a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods in 2007 explained that kefir extracts have components that particularly set and stop the growth of breast cancer cells. For this clarification, many women who have been analyzed with breast cancer are consuming it as an option to milk.

The health benefits of kefir are still being explored. However it is a simple way to add vitamins, minerals and good bacteria to your diet. If you are not familiar with kefir, it is recommended to try cow's milk kefir to start. It has a mild and creamy flavor. Non-dairy kefir is also available, for people who want to benefit from it with not using animal products.

If want to your own kefir, try this simple recipe:

Ingredients:
1) milk
2) kefir grains.

Instructions:
Put the kefir grains in a glass jar with milk, do not airtight. Leave it around until it is all set. Keep it in the fridge until you want to use it.
When you want to use it, pour the kefir with a spoon through a sieve to take out the grains. Wash the grains under running cold water and place them in a clean jar with fresh milk. Now you can drink the kefir.

Enjoy your kefir and their benefits!

Health benefits of jackfruit

2009-07-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

The jackfruit is a large oval fruit with powerful smell. It is believed that the fruit has been first originated in Indian rainforests. The fruit has a green skin, and turns to yellow when overripe. The fruit contains of pulp, flesh and seeds. The pulp and flesh are yellow and succulent. Taste of the flesh is sweet. The seed is about the size of a pigeon's egg.

The pulp and flesh of the young fruit is usually cooked as vegetable, preserved or canned. Flesh of ripe fruit is delicious eaten fresh or made into various recipes as well as desserts, drinks, jam, chutney, jelly, and paste, or preserved as sweets by drying. The seeds also can be eaten roasted, boiled or dried and salted, or they can be process to make flour and mixed together with wheat flour for baking. Jackfruit has an acquired taste and commonly does not appeal to those unfamiliar with it.

Although many people love jackfruit for its delicious taste, quite a few are uninformed of the jackfruit health benefits. Listed below is the quantity of nutrients available in 100 gm of jackfruit:

Sodium - 3 mg
Total Carbohydrates - 24 g
Dietary Fiber - 2 g
Protein - 1 g
Vitamin A - 297 IU
Vitamin C - 6.7 mg
Thiamine - 0.03 mg
Riboflavin - 0.11 mg
Niacin - 0.4 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.108 mg
Foliate - 14 mcg
Calcium - 34 mg
Iron - 0.6 mg
Magnesium - 37 mg
Phosphorus - 36 mg
Potassium - 303 mg
Sodium - 3 mg
Zinc - 0.42 mg
Copper - 0.187 mg
Manganese - 0.197 mg
Selenium - 0.6 mcg
Total Fat - 0.3 mg
Saturated Fat - 0.063 mg
Mono unsaturated Fat - 0.044 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat - 0.086 mg
Calories - 94

As stated in nutrients list above, you can see that jackfruit is a rich source of potassium. Researches have proved that food rich in potassium supports to regulate your blood pressure. For that reason, jackfruit has the health benefit of providing aid for lowering blood pressure for anybody who suffers from high blood pressure.

Jackfruit supplies a good amount of proteins and carbohydrates but less amount of fat and calories. These make the jackfruit as an excellent energy supplement. Therefore the fruit is good to include in loss weight diet plan.

Jackfruit is a source of vitamin C. Your body does not create vitamin C naturally, so you must eat food that contains vitamin C to obtain its health benefits. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that keeps the body against free radicals. Vitamin C also holds the cells in your bodies together, strengthens your immune systems and maintains your gums healthy.

Jackfruit has phytonutrients that contained with lignans, isoflavones and saponins, which have wide ranging of health benefits. These phytonutrients have anti-cancer, anti-ageing, antihypertensive and anti-ulcer properties. Therefore jackfruit can prevent cancer cells from forming in the body, can slow down the degeneration of cells that result the skin look younger and supple, can reduce blood pressure and can fight against stomach ulcers.

Boiling the jackfruit root and extracting its content. The extract of jackfruit root is believed to cure those suffering from asthma, diarrhea and fever.

If you want to take benefit of the jackfruit, you can get jackfruit in many Caribbean and Asian food stores or superstores.

Bodybuilding Supplement - Protein & Creatine

2009-07-15T18:35:00.001-07:00

In the present day over saturated market of body building supplements, how do you know what works, what doesn't, and what you ought to buy? Regularly you will see people relying only on supplements to help them build muscle, but they neglect other aspects such as their nutrition. If you do not have a good nutrition in place to start with, nothing in the world can assist you build muscle and strength properly.

Body Building Supplement - Whey Protein

The basic and the most important body building supplement would have to be protein supplement. Different proteins are for different users because they have different absorption rates. For example, whey protein has the highest absorption rate, and should be taken straight away after a workout.

Body Building Supplement – Creatine

Creatine is one of the important body building supplements that most will have used at some point. Creatine is invented of three amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine. The main role of creatine is to help supply energy to your muscles.

Learn more about body building, and discover how you can gain serious muscle and strength at OptimumNutrition.com.

Health Benefits of Guava

2009-07-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Guava is a tropical fruit. The guava is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico. Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought the guava to the East Indies and it shortly became a popular crop in Asia. These days the guava is a common fruit all over tropical America, Asia and in the warmer parts of Africa, and is one of the biggest fruit crops in Mexico.

The guava shape is quite similar to pear and the skin color is green but turns to yellow when it becomes overripe. The skin is can consume along with the fruit without peeled. Inside the skin there is flesh that is either white or reddish in color. Usually you can see a lot of small hard seeds enveloping the soft pulp of the fruit. Keep on reading to know about the health benefits of eating guavas.

- Guava Nutritional Value

Basically, apart from iron and folic acid, amount of nutrients present in 1 cup (165 gram) of guava is given below:

Vitamin A - 412 IU
Vitamin B - 1.15 mg
Vitamin C - 498 mg
Calcium - 50 mg
Calories - 84
Carbohydrates - 19.6 gm
Fiber - 8.9 gm
Niacin - 2 mg
Phosphorus - 48 mg
Protein - 1.35 gm
Total Fat - 0.9 gm

- Antioxidants

The skin and the pulp of the guava are an amazing source of natural antioxidants. The antioxidant properties contained in the skin are 10 times higher than in the pulp. Guava leaf extracts also have been revealed to contain high levels of antioxidants, and has been initiate to enhance male fertility in a study.

- Skin Care

Guava can improve the health and texture of the skin. It is a good source of vitamin A, B, C and the mineral potassium that maintain the skin fresh, glowing and wrinkle-free.
The fruit is also a superb source of astringents, especially unripe guava and leaves. Astringents help shrinking skin tissues, tightening loosened skin and dissolve the oil in the skin.

- Anti Inflammatory

Preliminary studies of guava leaf extract on the anti inflammatory properties indicated that the extract is mixed up with the inhibition of inflammatory agents. It is speculated that the chemical compounds in the plant of the leaf extract are responsible for the anti inflammatory effects.

- Antibacterial

The astringents in guava also help removing bacterial infections. Astringents are powerful fighters against bacteria because they are alkaline in nature. Besides, the astringents in guava consist of disinfectant properties, which help fighting against dysentery and diarrhea.

- Cancer Prevention

Guava is a very good source of a carotene called lycopene that helps preventing cancer. There is a study carried out by Harvard University researchers of a group of 48 000 persons, those who had lycopene into their diets had a 45 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who did not.

- Healthy Colon

Guava is a very good source of fiber. It has an estimated 9 grams of fiber per cup and as a result it cleaning out the intestine, supporting in digestion and reducing the risk of developing colon cancer.

- Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Fiber inside the guava also helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It assists to reduce cholesterol in the blood while increasing lipoprotein, good cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol in the blood sequentially reduces blood pressure.

- Teeth

Compounds present in guavas inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutants, which is measured to be a pathogen for dental caries.

The guava is a super nutritious fruit that not only supplies a lot of health benefits to those who consume it, but also is a light fruit you can bring around as a healthy snack.

The health benefits of beetroot

2009-07-14T03:46:00.001-07:00

Growing beetroot in the home garden is a must for people who care of their health seriously.

Beetroot is red, small and carrot-shaped vegetable. It was only developed in the 16th century. It was exposed that beetroot could be transformed into sugar in the 19th century, and straight away became a valued vegetable. Over the years, it became accepted and popular in Central and Eastern Europe as well.

Although bloody red beetroot juice might stain your clothes, it will not stain your health. It is one of the most adaptable vegetables and it is measured to have numerous health benefits.

Fresh beetroot juice with fresh orange or apple juice is very yummy. Beetroot can put in a refreshing touch to a salad, or as an accompaniment to other vegetables. It is also a good way to eat beetroot raw, just peel it and eat. According to medical research, consuming beetroot everyday can help reduce blood pressure. But this is not the single benefit that can be resulted from beetroot.

The motive why beetroot is measured to be healthy is that it contains almost no fat, has a small number of calories, is a rich source of natural sugar, and is a great source of fiber. The high value of beetroot nutrients makes it a priceless food in terms of health benefits it provides and it is in importance used for therapeutic purposes.

Beetroot is also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamin A, B and C. Here are a number of beetroot benefits for health.

- Liver Health
Beetroot has bioactive agent called betaine, which is important to support liver function. When the liver is working correctly, fats will break down very well. This will help in weight loss and prevent tiredness.

- Cholesterol Buster
Beetroot fiber has been revealed to have cholesterol lowering abilities.

- Antioxidants
Beetroot contains betacyanin, the red pigment that gives beetroot its color. It has great antioxidant properties. Studies have verified that beetroot products used frequently in the diet may offer protection against some oxidative stress-related disorders.

- Cancer Prevention
Beetroot intake can be one of the helpful means to put a stop to lung and skin cancer. Researchers have proved that beetroot juice able to slow down the formation of cancer causing compounds named nitrosamines.

- Cleanser
Beetroot cleanses the kidneys and blood, cleanses toxic wastes to help liver function, supports healthy blood cell formation, and reduces inflammation.

- Digestive System
Beetroot has positive effects on digestive system. It helps in digestive disorders treatment such as jaundice, vomiting and nausea due to diarrhea or dysentery.

Be careful, though you eat sufficient beetroot, you might turn bright red.

What are Vitamins?

2009-07-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Vitamins are substances which are present in certain foods and are necessary for the proper functioning of animal tissues. Deficiency of vitamins in the diet leads to a number of diseases which are specific for each particular vitamin. Many of the vitamins exert their action by taking part in the complex chemical reactions which occur within the cell.

It is important to realize that provided a sufficiency of vitamin is taken, which should be provided by a good mixed diet, that is no advantage to be gained by taking further large doses of the various vitamins, in fact the taking of excessive amounts of certain vitamins may even be harmful. But these general guidelines apply if you're are one of these groups:

Infant and Children

Most babies are given an injection of vitamin K at birth as the newborn's immature intestional tract may not produce enough to supply sufficient amounts to the baby.

Smokers

Smoking interferes with incorporation of a number of vitamins; most importantly, vitamin C. Smokers should be sure their diets are rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as high doses of antioxidants vitamins may actually be harmful.

Alcoholics

The most dangerous deficiencies among alcoholics are from vitamin C, vitamin B1, folic acid, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine ) and vitamin B2 ( riboflavin ).

Older adults

Deficiencies of vitamins and also important minerals have been observed inalmost one-third of elderly people, who offen fail to eat regular, balanced meals. Older adults may have vitamin D, B12, B6 and folic acid defiencies. One study reported that the immune systems of elderly people might benefit from vitamin E in levels higher than the daily recommended dosage.

Dieters and Vegetarians

Vegetarians who do not eat dairy or meat products may need riboflavin , vitamin D and vitamin B12 supplements. Those who eat eggs and dairy products need only watch their iron levels to guard against hair loss caused by iron deficiency.

Pregnant and breast-feeding women

The recommended dose for folic acid prior to conception and during pregnancy is 400 mcg. During breast feeding, between 260 and 280 mcg is suggested. Choline, another B vitamin, is essential for pregnant and nursing women

- 450 mg during pregnancy and 550 when breast feeding. Experts recommend that pregnant women take in no more than 8000 IU of vitamin A per day as it can pose a danger.

Vitamin A.D.E.K are fat soluble vitamins whereas vitamins c, pyridoxine and folic acid are water souble vitamins. Each vitamin's function varies. Lack of vitamins will cause diseases and excessiveness is harmful to the body and can pose a danger.

Red clover and its uses in women's health

2009-07-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Red clover is a perennial herb that grows in meadows in Europe and Asia and is now grown extensively in North America. The red flower is dry, is the source of their medicines. Red clover has been used traditionally to treat common disorders, cancer, mastitis, bronchitis, inflammation of the cough asthma and jaundice of the skin associated with eczema and psoriasis.

In Europe the red clover is used as a diuretic for gout and acts as an antibiotic that can kill certain bacteria, especially off the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Purifies the blood with the production of mucus and urine tests to improve circulation and stimulate the secretion of bile. It is regularly used by many physicians Naturopathic.

While the stock paste on it, red clover is actually a good source of food such as calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine and vitamin C. It is also considered the richest source of isoflavones.

The isoflavones that are found in the strength of plants as soybeans and red clover are similar in structure as estrogen. Studies have suggested that supplements of red clover can be used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms for many women feel that the main risks associated with the use of HRT are not present when using red clover.

Studies have shown that the use of red clover can help women 'backbone of what s weakened due to osteoporosis. Women who took red clover supplements had using a slower rate of loss of bone in the spine compared with those taking placebo. The use of red clover appears to have protective effects on bones of the hips as well.

During the menstrual cycle, women suffer a lot of sore and painful breasts. The chest pain is due to changes of the hormone in the body. It has been found that the isoflavones in red clover help to reduce the pain because it has the ability to mimic the body of the 's. hormones Because of isoflavones in their diet of soybean products, women suffer less in the east of chest pain. Women who suffer from hot flashes due to menopause may find the use of red clover helpful.

During menopause, many women suffer from weakened arteries. Women who used supplements of red clover have also experienced the consolidation and strength of arterial walls.

One study has shown that the isoflavones in red clover may be effective in destroying certain types of cancer cells. All along scientists have believed that estrogen can stimulate growth of breast cancer cells so it is recommended that women who have a history of breast cancer should avoid the use of red clover.

While red clover may be helpful while an alternative to hormone replacement therapy who are using HRT pills or birth control should avoid the use of red clover supplement. Those using medication to reduce blood should also avoid using it as well as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the difference between dark and white meat?

2009-07-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

What is the difference between dark and white meat?

Most people have no idea there is dark meat and white meat in poultry. The only things they know are that dark meat has more fat and that they have favorite parts they like to eat.

The difference between white meat and dark meat is attributed to the amount of MYOGLOBIN proteins, the magic stuff that distributes oxygen to the muscle cells.

This protein is stored in muscles that get active, because they need more oxygen. The more active a muscle gets, the higher the concentration of the protein.

Dark meats basically have more MYOGLOBIN proteins than white meat. Dark meats have to use this protein as they distribute oxygen more powerfully to the muscles than glycogen. Muscles used more often, get to be dark. This is reveal why non-flying poultry drumsticks are dark meat, while their breast meat is white.

While a modern domesticated chicken is basically flightless, the wings get very little in activities, so the muscles develop very little MYOGLOBIN proteins. Where this really turns out to be obvious is in flying fowl like ducks; the meat is more of a reddish color all over, which is why ducks are basically all dark meat.

When dark meat is cooked it turns the MYOGLOBIN proteins to METMYOGLOBINS, which is colored brown or gray. METMYOGLOBINS are very high in iron, although there is not that much in dark meat in the first place.

White meat gets the 'juice' through GLYCOGEN. It is an animal starch. Animal starch is stored mainly in the liver and broken down into glucose when needed by the white muscle.

However, when cooking, wings should be treated like dark meat, not white meat. This is because white meat tends to be dried if cooked too long. Wings take well to long cooking times and high heat just like thighs. This is because there are multiple bones in the wings structure. Be careful when grilling or barbecuing, because wings are also one of the fattiest parts of the chicken and tend to create flare-ups on the grill.

In addition, the white meat of a chicken contains a lot less natural internal fat compared to the dark meat parts. The MYOGLOBIN protein is responsible for the color difference but it is the fat content that makes dark meat parts retain its moisture for a longer period of time before drying out.

As for nutritional comparison, dark meats contained more zinc, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, vitamins B6 and B12, amino acids, iron than white meat. Even the fats in most of the dark meats have healthy parts. They contain Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids, and other 'healthy' fats. But the saturated fat content which lowers the right quality of dark meat.

Therefore, if anybody asks, this information can now be told to them. It is also why when people are put on diets that they are told to eat chicken breasts and not drumsticks.

Tips for cleaning fruits & vegetables for juicing

2009-06-26T19:34:00.001-07:00

Local grocery stores bring variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. Nutrients in fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy diet. However, harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where produce grows may come in interact with the fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. In addition, fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during handling and storage.

However, experts say that the skin of most fruits contain a lot of important nutrients that we need. This fact is also accepted for many vegetables too. Experts even recommend leaving the skin of some fruits and vegetables for serving.

As fruits and vegetables are regularly for juicing and eaten raw, there is no chance to destroy any harmful bacteria through the process of cooking. Realizing that many of the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables are potentially washed away once we rinse or peel off the skin, we need to know how to wash them properly to reduce the risks of serious illnesses such as Salmonella.

It is easy to protect yourself and your family from illness by following these cleaning fruits and vegetables for juicing tips:

1) Wash with Clean Water

The best way to wash fruits and vegetables is to use clean water. Simply rinse the fruit or vegetable thoroughly with clean running water. In some cases, you have to soak them for a few minutes to remove as many contaminants as possible before rinse them thoroughly with clean running water.

2) Brushes

Use vegetable brush to scrub vegetables and fruit skin such as citrus fruits, melon and potatoes under running water, to get rid of as many soil particles before cutting them.

Do not use vegetable brush for fruits and vegetables with smooth, shiny skins such as tomatoes and nectarines. You just have to hold them under running water and gently rub their surfaces with your fingers. If the fruit or vegetable is fragile such grapes and raspberries, put them in a colander and gently spray with water.

3) Pesticides?

Do not use soap to wash fruits and vegetables to destroy pesticides because it is not intended for use with food. Soap will leave toxic residue, which you will then ingest. You could wash your fruits and vegetables in a solution of 3 tablespoons vinegar in a quart of water or a weak salt solution of 4 teaspoons salt in a gallon of water.

However, it is enough by making sure that you wash your fruit and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consuming them or cooking with them. Many pesticides are water-soluble and will come off if the produce is rinsed or soaked in water.

Besides, try to buy organic product or seasonal and local fruits vegetables, as longer storage and shipping distances will mean more use of pesticides.

Lastly, remember to wash fruits and vegetables just before you plan to eat or cook them. This is important because clean product can still grow mould and bacteria during storage in the fridge or pantry.

Best fruit for better liver function

2009-06-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Liver is the largest glandular organ in human body. The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. The liver has many functions. Here are some of the liver functions:

a) To store vitamins (A, D, K and B12), minerals and sugar.

b) To filter the toxin out of blood.

c) To produce and control cholesterol.

d) To produce urea, the main substance of urine.

e) To produce substances that break down fats.

It is important for us to take care of liver as overall health and vitality depends upon the health of liver. Poor liver function can result in tiredness, headache, skin problem, allergies, weight gain and intolerance.

The best fruits for better liver function are those that promote the detoxification process of the liver and those that are high in antioxidant to protect the liver while it's carrying out its detoxification processes.

Here are list of 15 best fruits for liver health:

1) Lemon

Drink hot freshly squeezed lemon juice first thing in the morning helps to cleanse the liver and promote detoxification. To make it, you have to squeeze a fresh lemon into a cup of boiled water and mix well.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also stimulates bile production, cleanses the stomach and bowel and stimulates a bowel motion.

2) Beetroot

Beetroot used in medicinal purposes focusing on disorders of the liver. It would appear to have a blood cleansing effect as well as reducing liver stagnancy.

3) Prune

Prune rank foremost in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) list of high-scoring antioxidant fruits. Food scientists believe that the high antioxidant rate is related to the dark pigment of the fruit's skin.

4) Raisin

Raisins are dried grapes that high in certain antioxidants as rank among the top antioxidant foods in the USDA.

5) Blueberry

Blueberry is a natural and rich source of antioxidants. Blueberry is high in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E, A and C. It is also a good source of dietary fiber.

6) Blackberry

Blackberry is an abundant source of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and calcium are present in blackberries.

7) Strawberry

Strawberry has the ability to help in removing harmful toxin in the blood that processes in the liver. It is also recommended for gout, rheumatism, constipation, high blood pressure, catarrh and even skin cancer.

8) Raspberry

Raspberry is great cleansers of the body, benefiting the liver and kidneys. They are also one of the best sources of dietary fiber.

9) Plum

A plum is a fruit type with a lot of varieties. Plums are an excellent source of vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and fiber. Like all fruit plums contain a substantial amount of vitamin C.

10) Orange

As well known, oranges are rich in vitamin C. Oranges are usually eaten plain or in fruit salads.

11) Pink grapefruit

The rich pink color of grapefruit is due to lycopene that has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.

12) Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe with its refreshingly rich flavor and odor and minimum number of calories, is the most popular form of melon. One cup of cantaloupe contains 112.5% of the daily value for this well-known antioxidant.

13) Apple

An apple a day keeps doctor away. Apple contains pectin that binds to heavy metals in the colon and help excretion. This reduces the load on the liver and its detoxification capacities.

14) Pear

Pear is a bell shaped fruit and is great for eating fresh or cooking. Pear contained large amounts of insoluble fiber to aid the colon in elimination, and soluble fiber, like pectin, to help lower serum cholesterol levels.

15) Apricot

Apricot is healthy and full of vitamins, help body to keep in shape and energized all through the year. It is sources of vitamin A, C, B complex, potassium and with a high level of beta carotene. They tone up the liver by supplying the body with vitamins and minerals.

Tomatoes

2009-06-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

Tomatoes are fruits, not vegetables. Fruits are the edible part of the plant containing the seeds, whereas vegetables are the edible leaves, stems, and roots of the plant.
Tomatoes are a part of the nightshade family as potatoes, ground cherries and eggplants; however they are served and prepared as a vegetable. That is why people consider them as vegetable.
There are great varieties of tomatoes come in red, yellow, green and even purple, as well as striped grow for different purposes.
Tomatoes are easy to grow. A few plants supply enough crops for most families. The quality of fruit picked in the garden when fully ripe is better than anything available on the market, even in season. The tomato plant is a tender, warm-season perennial that is grown as an annual in summer gardens.
Tomatoes are one of the most common fruit in the garden in the United States and a reputation for out producing the needs of the grower. There are many heirloom are becoming more and more well-liked, especially among gardeners at home and local-market farmers, as they tend to produce delicious crops at the cost of disease resistance and productivity.
Tomatoes are well known throughout the world, and their consumption is believed to benefit health. Nutritionists have always known tomatoes were good for you. Tomatoes are full with vitamin C, potassium, fiber and vitamin A in the form of health promoting beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.
Tomatoes are also contained with lycopene, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, which is the subject of current promising research that promotes health. Research suggests this powerful antioxidant may play a role in the fight against cancer, especially prostate cancer. Although it is available in all ripe tomatoes, a greater supply is more useful to body when it cooked.
Tomatoes are perfect for eating raw in a wide variety of ways. They are also delicious sauted, grilled, stewed, and added to many preparations. They are used widely in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The tomato is acidic which makes tomatoes particularly easy to preserve in home canning whole, in pieces, puree, ketchup, or paste. Tomato juice is bottled or canned and sold as a healthy beverage. Unripe green tomatoes can be breaded and fried, used to make salsa, or pickled.
The fruit is also preserved by drying, often by sun, and sold either in jar in oil or in bags. Larger cherry tomatoes with a low percentage of water make delicious dried tomatoes. Plum tomatoes are well-suited for sauces, soups, stews, jams, and chutneys, and, because of their dense flesh, for drying.
When working with fresh tomatoes, the most important thing to know is the effect of temperature. Their flavor begins to deteriorate at temperature below about 5F. Therefore, never refrigerate your tomatoes, it render them flavorless and makes the flesh mealy too. Use fresh tomatoes within three to four days, and if you can't, make a simple paste or salsa that will hold in the refrigerator for a few extra days. To retain fresh flavor of tomatoes, cook them quickly. If you cooked longer than thirty minutes, their flavor begins to change.

Tips to help you eat vegetables

2009-06-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Vegetables are rich with important nutrition including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that may help you to stay healthy. Studies have shown that people who eat more vegetables are more unlikely to have risk of critical disease such as stroke, heart diseases and certain cancers. In addition, vegetables are low in fat and calories. By replacing vegetables for higher-calorie foods can be part of a great weight loss plan.

Although there are numerous benefits of vegetables but it still one of those foods many people hate. For those who hate vegetables, keep on reading. You'll find useful tips to help you eat vegetables.

It's too bad to lose the taste or the habit to eat vegetables because there are many ways to can stand in for them. Try these tips to fit more fruits and vegetables into your day:

1) Choose Vegetables of Different Colors

Colors make things look good and exciting. To get a healthy variety, there are various colors of vegetables available such as green, white, red, yellow, orange, blue, purple and green. Each vegetables color presents different nutrients. When you include vegetables of different colors in your diet, you are most possibly having whole nutrition. For more choice, try different vegetables combination everyday.

2) Increase Vegetables in Your Diet

Try filling half your plate with vegetables at each meal. Serving up salads, stir fry, or other vegetable-rich fare makes it easier to reach this goal.
Buy more vegetable when shopping. Purchase precut or prepared vegetables to decrease the work. Supply your refrigerator, freezer and pantry with chunky or sweet vegetables like baby carrots, tomatoes and cucumber. You can get some of these vegetables at snack time.

3) Grow Your Own Vegetables

Try growing some small container plants like cherry tomatoes or peppers. Just pick a few plants to grow and be sure to water them every couple of days. After growing a vegetable for weeks to months, you will be excited to get to pick it yourself and eat it.

4) Keep Vegetables Where You Can See It

Store up vegetables in a clear container at eye level in the refrigerator. You'll see it first and eat.

5) Choose Easy and Healthy Preparation Methods

Use a microwave oven to shorten your time for baked potatoes or frozen vegetables. You can easily steam vegetables in the microwave in just a few minutes.

6) Make Delicious Vegetables Recipe

Try some new recipes where vegetables take center stage, such as Vegetable and Tofu Kebab Recipe and Mixed Peppers Recipe. You can also eat vegetables raw with dip as part of your meal or as a snack. Great vegetables to use are carrots, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, and fennel.

Strawberry benefits for health

2009-06-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Strawberries are delicious and rich with nutrients. It should be a part of everyone's daily diet. You'll enjoy some health advantages by eating strawberries regularly, and the best part is strawberries are one of the most delicious fruits.

The USDA recommends that every American eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, but unfortunately, most people don't even come close to that. Adding fresh strawberries to your diet, whether they are in salads, smoothies, or on their own, is a great way to get the servings of fruit you need for a well-rounded body and a healthy immune system.

What's so nutritionally good about strawberries?
Strawberries contain a range of nutrients, with vitamin C heading the group. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.

So what are these weird free radicals? Free radicals are elements that can damage cells, and they are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer.

In addition to vitamin C, strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

So many uses for strawberries!
Strawberries are among the most versatile of fresh fruits. Unfortunately, they are quite perishable as well. So purchase fresh strawberries only a few days before they are to be eaten. When strawberries are in season locally this is rarely a problem. But at other times of the year, it may be necessary to make due with frozen strawberries, which lose much if not all of their nutrition.

At the produce section choose strawberries that are plump firm and free of mold and have a deep red color. Unlike other fruits, strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so be sure to choose the ripest, reddest strawberries, as they will provide the best taste and the highest nutrient density. Many people find that medium sized strawberries are sweeter and more flavorful than larger ones. When buying pre-packaged strawberries, be sure that the berries have not been packed too tightly, as this could cause them to be crushed or otherwise damaged.

Handle strawberries properly and store them well after they have been purchased. Like all fruit, strawberries should be washed thoroughly prior to eating or storage. Any strawberries that show signs of mold should be discarded at once, as they will contaminate the remaining strawberries. The strawberries should be placed in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap, and kept in the refrigerator. Fresh strawberries will keep in the fridge for a few days.

Benefit of Mango for health

2009-06-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Mangoes are full packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and contain like all fruits very few proteins, fats and calories.Mangoes are perfect to replenish salts, vitamins and energy after physical exercise.

The enzymes of the Mango, such as magneferin, katechol oxidase and lactase, clean the bowel of the "filth" within and are an ideal antidote for all toxic effects inside the body. They provide also sufficient resistance to fight any germs and afflictions.

Mangos contain also a lot of tryptophan, the precursor of the "happiness-hormone" serotonin.

A pap made of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), peanuts (Arachis hypogoea), and mango (Mangifera indica) has been proven to be a good complementary food for children of weaning age. It meets the vitamin and energy requirements of children of 6-24 months of age at three servings a day and at the FAO average breast-feeding frequency (Mbithi-Mwikya)

Mangiferin from the leaves has been reported to possess antiinflammatory, diuretic, chloretic and cardiotonic activities and displays a high antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria. It has been recommended as a drug in preventing dental plaques.

Mangiferin shows antiviral effect against type I herpes simplex virus which could be useful in anti-herpes ointments (Unani Herbalist).

The bark of the mango tree contains 16 - 20% tannin and also mangiferine. It acts ad stringent and is believed to possess a tonic action on the mucous membrane. It is anathematic, useful in hemoptysis, hemorrhage, nasal catarrh, diarrhea, ulcers, diphtheria, rheumatism and for lumbrici. It is also used in diphtheria and rheumatism (Unani Herbalist).

The average content of one Mango (250 g) is (compared with other fruits):

1,5 g protein

1 g fat

30 g carbohydrates

3 g carotenes (only muskmelons have more). One Mango supplies more than the daily need of this precursor of Vitamin A

110 g vitamin B1

125 g vitamin B2 (only passion-fruit has more)

2 mg vitamin B3 (only passion-fruit and guava have more)

90 ?g folic acid (only oranges and grapes have more)

90 mg vitamin C (only orange and papaya have more)

30 mg calcium (only mandarine and orange have more)

45 mg magnesium (only papaya and banana have more)

1 mg iron (granadilla, grapes, banana, guava and apricots have more)

295g zinc (muskmelon, watermelon, papaya, guava, granadilla and bananas have more)

0,5 g potassium (muskmelon, granadilla and banana have more)

The following mango remedies are partially adopted from the Unani medicine system:

Beauty Aids
Taking Mango regularly makes the complexion fair and the skin soft and shining

Bleeding
Because of it's content in Vitamin C and Calcium the Mango tightens the capillary vessels and prevents oder cures bleedings of inner parts.

Burns
Burnt ashes of Mango leaves applied on the burnt parts give quick relief

Children's eating soil
Feeding the powder of dried kernel of Mango seeds with fresh water cures the habit of eating soil in kinds

Diarrhea
Sun dried Mango leaves powdered, 2-3 x a day half a teaspoon with water

Dry cough
Roast a ripe Mango on hot sand in a pan. Draw out the the juice of this Mango eliminates all the bronchial congestion and gives relief in cough. According to Hakeem Hashmi sucking the juice and not eating cut mangos is better for health and some note of caution about Mango eating

Fever
Paste of Mango roots applied on palms & soles cures fever

Bodybuilding Supplements

2009-06-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

If you are an athlete seeking to enhance your performance then you need to include bodybuilding supplements in your diet. Bodybuilders seeking to increase the pace of there muscle building progress also need to take anabolic supplements in there diet. It is true that when you take supplements you will be able to enhance your performance if you are a bodybuilder and also if you are an athlete. There are some anabolic supplements which are very effective in sparking measurable gains in muscle size and strength. If you are looking to shed weight or to increase your body mass then there are various bodybuilding supplements which can help you achieve this.

Athletes who use anabolic supplements usually recover very fast from feeling fatigue and also improves there performance. If you want to improve your performance both as an athlete and also as a bodybuilder you need to eat a balanced diet, exercise, rest and take proper bodybuilding supplements.

For those aspiring bodybuilders who want to build there muscles the natural way there are various natural anabolic supplements. For the hard core bodybuilders there also exist some hard core supplements. Bodybuilding supplements come in various forms such as; capsules, tablets, liquids or powder. You need to ensure that when you are taking steroids you follow the recommended dose as was prescribed by the medical expert. If you use the supplement for a long period of time without following the recommended dosage you will suffer from various side effects.

There are various anabolic supplements available and the most popular one is Creatine monohydrate. If you are bodybuilder undertaking intense training then this bodybuilding supplement is very recommendable. Creatine monohydrate constitutes a combination of amino acids, arginine, glycine and methionine. This bodybuilding supplement is very effective for bodybuilders who want to increase there body mass. If you want to be able to train intensely you should use this bodybuilding supplement because it will greatly improve your performance. This bodybuilding supplement is more effective in men than it is in women. The good thing about this supplement is that it is absolutely safe and there have not been any reported cases of adverse side effects as long as you use it according to prescription.

Protein bodybuilding supplements are also very useful for bodybuilders and also the ordinary person as well. If you are a bodybuilder looking to maximize muscle growth you need to take protein powder anabolic supplements. The protein powder bodybuilding supplements usually come in various varieties depending on the protein used such as; whey protein, casein protein, egg protein, and soy protein. Each of this different proteins have different absorption rate. Whey proteins are favored by many bodybuilders since they are absorbed by the body very fast. However for people with kidney problems they need to avoid consuming a lot of protein powder anabolic supplements.

The other common bodybuilding supplements are Glutamine anabolic supplements. They are used to restore the body's natural glutamine levels back to normal after being depleted as a result of anaerobic exercises.

Dane Fletcher is the world's most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit http://www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dane_C._Fletcher

Best Creatine Supplement - The Greatest Guide on What You Really Need to Know!

2009-06-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

Creatine is one of the best things that ever happened in the world of bodybuilding and athletics. While it is not entirely new, creatine is, in fact, a natural component found in the skeletal muscle.

Is Creatine Safe? Many often believe that whenever a product helps them increase their athletic capabilities or help them build their bodies, they automatically think it contains steroids. Nobody can blame them on this false notion since years ago, it was a fad to use steroids in athletics. In those times, they only thought that steroids give them the fastest and shortest way to achieving their athletic dream. Unlike steroids that produced a lot of harmful effects to the body, creatine is a hundred and one percent safe. As has been pointed out, it is a natural component of the skeletal muscle system.

How can it be harmful to the body when best creatine supplements only act to add something that the body has low levels of? It's just like your other vitamin supplements. By taking them, you are only adding something that your body already has, is currently producing, but want to have higher levels of it in order to function better. They certainly didn't do you or anybody any harm did they?

How different is creatine from steroids?

There are a lot of differences between creatine and steroids. Any self-proclaiming best creatine supplement will say this because it is true. To give you more information on this, here are some of the differences between the two:

• Creatine does not build muscle but steroids do. In this case, steroids do the work for you. Creatine energizes your cells but steroids accelerate your muscle cells growth rate.

• Creatine lets you build more muscle according to your body's capabilities while steroids puts everything into hyper drive.

• Creatine makes you have your dream body by exercising and working out while with steroids, you can build muscles even without trying.

• Creatine has never been associated with any kind of side effect but steroids has been linked to a great number.

Taking all this into consideration, steroids work against your body system while creatine works with it.

Who Benefits From It?
Here's a little something for you: anybody can benefit greatly from taking the best creatine supplement. Basically, this is taken by people who are into body building. This is also taken by people who want to be more competent in the athletics department. In short, creatine is taken by people who want to be better than what they already are now.

What Can You Get From It?
There are several things that you can get from taking the best creatine supplement. Some of them are increased muscle mass, increased skeletal muscle energy, and increased mental energy. With all these good things that creatine can give, it is no surprise that imitations and fakes are sold in abundance. So when you decide to buy creatine be mindful and keep your eyes open for the fakes. Make sure that it is the best creatine supplement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Campbell

Vinegar Can Control Blood Sugar For Diabetes ?

2009-06-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

It is not surprising if one says that many people do not know the importance and application of vinegar for diabetes. Recently it has been experienced by many diabetic patients that vinegar helps control blood sugar. You have vinegar as herbal treatment for diabetes and it can be added with proper diet foods. It is essential that you have a vinegar based diabetic diet plan that fits your body type with diabetes so as to control blood sugar levels within normal limits. Research on diabetes claims that adding vinegar in your diet foods can help control your blood sugar. A spoonful of vinegar can indeed help reduce the glycemic index of the foods you consume.

Vinegar seems to possess potentials similar to some other popular medications for diabetes. The investigations to establish the efficacy of vinegar as anti-diabetic are warranted. You can add vinegar to your diet in many ways such as adding to salad dressing, recipes and pickled foods. It should be noted that adding vinegar in raw foods can give better results. When vinegar goes for boiling process, its medicinal property is lessened. So, it is your choice that you take vinegar cures properly.

It is enough that you add two teaspoons of vinegar to the salad dressing and consume before a meal. This way of vinegar home remedies for diabetes will act dramatically in reducing the spike in blood glucose that occurs after a meal. It has been proved that drinking vinegar just prior to eating high carbohydrate breakfast is potent to controlling blood sugar levels. Using vinegar oil is a useful adjunct therapy in the treatment of diabetes.

You cannot drink vinegar straight even if it is the flavored apple cider vinegar for diabetes. There are many simple ways by which you can add vinegar such as on fish and salad dressing. It has been proved that the diabetics who had vinegar drink before meal were fortunate to have sufficient insulin after an hour following the meal. Type 2 diabetics also seem to improve and recover to normal condition. Above all, the diabetic patients whose insulin response is normal and those who are insulin resistant are also reported to achieve a controlled blood sugar.

Along with the use of vinegar for diabetics, exercise program is very essential to controlling diabetic condition. Though you are convinced for using vinegar mix with foods, it is significant that you select the right food items to eat so that you have the benefits doubled with selection of right diabetic foods to eat/avoid.

Controlling blood sugar is really an art. You will be highly safe if you know the full description of foods to eat AND foods to avoid.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Varadharajan_R

The Diabetic Food List

2009-04-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

Understanding the diabetic food list is the very first step of knowing what type of food is beneficial to a patient and in what amount. The food list also plays a critical role when it comes to the preparation of meals and the creation of a certain diet plan.

The goods under the diabetic food list are as follows:

1. Starch List

All breads, including food items that have whole grain as their primary ingredient, fall under this category. There are different foods rich in starch available in the market today. Cereal, grains, and pasta are good examples. Generally, a serving of a single food item like bran cereals has an estimated content of 80 calories, 15g of carbohydrates, 3g of proteins, and minimal fats. For this example, one-third cup of bran cereal is one serving.

Dried beans and starchy vegetables are under this category too. Crackers, biscuits, toasts, pretzels and tacos are also included. One serving of these food items differ greatly from each other. But the rule of thumb would be the higher the starch content the food has, the lower will be the amount required by the body.

2. Meat List

Meat is the primary source of protein. And this is one of the reasons why a diabetic food list includes meats as a category. Meats are classified further into four groups. These would be the very lean, lean, medium-fat, and high-fat groups. A serving of meat under these groups should be a steady 7 grams. However, the fat content and the calories for each of them are expected to be different. Very lean meats provide 0 to 1g of fats and 35 calories. Leans have 3g fat and 55 calories. Medium-fat are slightly higher at 5g and 75 calories. High-fat are the ones with the highest levels of fat and calories at 8g and 100 calories respectively.

3. Vegetable List

Vegetables are healthy foods. And diabetics are going to need them. But of course, they should be taken in moderation as well. Anything taken in excess is bad. And this is very applicable to diabetic patients. One serving size of any kind of vegetable would be one cup for raw and half a cup if they are cooked. For vegetable juices, a single serving is going to be half a cup as well.

Keep in mind that there are vegetables that are considered starchy. These vegetables don't fall under this particular diabetic food list. Instead, they belong to the starch group. Starchy vegetables are corn, peas, and potatoes. On the other hand, vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, asparagus, broccoli, and beets are examples of the food group under this category.

4. Fruit List

Diabetics are going to need fruits to keep their body healthy. Some fruits are high in dietary fiber, which is actually beneficial to diabetic patients. A single serving of fruits would be half a cup if it is fresh and a quarter of a cup if it is dried. One serving of fruit juices is half a cup as well. All fruits should be acceptable. Apples, banana, apricot, blackberry, cherries, grapes, peaches, and watermelon are good examples. There are certain fruits that patients can even eat for more than one serving. An example would be mandarin oranges, raspberries, and dates.

5. Milk List.

Milk is one good source of nutrients. Diabetics can consume this beverage provided that they do it in controlled amounts only. Milk could be skim, low-fat, or whole. Skim milk is the one with the lowest calorie content, which is at 90. Low-fat milk, on the other hand, has 120 calories. Whole milk has the highest calorie content at 150.

6. Fats List

Fats are needed by the body too, but only the ones of the right type. Unsaturated fat are the better sources of fat. Margarine, mayonnaise, and nuts are food items that are rich in unsaturated fats. Saturated fats can be taken too, but never in excessive amounts. If they can be excluded from the diabetic food list, then that's going to be even better.

7 DON'Ts immediately after meal

2009-04-17T00:21:00.000-07:00

DON'T ACT THE 7 ACTIONS BELOW AFTER YOU HAVE A MEAL:

1) Don't smoke- Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

2) Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.

3) Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

4) Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted & blocked.

5) Don't bathe - Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

6) Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7) Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

Acai Berry Antioxidants - What Are the Side Effects and Benefits of Taking Acai Berry

2009-04-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

Most Acai information online will tell you that Acai Berry is rich in antioxidants. This is absolutely true! As a matter of fact, it contains the highest antioxidant content of any natural source in the land.

Acai Tops The ORAC Scale

Using the ORAC scale (oxygen radical absorption capacity) to measure the antioxidant activity in fruit and vegetable subjects, United States Department of Agriculture scientists have discovered that the Acai Berry has the highest antioxidant activity of any fruits reported to date. They even claimed that it has twice the activity in pomegranates and almost five times the activity in a blueberry.

Acai is Anti-Everything!!

So what if it has a lot of antioxidants? Well, my friends, antioxidants are the best anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-mutagenic, and anti-viral aids. They scavenge harmful free radicals and toxins that scatter around our blood stream. These free radicals contribute greatly to the deterioration of healthy cells, which is particularly seen on your skin.

Acai Redcues Visible Aging

Look at your wrinkles or any skin that's saggy. Those are the visual outcomes of having too much free radicals and toxins in your body. When you can see lots of these wrinkles and saggy skins that just make you look so much older than your actual age, then it's probably the perfect time to take in more antioxidants to avoid further damage.

Since Acai Berries have the most antioxidants in one serving, they're the perfect choice as your antioxidant source. Since you can't buy them fresh at grocery stores, settling on a couple of authentic Acai products is acceptable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Carr

Acai Berry Supplements For Weight Loss

2009-04-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

Our generation is filled with great medical advancements and breakthroughs. Thanks to the continuous development in science and technology, diseases that are incurable have effective treatments already. The irony of it all is that with progress, we are more bombarded with harmful toxins in our environment. This leads to more complicated diseases and more vigilant campaign in protecting one's health. The daily loads of stress can be very debilitating. It's a fast paced world and there are times we tend to neglect our health. We do not get nourished by the food that we order in fast food chains. This results to the weakening of the immune system. Most of us end up preparing our own healthy meals but due to time constraints, we usually fail. The most convenient way to handle this lack of nutrients is to take dietary supplements. This is where acai berry supplements are becoming famous for.

The discovery of acai berry paved the way for the manufacturing of acai berry supplements. The acai berry is considered a superfood simply because it is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants. Eating acai berries is considered a full meal since aside from satiating your hunger, you are also getting all these nutrients. Studies show that the acai berry has the highest antioxidant levels among all fruits anywhere in the world. It has ten times more antioxidant than grapes and twice as many than blueberries. Antioxidants are famous for strengthening the immune system. They also fight viruses and even cancer cells. Also, they are known to slow down the aging process. We are constantly exposed to free radicals and harmful toxins. Since our diet offers limited nutrients, acai berry supplements can help bridge the gap and fill the nutritional void. Acai berries are packed with fatty acids that protect the heart. They all help in increasing the metabolism rate. The acai berry supplement is also rich in amino acids that help in the development and regeneration of muscles. Increased muscle mass definitely results to more physical exertion thus more burning of fats. Since acai berry supplements boost energy and increase metabolism, these effect to a formidable combination in losing weight.

Acai berry supplements can be found in different forms. They are more popular as juices or shakes. There are raw forms of these berries and frozen pulps that are usually mixed into smoothie to have a more appealing taste. Acai berries are even mixed in alcoholic drinks. Other acai berry supplements are in the forms of nutritional bars, capsules, candies, sorbet, cereals, pastries and tea. Acai berry supplements promote good health. Proper exercise and moderation in eating must be combined with the acai berry supplements to guarantee good results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Rubenski

Home Remedies for Menstrual Problems

2009-04-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Menstrual Problems treatment using Parsley

Parsley is one of the most effective among the several home remedies in the treatment of menstrual disorders. It increases menstruation and assists in the regularization of the monthly periods. This action is due to the presence of apiol, which is a constituent of the female sex hormone estrogens. Cramps, which are a result of menstrual irregularities, are relieved and frequently corrected entirely by the regular use of parsley juice, particularly in conjunction with beet juice; or with beet, carrot, and cucumber juices. The recommended quantity is 75 ml of each of the four juices.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Ginger

The use of ginger is another effective home remedy for menstrual disorders, especially in cases of painful menstruation and stoppage of menstrual flow. A piece of fresh ginger should be pounded and boiled in a cup of water for a few minutes. The infusion, sweetened with sugar, should be used thrice daily after meals as a medicine for treating this condition.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are valuable in menstrual problems. Half a teaspoon of powder of these seeds, taken with hot water twice daily, acts excellently in reducing spasmodic pain during menstruation in young, unmarried anaemic girls. Its regular use, two days prior to the expected periods, cures scanty menstruation. A warm hip bath containing a handful of crushed sesame seeds should be simultaneously taken along with this recipe.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Papaya

The unripe papaya helps the contractions of the muscle fibres of the uterus and is thus beneficial in securing a proper menstrual flow. Papaya is especially helpful when menstruation ceases due to stress or fright in young unmarried girls.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Bengal Gram

A bath prepared by putting an entire Bengal gram plant in hot water is beneficial in painful menstruation. The plant also may be used for a sitting steam bath.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Marigold

The herb Marigold, named after the Virgin Mary, is useful in allaying any pain during menstruation and facilitating menstrual flow. An infusion of the herb should be given in doses of one tablespoon twice daily for the treatment of these disorders.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Banana Flower

The use of banana flower is one of the most effective home remedies in the treatment of menorrhagia or excessive menstruation. One banana flower should be cooked and eaten with one cup of curd. This will increase the quantity of progesterone and reduce the bleeding.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds are also beneficial in the treatment of excessive menstruation. Six grams of these seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water. This decoction should be taken off the fire when only half the water remains. Sugar candy should be added to it and the patient should drink it when it is still warm.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Mango Bark

The juice of the fresh mango bark is another valuable remedy for heavy bleeding during menstruation. The juice is given with the addition of white of an egg or some mucilage- a kind of vegetable glue obtained from a plant, and a small quantity of the kernel of a poppy. As an alternative, a mixture of 10 ml of a fluid extract of the bark, and 120 ml of water may be given in doses of one teaspoon every hour or two.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Ashoka

The bark of the Ashoka tree is an effective remedy for excessive blood loss during the monthly period which occurs due to uterine fibroids and other causes. It should be given in the form of decoction in treating this condition. About 90 gm of the bark should be boiled in 30 ml of milk and 360 ml of water till the total quantity is reduced to about 90 gm. This quantity should be given in one day, in two or three doses. The treatment should commence from the fourth day of the monthly period and should be continued till the bleeding is checked. A fresh decoction should be made for use each day.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Indian Barbery

The herb Indian barbery is also useful in case of excessive bleeding. It should be given in doses of thirteen to twenty-five grams daily.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Rough Chaff

The herb rough chaff is also valuable in excessive menstruation. An infusion of the herb should be prepared by steeping 15 gm of rough chaff in 250 ml of water and used for treating this condition.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Hermal

The herb hermal is useful in regulating the menstrual periods. It is especially beneficial in painful and difficult menstruation. Two tablespoons of the seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one - third. This decoction should be given in 15 to 30ml doses.

Menstrual Problems treatment using Hemp

Hemp can be successfully used when menses do not start at the scheduled time. Five large heads of hemps should be boiled in half a litre of water till the water is reduced to half. It should then be strained and drunk before going to bed for two or three nights. This remedy seldom fails.

Food is a Big Reason Why Biggest Losers Lose So Much Weight

2009-03-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Food is a Big Reason Why Biggest Losers Lose So Much Weight
Do You Know Why?

Another reason Biggest Losers lose so much weight is The Food. Motivation got these people selected for the event that will change and influence many others to follow their example.Team work involves every body's participation in being able to follow direction and be good examples for the viewer's. Goal setting gives continuity to the show and helps to identify progress and measure success, but what makes it all happen is The Food. Yes, what they eat is what makes them lose safely. Yes, you see my opinion is clear, The Food is a major reason people lose and exercise is not part of those reasons.

To lose 1 pound you need to eat 3500 calories less than what you are use to eating. Now, do the math, if a contestant eats 8000 calories a day and drops the calorie intake from whatever source to 4500 calories on one day, that contestant will lose 1 pound. He has to eat healthy and maintain a good balance of nutrients to maintain good health and that is why they are very closely supervised. This explains the results. When someone as lost 10 lbs in one week, it just means that he has eaten 35000 less calories in that week.

Yes, I know what you are thinking, you are asking yourself what does exercise have to do with it? It helps keep their mind off eating. Giving them challenges motivates them and keeps the show exciting. Watching them work out is inspiring to say the least. It helps burn some of those calories but not as much as you think. Look up how much activity you need to do to burn off 1 pound or 3500 calories and you will see that these people don't have enough hours in a day to burn off 10 pounds in one week. We all know the benefits of exercising. My point is that it is not as important as you think.

The last chance workout, before weigh in, burns less calories than you think. The show is based on results. The reason most of these people get the weight off and maintain it is because they have gone to biggest loser 101. They are learning how to eat better and leave with all the tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The lifestyle results are long lasting. The ultimate winner is the one that as used all the tools in the best possible way. Yes, exercise and effort make the winner be the winner. It does help that person lose a little more than most and that is why there is a winner, effort, motivation, team worker, goal oriented and discipline. All these factors help determine the best.

This Program really works because it follows simple basic principles, lets review some of them: You need to be Motivated. You need to be part of a team-Team Work. You need to have very clearly defined Goals. You must eat the right Foods.This is the way I see it. Food for thought.

Do you want to learn more about how my wife and I do it? Click here to find out!

http://theequest.com/?page_id=372

Pierre and Pierrette Trudel have a combined 50+ years as teachers and motivators. As a team we have a lot to offer.

We have studied and applied good eating principles and achieved tremendous success in losing weight without exercising. Using common sense and THE KISS principle helped us achieve results that amazed even our family doctor.

If you want to regain control of your life, start investing in"YOU", this is a baby step, are you ready to make it? Click here to find out more!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pierre_William_Trudel

Fruit juices - adding colour and health to your life

2009-02-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Easy to prepare, a good friend of your taste buds, a hit all through the year and good for your health – that’s a glass of fresh juice, which can also add glow and energy to your life. Fresh juice is healthy and we all know that drinking the real thing is better than the sugary alternatives that are packed months before they reach the consumers. Fresh juices benefit us in the following ways:

They provide minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates and proteins

Help improve energy levels

Good for the skin

Strengthen the immune system

Make the bones stronger
Despite all the benefits that fruit juices offer, there are certain things we need to know about fresh juice.

Is it OK to drink as much juice as we want daily?

No, water should be the main source of liquid and it is always better to have fruits in their natural form rather than as juice. Why? Because we all add sugar and salt to the fruit juice we make at home. This increases the amount of sugar in our diet and thus, the calorie load. But we don’t really perceive drinks to be food. Eating a whole pomegranate or having three or four oranges in a row is a cumbersome job. But we would gallop a big glass of juice in a few seconds and even forget to count them as calories. So, if you take two servings of fruit in a juice, ideally you should forego your evening snacks.

Should we drink juice daily?

Drinking juice is an easy way to have two fruit servings per day that is good for the daily quota of vitamins. But, keep a check on the sugar added to the juice. It’s best to have fresh juice without any sugar or salt. Though such juice might taste a bit bland and sometimes sour as in the case of orange juice, you would gradually develop a taste for them. The best choice for a daily habit of juice is carrot, apple and ginger, made with only one piece of fruit. Carrots are sweet but lower in calories and have about half the carbohydrates of fruits. Celery is also a nice low-calorie filler. Have a look at the amount of carbohydrates different fruits have.

Orange –16 g

Grapes – 28 g

Pomegranates – 26 g

Pineapple – 19 g

Apple – 21 g
How to use the juicer?

Now the next thing is how to use the juicer at home to get the best juice. The foremost thing is to get a good quality juicer, preferably ISI marked. If you want the fibre benefits, then put all the vegetables and fruits into a blender and don’t use a juice extractor. While ordering fresh juice from outside, be sure about the hygiene and ensure that they are using a blender, not an extractor. Extractors make a smooth drink but they remove the all-important fibre from the juice.

Are juices good for children?

Replacing water with juice for children can cause diarrhoea. Having juice everyday can help to develop lifetime sweet tendencies in children. So, juices should be an occasional drink for children. Eating fruit in its natural form and relying on water, as the source of liquid, are better alternatives. Nevertheless, fruit juice is better than having aerated drinks.

Tips on getting best out of your juices

Always wash fruit and vegetables – even organic produce could carry bacteria.

Include the stems and leaves of vegetables because they have a high vitamin and mineral content.

Drink a juice within half an hour of preparing it, or it can get oxidised by exposure to air and develop a sour taste.

If you must prepare juice early, keep it refrigerated with a tight lid. Or freeze in daily-serving- size containers immediately and drink it straight after thawing.

Include the white inner skin of citrus fruits, as it is full of beneficial bioflavonoids.

Add lemon juice to preserve the natural colour and reduce the oxidation of essential nutrients.

If you want to lose weight, then drink vegetable juices, as they contain fewer calories than fruit juice.

If you have a sensitive stomach or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ensure that you dilute juices with water (three parts of juice with one part of water).
Easy to make juice-based drinks

Watermelon drink

Ingredients - 3 cups watermelon (washed and cut into small pieces), sugar (as per taste), 3 tablespoon skimmed milk, ice cubes.

Method - Blend the ingredients in a blender and refrigerate. Pour the prepared drink into serving glass, add ice cubes and serve.

Nutritive value of the watermelon juice - Apart from providing energy, watermelon protects against age-related symptoms of vision loss, fights heart disease, reduces cancer risk and is loaded with anti-oxidants. So, a glass of watermelon drink everyday not only quenches your thirst but also offers a range of health benefits.

Carrot, celery and cabbage juice

Ingredients - 2 cucumbers, stalks of celery, a piece of ginger, a handful of parsley, piece of apple or citrus fruit

Method - Wash all vegetables and juice them together. Serve it fresh.

A glass of fruit or vegetable juice takes very little digestion. It goes right into your body and is a very yummy way of getting instant energy. Fruit juices can energise your life.

Food to eat for healthy hair

2008-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Salmon

When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron. If you are a vegetarian, then one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats should work as a supplement.

Dark Green Vegetables

Spinach, broccoli and other green vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner. Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.

Beans

Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin.

Nuts

Get nutty to have that glossy hair. Yes, its true. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Eggs

When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. Eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.

Whole Grains

Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.

- Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision. Snack it up or use it in your salads, either ways, this vegetable is the root for your shiny, glossy mane.

Water

Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Moisture makes the hair supple, so make sure you get plenty of fluids. A key point is NOT to wait until you're thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means your body has already lost more water than it should have, and it's urging you to fill up the tank. Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. Ideally, you should drink between eight and ten glasses of water a day.

And the must have is a well balanced diet. Crash diets can affect the hair cycle. Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet.

Pumpkin Has Health Benefits?

2008-10-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin is often relegated to the holiday seasons only, but there are more than a few reasons that you should consider adding pumpkin to your diet on a regular basis throughout the year.

When you think of pumpkin, you likely think of pumpkin pie, and that's something you usually only eat around Thanksgiving, right?

Or maybe you are thinking Halloween and a jacko'lantern? Which, sadly enough, is often made of the shell and most people just throw out the insides.

At least you probably don't think of the pumpkin the way Koreans do. In Korea, the pumpkin is the symbol of being homely.

What a waste!

The pumpkin is your friend; cute or beautiful or not :-)

That jacko'lantern was once filled with phytonutrients before it was nothing more than a gaping mouth and a blank stare.

Phytonutrients help to keep your skin young looking and can protect it from sun damage as well.

Pumpkin is also a great source of fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium. Pumpkins taste great and are chock full of caratenoid pigments like alpha-carotene,along with beta carotene and lutein.

Before you go off thinking that it is going to be difficult to you to incorporate pumpkin into your regular eating habits, don't get too worried about it. In fact, there are lots of great ways to add pumpkin to your diet too that do not include pies and whipped cream (though that's okay too for most people if they don't overdo it). You can enjoy pumpkin as bread, or in muffins, in pumpkin rolls, or even in pumpkin casseroles.

Don't be a pumpkin head, but head for pumpkin the next chance you get.

Find out more about the foods that can help you be healthier, happier, even smarter by visiting http://www.PowerfulFoods.com now. Join the SuperFoods Newsletter for free at http://www.PowerfulFoods.com/welcome.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Williams

25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now

2008-10-09T01:57:00.000-07:00

Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits.
It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health.
And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor.

Here Are The 25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now:

1. Green Tea and Cancer

Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer.
The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E.
This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.

2. Green Tea and Heart Disease

Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol.
Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.

3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging

Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals.
What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.

4. Green Tea and Weight Loss
Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally.
It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day.
That translates to 7 pounds in one year.

5. Green Tea and Skin

Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging.
Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.

6. Green Tea and Arthritis

Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.

7. Green Tea and Bones

The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea.
It helps keep your bones strong.
If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.

8. Green Tea and Cholesterol
Green tea can help lower cholesterol level.
It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.

9. Green Tea and Obesity

Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells.
If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese.

10. Green Tea and Diabetes

Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.

11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's

Green tea helps boost your memory.
And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.

12. Green Tea and Parkinson's

Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain, which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's.

13. Green Tea and Liver Disease

Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure. Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers.

14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure

Green tea helps prevent high blood pressure.
Drinking green tea helps keep your blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.

15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning
Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.

16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar

Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.

17. Green Tea and Immunity

Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections.

18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu

Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu.
Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.

19. Green Tea and Asthma

Theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.

20. Green Tea and Ear Infection

Green tea helps with ear infection problem.
For natural ear cleaning, soak a cotton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.

21. Green Tea and Herpes

Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes.
First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.

22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay

Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases.
It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.

23. Green Tea and Stress

L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety.

24. Green Tea and Allergies

EGCG found in green tea relieves allergies.
So, if you have allergies, you should really consider drinking green tea.

25. Green Tea and HIV

Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells.
What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading.

A Vitamin a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

2008-09-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

Vitamins to me have made some annoying issues subside or diminish.

Mind me it's not about serious health issues but mostly annoying issues.

In some of my other articles I have mentioned what the vitamins I have been taking have made some great changes in very annoying symptoms I have experienced.

One that made my life so much more bearable by that I mean not having those flashing bright lights happening much more than I could bear.

And with this small vitamin that most of us take every day or just once in a while has stopped these lights.

But when I stop for a short time these lights come back and even worse than before.

This very important vitamin is a garlic pill, oh yes, and this is such an easy way to either diminish them or stop them altogether as they have done this for me.

I have not had a single episode in over 3 years.

Now that is wonderful.

I am not a Doctor and I just have experienced these and just could not wait to share it with all.

Another vitamin is the Primrose Oil.

Yes it worked for me when I have tender breasts, I have no idea how it works but these painful issues stopped within a couple of days just taking the suggested amount.

Vitamins sometimes are quite a quick fix.

But you and I know that vitamins do not take the place of our fruits, veggies, etc. They are there for those of you who don't eat properly and these little vitamins can make such a huge difference in your well being.

This is not new to us, we read about vitamins everywhere.

But some of you think, sure a little ole vitamin can do this?

Oh yes, and I have proven that it works for me and I am here to tell you what these 2 vitamins have done for me.

So just try a bottle if you have any of these issues?

But if you are on any medications check first with your Doctor.

Bodybuilding Supplements Review - Creatine

2008-09-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

What is creatine? Creatine is a substance, made by the human body, which supplies energy to muscles. Carried in the bloodstream it originates in the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Once it reaches the muscles, it is converted into phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate). Regenerating the muscles' ultimate energy source, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), is where this high-powered metabolite does its work.

I've used creatine as follows - 5 grams (powder form) a day stirred into a glass of cold water. I did not preload. The effects I felt were my muscles felt fuller and more pumped, my endurance increased in the gym and I was able to move more weight. For example, I knew that the creatine was kicking in when I was able to pump out 2 extra reps on my heaviest squat set. I felt that these welcome effects plateaued at about the six week mark which in my mind is a good argument for cycling the product however many users stay on it continuously. Personally I felt no ill effects from creatine although I have talked to a couple of guys at the gym who said that it gave them headaches. May have been a case of not drinking enough water which is very important as you'll see later in this article. But hey, if you try creatine and you notice any ill effects obviously stop using it.

Here's some things I learned since my first creatine experience. Use warm, not hot, water instead of cold to mix your creatine powder. The drink will be less gritty and there is some evidence that using warm water increases the uptake of creatine into your system. Doesn't have to completely dissolve though. Avoid mixing it with any kind of citrus juice as it has been shown to negate creatine effectiveness. Avoid mixing up a glass and letting it sit around because it will degrade over time.

Creatine increases the amount of water in your muscles making them fuller therefore weight gain is to be expected. It will pull water from where ever it can find it in the body so this cannot be stressed enough. Drink lots of water while on creatine. This is very important. Also, if you have kidney problems do not use creatine. Your kidneys excrete creatinine, a waste product produced when creatine is metabolized by the body. When supplementing with creatine you are going to produce more creatinine. Healthy kidneys can handle it, unhealthy ones may have problems dealing. Caffiene acts as a diuretic so you may want to avoid it while on creatine.

An interesting note. Creatinine levels are often used in blood and urine tests to measure kidney health as high levels could indicate that compromised kidneys are not clearing creatinine properly from the body. So if you're using creatine and your creatinine levels are therefore raised if you go for a physical or an insurance policy blood and urine test the creatinine results could be affected. I would recommend stopping your creatine supplementation a week or so before taking a blood or urine test.

Here are two ways to supplement with creatine. Load for five days using 20 to 30 grams per day, divided into 5 gram doses, then on the sixth day and for the duration of your creatine cycle take 5 to 10 grams per day. The other method is to just take 5 to 10 grams per day for the duration of your cycle without loading. The only difference is that when you load you raise creatine levels faster. I prefer the plain powdered form of creatine although it is also available in capsules and powder premixed with sugars and flavors. There's evidence that raising insulin levels increase creatine levels in muscles. But if you preload 4 creatine drinks a day and use the sugary premixed brands thats a lot of sugar and everyone knows that too much sugar makes you fat. But don't despair. Use those brands to take your creatine post workout when your muscles are screaming for carbs like sugar anyway and will utilize it in a beneficial way.

Please visit http://bodybuilding-supplements-review.blogspot.com/ for additional supplement information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ignatius_Gluck

Egg yolks are good for you .. The truth about egg yolks

2008-09-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Many people throw away the egg yolk because they think that's where all the nasty fat and cholesterol is". This is a perfect
example of how confused most people are about nutrition.

In a world full of misinformation, somehow most people now mistakenly think that the egg yolk is the worst part of the egg,
when in fact, the YOLK IS THE HEALTHIEST PART OF THE EGG!

By throwing out the yolk and only eating egg whites, you're essentially throwing out the most nutrient dense, antioxidant-rich,
vitamin and mineral loaded portion of the egg. The yolks contain so many B-vitamins, trace minerals, vitamin A, folate,
choline, lutein, and other powerful nutrients... it's not even worth trying to list them all.

In fact, the egg whites are almost devoid of nutrition compared to the yolk. Even the protein in egg whites isn't as powerful
without the yolks to balance out the amino acid profile and make the protein more bio-available. Not to even mention that the
egg yolks from free range chickens are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Yolks contain more than 90% of the calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, B6, folate, and B12, and panthothenic acid of the egg. In addition, the yolks contain all of the fat
soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K in the egg, as well as all of the essential fatty acids.

And now the common objection I get all the time when I say that the yolks are the most nutritious part of the egg..."But I heard
that whole eggs will skyrocket my cholesterol through the roof ." No, this is FALSE!

First of all, when you eat a food that contains a high amount of dietary cholesterol such as eggs, your body down-regulates it's internal production of cholesterol to balance things out. On the other hand, if you don't eat enough cholesterol, your body simply produces more since cholesterol has tons of important functions in the body.

And here's where it gets even more interesting...There are indications that eating whole eggs actually raises your good HDL cholesterol to a higher degree than LDL cholesterol, thereby improving your overall cholesterol ratio and blood chemistry.

And 3rd... high cholesterol is NOT a disease! Heart disease is a disease...but high cholesterol is NOT.

So I hope we've established that whole eggs are not some evil food that will wreck your body... instead whole eggs are FAR
superior to egg whites.

Also, your normal supermarket eggs coming from mass factory farming just don't compare nutritionally with organic free range
eggs from healthy chickens that are allowed to roam freely and eat a more natural diet.

I recently compared eggs I bought at the grocery store with a batch of eggs I got at a farm stand where the chickens were free roaming and healthy. Most people don't realize that there's a major difference because they've never bought real eggs from
healthy chickens... The eggs from the grocery store had pale yellow yolks. On the other hand, the healthier free range eggs had
deep orange colored yolks indicating much higher nutrition levels and carotenoids.

So next time a health or fitness professional tells you that egg whites are superior, you can quietly ignore their advice knowing that you understand the REAL deal about egg yolks.

One more thing about eggs... I read a study recently that compared groups of people that ate egg breakfasts vs groups of people
that ate cereal or bagel based breakfasts. The results of the study showed that the egg eaters lost or maintained a healthier bodyweight, while the cereal/bagel eaters gained weight.

It was hypothesized that the egg eaters actually ate less calories during the remainder of the day because their appetite was
more satisfied compared to the cereal/bagel eaters who would have been more prone to wild blood sugar swings and food cravings.

~ This article taken from my mailbox.~

Not All Calories Are the Same ~ Get it Right

2008-09-08T23:08:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard the phrase, "A calorie is a calorie?" I know I have, from friends and family to people like doctors and nutritionists. I'm here to tell you that they are dead wrong. Not only that, I'll tell you about a simple experiment you can do yourself to prove that they're wrong. Ready?

It was once commonly believed that all calories were essentially the same, and that controlling your weight was simply a matter of keeping the total number of calories in the right range. Many people still do believe this, even though it is clearly false.

The amount of calories in a serving of food tell you how much energy that serving can produce when you eat it. So at that level, it is true that all calories are the same. But that's a very simplistic view of the situation. Different kinds of food have wildly different effects on your body, even if you eat the same number of calories of each.

Protein takes a lot more energy to digest than simple carbohydrates do. So eating 100 calories worth of steak (protein) will have a different effect on your body than 100 calories worth of white bread (simple carbohydrate) will. And eating 100 calories of whole-grain bread (complex carbohydrate) will affect your body differently than the white bread too. 100 calories worth of salad dressing (fat) will have yet a different effect.

Clearly, when it comes to how they affect your body, not all calories are the same. Simple calorie counting accomplishes little if you don't control the types of calories you are consuming. Still don't believe me? Here's that experiment I was telling you about:

To prove to yourself that not all calories are the same when it comes to how they affect the human body, imagine this. Please don't actually try this experiment. You'll see why in a minute. Just think it through for now.

With the help of a scientific research team, we figure out the average number of calories you consume at each meal. Without changing anything else about your life, we replace your regular meals with a bowl of your favorite ice cream containing exactly the same number of calories. For the next week, you are going to eat exactly enough of your favorite ice cream to replace the calories of regular food you would normally consume.

What do you think this change would do to you? Aside from leaving you bored by eating the same thing all the time, this change would have ugly consequences for you. Your blood sugar levels would likely swing about wildly. If you were diabetic, this in itself could kill you (see why I said you shouldn't actually try this experiment?). Your moods would swing back and forth. Your digestive system would probably rebel. You would almost certainly put on weight. In short, you would be a mess. You know you would.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Mann

This thought experiment clearly shows that the source of the calories you consume matters a great deal. If you're overweight and trying to get back in shape, you need to find yourself a plan that recognizes that not all calories are the same. Fortunately, the creators of most modern fat loss plans do understand this distinction and give you dietary advice that recognizes this fundamental truth.

Grass Fed Beef Delivers Omega 3 Oil

2008-09-08T00:22:00.001-07:00

Why grass raised beef?

You have probably heard that beef consumption is linked to heart disease. That can be true but it's not the whole story. The heart disease link is with Grain-fed animals - but animals fed only grass have some huge benefits for your health.

First of all, we must recognize that the body needs certain nutrients in order to "take care of business" on a daily basis. Taking care of business includes insuring proper cell growth, regulation and function. One essential element we must have (the body can't make it) is fatty acids. We need a regular supply of Essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The ideal ratio is 2 Omega 3 to one Omega 6. Most people get a ratio of between 15:1 to 50:1. That is where the trouble starts and the link to disease comes in.

What's the benefit of grass-fed beef?

Omega 3's are found abundantly in seafood and some nuts and seeds like flax and walnuts, as well as grass fed beef, lamb, bison and wild meats. The Omega 3 in meat is much more available for our body than the omega 3 from plants so that make meat our main, and most dependable source. We get too much Omega 6 in our diets which is found in over-abundance in grains and vegetable oils (Olive oil or coconut oil are the best to use.)

Omega 3 is found in the chloroplasts of green leaves and algae. Cattle eat the Omega 3's in grass and put it in their fat. Cattle switched from omega 3 rich grass, and put on omega 6 rich grains, lose the omega 3 fat benefits in their own fat in a short time. The same thing happens in eggs from Chickens deprived of greens have a similar effect.

Grass-fed meat has 2 to 3 times the amount of Omega 3's than grain-fed animals.

So what happens when we get lots of omega 3's? Here are some important changes that happen in our body. Lower blood pressure, less heart beat irregularity and 50% less likely to suffer heart attack. In addition, you see lower bad "LDL" cholesterol levels. (1)

The brain needs plentiful amounts of omega 3's too, and getting it can result in less depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or Alzheimer's disease. (2)

And we don't have to stop there. Omega 3's have been shown to slow cancer growth and keep cancers from spreading. As well as speed surgery recovery and protect the body from weight loss which goes along with advanced cancer. (3)

Grass-fed meats are lower in total fat and calories.

As if all that isn't enough. Grass fed meats can have 1/3 as much fat as grain fed meats. That is about the same as elk, wild deer, skinless chicken breast and other lean meats. If you eat a typical amount of beef (66 pounds a year) and switch to grass fed beef, you could save approximately 18,000 calories a year. Without any other changes you would lose about six pounds a year.

So, for your health, look into supplying grass-fed meat to your family. And, for the record, it tastes great too.

1. Siscovick, D. S., T. E. Raghunathan, et al. (1995). "Dietary Intake and Cell Membrane Levels of Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Risk of Primary Cardiac Arrest." JAMA 274(17): 1363-1367.
2. Simopolous, A. P. and Jo Robinson (1999). The Omega Diet. New York, HarperCollins. My previous book, a collaboration with Dr. Artemis P. Simopoulos, devotes an entire chapter to the vital role that omega-3s play in brain function.
3. Rose, D. P., J. M. Connolly, et al. (1995). "Influence of Diets Containing Eicosapentaenoic or Docasahexaenoic Acid on Growth and Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells in Nude Mice." Journal of the National Cancer Institute 87(8): 587-92.

Contact claire at DreamJeaans.Info

Claire began the study of health and nutrition 30 years ago to attain wellness herself. She has worked with people as a teacher, coach and massage therapist during that time.

Claire believes that lifestyle choices and diet are the best way to achieve optimal health and longevity. She has helped individuals increase their energy, reach their goal size, and regain their wellness and a clear, "non-fuzzy" mind.

She and her husband enjoy growing much of their own produce in their organic garden and spending time with their Border Collie/Australian Shepherd dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Lisse

9 Foods for a Healthy Heart

2008-08-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Heart disease is the top cause of death in the United States. It is also one of the main causes of death throughout the world.

Dietary advice for reducing heart disease risk includes eating a balanced diet with less saturated fat from red meats, more fresh vegetables and fruits, more white meat and fish, less sugar, more fiber and for many people, fewer total calories. Then you can make your heart and the rest of your cardiovascular system even healthier by adding more of these foods:

Apples

Apples contain a phytochemical called quercetin which acts as an antiinflammatory and will help prevent blood clots as well. Apples contain vitamins and fiber, come in several delicious varieties and are portable. Eat an apple with a handful of walnuts or almonds as a healthy snack or add apple slices to your healthy salads.

Almonds

Almonds and other nuts contain healthy oils, vitamin E and other substances that will help keep cholesterol levels in check. Almonds are also a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds make a great snack on their own, or sprinkle slivered almonds on green beans or asparagus with lemon juice as a deliciously healthy side dish.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables contain folate, which helps to keep homocysteine levels down, and vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables have also been associated with better retention of memory as age. Try using fresh spinach leaves or other greens for your favorite salad instead of iceberg lettuce.

Oats

Oats contain a soluble fiber called beta glucan that helps reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber also helps keep your digestive system healthy. Enjoy oatmeal with just a small amount of brown sugar and plenty of strawberries and walnuts for breakfast. Cold cereals made with oats are also great with low-fat milk or soy milk plus slices of fresh fruit.

Olive Oil

Olive oil reduces your risk of heart disease by lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. Choose olive oil for cooking, or make a nice dip for whole grain bread by pouring a bit of olive oil in a small bowl and add a bit of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of oregano.

Salmon

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart by reducing both inflammation and the risk of blood clots. These fats also work to keep your cholesterol levels healthy. Eat salmon or other oily ocean fish like tuna, sardines or herring at least two times per week. For a heart-healthy meal, try grilled salmon steaks with a green vegetable and a side salad with a sprinkling of lemon juice instead of high-calorie salad dressing.

Soy

Soy protein has been shown to prevent heart attacks and soy makes an excellent protein substitute for red meat, which will reduce your saturated fat intake. Add tofu to your favorite stir fry or pour soy milk on your morning cereal.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and lycopene, which has been shown to reduce heart disease risk. Add thick slices of tomatoes to sandwiches and salads or enjoy tomato sauce on whole wheat pasta. In fact, cooked tomato sauce and canned tomato sauce that you buy in the store both contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes.

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide vitamins and fiber that will help to keep your heart healthy. Make a deliciously healthy sandwich with two slices of 100-percent whole-grain bread, three ounces of lean turkey breast, lots of sliced tomatoes and avocado, plus lettuce and a bit of mustard. Switch from white pasta to whole grain pasta too.

Hot Nutrition Tips

2008-08-12T01:57:00.000-07:00

Putting aside individual needs, here are the industry's hottest news bites. But because one diet doesn't fit all, please consult with your physician and dietitian before revamping your diet according to the following tips.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eat a diet with 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids daily. We now know the benefits include a lower risk for heart disease and stroke. They also reduce inflammation in our joints, bloodstream, and tissue. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in cold water fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and tuna and in plant based foods like walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil. Read food labels to find the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in each type of food. It will vary considerably.

2. Fiber

Eat 25-35 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans fall short in this area consuming only about half that amount. Fiber provides many gastrointestinal benefits, helps lower cholesterol, helps control blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. It is most commonly found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Although many foods that traditionally do not contain fiber (like yogurt) are starting to pop up all over the grocery store, there is some controversy as to the health benefits of this added fiber. Your best bet is to focus on getting your fiber from foods that naturally contain it-whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts. All of those items are part of a healthy diet anyway.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins we need. Its main function is helping the body absorb calcium from the gut for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D functions as a hormone, a messenger relaying signals throughout the body. There is new exciting research showing the importance of vitamin D. New studies show that people who take a vitamin D supplement appear to have a lower risk of death from any cause ("Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?" Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, December 2007). The current RDA (200 IU a day for adults 50 yrs. and under, 400 IU a day for people 51-70 yrs., and 600 IU a day for everyone over 70 yrs.) is thought not to be enough to do an adequate job. Many researchers are now suggesting 1000 IU for all adults. This amount includes vitamin D from foods, supplements and the sun.

4. Tea

Teas contain polyphenols, compounds with high antioxidant properties. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is the polyphenol that gets the limelight here. There are many varieties of tea, each with varying amounts of antioxidant activity. White and green teas have the most beneficial properties. Drinking up to 4 cups of tea a day is recommended to reap the antioxidant rewards. Hot or cold, drink it any way you like it.

5. Organic Food

Eat organic fruits and vegetables and animal products like milk, yogurt, and meat. Organic foods have not been treated with synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and animals raised organically have not been given hormones or drugs to promote rapid growth. Genetically modified organisms are not used on any organic farm. Look for the USDA's organic symbols on packaging. These products are pricier than their conventional counterparts and considering the increase in food costs lately that may be a stumbling block for many consumers. You can compromise by choosing to buy the top twelve fruits and vegetables that are considered the "dirty dozen". Those are: apples, celery, cherries, grapes, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, and sweet bell peppers.

Incorporating these five nutrition tips into your daily life can make the difference between eating well and eating great!

How Much Protein Needed to Build Muscle?

2008-08-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy formula to help you determine how much protein to take to build new muscle. There's a VERY basic way that bodybuilders / power-lifters used to use to determine how much protein their bodies required, but it was not very accurate and could be dangerous if they took extremely high levels of protein.

The old formula was to simply multiply your body-weight (in pounds) by 2. They said this was the number of grams of protein you'd require.

The accurate way to determine protein requirements is to use this formula:
Multiply your total body weight by your body-fat %.
Subtract the number of pounds of body-fat from total body-weight.
This number is your total Lean Body Mass (LBM)
Multiply LBM (x) 1.818
This is the exact protein requirement of your body for your total LBM.

Example: I'm a 240 pound bodybuilder, currently at approximately 15% body-fat.

240 pounds (x) 15% (=) 36 pounds of body-fat.
240 pounds (-) 36 pounds
LBM (=) 204 pounds
204 (x) 1.818
Daily Protein Requirement (=) 370.872 grams.

Now in contrast, if I had used the old method and multiplied my body-weight (x) 2, here's what it would have looked like:

240 pounds (x) 2 (=) 480grams of protein per day. As you can see, that is way too much protein and could side effects like kidney problems.

It is typically very difficult to get enough protein since our diets are typically carbohydrate based, but natural protein sources like chicken, fish, meat, beans etc. can be a good base. There are a lot of varieties of protein supplements that work very well, including: 100% Casein Protein, 100% Egg Protein, 100% Whey Gold Standard.

Foods That Build Muscle

2008-08-03T03:35:00.000-07:00

To build muscle, you need food for energy and for muscle building. It doesn't matter how hard you work out, if you don't give your body the foods it needs for energy and muscle building, your workouts will be useless.

The Energy Foods - Carbohydrates

You have to give your body fuel to burn if you want your workouts to be effective. If you don't have enough fuel, you will lose momentum quickly. In this manner, your body works much like a car. What happens when your car runs out of fuel? It stops. The same is true for your body.

Even if you are able to continue moving, the processes of the body will not be able to do their job.
Eat a lot of complex carbohydrates a couple of hours before a muscle building workout. These include foods like potatoes, pasta, whole grain breads and vegetables. If you are looking to put on a lot of muscle, your body will need a lot of fuel. After your workout, stock up again by eating some carbs with your protein.

The Muscle Builders - Protein

It is protein that is utilized by the body for building muscle. You must have a certain amount of protein every day just to keep the muscle you have. When you are trying to put on muscle mass, you will need more protein.

Protein should be eaten AFTER a workout. This is because it is after your workout that your muscles begin the building up process. Muscles build up by repairing the "damage" you do to them by lifting heavy weights. By eating protein rich foods after a workout, you are giving your body what it needs to build the muscle you want. Good sources of protein come from red meat, chicken, turkey, fish, cheese and eggs, nuts, beans and yogurt. Eat some carbohydrates with your protein to replenish your glycogen stores. If glycogen stores are depleted, the body uses the protein in its place. You don't want that - you want the protein to go where it is meant to go - to building muscle.

Foods & Beverages to Avoid

2008-07-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

If you're struggling to whittle down your midsection and achieve the "six pack" that has become synonymous with good abdominals, you're certainly not alone. The battle of the bulge is a common one -- and, all too often, a losing one -- in today's hectic world of fast food and super-sized indulgences.

What many people quickly come to realize is that committing to a disciplined regimen of abdominal exercises is usually not the only component in achieving a trimmer waistline. Although there are some exceptions, a large majority of us will also need to focus on diet to obtain the results we want. Hundreds of crunches a day won't counteract a daily menu of fatty, greasy foods.

While there are many foods that are touted for their advantageous impact on flatter abdominals, there's a flip side of the coin, too. Certain foods and beverages have been shown to directly counteract your efforts to reduce belly fat, contributing to the dreaded "spare tire" we all want to avoid. Below, we've compiled a listing of these abdominal adversaries. If you must indulge in any of these, remember that moderation (and portion size) is key.

Excessive Amounts of Carbohydrates

We're not recommending that you cut them out of your diet entirely, but too many carbs can cause bloating and weight gain. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which nestles itself into your muscles in the form of water-retaining glycogen. When planning your menu, choose your carbs carefully. For example, fruits and vegetables are better carb choices than bread, pasta, and other gas-producing starches.

Empty Calorie Foods

While they may taste great, these high-carb treats aren't doing you any favors in the abdominal department. Avoid any foods that are high in carbohydrates or sodium, such as sweets, candy, and greasy fast foods. These are usually lacking in nutrients, with little to no fiber content. Filling up on this type of fare will gain you little in the way of energy and much more in the way of bloating.

Carbonated Beverages

Many dieters believe that drinking zero-calorie soda won't have a negative impact on their physique, but the truth is that the carbonation in fizzy drinks -- even sparkling water -- can cause belly bloating when the gas from the carbonation settles in the stomach. Also, the artificial sweeteners used in many diet drinks can have a bloating effect. Stick to iced tea or regular spring water for best results.

High-fiber Foods

Although fiber is generally viewed as an aid in achieving a trimmer tummy, too much of a good thing can go bad. Some high-fiber foods can cause a puffy midsection when consumed in large quantities. Be selective when munching on such offenders as beans, cabbage, garlic, broccoli, onions, and sprouts.

Milk & Dairy Products

For those with lactose intolerance, milk and dairy products can cause bloating and discomfort in the abdominal area. To counteract this, opt for calcium supplements instead.

Salt & High-sodium Foods

Sodium is a known culprit when it comes to bloating of the midsection and gastrointestinal discomfort. Try to stay away from processed foods, such as pre-packaged meats, and foods with large amounts of seasoning. Also, refrain from liberal amounts of salt when preparing your own meals.

Alcohol

The occasional social drink is fine, but a little goes a long way. Large amounts of alcoholic beverages --especially in the evening -- are proven to have a bloating effect.

Avoiding these foods and beverages -- or, at a minimum, reducing their prominence in your daily diet -- will aid you tremendously in your efforts to achieve lean, sculpted abdominals.

M. Spencer, author of http://StomachExercises4U.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Spencer

Can a Fish Oil Supplement Help Control Depression?

2008-07-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Health experts around the world now recognize the promising benefits of using a fish oil supplement to help combat depression. By regularly taking a pure type of fish oil tablet, researchers suggest that you can help keep your heart healthy by reducing triglycerides levels in your body. Fish Oil is also known to play a big role in proper brain development and cognitive health. Aside from that, they can help relieve arthritis and other joint problems related to inflammations. Further, it is even making its rounds as a miracle pill, which can fight off cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. But now, by regularly taking fish oil, a person can gain benefits on not just their physical well-being, but also with their psychological and emotional state. Several clinical studies, some of which were conducted by Harvard Medical School's top health experts, have shown a relationship between Omega-3 fatty acids and depression.( Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high quantities in fish oils.

These essential fatty acids are very important to the body. They act like building blocks for the body. But since the body cannot produce these acids on its own, you should take some form of good quality fish oil product. By doing so, you can improve your mood and fend off depression. And you can be sure that the fish oil products really works! Here's how they help control depression. First of all, the human brain contains fats that are essential in cell membrane production.

These fats take care of the proper transmission of hormones and chemicals to the brain. It took years of research before it was found that the fats in the brain actually played an important role. This important role, in fact, has to do with a person's emotions. To regulate a person's moods, healthy fats, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, should be supplied in recommended quantities. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish oil, can help balance a person's moods. These essential fatty acids can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone found in the central nervous system. You see, serotonin is quite important. It is what triggers various emotions in humans. It is responsible for our feelings of anger, sadness, happiness, and a lot more. Low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, increase the chances of depression and its symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety, self-pity, and insomnia. DHA is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that is directly responsible for the management of depression. Taking an effective fish oil supplement with high levels of DHA will help combat depression effectively.

In fact, a fish oil regimen was proven to work better than antidepressant medications. This was proven when groups of people suffering from depression were tested using antidepressants and fish oil. The tests showed that those who took fish oil experienced a remarkable improvement in mood than those who took antidepressants. Health experts also found that the purer the DHA content of fish oil is, the better it can fight depression. It is far more beneficial to look for pure, pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements, which have generous and highly concentrated levels of DHA. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil products undergo a thorough purification process called molecular distillation. This makes the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils even more pronounced by ensuring the purity of the oils. That's why I don't just recommend taking any fish oil supplement - instead find a pure, pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement and thoroughly research your options.

Julie Perry graduated with a Diploma in Applied Science and is a fully qualified Naturopathy. On her web site http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-info.com you will find out how Omega 3 fish oil provides specific health benefits and how to evaluate the best types of fish oil supplement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Perry

Weight Loss Supplements

2008-07-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Weight loss supplements have been in existence for decades now. They have been used by millions of people around the world in order to achieve their weight loss goals. These supplements, as the name suggests add to the nutrients that are present in our everyday diet, making up for the deficiency of any mineral or vitamin.

Weight loss supplements can be found coming in many different forms including, liquids, soft gels, capsules and tablets. They are available widely at both retail as well as online stores. Although widely available, you should always consult your doctor before you take any of these supplements.

The working mechanism of these supplements may vary from one product to another. In some cases they work by decreasing the appetite. There are others which work by actually decreasing the break down of the fats in our digestive system. Most of the weight loss products come with various different essential nutrients too, which are needed for maintaining good health.

You must remember that mere intake of these weight loss supplements will not have any significant effect when it comes to your weigh loss goals. They would be only effective if you were to club them with a proper diet, as well as a regular exercise program. This way you can be sure that you will lose a significant amount of weight.

You can also find many natural weight loss products being sold in the markets these days. A good example for such a product would be 'hoodia', which is a herb from the Kalahari Desert in Africa. This herb is known to be useful in reducing appetite. It works by tricking the brain into thinking that the stomach is full, which is less likely to make you overeat. Weight loss supplements containing green tea as their ingredients are also quite popular these days. Cascara and Kite-o-san, an ingredient from shellfish, are other popular components of many of the natural weight loss products that you can find these days.

Since there are numerous weight loss supplements available in the market, choosing the right one can sometimes seem like a daunting task. A little bit of research can help you choose the best weight loss product, suited for you. Talking to a nutritionist is a good way to go about the entire shopping process. You must also talk to your doctor before you take any kind of supplements. You can also talk to your personal fitness trainers, who can also offer valuable advice when it comes to choosing such supplements.

To get your complimentary Weight Loss Program, or to get personalized Weight Loss Tips from a gal whose struggled to lose weight all her life and has now managed to lose 57lbs, visit my website by clicking the links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dane_Bergen

Power Foods For a Healthy Diet and For Type 2 Diabetics

2008-07-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

Type 2 diabetics cannot eat like a normal person and have to avoid eating in excess. They have to control their glucose level by eating in moderation or more but smaller meals per day than normal persons. Every meal has to carry as much nutritional value as possible and fortunately there are many natural foods that are loaded with nutrients. These foods are excellent for everyone not just type 2 diabetics. The foods help you maintain or lower your weight; they fight disease and help you live longer.

These are some of those super foods:
Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Chili, Oats, Oranges, Pumpkin, Salmon, Shitake mushrooms, Soy, Spinach, Tea (green or black), Tomatoes, Turkey, Walnuts, and Yogurt.

Blueberries:

Have antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, and these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C. These berries can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory. As rule darker berries have greater anti-oxidants and it does not matter if the berries are fresh or frozen.

Salmon:

Salmon and other fish are rich in Omega 3 which is excellent for maintaining a healthy heart, joints, and memory. It helps lower the risk of heart disease, it helps arthritis, and may may help with memory loss and Alzheimers. Preferred fish are wild salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Two or three servings per week are required to have a meaningful effect on your health. Other foods that contain omega-3 are fortified eggs, flax seed, and walnuts.

Soy:

Helps lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is often found in person with type 2 diabetes and a diet should therefore include foods that help reduce cholesterol. Studies have show that a diet rich in soy fiber, protein from oats and barley, almonds, and margarine from plant sterols lowed cholesterol as much as the most widely prescribed cholesterol medicine. Include tofu, soy milk, or edamame as a part of your regular diet to help reduce your cholesterol levels.

Fiber:

Also helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and also aids in weight loss. A diet high in fiber will help maintain your cholesterol and glucose at healthy levels. Most natural foods are great sources of fiber, such as whole grains, beans, fruit, and vegetables. Beans should be fresh, frozen or dried. Canned beans have higher levels of sodium.

Tea: Green and black tea have properties that help lower cholesterol and inhibit cancer. Studies have show that men that drink green tea regularly had lower cholesterol levels that those that did not and similar studies showed that green tea was effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Green tea is an excellent substitute for soda.

Dark Chocolate:

has antioxidants and properties that help lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is likewise found in type 2 diabetics. Dark chocolate should have a 60% or higher cocoa content. Darker chocolate has lower sugar levels and if you are a diabetic that is going to cheat, this is what you should consume.

Carrots:

Contains beta carotene which helps reduce stroke risk by half for men who already have symptoms of heart disease

Chili Peppers:

The heat source in chilies, capsaicin, which is an antioxidant that contains properties that thins blood to help prevent strokes, it also lowers cholesterol, protects DNA against carcinogens.

Spinach:

Contains vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium which help control cancer, reduces heart disease and stroke risk, blocks free radicals and may help prevent osteoporosis.

Shitake mushrooms:

Contain beta-glucan, which stimulates immune system and contains properties that help prevent cancer

Tomatoes:

Contain lycopenes which stimulates immune function and may slow degenerative diseases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandi_V._Green

12 Facts About Nutrition the Doctors and the Government Don't Know

2008-07-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

We all take the word of doctors and the government when it comes to our diets. Seriously, who is better to trust? The answer is simple: nutritionists. They may be hard to find, and they may same expensive at first, but the benefits of talking to someone who actually understands the science of food is amazing.

Here are a dozen pearls of wisdom from my personal nutritionist.

1) Food cannot be made in a lab. Substances that look, smell, and even taste a lot like food can be made in a laboratory, but the more processed a food is - the more lab-time it has before it goes into your mouth - the less nutritious it becomes. This is true even if the lab time is spend "fortifying" and "enhancing" your food, because they "fortify" with synthetic vitamins, which just don't work like natural vitamins do.

2) The Food Pyramid is upside-down. Mostly. The part about avoiding sweets and sugary foods, that's true. But the real food pyramid needs to be based solidly in meats and veggies, then fruit and dairy, with grains - whole grains - at the top, as a totally optional food. There also needs to be a special place for oils and butter - a vital source of essential fatty acids, which many Americans are horribly lacking.

3) If you can't buy it, don't eat it. That means if your candy bar has an ingredient that you can't find in the shelves, in it's own package, ready to take home and add to your home cooking - it's toxic. The food companies add toxins in amounts small enough that the FDA believes there is no long-term effect, but the fact is, no one knows how much hydrodypropylmethelcellulose you get in a day - and there's no safety net in place to make sure you don't get too much by getting a tiny amount from several dozen sources.

4) Eating fat doesn't make you fat. Think about it. If you eat fat (and you don't eat carbs at the same time), your body has to burn fat in order to survive (cause there's no carbs to burn). So eating fat doesn't make you store fat away - it makes you burn it. Unless, that is, you eat carbs at the same time. Then your body can burn the carbs for energy, and happily slap the fat onto your posterior.

5) Eating carbs makes you fat. Even if you don't eat fat and carbs - even if you just eat carbs, but you eat a lot of them - your body will burn what it can, pack away a little bit for emergency stress-response food, and then turn the rest into fat and slap it onto your posterior.

6) There are six things you have to get out of your food to survive. Those things are essential fatty acids, essential amino acids (proteins), water, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Notice that there are no carbohydrates anywhere on that list. That's important.

7) Vitamins and minerals don't work without other substances. They're called co-factors, and without the right co-factors, your body can't use vitamins and minerals correctly. In nature, vitamins and minerals almost always come 'pre-packaged' with the correct co-factors. That's the problem with synthetic vitamins - they don't.

8) Cooking food destroys some vitamins and essential acids. I'm not saying "go eat raw chicken", but keep in mind that the less cooked your food is, the more nutrition you get out of it. Raw beef, fresh veggies, etc, are all better for you than their cooked counterparts - and cooked food is better for you the less it's cooked. That means that pasteurized milk, almonds, juices, etc. lose a lot of their value.

9) Some foods have estrogen in them that can really screw up your body. Soybeans and flax seed are the big ones - every 100 grams of soy protein you consume is the equivalent of eating a birth control pill! Don't eat soy unless it's fermented first, like in real Chinese-style tofu and tamari soy sauce.

10) Local food is healthier. Strawberries from Chile, apples from Argentina - there are very few rules about these foods that our government can actually enforce; and that means that you have no idea what happened to those foods before they got to your market. You're way better off eating local food, in the season that it was grown in. Less chemical preservatives, less transportation costs...better all around.

11) Irradiating food kills vitamins, too. That means both irradiated beef and ANY MICROWAVED FOOD is significantly less valuable to your body than normal food. The only thing it's safe to microwave is water.

12) Eating right prevents a lot of diseases. Not just the ones you know about, like scurvy and beriberi - the big ones, like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and more. All of these diseases are your body's responses to long-term stresses, the most major of which is a bad diet.

I am no nutritionist - but my nutritionist is no writer. We got together to spread the word. Read more about how to live healthy through understanding your food. Don't you deserve to know the facts about nutrition for yourself?

Michael Danielson will be a father for the first time in August of 2008. In the interest of his future child's health, he has been working closely with his nutritionist to learn how to feed the human body and brain. His work runs contrary to almost everything you will here from your doctor or the FDA.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Danielson

Venom - What is the Venom Diet Pill?

2008-07-16T03:05:00.000-07:00

It may seem odd to buy a diet pill with the word Venom in it, but in fact, this diet pill is not only safe, but it is very effective.

The Venom Diet Pill is a pill that uses a highly advanced formula to help you lose fat. It does this by using the body's own systems against itself to burn off fat and help you keep yourself from eating too much as well.

Of course, there is many other reasons that the Venom Diet Pill is so exceptional, and a lot of it is as a result of the ingredients that go into a Venom Diet Pill.

First of all, the makers of the Venom Diet Pill state that the pill will not only increase your stamina and energy, but it will also increase the rate at which you burn calories. As a result, it will not only suppress your appetite, but it will also help you burn your fat faster by increasing the speed of your metabolism.

The makers also state that the pill will increase your long-term performance in physical activities, and improve your mental focus.

Clearly, a product with so many benefits is not going to be cheap, and it isn't, however it is a small price to pay to improve your mind, body and energy through the use of a simple pill that uses a formula to improve nearly everything about you.

The pill can be found in many places in over-the-counter form, as well as online at various websites that sell the Venom Diet Pill.

When are you are thinking of taking the Venom Diet Pill, make sure you consult your doctor to learn of any harmful side effects that could cause problems for yourself in the future. You don't want a new you that comes at the sacrifice of your health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tricori.com -- Health Solutions To Your Health Concerns

*IMPORTANT: You may reprint this article as long as you keep the author's resource box intact and all links clickable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Boone_Swann

Maple Syrup Diet - Beyonce's Diet Secret Revealed

2008-07-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love maple syrup? It is a main export of Canada, it goes great on pancakes and it livens up any breakfast dish. However, did you know that it can also be used to help you lose weight?

This diet is used by celebrity singer Beyonce Knowles, who endorses the diet completely. Using the diet helped her lose several pounds in two weeks for her part in Dreamgirls, last year. This diet consisted of eating nothing for 2 weeks, and only drinking detox drinks that consisted of syrup mixed with water, cayenne pepper and lemon juice.

The syrup she used was Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup, which is made from maple and palm trees. While it may seem like a new diet, it actually has its origins 30 years ago, when it was created by naturopath Stanley Burroughs. The Maple Syrup Diet has claimed to cleanse the body of toxins, improve immune systems and concentration, increase energy and create cleaner skin.

Typically, the Maple Syrup Diet can be made by mixing two tablespoons of the syrup with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a small amount of cayenne pepper, combined with a glass of hot or cold water. You can drink as many as six to nine glasses of this drink.

When choosing which of the detox plans to go with, you can choose the full detox that means drinking the detox drink for 10 to 14 days, the relaxed version that has involves substituting a meal with the detox drink; the once a week version that has you skip food for one day to drink the detox drink, or the Master Plan, which is a bi-annual, multi-day detox plan that is combined with detoxing once per week.

This plan can seem like it is far-fetched, but in fact it can be used to help you lose weight, and fast.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tricori.com -- Health Solutions To Your Health Concerns

*IMPORTANT: You may reprint this article as long as you keep the author's resource box intact and all links clickable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Boone_Swann

What Food to Eat to Gain Muscle

2008-07-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Imagine how good you will feel when you know what food to eat to gain muscle. As you read each word of this article I will tell you what the best foods to eat are and why.

Gaining muscle should start with the right diet, many people overlook eating the right foods and they end up failing, now as your reading this article that wont happen to you!

First off im sure you'll find it helpful to know that you should aim to drink between 8-9 glasses of water a day, this is important as it will keep you hydrated and will help to flush out the harmful toxins in your body. I also recommend drinking 2-3 protein shakes a day too. You can buy protein shakes from most supermarket, health food shops, gyms and on the internet.

Now you probably already know that you should not eat junk food, cutting out all junk and processed foods is a must if you want to build muscle because junk food will just make you fat, so cut it out!

Instead you should eat foods that are high in protein and high in carbohydrates. The protein is important because it helps to rebuild your body after the damage you do from exercise and carbohydrates are important because that give you plenty of energy you need to lift weight. The following is a list of foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates, I suggest creating yourself a menu full of these foods for each day of the week. You should aim to eat 3-4 meals a day from your new menu, now I know 3-4 sounds a lot but you need to eat a lot more to build muscle.

Some great foods that are high in protein are-

Chicken
Red meat
Nuts
Fish
Cheese
Egg whites

Some great foods high in carbohydrates are-

Oatmeal
Rice
Vegetables
Fruits
Potatoes
Cereals that contain grains

Now I would like to help you experience the Best Muscle Building Program in the World. This very program has helped thousands of other people just like you build the body of their dreams! It is the only Muscle building program I recommend. To find out more Click Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_B_Cooper

Best Weight Loss Supplement?

2008-07-15T18:30:00.001-07:00

Everyone always wants to know what is the best weight loss supplement or best weight loss product on the market today and I feel it is my duty to answer that question because there are thousands of them and choosing the best one could be a daunting task for a beginner. Fortunately I know the answer from years of research and personal experience. The best weight loss supplement is HARD WORK!

I'm sorry I know I just crushed a lot of people who thought they could buy a magic pill and take it in the morning or with their fast food meal and drop weight like crazy. The reality the best weight loss supplement is what you already have inside you. There are pills on the market that will help to curve your appetite, pill that will block fat, pills that will raise your metabolism, etc... All these supplements and weight loss products are not going to make you lose weight. Pick up anyone of the bottles and read the fine print, they all say when taken with proper diet and exercise.

Well if you had a healthy diet and you exercised regularly you probably wouldn't have the bottle in your hand in the first place. People today are trained from an early age to expect everything quick and easy. Well weight loss is not quick and easy. You did not get fat overnight and you are not going to get thin overnight and that is the cold hard truth.

Now that the reality check is over, don't worry. You don't need a magic pill, a special piece of exercise equipment or the best weight loss supplement on the market. The only weight loss supplement you need is will power and the desire to do what it takes to get there.

One of my favorite television shows is the Biggest Loser. I can't stand the sales pitches they do for products during the show or how they drag it out into a 2 hour show with only 30 minutes of content but I love the show because of what it does. The show motivates people to lose weight working out, eating right, and putting forth maximum effort. A staple in every show is some overweight person at the gym sweating profusely trying to lose another pound for the next weigh in. That is how it is done. Work hard, stick with it, drop the weight. One quick disclaimer though. Losing 5-15 pounds a week is not healthy and not realistic for most people. The contestants on this show are extremely overweight, have terrible diets, don't work out and make an immediate jump into 4-6 hours of training a day and a heavily restricted diet. If they didn't have $250,000 hanging over their heads, millions of people watching them on TV, and a personal trainer riding them 24/7 they would fail with this dramatic of a change.

So be smart. Start slow, get you some cardio every day, lift weights, watch what you eat and avoid the weight loss supplements and weight loss products that try and convince you that it is easy.

Brad Gatewood
http://www.Proper-Diet-and-Exercise.com
http://www.Burn-Belly-Fat.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Gatewood

Benefits of Drinking Water - The True Fountain of Youth

2008-07-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

What if I told you that you probably do not totally realize the amazing health benefits of drinking water. It is more than likely that your body is partially dehydrated at this very moment.Even a 5% reduction in body fluids will reduce your energy by 25% to 30%. Amazing, isn`t it? This article is about the importance of drinking water and what it does for your health and energy levels. Pure water is the True fountain of youth!

Your body consists of around 75% water so it is a vital component for every single body cell to assist healing and good health.A simple test to find out if you are drinking enough water is to note the colour of your urine. Any colour at all gives you the answer. You are water deficient! Try an extra glass of healthy water in the morning, before lunch and one hour before going to bed. You will notice the difference.

There are many benefits of drinking water and adequate amounts will help cure many every day ailments and illnesses. These include headaches,fatigue, back pain, asthma, arthritis, high and low blood pressure, ulcers, morning sickness and slow metabolism. Give your body the right tools and let it heal itself. Add the right trace minerals, the right nutrients and good quality water and you are well on the way to a healthier body.

The world in which we live in, is full of chemicals everywhere you go.Chemicals are in the air, your food and drink plus most things you touch.These cause toxins to enter into your body causing disease. In order to remove these toxins your liver has to flush them out. The importance of drinking water cannot be stressed enough here as it is required by your liver to do it`s work.

Are you wanting to lose weight? Once again it is all about quality healthy water. Weight loss occurs when your liver changes fat into energy. It is only by drinking lots of water that this process will happen.Increased amounts of water will also aid in digestion. Once your digestive system is functioning well all the nutrients from your food will be absorbed.You will not feel as hungry and will eat less food.

Healthy water is ideal for your skin which is the largest organ in your body.Lots of water will give you a soft, young, radiant and hydrated skin.You will look and feel younger and healthier.

From the above information you now know some of the benefits of drinking water. The problem is most of our water throughout the world is full of poisons, chemicals, parasites, chlorine and algae which are causing cancer and lots of other health issues.

The answer to this problem is to have a water filtration system to filter out these contaminants. Do not think that all systems do the same job. Only a handful are much better than the rest.They are not the most expensive either. A three stage filter system that filters the most contaminants and leaves in natural trace minerals is the way for you to go.

There you have it, the benefits of drinking water and the importance of drinking water. Your next step is to take a look at my website for more information on this subject. Yes water is the true fountain of youth!

Judith Pratt is passionate about maintaining optimum health naturally.To find the results of her extensive research on the best value for money, top quality, Water Filter Systems at factory prices go to: http://www.clean-water-filtration.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judith_Pratt

Aloe Vera Juices

2008-07-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

If you are someone who is health conscious or looking to become so, you'll find that one of the most powerful substances that you can take a look at is aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice is derived from the aloe vera plant, a semi-succulent plant with thick fleshy leaves. This small plant has been used for more than a thousand years to keep people healthy, and you'll find that we are still continuing to find great uses for it. If you are in a situation where you can really consider the changes that aloe vera juice can make in your life, take a look at some of the benefits that it has to offer.

The first thing that you can keep in mind is that aloe vera has long been considered a great plant to use for stomach problems. Originally, besides being used for burns and wounds, aloe vera juices were also often used to cure digestive problems. If you have long had issues with your stomach or your digestion, you may find that the use of aloe vera juice can be something that really keeps you on track when it comes to making sure that you look and feel great!

You'll also find that aloe vera juice has a powerful cleansing effect on your system, and because of this, you'll find that there are many different problems that can be taken care of at once. If you are in need of a cleansing, you'll find that one problem that you experience is lethargy. You might choose to try to make this go away with caffeine, but the truth of the matter is that caffeine often only compounds the problem somewhere down the line. If you are invested in making sure that your body performs at peak efficiency, you'll find that aloe vera juices can go a long way towards helping you keep on going.

When you are looking for a good idea of what aloe vera juice can do, you should keep in mind the fact that it can restore a true powerhouse of minerals to your body. You'll find that you can get a great dose of magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc in your juice, something that few health drinks can match. When your body has been depleted of an important mineral, you'll find that you will start feeling the effects very soon, even if you are not sure what the problem is. You'll soon see that making sure that some of the problems you might be experiencing can be quickly dealt with simply by drinking this powerful juice.

Make sure that you check out Aloeride. This product is the only one that will provide you with aloe vera that has been processed to pharmaceutical standards, so take the time to make sure that you see what it can do for you.

Aloeride is available online with world wide shipping. If you are looking for a natural product that will boost your overall well being, then aloe vera is definitely an excellent choice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sophia_Gray

Benefits of eating the Dragon Fruit

2008-07-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

1. Enhance the body metabolism (Protein)
2. Improve digestion (Fiber)
3. Reduce Fat (Fiber)
4. Improve memory (Carotone)
5. Maintain the health of the eyes (Carotone)
6. Strengthen bones and teeth development (Calcium)
7. Tissue development (Phosphorus)
8. Help to metabolise carbohydrates and produce energy (Vitamine B1)
9. Improve appetite (Vitamine B2)
10. Moisturise and smoothen skin and decrease bad cholestrol level (Vitamine B3)
11. Improves the immune system and promotes healing of cuts and bruises (Vitamine C)

USEFUL TIPS:

How to Select and Store
They should be full-colored and free of moldy spots. Dragon Fruit should be refrigerated, unwashed, for up to 5 days. Serve chilled.

Hoodia Diet Supplement - Is it Effective?

2008-07-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

The hoodia diet supplement is taking the world by storm. Exactly what is this amazing substance? Where does one get it and is it safe? Does it even work? First, let it be known that hoodia has been proven to work. The downside to this, is only one study has been done to determine that.

In that study a group of very large individuals were divided into two groups, one got the hoodia, one did not. The ones that did reported a decrease of 1000 calories during the day. This is amazing compared to the normal caloric intake for a man is 2600 on average, and 1900 for a woman. By doing nothing else, one could lose two pounds a week.

Hoodia does not come cheap. Find it cheap, it probably isn't hoodia, at least not the variety you need. The plant is found in the deserts of South Africa. Out of the many varieties, only Hoodia Gordonii is the one with the appetite suppressant. All others are a waste of time and money.

In the few studies that have been conducted, no ill side effects were found. Some believe it may cause liver damage, but this has been linked to ingredients in hoodia other than the suppressant. Removing these has been an expensive undertaking, and a British company, Phytopharm, who holds the patent on the suppressant, P57, is working on making the diet supplement more economical to manufacture. It has only been fairly recent that the world has been introduced to this phenomenom, but has been the subject of quite a few media exposes. All major networks have done a cover story on it. It is now widely known around the world and giving green tea and the other diet supplements a run for their money.

It is not without it's controversy. Due to the lack of studies available, hoodia has come under attack for false claims; not working being the most prevalent. When examined these claims show that the user either did not follow the directions, did not have 100% Hoodia Gordonii, had a product that was made with a lot of fillers, additives or bulk material, thus being less hoodia and in some cases none at all.

All in all, hoodia appears to work, does not cause side effects, may be a bit expensive to purchase, and is the brunt of many imitations. Make sure you only purchase 100% Hoodia Gordonii, it will come with a certificate of authenticity, have a lot number stating the batch it came from, all to ensure you have what you paid for and get the results you want.

Related Articles:

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_English

Foods That Help You Lose Weight - Three Simple Principles

2008-07-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

What's your biggest obstacle to weight loss? Feeling hungry? Learning which foods will help you lose weight will not only help you slim down, but also help you feel fuller and be more successful in getting to your weight loss goals.

#1 Eat enough protein.

What is protein? Protein is found in foods such as nuts, meat, cheese, and beans. Your body reacts to protein differently than it reacts to carbohydrates (although they are important too). Enough protein creates a sense of fullness. Women need about 50 grams of protein daily and Men need about 63 grams.

What this means is that you want to consume a serving of lean protein at every meal, including breakfast. At breakfast it is as easy as adding a handful of nuts to your favorite whole grain cereal.

#2 Eat food that is high in fiber and water.

Eating food that is high in fiber and water creates a sense of fullness and satisfaction for much fewer calories than eating foods that are calorie dense (like desserts).

What kind of foods are high in fiber and water? Whole grains, like those found in whole grain cereals, bread, and pasta - be sure to read your labels. Soups, especially if they have a lot of vegetables are a great source of nutrition for minimal calories. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is also a great way to fill up on yummy foods that are also excellent for you.

#3 Drop drinks with calories.

One of the best ways to start feeling better right away and to start losing weight, is to replace your drinks with calories - soda, beer, wine, juice, ect. - with no calorie drinks. Some of the drinks that work well are green tea, coffee, & water.

This may seem like a big sacrifice at first, but it does get easier as time goes by. If this step seems too difficult then take it one drink at a time. Start with one drink a day and replace it with a no calorie drink. Do this once a week and you will begin to see a difference almost immediately.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Hallman

Giving the Body's System a Boost With Fish Oil - Benefits of the Natural Nutrient

2008-07-13T01:01:00.001-07:00

You can enjoy a long, healthy life by finding natural ways to boost your body's system. Fish oil is one natural supplement that can be a key factor in maintaining your health. The substances found within fish oil work together in a unique way that can be taken advantage of by various parts of the body. You will be able to improve your overall health by both understanding and using fish oil as a natural supplement.

What Substances Are Found in Fish Oil?

The substances in fish oil that are of most benefit to the body are the acids formed within a fish's fatty tissue. The three acids specifically made and utilized by the body to regulate important internal organs are omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexanoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

What Benefits Are Derived from Fish Oil?

When taken as a supplement, fish oil works to support healthy organ functions and reduce problems that are causing organs to malfunction in some way. The acids that fish oil contains also calm inflamed parts of the body. Cholesterol regulation and balance is another benefit of fish oil, since it breaks cholesterol down, thereby reducing inflammation, preventing heart disease, and lowering high blood pressure. Some research has even shown the positive effects that fish oil has on the brain, aiding in the treatment of psychological issues like schizophrenia.

How Is Fish Oil Used?

First, consider the different ways you can add fish oil to your diet. The average person will take in a sufficient amount of fish oil and the acids therein to keep their health well regulated by eating fish just once a week. Individuals whose goal it is to use fish oil to prevent heart disease or bring high blood pressure down to healthy levels will need to get more fish oil than simply making fish part of your diet will provide. This can be done by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements once daily, which will naturally improve your body's health.

A Natural Health Boost

Fish oil certainly provides considerable support to your body, whether it's simply for keeping yourself healthy, preventing serious disease, or dealing with a specific health issue. By understanding how fish oil operates and helps your body, you will be able to take full advantage of its health benefits, thus opening the door to a long, healthy life.

To learn about the many health benefits Fish Oil offers you, as well as more information on vitamins & supplements, please visit http://www.Vitamins-Supplements-Info.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Rambkee

Anti-Aging Grape Seed Antioxidant

2008-07-13T00:58:00.001-07:00

It is clear from scientific research that antioxidants can have a big influence on the rate that we age and tests have also shown that one of the best sources of antioxidants is from grape seed extract.

The various different types of antioxidants all have varying degrees of health benefits for the specific areas that they help.

Some antioxidants will help reduce the percentage of fat in our body by speeding up the metabolism and helping to burn fat while others will help to protect us against cancer and various other diseases.

Obviously having a combination of foods containing the different antioxidants will be the best way to improve health and assist in remaining younger.

Grape seed however seems to be the antioxidant that has shown to deliver better results than other sources and it is this antioxidant that the cosmetic industry has been adding to many of it's products to target those people who have been following the news and research that has shown it to have excellent anti aging properties.

Grape seed extract helps to strengthen blood vessels and in doing so stops them from becoming weakened and damaged.

This helps with the circulation of the blood and the removal of toxins from the body.

The active ingredient that is mostly responsible for this is OPC or oligomeric procyanidin that was first discovered by a French Chemist.

The active ingredients that are present in grape seed extract can actually reverse damage that has already been done by free radicals and in doing so reverse some of the aging process of the body.

It's no wonder that grape seed extract has attracted so much attention.

With twenty times more strength than Vitamin C and fifty times more than Vitamin A the medical profession is even using it for the treatment of people who have suffered from heart disease to aid in their recovery.

There is a lot more research that will be going into the properties of grape seed extract and its benefits for anti aging.

It is clear from scientific research that antioxidants can have a big influence on the rate that we age and tests have also shown that one of the best sources of antioxidants is from grape seed extract.

The various different types of antioxidants all have varying degrees of health benefits for the specific areas that they help.

Carson Danfield is an "Under the Radar" Internet Entrepreneur who's been quietly selling various products for the last 8 years. Although you've probably never heard of him there's a good chance you've visited his websites in the past and even purchased some of his products.

For lots more unique tips about Anti-Aging Process, visit the website http://info5000.com/ANTI-AGING/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carson_C_Danfield

What is Calcium?

2008-07-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

Calcium is the primary mineral responsible for bone well-being, and it is needed every day. This essential mineral promotes bone strength and provides the building blocks for strong teeth. Calcium plays an especially vital role in achieving peak bone mass in children and young adults. In addition to contributing to bone health, Calcium helps promote healthy blood and heart function, muscle contractions and nerve impulses.

One form of Calcium, Calcium Carbonate, has been shown to support healthy cell growth in the colon.Calcium Carbonate supplements have also been found to help relieve symptoms of PMS, such as water retention, and back or abdominal pain, and can support a positive mood.

Even though it is well-known for its bone support abilities, many people do not get enough Calcium from their daily diets. In fact, many women and young girls consume less than half the amount of Calcium recommended to maintain healthy bones, putting them at greater risk of developing osteoporosis than men.

Many factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis, including sex, race, age, and hormonal status. Caucasian women of northern European ancestry and Asian women in their bone-forming years (teens and young adults) have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. American women of African heritage have the lowest incidence of osteoporotic fracture.

It's important to remember that everyone loses bone mass with age. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate Calcium intake helps maintain good bone health and may reduce the high risk of osteoporosis later in life, especially for teens and young adult Caucasian and Asian women. A total dietary intake above 2,000 mg has no further known benefit to bone health. Depending on your age, an appropriate Calcium intake falls between 1000 and 1300 mg a day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Cantone

Foods That Speed Metabolism - And Taste Great

2008-07-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

You've probably been hearing a lot these days about the benefits of certain foods that speed metabolism. Exactly what are the best foods to take in order to boost your metabolism?

One of the food items that has gotten a ton of exposure lately for it's great health benefits is Omega-3 fats or fish oil. Omega-3 is well known for helping the heart, lowering blood pressure, joint health, etc. Well, it looks like you can add weight loss to that list of benefits.

The best ways to add Omega-3 fats to your diet is by eating cold water fish like salmon or by taking a good fish oil supplement that has 1-2 grams of long chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is also a great source (and perfect for vegetarians.) Most fish oil capsules come in 1000 mg, so taking 5 per day would give you 1.5 grams which is about right for most people.

Another food group that boosts your metabolism is lean protein. This is because lean protein takes longer to digest, which means your metabolism is burning faster. Also, plenty of lean protein is crucial for the development and maintenance of muscle. More muscle equals a faster resting metabolism... this means your body is burning fat 24 hours per day, even while you are sleeping!

Some good lean protein sources include:

*Fish
*Chicken
*Turkey
*Lean beef
*Cottage cheese
*Yogurt

Omega-3 fats and lean protein are foods that speed metabolism. The best approach is to combine smart eating with a well planned exercise program. I suggest finding an expert with a proven track record of helping people get fit. There is a science to burning fat and getting in shape. If you do things a certain way, you'll get predictable results. Just don't get lost in the sea of mis-information and fad diets that are out floating around out there.

For more details on foods that speed metbolism and how you can turn your body into a 24-hour fat burning machine, Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Olson

What Are the Benefits of Buying Organic Food?

2008-07-11T05:39:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of controversy lately regarding the numerous unnatural ingredients and resources used in the production of our food. Many people are skeptical and even scared when they hear that their meal has any association with pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones. As a consequence, many people have turned to organic food. Organics are in general better for you because they are produced without the use of most conventional pesticides, such as: synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge fertilizers, bioengineering, and radiation. Furthermore, organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics and growth hormones. So why aren't more people turning towards this healthier way of eating?

Well one reason behind their hesitation is the cost. Organic food can cost 50 to 100 percent more than similar brands of conventionally grown food. So if you want to eat healthier, you should expect to be spending almost twice as much on your weekly food budget. Another problem which arises with organic food is the question of authenticity. Most organic foods have a USDA seal which means that a certified member inspected the farm. All foods with this seal have to be at least 95 percent organic. However, when you go to your local greenery, you may find that not all foods have this seal. In that case you simply have to take their word for it.

Something else to pay close attention to when purchasing these products is the location of the item's production. Some of these foods are grown in China and very little is known about their rule enforcement. So try to purchase products that were grown in the United States. This way you can avoid worrying about the authenticity of the item. Also, next time you are shopping for a healthier meal at your local trusted greenery, remember to look for the USDA organic seal of approval.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.

Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies, diet pills, and hoodia gordonii.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S_Johnson