Tuesday, December 30, 2008

A Meal Schedule To Get Fit

It's not a surprise that what we eat and the amount we eat has a lot to do with whether we have a great body or not. But a lot of people don't know that the time you eat and how often you eat matter a lot too. If you're going to succeed in getting fit, you need to pay attention. This is a true secret of getting the body you want.

When you eat has a major effect on your results. Let's start from the very beginning. When you first wake up, your body has been without food for many hours. Your blood sugar level first thing in the morning is low, and your body is running on stored energy. Once those reserves are used up, your body will turn to its next available source of fuel, your muscles! It's very difficult to get in shape when you're weak from lack of food, and your body is breaking down your muscles for energy. You need to eat your first meal as soon as possible after waking up. This gives your body the fuel it needs to start the day, and preserves your muscles.

So now you know how important it is to have a healthy meal as soon as possible after you get up. Doing so gets your blood sugar into the right zone (assuming you are eating healthy stuff) for you to function effectively and protects your hard-earned muscles. You'll feel better, function better, work out harder, and preserve your muscles while shedding fat.

The quest to keep your blood sugar level in the right zone also tells us how often you should eat. Within 3 to 4 hours after a meal, your body digests whatever you ate and your blood sugar level will start heading down again. That means you really shouldn't go much more than 3 hours between meals (except when you are sleeping at night).

If you think about this for a minute, it's clear that you need to eat a lot of meals in a day. To gain the benefits of keeping your blood sugar stable, you need to eat 5 or 6 times a day, instead of three times like most people. If you wake up at say 6:00 AM, all you need to do is eat every 3 to 3.5 hours and your blood sugar should should be good throughout the day.

When you eat more meals you need to reduce their size. One common way to do this without drastically reworking the way you eat is to have somewhat smaller meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with two nutritious snacks of around 100 calories. Those snacks are then eaten during the biggest gaps between meals, typically between each of the main meals or one between lunch and dinner and the other in the evening.

Eat this way for a few weeks and see what you think. Chances are you'll be one step closer to getting as fit as you desire.

The Health Benefits of Vegetarianism

Benefits Of Vegetarianism

Becoming a vegetarian is an ideal for many people that believe they should convert but don't fully understand the benefits. So how will it change things in your life and for the planet? It may not make a massive difference when one person decides to do this but each person that makes this choice will have an overall effect. To provide an example of this, you only have to look at how many people in America suffer with heart disease that eat meat regularly.

Many of today's heart conditions would not be so commonplace if people did not eat so much food with high levels of cholesterol, such as dairy products and eggs. In fact the group Earth Save states that a vegetarian has around 25 percent less chance of a heart attack than someone who consumes meat as part of their diet. Those individuals that have gone one step further an become vegans have around a ten percent chance of a heart attack as opposed to people on regular diets. The improvements in health do not end there if you are a vegetarian.

There is less likelihood of cancer owing to the reduced number of preservatives that will be in your diet compared to a person that regularly eats meat. As a vegetarian you won't be exposed to various hormones (that are packed into animal feed), which often disrupt normal hormonal processes in the body. A digestive problem, which many nutritional experts believe to be caused by intolerance to lactose, will also be avoided. The health advantages to becoming a vegetarian are unquestionable but there is also the fact that many animals will not lose their lives to feed you either.

In fact the death toll of animals may be far greater than expected with figures in the region of 2,700 eaten by an average American in their lifetime. It is a sobering thought that a change in diet could literally save hundreds of animals from being slaughtered over the course of a decade alone. Continuing along this line and by giving up eggs and milk, many hens and cows will be saved from the degradation of just being alive to feed us. The arguments are very convincing and difficult to dismiss; it is definitely better to become a vegetarian. The reduction in animal life lost and the improvement in your health should be convincing enough.

Get more information on a healthy lifestyle go to Natural Guide For Healthy Living as well as Healthy Living Diet

Sunday, December 28, 2008

What is dieting?

The most misleading word in the weight loss market is dieting. Everybody having interest in losing weight will definitely speak about dieting. So what actually a diet is? A diet refers to the food eaten by a person. It is very certain that you have to consume vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fat that is necessary for your body. A balanced diet contains these essentials in required quantities.

When a man says he is dieting, it means that he actually takes care about what he eats and how much he eats. Nowadays, people say that they are dieting if they starve to lose fat and weight. Counting on calories and plainly rejecting fat foods is not just dieting. A diet must provide you all the important nutrition needed by the body. Using fad diets to reduce weight quickly is not the healthy way. Calorie shifting diet that contains all types of foods providing necessary nutrition to the body is needed to lose fat healthily .

Missing breakfast and meals and calling it as dieting is not good. Also, some people reduce their food intake so much and feel hungry most of the times calling it as dieting. All of these habits are unhealthy. When you eat a diet, you must make sure that you consume good foods with necessary nutrients. An idiot proof diet must contain everything that is good for your body. By consuming fibre and reducing direct carbohydrates, you can reduce the number of calories you consume in a healthy way.

Another common problem with dieting people is that they don’t have the expertise knowledge about dieting. They simply reject some foods and eat more of others in an attempt to reduce calorie intake. This is very bad, because only an expert can tell you how much calories you need. The Fat loss for idiots program produces a customized diet plan that can be consumed to lose fat in a healthy way.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Acai Berry Diet Does It All

What Oprah says goes, and when it comes to the Acai Berry Diet that she recently presented on her hit show, the berry is now gone. Not to be alarmed, I mean gone in a good way. It has gone out to just about every individual in America who saw the show or heard about the show. You do a simple search on line and the only thing you read about is what Oprah had to say.I want to assure the reader that the facts she laid out there are clear.

First of all, the Acai Berry which had relatively little publicity here in the states, has actually been used for a long time. It is harvested in the Amazon basin so it is only realistic that we were not the first to have found this marvelous berry. Indigenous people to the area have relied on its nutrients to keep them healthy and in shape, although I am not sure they knew that is what it was doing for them. Did these people really worry about the aging look or the extra weight around the middle? Possibly not because they did not have this problem thanks to the Acai Berry.

Oprah had some great points about the Acai Berry Diet. It is what is known as a superfood. Not only is it filled with an assortment of antioxidants that the body definitely needs and hardly gets enough of but when you have this type of positive for the inside of the body, of course it is going to do wonders to the outside. The skin soaks up the nutrients as well. This probably goes without saying, but perhaps with this superfood, the effects of good eating are reflected on the outside at a relatively fast rate.

There are things that were not mentioned on the Oprah show that absolutely should not be overlooked. Maybe that is all that happened on the show is that there were simple things that were not mentioned, probably in the essence of time. But there are other superfoods on the market that can offer the type of punch as the Acai berry. There are superfoods that are full of antioxidants, can help speed up your metabolism and help you feel and look better. The trick here is having them taste as good or be as available as the new Acai Berry Diet seems to be now.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Best Baby Food: Nutramigen

Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula for babies who are sensitive to the intact protein found in milk-based and soy-based products. Nutramigen holds extensively hydrolysed protein that is effective for colic and other symptoms due to cow's milk protein allergic reaction. The formula includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), nutrients also found in breast milk, that promote brain and eye growing.

Product Features
* Hypoallergenic, lactose-free, and sucrose-free
* Clinically tried out to resolve colic symptoms due to cow's milk protein allergy in 48 hours1,2 (Studied before the addition of LIPIL, our blend of DHA and ARA.)
* Proven effective in the dietetical management of babies with allergic manifestations, including GI, skin, and respiratory symptoms
* Includes LIPIL, our blend of DHA and ARA, nutrients also found in breast milk, that promote brain and eye development
* Increased level of choline to be closer to the level found in breast milk. Choline is an essential nutrient found in breast milk that, like DHA, is essential for baby's brain development.13,14

Protein
Protein allows 11% of total calories in Nutramigen. The hypoallergenic protein source is extensively hydrolysed casein that is added on with three amino acids—L-cystine, L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan—to provide an right balance of amino acids to the baby. The protein source provides a high percentage of free amino acids with the remainder as small peptides. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) for Nutramigen is greater than the PER for casein. So, the protein in Nutramigen LIPIL is of very superiority.

Safety and Tolerance
Because of the extra features of Nutramigen, it does not taste like cow's milk and soy-based formulas; however, most babies quickly adjust to the taste. A study evaluated babies' reactions to Nutramigen as a novel food at 1-2 months of age or 7-8 months of age. Infants <2 months of age showed a small reduction in intake of Nutramigen compared with their regular formula but continued to drink substantial and satiating amounts of Nutramigen. Older infants refused the Nutramigen when it was offered. The investigators told that adoption of Nutramigen can be attained in older babies, although not normally on the first presentation.

The sources of DHA and ARA in Nutramigen are well tolerated. In clinical studies comparing babies fed formulas including LIPIL with infants fed formulas without LIPIL, there were no Clinically significant differences in tolerance and the add-on of LIPIL had no effect on the incidence of adverse cases.The sources of DHA and ARA in Nutramigen LIPIL are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in infant formulas by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If you’re looking for more information, you can take a look at Nutramigen Enfamil or Nutramigen Formula.

Is a Colon Cleanse Really Necessary?

The necessity in today's world for going on a Colon Cleanse diet cannot be overemphasized! Almost all of us are so toxic we do not realize it, and we are amazed when we go to have colonic therapy, and in shock when we see what comes out of our bodies. A few years ago I went with a friend to the Ann Wigmore foundation, in order for her to try to beat her cancer. One of the requirements of the program was that she participated in a colonic therapy at least once a week. When we would get her on the table, massive amounts of waste would come out of her bowels. The colonic therapist turned and said to me, "No wonder she got sick", as my friend's bowels were so loaded with old fecal matter!

Unfortunately, my friend lost her war with cancer, leaving behind two small children. John Wayne, the great Western American Cowboy, died of cancer directly related to a dirty colon. Forty pounds of fecal matter was found in his colon during his autopsy. Even Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, also had a bowel that contained over 40 pounds worth of old fecal matter trapped there.  Do you think he could have used a good colon cleansing?

The fact of the matter is, that more diseases and unhealthy conditions can be attributed to a dirty colon, than almost any other malady we suffer in the modern world! It is critical, therefore that we clean out our bowels. Recent studies have indicated very strongly that the Acai Berry is one of the most effective and powerful foods that we can have within our bodies to cleanse our bowels and keep our colons clean and healthy. Apparently the Acai Berry is so high in anti oxidants as well as fiber, that it has the magic mixture for keeping our personal plumbing clean. The Acai Berry is also loaded with minerals, B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, and protein.

 

This product will allow you to detoxify your body, and breaking up the wastes within your bowel, in order to eliminate those toxins. Your energy will return as this fabulous berry has been known to lesson the effects of chronic fatigue. In addition to these benefits, the Acai Berry Blast will also aid you in losing weight.  Truly a Super Food!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Fast, Easy, Healthy Recipes

Fast, Easy, Healthy Recipes

Whether you are cooking for two or ten, or even more, you want your meals to be delicious. You also want them to be fast, easy and above all healthy. You do not want to rely on eating out all the time, nor do you want to be stuck preparing boxed, bagged or frozen meals all of the time. But who really has time to cook real food from scratch these days? You do, and all it takes is a little planning and some prep work ahead of time.

Remember back in the old days when a home cooked meal was the norm rather than the exception? And Mom cooked supper in a dress, pumps and pearls, right? Yeah, that is not happening anymore. The whole family has stuff to do from Mom and Dad right down to the little ones, so how do you manage to make good food ?

Make friends with your slow cooker. Presoak your favorite bean variety, and then drain and rinse. Toss them into the slow cooker with an onion, and whatever flavorings that you want to add. Put the lid on tightly, turn it on low and then go off to work, school or wherever. When you return in the evening, you will have a delicious meal already waiting for you. There are other crock pot recipes, and many of the books will tell you how to adapt almost anything to slow cooker goodness. Besides the convenience of being able to start the food and go, the other benefit of a slow cooker is not having to heat up the kitchen during the summer months.

If you are not cooking for a huge crowd, then utilize your indoor grill and make healthy, delicious meals that take a fraction of the time and have the same benefit of not heating up the kitchen in the hot summer months. Of course, if you are cooking for a crowd you can fire up your out door grill and do the same meals

If you have a chance to take a day for cooking, make double or even triple batches of some of your favorite recipes. Use one batch as tonight's meal, and then freeze the rest in differing size portions. Halve one to use as another full family meal. Cut the other half into individual portions and freeze up as lunch items, or for days when everybody cannot eat at the same time. The advantage here is that everybody can grab their favorite dish out of the freezer and eat it without anybody having to cook additional food.

One of the fastest, easiest and still healthy recipes that I know: take deli sliced turkey breast and baby spinach leaves. Spread the turkey with good mustard and sprinkle with the spinach leaves, roll up just as they are. Serve with chopped, raw veggies and make it a finger food kind of meal. The kids will love it, and I won't tell them that it's healthy. It will be our secret.

best cell phone deals

make money on the internet

jessica simpson

Fast, Easy, Healthy Recipes

Fast, Easy, Healthy Recipes

Whether you are cooking for two or ten, or even more, you want your meals to be delicious. You also want them to be fast, easy and above all healthy. You do not want to rely on eating out all the time, nor do you want to be stuck preparing boxed, bagged or frozen meals all of the time. But who really has time to cook real food from scratch these days? You do, and all it takes is a little planning and some prep work ahead of time.

Remember back in the old days when a home cooked meal was the norm rather than the exception? And Mom cooked supper in a dress, pumps and pearls, right? Yeah, that is not happening anymore. The whole family has stuff to do from Mom and Dad right down to the little ones, so how do you manage to make good food ?

Make friends with your slow cooker. Presoak your favorite bean variety, and then drain and rinse. Toss them into the slow cooker with an onion, and whatever flavorings that you want to add. Put the lid on tightly, turn it on low and then go off to work, school or wherever. When you return in the evening, you will have a delicious meal already waiting for you. There are other crock pot recipes, and many of the books will tell you how to adapt almost anything to slow cooker goodness. Besides the convenience of being able to start the food and go, the other benefit of a slow cooker is not having to heat up the kitchen during the summer months.

If you are not cooking for a huge crowd, then utilize your indoor grill and make healthy, delicious meals that take a fraction of the time and have the same benefit of not heating up the kitchen in the hot summer months. Of course, if you are cooking for a crowd you can fire up your out door grill and do the same meals

If you have a chance to take a day for cooking, make double or even triple batches of some of your favorite recipes. Use one batch as tonight's meal, and then freeze the rest in differing size portions. Halve one to use as another full family meal. Cut the other half into individual portions and freeze up as lunch items, or for days when everybody cannot eat at the same time. The advantage here is that everybody can grab their favorite dish out of the freezer and eat it without anybody having to cook additional food.

One of the fastest, easiest and still healthy recipes that I know: take deli sliced turkey breast and baby spinach leaves. Spread the turkey with good mustard and sprinkle with the spinach leaves, roll up just as they are. Serve with chopped, raw veggies and make it a finger food kind of meal. The kids will love it, and I won't tell them that it's healthy. It will be our secret.

pay as you go cell phones

make money online

indiana jones

Monday, December 15, 2008

One is the Hungriest Number: Eating Healthy For One

One is the Hungriest Number: Eating Healthy For One

Cooking can seem like such a daunting, thankless job when you are the only one to cook for, but with some careful planning and some time saving tips, you can eat healthy, versatile meals that will not make you feel like a lonely hermit, but rather an urbane single.

First, any meal that you would cook for a crowd can be adapted for the single person. Take a free day and create full, delicious and healthy meals. Allow them to cool and then separate them out into individual serving containers. Store them, labeled and dated in the freezer and make sure that you rotate so that nothing goes to waste. Before you leave for work in the morning, take something out to defrost and when you come home you will be moments away from a delicious, healthy, homemade meal. You could pop your meal into the microwave while you are changing into your "at home" clothes and then eat in perfect comfort.

If you do not have the freezer space, or do not want to spend an afternoon making up the meals that could feed your for weeks at a time, you could adapt recipes from their usual four serving size down to four. It might take some experimentation to get spice amounts right, but that is part of the fun of cooking, after all. One of the easiest one person recipes is this one for orange glazed chicken: take one skinless, boneless chicken breast and lay it in a cooking dish. Drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil and spike the meat with a few cloves of garlic. Bake until it is cooked thoroughly. During the final five or six minutes juice a medium size orange into a sauce pan. Over low to medium heat cook the juice until it nearly boils. Whisk in a tablespoon or so of a really good white wine or orange liqueur (for intense citrus flavor) and then cook until it reduces by half. (This concentrates the flavors so make sure that the wine is a good one. If you would not pour it into a glass and drink it, do not use it to cook with either.) Also, if you do not cook with alcohol for whatever reason, you can substitute the same amount of water. Pull the chicken out of the oven, and remove it to the plate, but do not slice it yet. Give it a few moments to rest which will allow the juices to flow back throughout. Pour the warm glaze over the top, add a nice green salad and you have a fabulous meal.

Of course, a good healthy meal should include a dessert, and this one is no exception.

One of my favorites is this: melt 1-2 ounces of white chocolate in a double boiler over very low heat, or very carefully in a microwave, being careful not to allow it to burn. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly, but not to re-harden. Stir in 1/4-1/2 of a cup of heavy cream ( relax, you won't be eating this every single day.) Stir the mixture very well and then pour over the fruits of your choice. For the glazed chicken meal, try segments of orange and sliced strawberries. Oh, yum.

how to make quick money

money making opportunities

bail out

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Best Healthy Desserts

Best Healthy Desserts

I don't know about you, but dessert is my very favorite part of any meal. Sometimes I will skip the meal altogether, just to get to dessert that much faster. I admit it, I have an insatiable sweet tooth, but I try to eat healthy foods, which brings me to some of my very favorite, healthy desserts. I hope that you enjoy them too.

1) The Berried Angel Take a slice of angel food cake ( sugar free if you prefer) and put it in on a plate or bowl. ( I like the bowl, this one can get sticky and messy) Select a variety of berries, aiming for at least three kinds. My standby faves are blueberry, raspberry and strawberry. Take half of the amount that you plan to use for each berry and set them aside. The other half goes into a small sauce pan with just a little bit of water, (about 1/4 cup of less). Bring the water and berries to a boil, and then with a wooden spoon, stir and mash the mixed fruit. Let this cool slightly, then drizzle over the top and sides of the angel food cake. Top with the remaining whole berries and a dollop of light whipped topping if you want.

2)The Creamnutty Explosion. Microwave 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (chunky or smooth, your choice) for 20 seconds. Let this cool slightly, then blend with about the same amount ( or slightly less) whipped topping. Crush two whole honey graham crackers and pour into a bowl, reserving about a teaspoon. Top the crumbs with the peanut butter/whipped topping mixture, and then sprinkle with the remaining crumbs.

3) French Vanilla Banana Cream Un-Pie Slice one whole banana long wise and put into a bowl. (You can also add berries if you would like) Pour fat free, French Vanilla liquid coffee creamer over top, ( about 1 tablespoon or less), allowing it to soak into the banana for a minute or so before eating.

4) Caramel Apple Pancakes. (This one is a bit heavier than the others, so it's only a rare treat) Before making your regular pancake batter, peel and dice one or two medium apples. Toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Mix the apples into the batter and cook each pancake as you normally would. Meanwhile, microwave fat free caramel apple dip for 20-30 seconds and set aside. To serve: place one small pancake (about the size of a CD) on each plate, and drizzle with the warmed caramel dip, top with a second small pancake, drizzle again and serve. (For extra decadence, these are also good served with a very light dusting of crushed peanuts)

5)White chocolate perfection. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler over low heat. Let it cool slightly and then add just a splash of whipping cream ( milk if you prefer). Drizzle over angel food cake, top with fresh berries . This can be varied by using dark chocolate and topping the cake with orange segments instead.

I am by no means an expert, I just know what I like after years of being a confirmed sweet hound. If you keep portion sizes reasonable, there is no reason that any dessert cannot be a healthy one, even chocolate cake. All of the above recipes are my adaptations of others and I would like to hope that you are now inspired to try to do the same thing as well.

cell phone deals

forex

paul mccartney

Reasons to take Tribulus Terrestris

Have you ever been working out and noticed other people are making faster gains? You ask yourself why, do they work out more than you or are you just one of those hard gainers? One answer for that may be due to testosterone

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone found in the body and is responsible for many important functions in the body. Its effects include growth of muscle mass, increased bone density and strength. Testosterone is made by the body and people can have varying levels. The differences in these levels help explain why some people can gain muscle faster than others.

This has been known for a long time by doctors and people in the body building and sporting community, this is the reason why some athletes take anabolic steroids. These are synthetics forms of testosterone and when taken orally or via injection your muscle mass and strenght will start to improve. Steroid use can be very dangerous and has been linked to various conditions such as liver cancer and enlargement of the heart. While is it dangerous to use it is also illegal for virtually all sports and if you are caught using you can be banned from many sports.

Steroid use increases testosterone levels by adding extra testosterone to the body but another way to raise levels is to promote the body to make more of its own. There have been natural ways found that can make the body produce more testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris is one of them. It is known as the puncture vine and has traditionally been a natural remedy promothing sexual performance and virility.

The way that Tribulus Terrestris promotes testosterone production is that it induces the pituitary gland in the brain to produce more luteinizing hormone. This hormone is involved with signalling the testes to manufacture more testosterone. The result of this is that the higher luteinizing hormone levels will increase the amount of testosterone produced in the body.

When your testosterone levels increase you should find you are becoming stronger and adding muscle. Increased testosterone levels have been linked to higher enrgy levels and a better mood as studies have found a like between depression and low testosterone. Soif you think you may not be progressing as fast as you want or are feeling lethargic maybe Tribulus is the thing you need.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Interested in Acai Berry Diet Information

There are very few foods in the world that can claim to be superfoods. Superfoods must have many more benefits besides just providing enough calories and some nutrition. However, there are some foods that are able to be elevated to superfood status because of the incredible benefits they can deliver.

Acai berry is one of these foods. With its ability to do everything from increase weight loss to fighting off disease, acai berry can provide you with better health without any effort.

What makes Pure Acai Berry Pro such an incredible food is the fact that its nutritional content is as close to perfect as possible. First of all, it is absolutely filled with antioxidants. Click here to find more information about Best Acai Berry Deals.

As you probably know, antioxidants are necessary for slowing down the effects of aging and for fighting disease. The berry also has monounsaturated fats, which are the healthy type also found in olive oil.

Fiber and phytosterols are also part of the package, as is a well balanced amino acid complex. In all, this food is a very complete way of getting energy, nutrition, and antioxidants all in one package.

Because of its extremely complete nutritional content, the acai berry has the potential to provide tons of benefits for your body. Among the most popular reasons for people to use the product are increased energy, maintain better health, and to lose weight.

You can expect to have more energy when you use the acai berry because of its combination of carbohydrates and fats and its high concentration of antioxidants. All of these things combined make it a very good source of energy and a great way to increase your stamina during the day. Because you are likely to feel and be healthier while taking it, this will also increase your energy.

The antioxidant levels of this berry are more than five times as high as in blueberries and other such foods. This makes these berries very powerful in terms of fighting aging and bodily damage. Many people rely on this special berry to fight off the free radicals that can be implicated in everything from cancer to wrinkles.

Antioxidants have the amazing power to neutralize free radicals, which can help you feel younger and healthier than ever before. By using foods with high levels of antioxidants, you can experience great health and fend off the damaging effects of pollution, UV light, aging and more.

Pure Acai Berry can also help you with your weight loss goals as it has the ability to help your body burn fat more efficiently and to increase your metabolism. In addition, because it can help your body work more efficiently in general, you can expect losing weight to be easier.

For instance, the ability of the berry to increase your stamina will make it easier for you to exercise, and the berries perfect amino acid complex will allow your muscles to function properly during exercise. The acai berry even provides digestive support so that you can use your food more efficiently.

The benefits of acai berries are hard to beat and it is a great addition to any diet. Since it is not a local crop, the best way to get the benefits of this berry is in the supplement form offered by Pure Acai Berry.

Since this is the most concentrated and purest way of getting the incredible benefits of this berry, you will be able to reap the health benefits of this berry much sooner. Begin now and you can even get a Free Trial of Pure Acai Berry Pro to see the benefits for yourself! Click on Best Acai Berry Promotional Offers to find out more.

 

About the Author

Monday, December 8, 2008

Mangosteen Fruit - The Queen of the Fruits is a Dog

Author: F Fleming B.Sc.Pharm, M.H

Have you been aware lately when you flip through a health magazine that there is some recently discovered exotic food being featured as the “New Super Food”? We are often being bombarded with new information and claims. From all kinds of non-native berries to green teas how do we know what foods have some beneficial medicinal qualities?

I want to comment on a fruit that I’ve recently been introduced to known as Mangosteen. Mangosteen fruit has been used since the beginning of the human race in the eastern world and has only recently been brought to light in the western world. Introduction of Mangosteen fruit to the accepting western world brought with it the designation “Queen of Fruits”

Mangosteen fruit, also known as Xango, began it’s existence in Southern Asia. This area is where Mangosteen fruit is usually grown. The fruit grows on Asian tropical evergreen trees where the temperature is relatively warm, does not grow in very cold temperatures and grows at a very slow pace. When these trees are approximately ten years old they start to produce small purplish fruits which bear no relation to the Mango. In Asia, Mangosteen fruit is viewed as the “Queen of Fruits” on account of its delicate taste and scent

The “Claim to Fame” for Mangosteen fruit originates as a  abundant source of xanthones. These are phenolic compounds having potent antioxidant properties. Most people don’t know that most of the xanthones are found in the rind and outer shell, not in the fruit itself. Slick selling has promoted this exotic fruit for sale in the form of juices at ridiculous prices. On the internet I discovered Mangosteen juice being sold at $35.00 for a 750ml bottle. In a health food store I was shocked to find 1 liter of Mangosteen juice for sale at $50.00. Are these prices justified?

Wikipedia advises that when Mangosteen was examined for nutrient content, antioxidant strength and potential impact for lessening the risk against human disorders it was discovered that the overall nutrient content was absent of important content.

I am very cautious of any food items imported from China. There is a recall on children’s toys because of lead contamination, milk products have been contaminated with melamine which is a known toxin that has poisoned thousands of kids while chickens, ingesting melamine, and their eggs are likely to be contaminated.

A recent story in The National Geographic magazine advises us about the Yellow River in China being so polluted that the water is not usable. Thousands of villagers are dying of cancer and other terminal disorders because they use the water out of the Yellow River. Considering this revelation I must then ask some questions:

- If Mangosteen fruit is imported from China what are the soil conditions like where it is being grown?

- What waterways are supplying these fruits and how terribly are they contaminated?

- What toxins are we consuming into our bodies when we select these exotic products?

We tend to forget our own superfoods produced right here in our farmer’s own backyards. Enjoy blueberries, black cherries, concord grape juice, blackberries and cranberries. All of these have been proven to have abundant antioxidant properties while they lessen the risk against certain human diseases. We can buy these tasty foods certified organic which means we know that no pesticides have been used.

While you can obtain our own homegrown foods, for your family, at a fraction of the cost of Mangosteen juice you can also rest easier with the knowledge of quality coming from our own certified organic farming. My money and my families good health rests with our own superfoods!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Benefits of Eating Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a herb you might already know about and even used but you may not know that much of the health benefits it can provide you and research has proven that those who take advantage of Alfalfa might be able to lower any glucose or cholesterol in the blood. Many take Alfalfa supplements orally and is has been proven safe except in a small percentage of people where it created lupus like symptoms. In the seeds and sprouts of Alfalfa, amino acid L-canavanine is found and that is what is thought to cause this reaction. However, this is not present in the leaves of the Alfalfa.  Overall Alfalfa is good for your health.

The Chinese have been using Alfalfa for many hundreds of years to help with fluid retention and swelling. The Arabs were the first to find Alfalfa and they named it "the father of all foods." There are many nutrients to be had in the leaves, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and carotene.

If you are needing a natural laxative then Alfalfa will be able to help in this department. It also works well for urinary tract infections, and kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders. The latest and greatest discovery of Alfalfa is the benefits that it may provide for lowering cholesterol this is because chemicals found in the Alfafa are able to adhere to the cholesterol therefore preventing it from being in the blood.

You don't need to take Alfalfa in a pill form because you can quite happily eat it. All you need to do is add some to your salad.  Eating healthy is also important for skin care.

Do you like to drink tea?  You can also drink it as a tea whereby you steep the leaves in some hot water. If you wish you can even spray some of this tea on your plants such as Delphiniums and Irises. You can also create a mulch with Alfalfa which you can then put out into your garden.

Monday, December 1, 2008

A Diet to Treat Yeast Infection

There's so many different ways that you can get a yeast infection. Among the possibilities include taking oral contraceptive pills, using oral steroids, due to have your period, having diabetes, using certain hygiene products, and wearing clothing that is damp and/or warm. There are a number of solutions to treat the infection. But unknown to many, eating the correct diet to treat yeast infection is also as important.  If you have a yeast infection you really want to deal with it.

When it comes to adhering to a diet for the use of treating a yeast infection you should really call it a detox. Yeast infection is a direct result of an overgrowth in some areas of a natural occurring microorganism, your doctor will call this microorganism Candida albicans.  There are many ways you can do a body detox.

First of all you need to know that drinking plenty of liquids is needed. When detoxing your body it's very difficult to do this without the help of water. This is because the water helps get rid of toxins that are trapped in your body. It has been also suggested that fresh fruit juices and even tea be added to the liquid intake. Generally speaking it's advised that you have an intake of eight glasses of water daily. 

Eating a diet filled with fresh food is also an excellent idea. It would be best to void processed and highly fatty foods, not only for your yeast infection but for your general health as well. Avoid overcooking your food too. This is because you can kill a lot of the nutrients in your food when heat is applied so be sure to cook your food just right. Two of the best cooking methods is to steam and to sautée. Ideally you won't even bother to cook your vegetables, instead opting to chop them up into a fresh salad. However, we do suggest that you avoid eating sweet vegetables like carrots, corn, potatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes.

Eat a lot of garlic. This is because garlic is packed full of antibacterial compounds which help to get rid of yeast infection. A diet rich in green vegetables but lower in meat is also good. Fish, beef, lamb, poultry and eggs are okay in moderation.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Child Health and Nutrition Facts

It's important to be aware of the facts relating to child health and nutrition if you are a parent. In this article, we look at some of the key facts and tips to ge tthe best nutrition available for your child

Food Guide Pyramid

One of the first steps you are going to have to take If you are concerned with child health and nutrition is to learn about the food pyramid. In order to provide them with the nutrition they need to thrive, it's essential to understand the food pyramid.

Designed by the US Department of Agriculture, the food guide pyramid was created in order to promote healthy nutrition in children over the age of six years. The main emphasis of the pyramid is on the five major food groups, all of which are required for good health.

For proper child health and nutrition you are going to want to make sure that they are eating foods from all of these different food groups. Keep in mind that a serving in the food pyramid is not equal to whatever portion that you can eat at one meal. For instance, although the pyramid says that you should eat 2-3 servings of meat a day this does not mean that you need to eat meat three different times in one day.

Instead, providing you have one large 5 to 7 ounce portion, it means that you can have all 2-3 servings in a single meal.

Also for proper child health and nutrition you want to make sure that they are getting enough exercise. Usually this is not such a major issue with children, but when you take a look at just how many kids are obese these days, it is not optional anymore.

To give your child health and nutrition to keep them healthy, you are going to want to keep them from spending hours on the computer, and instead give them a time limit and then make sure they are doing something active. Whether this means having them play around with their friends or getting them outside to play sports, anything physical is wonderful for their overall health.

You can speak to a child nutritionist if you would like more information on this and some helpful tips and advice. These are professionals who are specially trained in this field and who will be able to offer you valuable information and advice.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Working To Lower The Chances Of Disease With Power Foods

As we get older, we naturally become much more focused on our health. Perhaps we feel our clock is ticking and see the toll that premature aging takes on those around us. Maybe it's just that we're not consumed with worrying about who's talking about us, what our test scores will be, how we're going to make ends meet or if our career is rewarding enough. Either way, recent research indicates that there are certain "power foods" we can add to our diets that will steer our health goals in the right direction.

For snackers, texture is a big thing. You love the crunch of a potato chip or the way a chocolate chip cookie just sort of melts in your mouth. The good news is that one of the power foods on our list has just the crunch you need to feel satisfied: almonds! Two ounces or 48 of these tasty nuts will give you 50% of your daily magnesium, which ensures heart health, as well as providing vitamin E, fiber and monosaturated fat, which is the good kind. One study last year found that participants who ate 2.5 ounces of almonds per day lowered their cholesterol significantly after just one month! Other studies suggest a link between almonds and reducing the risk of colon cancer.

If you've got a sweet tooth, then you may find that watermelon quenches your need for sugary foods. This juicy "summer day" fruit contains beta-cryptoxanthin, which lowers cholesterol. It also has 20% of your daily vitamin A and vitamin C, in addition to providing you with an absorbable form of lycopene, which lowers heart disease and cancer risks. Similarly, blueberries are another amazing fruit that has been known to boost dopamine levels and your mood, as well as providing an anti-oxidant toxin-removal service and improving memory/coordination functions.

Perhaps you find that warm foods and drinks make you feel naturally happier. Maybe you're a reformed coffee junkie. Instead, why not try a cup of tea? Chai tea is a delicious blend of vanilla, cinnamon and comforting spices. Generally black and green teas are the most doctor-recommended for fighting breast, lung and digestive cancers and heart disease. Additionally, a hot cocoa can provide you with antioxidant flavonoids, which fight heart disease and cancer, will reduce toxins in the blood and improve cholesterol ratios.

"More than anything else you do, the way you eat tells your body how healthy you want to be," says Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., a physician in Tucson, Ariz., and author of Food As Medicine. Today, it's easier to eat healthy foods, with public attention shifting towards more diet-conscious meals, restaurants using less cream and fatty butter and websites like sparkspeople.com acting as a personal diet coach. You may have to say goodbye to a few of your favorite victuals, but once you realize what you liked most about that food, be it the texture, salt, sugar or a certain soothing quality, you will be able to find an adequate replacement.

 

As we become older there are significant numbers that begin to weigh to a great extent upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our weight, levels of cholesterol, as well as our blood pressure. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now suddenly they have significant importance. But these are things that should never have been forgotten. A lifetime of misuse on the body returns merely damaging things when left unchecked.

 

Your cholesterol level is absolutely critical if you want to stay healthy and your body operating in good order. High levels has the ability to lead lead to heart attacks and stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to deal with. Being mindful when it comes to your cholesterol level is not only for the elderly. It is something both young as well as old have to be concerned with and be aware of if they hope to to lead a healthy lifestyle. In this article we will go over the basics of cholesterol and hopefully you will realize just how crucial a healthy level is to your body as well as peace of mind.

What is good cholesterol?

Good cholesterol is called HDL which is high-density lipoproteins. Doctor's believe that the high levels of HDL can actually protect your heart whereas low levels of HDL can increase your risk of heart disease. It is thought that HDL can carry cholesterol away from your arteries and back to the liver where it is passed from the body.

What happens when cholesterol gets too high?

Well when LDL gets too high then the cholesterol begins to accumulate on the artery walls and then hardens into plaque. The build up continues until the entire artery is blocked off. This added blockage makes it hard for blood to get to the heart where it can be pumped to the rest of the body. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

When HDL levels are high this is a good thing because researchers believe that HDL helps rid the body of cholesterol build-up. That is why a diet rich in foods that promote HDL is always heavily recommended.

How is the blockage from the arteries removed?

The first stage is through medicines however if there is a measurable constrictive or blockage in the artery or blood vessel then a slightly more intrusive procedure is required. The actual functions might change however one popular method is done through the use of a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is inserted into the artery and then naviagted to the occlusion where the build up of plaque has happened. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the operation is minimally intrusive and most patients are capable of going home on that very day.

Does a diet rich in fish really help lower my cholesterol?

You may be surprised but a diet rich in fish, particularly salmon, can help you lower your overall LDL cholesterol while helping raise the HDL cholesterol. It is the omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help the body. But do not stop at just salmon. There are other great foods that can help you reduce your LDL's and raise your HDL's such as: avocados, garlic, black beans, uncooked soy and even Shitake mushrooms.

To learn more click here How To Lower Cholesterol also Cholesterol Level and Controlling High Cholesterol

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Benefit of Antioxidant Foods

Antioxidant Foods Video

The term antioxidant refers to a group of compounds found in everyday substances like plants which have health giving benefits to help fight disease. Phytonutrients are an amazing discovery; found in plants they have the ability to work with our body to improve its defense against disease and illness. Although only nine hundred if these phytonutrients have been discovered so far it is the scientist opinion that many more will be found and will change tomorrows health care needs; more are being discovered all the time and the whole area of nutrition, antioxidant foods and preventative health care is opening up.

There have been a huge number of health benefits discovered so far from many well known foods; pomegranates for example, contain many different properties whilst blueberries have compounds which affect the aging process.

Unrecognized for many years, the properties contained in the blueberry are only just now being appreciated with many antioxidant compounds contained in a fruit with very low sugar content. The easiest way to inject concentrated amounts of these fruits is by drinking juice every day; regular consumption can help our circulation and increase our ability to combat illness.

Not content with helping to prevent illness, these antioxidants also help fight disease and infection. The old saying about an apple-a-day couldn't be truer with evidence that they can help prevent the chance of heart conditions occurring.

Now citrus fruits too are showing that they have a use with a number of beneficial phytochemicals contained in them. Tart cherries can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits to people who suffer with conditions that cause pain in and around the joints. Of course these fruits contain large amounts of vitamins B, C and E plus other which are already known to have beneficial effects on our health. Another group of antioxidants called Phytoalexins (resveratrol) found in many berries can prevent infection and have anti-viral properties.

Many people with other aging conditions prevalent around the world, for instance: heart attacks, stroke and Alzheimer's can all benefit when these compounds are used. The humble tomato has also been under scrutiny with benefits it has guarding against certain cancers and heart problems.

Using tomato puree (which is the concentrated form of tomatoes) as the base for your chili utilizes the antioxidants without the bulk of a whole tomato. Even the humble water melon, so refreshing on a hot summer's day, has now been found to have some of the most important and powerful phytonutrients available naturally. With all the natural goodness fruit contains and now the health benefits as well, isn't it time for you to start having more fruit in your diet.

To get more info on healthy living go to Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

Saturday, November 15, 2008

L-Arginines Health Benefits

 

L-Arginine is a dietary substance and an amino acid that helps the body rid itself of ammonia and is used to make such compounds in the body as creatine and glutamate. It can also be converted to glucose and glycogen if needed. The health benefits of this substance are many. Research has found that the supplementation of Arginine may help alleviate atherosclerosis and erectile dysfunction. It's found in protein formation and with larger doses stimulate growth hormone production and prolactin.

One of the most prominent health benefits of L-Arginine is its use in patients who can benefit from increased blood flow, such as erectile dysfunction and heart disease. It is used in the manufacture of nitric oxide, this is found to increase blood flow by reducing blood vessel stiffness and improves blood vessel function. Aginines effect of increased blood flow makes it a candidate in cases of erectile dysfunction. It helps the blood vessels in the penis dilate, increasing the blood flow necessary to sustain an erection. In fact, it increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, which is why it is thought to be such a good aid for people with heart disease and erectile dysfunction. L-Arginine is believe to be useful in the care and relief from symptoms of arthritis since it is a key component of collagen. Collagen plays a vital role in the production of new tissue and bone cells. For this reason, it is also thought to promote the rapid healing of wounds, especially bones.

Athletes take advantage of the health benefits of L-Arginine due to the amino acid’s ability to promote the release of human growth hormone, which enhances energy and endurance in the body. Athletes also use it to increase the production of insulin and creatine phosphate, which is thought to increase lean muscle mass and enhanced fat loss. L-Arginine has been found to have healing properties and may aid in the healing of bones and wounds.

The health benefits of L-Arginine are many. This essential amino acid with many known properties and functions, some may include the stimulation of growth hormone and improved immune function, plus reduction of hjealing time for injures and aid in muscle gain and fat loss.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Women's Bodybuilding Diet Information

For a female bodybuilding fan, a disadvantage compared to men is that they don't produce enough testosterone. It is important to have a very strong diet to be successful in this sport. That means they have to take advantage of every little aspect of our anatomy to get results that are worth wild. Diet happens to be one of the most important aspects of this. You're going to need to be a very long term oriented thinker because this is going to a lot of consistent behavior on your part for months.

You have to eat properly to get the right results. Even if your workout is the best the results will still be bad, if you're not eating properly to support the body’s proper development.

Eat Smaller Meals More Often: This is a sound rule that you will find in bodybuilding diets for women and men. The reason for it is that it keeps a consistent flow of nutrients into the body, so you properly repair muscles throughout the day. The second reason is that when your body is put into a constant state of digestion, your metabolism increases. This allows you to put on the muscle mass without having to put on a lot of fat with it.

Another important aspect of the female bodybuilding diet is breakfast. Don't be afraid to have a big breakfast. It has the ability to boost your metabolism all day long. If the meal is too small, you won't have that effect, so make sure it is big.

Eating very little or excessive protein: Protein is the key nutrient in any bodybuilding diet plan. In order to build muscle one should consume at least 1 gram of protein per pound of lean bodyweight. Less protein can actually hinder one's progress significantly and result in frustration and lack of results. On the other hand excessive protein calories in a diet can be stored as body fat or in some cases used as energy. One gram per pound of lean bodyweight spread over 6 nutritious meals is a great starting point. If you want to build more muscle or you train harder OR you find that you are not recovering as fast you can slowly increase your protein intake to 1.1 grams per pound or 1.25 grams. Protein is the building block for muscle tissue and if you want to build mass OR get ripped you have to start eating more.

Eat A Meal High In Carbohydrate Before You Workout: The reason for this is simple, carbohydrates are you energy food. You need to have intense hard workouts to put on muscle tissue. Your bodybuilding diet needs to fulfill the needs for you to put on muscle and the needs for you to have good bodybuilding workouts.

Water is probably one of the most important ingredients for life. Over 70% of our muscles consist of water. Water is needed for all metabolic processes, including protein synthesis. It helps get rid of toxins, it is important in fat metabolism and it can reduce fluid retention. A good rule of thumb is to drink 10 cups of water per day, increasing it during the summer months and during hardcore training sessions. Even the slightest bit of dehydration can make you feel sluggish and hold you back during your training sessions. Never ignore water intake!!

The female bodybuilding diet also requires you to eat a protein and fat combination before bed. Obviously muscle will repair while you sleep and you need to some how keep them with an abundance of nutrients. By eating protein and fat, the digestive process slows down, so the protein is digested slowly throughout the night.

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Extract of Acai stronger then juiced

eXfuze HD Inspiration eXfuze 7+ Exfuse Seven

Finally its celebration time!! Your wait for a drink which celebrates your life is here. The drink of our time and the drink of the future have arrived. Exfuze, a proven natural drink with most of the renowned botanical substances is what the people are talking about at the moment. A health drink with super foods and supported by numerous clinical studies is Exfuze seven plus.

Exfuze distinguishes itself from other health drinks, as it presents a combination of valuable supplements derived from natural fruits and herbs which are indigenous to different parts of the world. The drink has come to be known as the Exfuze seven plus because it is a combination of seven of the world’s most renowned of herbs with high nutritional value. One of the most important components of Exfuze seven plus is Acai or Amazon’s “super berry” as it is locally called. Botanically Acai is known as Euterpe oleracea and it belongs to the family of Arecaceae, a family to which most of the palms belong.

Acai is highly nutritious and a storehouse of antioxidants which helps in building the natural defense mechanism of the body against disease and germs. Its fatty acid content is high too and helps to maintain the cholesterol level of the blood. Studies have shown that being a fruit rich in antioxidants, it restricts harmful free radicals which destroy human cells. Antioxidant, precisely anthocyanidin, present in these fruits destroy cancer cells, restore stamina, and increases vigor.

For all these properties Acai has been included as a key component of Exfuze seven Plus. Hence drinking Exfuze Seven Plus will help people to develop resistance against the harmful pollutants. Moreover, appropriate cholesterol level maintained by this drink minimizes the risk of strokes and other ailments and keeps your heart healthy.

The Exfuze Seven Plus therefore comes as an energy booster and revitalizer to people who are feeble and weak and in no position to regain their youthful vigor at an older age. Also, Acai contributes in the form of a digestive relief. Acai is rich in fiber content and this plays an immense role in regulating the intestinal tract and promotes regular bowel movements and hence prevents any form of malignant disease of the colon. Acai being one of the components in its composition of Exfuze seven plus does wonders in elderly people who suffer from chronic digestive problems. Exfuze seven plus can work wonder on removing body pains and can sooth muscle strains.

So here is a drink with Acai and six other valuable components, namely Fucoidan, Goji berry, Seabucthorn, GAC fruit, Noni fruit, and Mangosteen fruit along with some herbs and goodness of pomegranate and aloe, which has come to give a pain free life. You would love every drop of the drink. For every person – the ones who had just had an operation or one who needs to recover soon, to every single man who wants to live a life strong and happy, Exfuze Seven Plus is just the right choice for you.

Experts have termed it as the “Next Generation Super Food”. So come, drink Exfuze Seven Plus and feel better and enjoy a healthier life. Check out a free sample at www.JuicedupWorld.com or for more research go to www.juiceduplife.info

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

What Happened to Our Bodies Natural Probiotic Production?

We have many advances in our health care we can be thankful for today. Prior to the 1900’s the top related causes of death were due mainly to contaminated food and water as well as an inadequate housing and waste disposal system. Once we began to understand more about the invisible world full of bacteria, things like indoor plumbing and the sterilization of medical instruments were introduced. With the passage of time, we have become more and more conscience about our personal hygiene. This has resulted in a tremendous decrease in infectious diseases.

On the other hand, while there has been a significant decrease in deaths due to infectious diseases, the introduction of penicillin in the 1940’s, a new type of problem cropped up. Instead of dying of many infectious diseases, death from serious chronic conditions has gotten out of control. The main causes of death are not from poor hygiene, they are dying from the lack of something else.

And this is where our discussion turns to the endangered internal species as a result of antibiotics. The undeniable truth of this problem is – what kills the disease carrying bacteria, also kills our wonderful probiotic bacteria friends.

While antibiotics have helped us eliminate so many diseases, the constant abuse of these medications, which includes prescribing them for illnesses that are virus related, such as the flue or even the common cold. Virus related illnesses are those that cannot be treated or cured with the use of antibiotics Instead, they simply kill off both good and bad bacteria inside your intestinal tract without any rhyme or reason.

In addition to this people have added to the development of the super resistant bacteria due to the lack of following through with their dosage of their medications properly. This has onlycreated more problems as more powerful antibiotics are created with the unfortunate results of the super antibiotic-resistant bug just keeps getting worse.

So, where does this leave us? What is the solution?

Doctors are well aware of the physical consequences that result from antibiotics. So, why is it that along with our prescriptions for antibiotics, we are not then prescribed with probiotics to replace what has been lost through antibiotics?

As easy as it is to blame all the damages and destruction of our healthy flora in our intestines, fast food, soda, diet products, processed foods and the total lack of eating well-balanced meals are also to blame. We are living in a world of convenience which is running at a very fast pace. This causes a great deal of stress, lack of proper amounts of sleep, emotional distress and so forth. Our bodies are simply bombarded day in and day out. Our intestinal health promoting bacteria are exhausted. And we have only ourselves to blame.

So, how do we fix this problem? If you’re reading this article, no matter where you live, you have access to the solution. Even if it means ordering it online.

Helping our intestinal tract is just a matter of introducing the probiotics our bodies have lost and continue to lose daily. We can do this by adding into our diets the fruits, vegetables, yogurts and other foods that contain a wide variety of probiotics. We can also add them by way of probiotic powders, probiotic liquids and probiotic supplements.

In the next article I’ll be talking about some of the more common foods that we can buy to encourage our healthy probiotic bacteria to grow and outnumber the bad bacteria.

Article by Kimberly Shannon. If you missed the first article on probiotics you can find it at our breast cancer support site.

 

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Nutrition Facts For The Elderly

protein rich foods

Healthy eating and nutrition education for the elderly is greatly impacted by several factors, one of them
being a change in body composition.  During the later years in life, the body will lose bone and
muscle and gain fat because the hormones aren't very active anymore.

There are many factors which hinder an elderly person's health.  The information below will help
you to lead a healthy life - no matter how old you may be.

Water

Water in the body decreases with age, so many older folks will become dehydrated very easily.  Sometimes they won't feel thirsty, while other times it's too much work to pour a glass a water.  With this in mind, it's recommended that they drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of weight.

Protein

At this stage in life, list of high protein foods is very important. Protein is needed to support a healthy immune
system and prevent the wasting of muscle.  Since energy needs are less, older folks should eat high quality protein such as eggs, lean meats, poulty,
and fish.

Carbs and fiber

Foods containing carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the entire body.  You can find carbs in bread,
cereals, pasta, and other grain products.  A diet that's high in fiber and water will help to  prevent constipation as well.

Fat

Fat intake for the elderly should be limited, not eliminated.  You can limit fat by choosing lean meats, low fat dairy products, and food preperation methods that don't include frying. 

Iron

For the elderly, iron deficiency can be seen with those who aren't eating much.  Good sources for iron include lean red meats or breakfast cereals.

Zinc

Zinc intake is normally with the elderly, and to make matters worse, it's not absorbed very well
either.  Meat, poultry, and fish should be a part of your diet to help you meet the requirements for zinc.

Calcium

Calcium is one ingredient that most elderly folks simply aren't getting enough of.  Most believe
that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore they will avoid it.  They should be getting around 1,500 mg of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered milk can be used in recipes as a substitute for milk.  Other foods such as yogurt, low fat cheese, and broccoli can also help you meet the requirements for calcium.

Vitamin B12

In order to absorb the benefits of B12, the intrinsic facotr must be produced by the stomach.  Most elderly people suffer from a deficiency in B12 because they have a condition known as atrophic gastritis.  This condition causes inflammation of the stomach, bacterial overgrowth, and the intrinsic factor. Without the intrinsic factor, this vitamin can be absorbed.

Each one of the above nutrients are needed to keep an aged body in good health.  Elderly individuals should try to stay active and strive for a well balanced diet.  Even though the aged body isn't the same as it used to be, proper care and the right nutrients can help the elderly enjoy a healthy and long life.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Natural Flu Shot That Was Heard Around The World!

The usual routine for most for any given winter is, especially if you forget your flu shot is this. Get cold or flu like symptoms and keep them on and off for a month or so. Certainly this is no way to live. We all live in a very fast paced world and we really need to be on the move and get things done. We don’t have time for down time. Right?

The cure for the common cold is something that has eluded mankind for thousands of years. Chicken soup Vitamin C and a host of other natural remedies have been used for years to fight this formidable foe. But that is all that other remedies can do, try to make the suffering a bit better. What this simple cure does is to put the BAM on the cold or flu.  It effect annihilates it! I noticed another very interesting benefit.  After several years of doing this I have confirmed that this also works like a flu shot, making you immune to any bug that comes along for about 5 months or so. Now that’s cool!

So what is this miracle cure? Garlic. Yes Garlic. I have been amazed at how so many nutritionists and health conscious people like Jack La Lane referred to Garlic as Natures antibiotic. So, One day my wife and I were working and had an upcoming event, which we really needed to be well for. We just couldn’t be sick! So what could we do…Huuuuum. We remembered the power of Garlic and made a juice consisting of:

Handful of Garlic cloves
1 Small Carrot
1 Tomato
Honey
1/2 cup Lemon Juice

Also:
Raisin Bran with milk or soy milk

We put all of the ingredients, accept for the honey and lemon juice through our juicer and drank it. Then add the honey and lemon juice after which you drink it.   Immediately after this, eat the bowl of Raisin Bran Cereal.  The cereal helps you to keep the juice down.

By the next day all cold and flu symptoms should be eradicated.

There are of coarse some possible negative side affects:

1. Some erupting
2. You will smell like Garlic the next day which means sleeping on the couch. Suggestion: Drink this on a night where you know that the next day you will not come in contact with many People. Hay no remedy is perfect. I just make a joke about it for example: Yah just take me and rub me on your toasted bread… etc.

Remember that this juice may taste bad for a few moments but the positive effects are far reaching.

There are of coarse some Positive side affects:
1. You eradicate the Cold/Flu from your body.
2. You enjoy immunity from other colds for about 5 months.

Note.  I have been doing this for several years now and it really works.  The only time that I start to get flu like symptoms is at the end of the 5 months!  This is the time for a booster shot of the juice.  I only do this two times per year.  Being a teacher I come in contact with allot of bugs and its nice to know that for the most part I am immune from all of the sickness going around.

It however, may be that what you really need is a detox or a colon cleanse.  If this this case may I suggest Master Cleanse Secrets.

If you develop cold sores.  If this this case I suggest: "Cold sore freedom in 3 days".

PLEASE NOTE: Always remember Consult with your Doctor before trying this or any of the other natural remedies that you might decide to try from this Site. And of course your results may vary. Thank You.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Important Nutritional Information

nutritional supplement

When most people eat, they may not consider the food they put into their bodies is not only fuel for energy, its nutritional value helps ward off chronic systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, prevents deficiencies and curbs issues like obesity and weight gain and metabolic syndrome. There are seven major classes of nutrients we must consume or face serious illness and even death. They are vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water and fiber. Let's break down the nutritional information available.

Nutritional value is a term used on today's food labels. It points out the amount of a nutrient that is provided by a single serving of a food item. Daily values are used to establish standards for comparison. Nutritional information is presented in a format regulated by law. It is therefore consistent from product to product and allows you to compare the foods available to you. It gives you a break down of the energy provided by the food and of the nutrients it contains.

Fats

Fats are composed of fatty acids bonded to a glycerol. Fat is classified as either saturated or unsaturated. Generally, saturated fat is solid at room temperature while unsaturated fat is a liquid. Unsaturated fats may be further classified as mono-unsaturated or poly-unsaturated. Trans fats are saturated fats which are typically created from unsaturated fat by adding the extra hydrogen atoms in a process called hydrogenation.

Fiber

Dietary fiber consists mainly of cellulose that is indigestible because we do not have enzymes to digest it. Fruits and vegetables are high in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is important because it provides bulk to the intestinal contents and stimulates peristalsis - the rhythmic muscular contractions passing along the digestive tract.

Water

About 70% of the non-fat mass of the human body is made of water. Normally, about 20 percent of water intake comes from food, while the rest comes from drinking water and beverages. Water is excreted from the body in many forms; through urine and feces, through sweating, and by exhalation of water vapor in the breath.


Minerals

Dietary minerals are the chemical elements required by living organisms, and are present in common organic molecules. They include macro-minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, as well as trace minerals such as cobalt, copper, chromium, iodine, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc. Nutritional supplements are available to

Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates take longer to metabolize since their sugar units are processed one-by-one off the ends of the chains. Simple carbohydrates are processed quickly and thus raise blood sugar levels more quickly resulting in rapid increases in blood insulin levels compared to complex carbohydrates.

Protein

Protein is composed of amino acids that are our body's structural materials like muscles, skin and hair. The body requires amino acids to produce new body protein and to replace damaged proteins that are lost in the urine. Amino acid requirements are classified in terms of essential and non-essential amino acids. Consuming a diet that contains adequate amounts of essential amino acids is particularly important for growing animals.

Vitamins

As of 2005, twelve vitamins and about the same number of minerals are recognized as "essential nutrients", meaning that they must be consumed and absorbed in nutritional supplement form - or, in the case of vitamin D, alternatively synthesized via UVB radiation - to prevent deficiency symptoms and death.

Nutritional information standards and recommendations in the US are under the supervision of the US Department of Agriculture. Exercise and dietary guidelines from the USDA are under the heading of the food pyramid, which has replaced the concept of the four food groups.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Flouride in the Water - Good or Bad?

Good strong teeth in a child is a priority to conscientious parents. Yet, in spite of the advancements in dental care, more than one fourth of two to five year-olds and half of kids 12 to 15 have one or more cavities. To counteract this, many suggest that adding fluoride to public water will help. Others say it will do more harm than good.

Fluoride exists naturally in water and is the 13th most common element in the Earth's crust.
Some water has sufficient natural quantities. What should be done when it is not naturally present? Should water systems add fluoride to the supply? The debate has been going on for decades and won’t end here. Many factors are involved in this discussion. The purpose here is to consider a few of these, and to give you some options. You need to know whether you need a fluoride water filter for your drinking water.

One side says, “Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%.” “It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.” These statements have the authority of a trained doctor. This one also: “For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries.”

The pro side says that fluoride decreases tooth decay in two ways. It works when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth by preventing the acid made by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel. Second, it becomes part of the structure of developing teeth in children. Fluoride also encourages teeth damaged by acid to remineralize themselves. It can’t fix decayed teeth but can prevent new decay from occurring.

The other side makes statements like these: “. . . there is no difference in the tooth decay rates of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas surveyed.” They even claim that increased amount of fluoride in children also increases tooth decay.

Too much fluoride during the years the teeth are developing can cause enamel fluorosis, a mottling or discoloration of the permanent teeth. To add fluoride to water, along with toothpaste and treatments can exceed the maximum level that is safe.

At times the studies have not considered the long range effects of fluoride. The con side says it has been directly linked to cancer, changes in bone structure and strength, has caused birth defects and perinatal deaths, has impaired the immune system, caused initial stages of skeletal fluorosis, caused osteoarthritis, inhibits key enzymes, suppresses thyroid function and several other adverse problems.

What do they say about the studies that prove that fluoride is good for dental hygiene? The studies had several flaws. First, they did not consider the differences between "natural fluoride" (like CaF) and added fluoride (like NaF). Second, they did not consider the other minerals in the water and these could actually be the cause of decreased instances of tooth decay. Third, the studies lack statistical analysis. Fourth, dental fluorosis is the only safety experiment included.

If you agree with the con side, what can you do if fluoride is added to your water? You could buy bottled water but this option has many drawbacks. Better, buy a water filter that promises to remove the fluoride. Some promise this optionally. For example, Berkey Water Filters have an optional fluoride filter that can be attached to the regular gravity filter rods. There are ways to protect yourself from drinking fluoride in your water if you don’t want it.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Beef Up Your Burger’s Nutrition

Diets tend to be pretty strict about cutting out red meat. If a good burger is your weakness, then you may be tempted to cheat. No need! There are delicious hamburgers you can create at home that are healthy and taste good.

Beef Up the Fiber

Adding fiber to your burgers can make them healthier and block seven calories for every gram of fiber.

Try adding fine-grind bulgur to your hamburger before cooking it. Bulgur adds three grams of fiber to the meat and subtracts two grams of fat and one gram of saturated fat. To make it taste good, soak half a cup of fine-grind bulgur in water for 10 minutes. Drain the water out and add the bulgur to a pound of lean ground chuck. Mix them together, form patties, and cook them like any other burger.

You can also try this with rolled oats for a meatloaf-type burger. Add a cup of rolled oats and half a cup of tomato paste to the meat and mix well. These burgers will take a little longer to cook, so cook them on a lower heat.

Beef Up the Vegetables

Another way to add fiber, nutrition, and cut the fat is by adding vegetables to the meat before you form the patties. Diced tomatoes, corn, and dash of hot sauce mixed with the meat make great fiesta burgers. Chopped bell peppers and onions are another good choice as a burger mix-ins.

See, no need to give up your burgers. Just make them healthier and your waistline and taste buds will both be happy.

For more tips on losing weight, try reading a good weight loss guide such as this Fatloss4Idiots review.

The author, Aaron Patterson, went from couch potato to kickboxer in less than a year! His favorite passion is helping people get off their butts and start leading healthier, more active lives through his Website, http://www.eliminatetheweight.com

How to Eat More Vegetables

You probably know that eating more vegetable helps you lose weight. What you may not know is how to get more vegetables into your diet. Here are some tips to sneaking in your veggie servings without a lot of effort.

·        Add a can or two of mixed vegetables to casseroles and soups. Usually you won't have to adjust the recipe to accommodate the extra veggies, and you boost the nutrition of the dish.
 
·        Buy precut vegetables. Most of us are too lazy to cut up veggies. If we don't want to cut them up, we probably won't eat them. So, avoid the extra work and buy them precut.
 
·        Keep a fresh vegetable tray, complete with low fat ranch dipping sauce, handy for snacks. Most stores carry veg trays that are personal sized as well as party sized.
 
·        When picking up sandwiches at a deli, make sure to ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, and any other vegetable you can think of. Fast food places such as Subway offer a wide range of good-for-you choices.
 
·        When ordering pasta at your favorite restaurant, opt for tomato based red sauce instead of white. The chunkier the sauce the more real vegetables it has in it.
 
·        Make sure to eat salad as a side dish at least a couple of nights a week. Prewashed salad fixings from the grocery store can make making a salad a snap.
 
·        Drink a vegetable juice, like V8, with breakfast or for a snack.
 
·        Eat baked vegetable chips, such as Flat Earth. They give you half a serving of vegetables in each serving.
 
·        Eat a baked potatoes instead of bread with dinner. Make sure to eat the skin, though. That's where most of the nutrition lies.
 
Of course, you don't have to implement all of these tips at once. Pick one tip a week and built up your vegetable tolerance little by little. Before you know it, your waist will be getting smaller and you won't be able to pass a vegetable by.
 
Ebooks such as the one in this No Nonsense Muscle Building review can help you learn more about how to get healthier and eat better.

The author, Aaron Patterson, went from couch potato to kickboxer in less than a year! His favorite passion is helping people get off their butts and start leading healthier, more active lives through his Website, http://www.eliminatetheweight.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

What Is Lipoic Acid Used For?

nutritional supplement

You've heard of antioxidants and how they neutralize harmful chemicals called free radicals in the body. You may not be aware of an antioxidant that occurs naturally inside every cell of the body and is found in some green vegetables, organ meats, rice bran and Brewer's yeast. Lipoic acid or alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is produced in small amounts by our bodies. Used in nutritional supplement form, it treats such ailments as diabetic neuropathy, coronary heart disease and other serious illnesses.

What makes ALA unique and gives it nutritional value is that it is both water and fat soluble, unlike the more common antioxidants vitamins C and E, and it appears to be able to recycle and extend the metabolic lifespan of antioxidants such as of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it indirectly renews vitamin E. Vitamin C lessens oxidative stress while glutathione helps detoxify the liver. Coenzyme Q10 helps convert food energy into energy inside every cell while vitamin E helps with nerve conduction.

Lipoic acid helps treat the symptoms of a common complication of diabetes called peripheral neuropathy. By speeding the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, ALA enhances insulin function and reduces insulin resistance. A large number of cases of coronary heart disease and obesity are a direct or indirect result of those two factors. Symptoms such as prickling sensations, numbness, burning and sharply cutting pain are relieved by this very useful nutritional supplement.

Free radical damage is thought to contribute to aging and chronic illness. ALA helps neutralize those harmful chemicals. ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier; a wall of tiny vessels and structural cells, and pass easily into the brain. It is thought to protect brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage and is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Because of those reasons, ALA is also used as a nutritional supplement to treat a myriad of other illnesses and diseases like cataracts, hardening of the arteries, hepatitis, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol levels, and even human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Very few side effects have been reported when taking lipoic acid. A small number of people reported a tingling or "pins and needles" sensation, muscle cramps, headache or skin rash. People with diabetes who are taking medication to lower their blood sugar should take ALA under the supervision of a qualified health professional and have their blood sugar levels monitored as ALA may improve blood sugar control. Some studies have shown that ALA used as a nutritional supplement may alter thyroid hormone levels, so those taking thyroid medications and ALA should be monitored by their healthcare provider.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Antioxidant Nutrition - A Guide

antioxidant nutrition

"Antioxidant" is the collective term for the vitamins, carotenoids, minerals and polyphenols that protect the body from harmful free radicals. The most well known antioxidants include the mineral selenium and Vitamins A, C, E. The carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene also have high antioxidant nutrition and are responsible for adding color to many fruits and vegetables. Carrots and pumpkins wouldn't be orange without beta-carotene, for example. Lutein, also important in eyesight, is abundant in leafy green vegetables. Lycopene is present in red fruits and vegetables, most notably in tomatoes. No wonder why many experts stress the importance of eating a "colorful" diet! They know it has tremendous nutritional value.

So why are they called antioxidants? The name represents the mechanism by which they help prevent disease. In humans, a small but significant percentage of oxygen molecules in the body will become electrically charged due to natural cellular activity and/or exposure to environmental factors like tobacco smoke and radiation. The oxygen molecule becomes a "free radical" as it undergoes this process of oxidation. Free radicals are highly reactive as they try to steal electrons from other molecules, including DNA and cellular membranes. This chain reaction of free radicals can damage cells, which may play a role in the development of certain conditions like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, however, stop the chain-reaction by giving up electrons and neutralizing free radicals so that they cannot induce any more oxidative damage.

Many studies have shown the link between free radicals and several degenerative diseases associated with aging. Thus, it is possible that antioxidant nutrition can be beneficial in reducing the incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, immune dysfunction, cataracts, stroke, and macular degeneration.

There is an abundance of Vitamin A in liver, dairy and fish. Vitamin C is found in bell peppers and citrus fruits while Vitamin E is plentiful in oils, fortified cereals, seeds and nuts. The mineral selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, meats, tuna and plant foods. You will find lutein in green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas and kale. Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and papaya are all good sources of lycopene. Beta-carotene is abundant in sweet potatoes, carrots and squash. If you are not getting enough in your diet, the next step you may want to consider is nutritional supplements.

Arming yourself with the right data regarding antioxidant nutrition is the first step in creating a knowledge base of nutritional information. There are many ways to do this. You can search the web, go to your local library and do some hands on research, or you can consult a nutritionist. They can take a hard look at your current diet and goals and suggest supplementation as needed.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Home-Cooked Food Is Good Food

Each day our lives get busier. We are always going from one place to the next for work or with our children. We have the temptation to stop at the closest fast food place rather than waiting to get home and make dinner. It is usually fast, cheap, there are many options to choose, and there can be found on virtually every street corner. Nevertheless, the next time you’re deciding on whether you should pick up something fast, think about how a home-cooked meal would be a better option for your family.

Fast food chains, in addition to other restaurant chains, become popular by offering the same or similar dishes at all their restaurants. That way no matter where you are or what location you go to eat, they will have your favorite dish. By doing this, they can keep customers coming back and you get what you want to eat.

A very big issue with these chains is the process they take to offer the same product at every restaurant. They accomplish this by mass producing food in. To help keep the food fresh and to make all of the food look and taste the same, the food is filled it with preservatives, coloring, and flavoring. The food is then frozen, sometimes for long periods of time.

The companies that produce fast food have intended it to be just that - fast. It’s also made to taste decent enough to get the person eating hooked and keep them coming back. Unsurprisingly, when the focus of the fast food chains are on speed and taste, the customer’s health is a low priority. Many fast food options are low in fiber and high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt.

In recent years lawsuits have caused fast food chains to offer more nourishing options, they are in general more costly and in spite of everything not incredibly healthy. For instance, while a salad may appear like an excellent choice, various salads at chain restaurants use cheese, bacon, high-fat dressing, croutons, and other unhealthy ingredients.

Bear in mind that just because you prepare a meal at home does not mean it’s not “fast food”. While prepared boxed or bagged meals are appealing because they are easy, several of them have identical problems as fast food restaurants. These types of foods have just as many preservatives, and can have the same amount of fat and calories, and just as low in nutrition.

If you’re looking for alternatives that you can quickly pull out of the freezer and warm up, why not prepare meals with the kids on the weekend and freeze your pre-cooked meals for later in the week? Additionally you can prepare pre-made lunches and snacks. If are going to use pre-packed food, attempt to use it in moderation and remember to read labels (ingredients lists too, not just fat and calories) to ensure you’re making the healthiest choice. While faster food may be convenient, taking time to make healthy home-made meals is well worth the effort.

For additional health tips and articles visit

website.
Also check out or health blogit is updated daily.