Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nutrition. Show all posts

Vitamin E: Health Benefits, Source, And Dosage

Vitamin E: Health Benefits, Source, And Dosage

Vitamin E is a wonder vitamin. It prevents a myriads of illnesses and diseases. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against heart diseases, strokes, and cancers.

Vitamin E comes in two forms: the natural and the synthetic. Natural vitamin E is written “tocopherols” or “d-tocopherols”. Natural alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E, is written “alpha-tocopherol” or “d-alpha-tocopherol”. The synthetic form is “tocopheryl” (with a “y”) or “dl-tocopherol” (with a “dl”). The natural form is preferred by specialists because it has the highest level of activity. Synthetic vitamin E is worthless. Do not use it. Another commercial form is available in drugstores: “water-soluble vitamin E”. It is more expensive, but is no more absorbable or effective than the natural form.

Vitamin E oxygenates the cells and tissues of the body, and reduces the need for oxygen. It dilates the blood vessels, and improves circulation. Vitamin E prevents the unsaturated fatty acids and oil-soluble vitamins from being destroyed in the body. It helps and pprotects the capillaries, lungs, and the reproductive organs. It prevents the scar formation in burns.

Vitamin E is used in the treatment of heart diseases, varicose veins, emphysema, varicose veins, leg ulcers, angina pectoris, hypoglycemia, infertility in both male and female, and other reproductive problems. It also reduces the risk of miscarriages.

Vitamin E enters the fatty portion of the cell membranes where it protects them from the harmful effects of compounds such as mercury, lead, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, cleaning solvents, drugs, radiation, and the body’s free-radical metabolites.

A high vitamin E diet exerts strong protective effects in many health conditions.
It is very important in the immune function, especially during stress and chronic viral illnesses such as AIDS and chronic viral hepatitis. It protects the thymus gland and the circulating white blood cells from damage.

Vitamin E reduces the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and increases the HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). It is excellent in the prevention of strokes, and heart attacks.

Vitamin E protects against cancers when taken in high doses. A study showed that patients with low levels of vitamin E have 50% more risks of cancer. It also relieves hot flashes, menopausal vaginal complaints, post-menstrual symptoms,
including fibrocystic breast disease.

Vitamin E deficiency symptoms are muscle weakness, nerve damage, poor coordination, involuntary movement of the eye, and breaking of the red blood cells leading to hemolytic anemia. Other symptoms are sterility, red blood cell fragility, muscular disorders, pulmonary embolism, strokes, heart diseases, coronary degeneration, testicle degeneration, fat malabsorption syndromes such as celiac diseases, cystic fibrosis, post-gastrectomy syndrome, red blood cell hereditary disorders such as sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia.

The best sources of vitamin E are flaxseed oil, and wheat germ oil. Flaxseed oil is the best to take because it is so rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, that can prevent cancer. Wheat germ oil and flaxsees oil should be fresh and cold-pressed.

Other sources of vitamin E are soy oil, sunflower oil, unrefined cold-pressed vegetable oils, all whole raw or sprouted seeds, nuts, grains, green leafy vegetables and eggs.

Dosage: RDA 15 IU; ODA 400 IU; TDA 1,200 IU. Recommended: Normal dosage is 400-800 IU daily. This normal dosage provides a better oxidative protection for those in high-stress situations. Menopausal patients should take 800 IU daily until hot flashes subside, and then lowered to 400 IU daily. Note: The strengthening power of vitamin E is not felt until one takes at least 200-600 mg daily. (1 mg = 1.5 IU).

Caution: One study suggested that people with high blood pressure, rheumatic heart disease and other heart conditions will do best not to take more than 400-600 IU of vitamin E daily. Iron supplements, rancid foods and grains destroy vitamin E. It is better not to eat wheat germ because it easily become rancid, and it is very difficult to preserve it fresh.

Essential Fatty Acids (Vitamin F): Health Benefits, Source, And Dosage

Essential Fatty Acids (Vitamin F): Health Benefits, Source, And Dosage

Vitamin F is a fat-soluble vitamin that consists of the essential unsaturated fatty acids, namely, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and the less important arachidonic acid.

Vitamin F is commonly known as EFA or essential fatty acid. It is also sometimes called as “polyunsaturates”. The term “essential” is due to the fact that these acids cannot be made by the body, yet are vital to normal body functioning.

Of all the fatty acids, linoleic acid is the most essential. There are two types of EFA: omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 has alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids. They are found in fish, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. Omega-6 includes linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. Sources of omega-6 are raw nuts, legumes, seeds, grape seed oil, primrose oil, sesame oil, soybean oi, borage oil, and evening primrose oil. The best single source of EFA is fresh, cold-pressed flaxseed oil because it has high levels of omega-3 and omega-6, and cheaper than other sources.

Essential fatty acids reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. They reduce the risks of blood clot formation. EFA lowers blood cholesterol in atherosclerosis to prevent heart disease. It is needed by the glands for proper functioning. It enables the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the cells.

Vitamin F or EFA is essential in metabolism and growth. It is needed for healthy skin and mucous membranes. It prevents arthritis, and is a good prevention of candidiasis, cardiovascular diseases, eczema, and psoriasis.

EFA is found in high concentration in the brain, and it aids in the transmission of nerve impulses. It is used by every cell in the rebuilding and the producing of new cells. It is also used by the body to produce prostaglandins which regulate various body processes.

EFA or vitamin F deficiency symptoms are skin disorders such as acne, rashes, eczema, and dry skin. Other symptoms are kidney, prostate, menstrual, and other reproductive disorders.

Dosage: Recommended therapeutic dose should be at least 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of raw, fresh, cold-pressed wheat germ or flaxseed oil at each meal. Do not use cottonseed oil - it can damage the optic nerve. Avoid safflower oil, and hardened (solid) vegetable oil, margarine and butter because they only clog the system. Avoid hydrogenated oils. For EFA to be useful for the body, the oil must be in pure liquid supplement and must not be subjected to heat. Processing and cooking easily destroy the essential fatty acids, changing them to dangerous free radicals.

Vitamin B1: Health Benefits, Source, And Dosage

Vitamin B1: Health Benefits, Source, And Dosage

Vitamins are crucial to life functions. Without them, you die quickly. Vitamins work together with enzymes, (chemical catalysts), thus their being called as co-enzymes.

Among the essential vitamins needed by the body is the vitamin B complex. This is a group of a dozen or so vitamins that are needful for the proper functioning of the body, specially the nervous system.

Among them is Vitamin B1 or thiamin. This vitamin helps and protects the brain, nervous system, muscle, peristalsis, blood circulation, and red blood count. It works with other B vitamins in energy metabolism. It prevents thiamin deficiency in diabetes, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological diseases, including epilepsy. This vitamin is also used to prevent and treat impaired mental function in the elderly, including the Alzheimer’s disease.

Deficiency symptoms include slow heart beat, weight loss, mental depression, chronic constipation, muscular weakness, diabetes, beriberi, edema,and defective hydrochloric acid production. Drinking alcohol, eating refined foods, and eating lots of sugar can lead to thiamin deficiency. Severe deficiency results in psychosis, that accounts about 30 percent of those admitted in psychiatric wards.
Vitamin B1 is needed in the assimmilation of manganese and other B vitamins. This vitamin is easily destroyed by alcohol, by tannins in tea and black coffee, by sulfites, and by uncooked freshwater fish and shellfish. Magnesium is needed in the the conversion of thiamin to its active form.

The richest sources of vitamin B1 are brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, wheat bran, most whole grain cereals especially wheat, and oats, sunflower seeds, unpolished rice, torula yeast, peanuts with skin, all nuts, seeds, all beans especially soybean, and some vegetable such as beets, potatoes, and leafy vegetables.

Dosage: Recommended is 50-100 mg daily. For the elderly with age-related mental impairment, including Alzheimer’s, 3-8 mg per day.

Green Tea Nutrition Facts

My Take On Green Tea: A Favorite Hot Drink With No Additives…

I did some digging and came up with these green tea nutrition facts that you may be interested in. I love this drink and find it to be very soothing and a great natural late night beverage that helps to suppress hunger.

The story behind green tea and weight loss is simple; green tea contains caffeine [approximately 1/3 that of coffee], which helps weight loss by boosting your metabolism and suppressing your appetite.

The drink is even reported to burn 78 calories per

day, which equals out to over 28,000 calories per year. Studies show that the relation between green tea and weight loss are substantially linked together through the plant’s thermogenic properties.

Thermogenesis is the process by which the body produces heat by speeding up metabolism, burning calories and breaking down fat.

Green tea is the mature leaf, left unfermented. Green tea may be steamed or kiln roasted before packaging or brewing. It’s loaded with powerful antioxidants called polyphenols

Polyphenols protect cells from the ravages of oxidation, a chemical reaction that can lead to cancer and the hardened arteries that cause heart disease. Green tea nutrition facts you might have never heard of before.

In fact, researchers at the University of Kansas say that one antioxidant, a tongue-twister called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is 25 times more effective in laboratory tests than the much-touted vitamin E at helping cells resist the damage caused by oxidation and helping damaged cells repair themselves.

Green tea is easy to prepare, but some varieties are sensitive to the brewing conditions. In most cases, about 2 grams of tea leaves the amount in a tea bag is sufficient for a cup of tea.

It is simply brewed by pouring boiled water over the tea and letting it steep for about 1-3 minutes.

Green tea is common in many other fat burner products because it helps with improving metabolism and thermogenesis without increasing heart rate.

Green tea may help boost the metabolism and burn fat. For this reason it is included in many weight loss products. It’s a powerful anti-oxidant, just like vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Although many of these claims have not been scientifically proven the benefits of green tea have been documented through case studies.

I hope these green tea nutrition facts have enlightened your curiosity about this natural fat burner that you can drink throughout the day.

Belly fat burner

For some reason, our bodies love to store most of our body fat in our bellies. This is especially true for men, who have the hardest time slimming in the waist area and creating that perfect set of washboard abs. Although there are a lot of different ways to burn fat, finding a good belly fat burner can be extremely difficult. It seems that no matter what methods you try, your body just doesn’t want to let go of that belly fat. Well, to help you overcome these problems and to find some new ways to burn fat, we’ve come up with this guide of various exercise and dietary tips to help you burn the belly fat and create that six-pack of abs you’ve always wanted.

The first step in burning belly fat is to remove harmful ingredients from your diet. By harmful, I am referring to foods and ingredients that your body loves to turn into fat. One of the best things you can do to allow your body to get rid of belly fat is to stop eating refined sugar products. This includes candies, sodas, and sweets, all of which contain large amounts of calories. Your body loves to turn these types of foods into belly fat because the time it takes to use them as fuel is very lengthy. Although sugars contained in fruits can easily be broken down and used for energy, refined sugars take a long time to break down into fuel and so your body just takes the quicker road and turns them into fat.

In regards to exercise, there are several that are great as a belly fat burner, but you have to make sure they you do them regularly, otherwise your body won’t be forced to adapt. Running and bicycling are great exercises to tone your belly because they force your body to remain in positions that stress core strength. Also, plank exercises and crunches are great for creating a strong core and good looking abdominal muscles. If you’ve never heard of a plank exercise, you can do a search on the internet to learn more, but basically you rest on your toes and elbows while trying to remain upright. After the first 20-30 seconds, you will start to feel the burn. The goal is to do several 2 minute repetitions, although that level of strength could take time to reach.

Lastly, yoga is one of the best belly fat burners there is. I’ve seen people have amazing results with yoga as a belly fat burner because it constantly stresses the core abdominal muscles and forces your body to adapt to awkward positions. I know it sounds odd, but the stretching methods used in yoga work magic on your abdominal area.

Although it can take some time to get used to the rigors of any exercise routine, you simply must exercise if you want to burn belly fat. The goal is to burn more calories per day than you consume, and this can be very difficult to do without some form of cardio. You can try dieting, but usually the best way to burn belly fat is a combination of diet and exercise. If you simply remove refined sugars, in the form of sweets, from your diet and then begin doing some sort of exercise routine, you will start to see results within 4-6 weeks. Sure, it can take some hard work and dedication, but aren’t the results worth it? Just imagine having that perfect waistline when you go to the beach or put on your swimming suit in the summer. Your friends will all be jealous and your boyfriend or girlfriend won’t be able to stop staring.

Chromium picolinate

Chromium picolinate is a trace mineral that is usually found in food. This is found in many different food sources including brewers yeast, brown sugar, and coffee to name a few. The mineral has been studied for its ability to help regulate blood sugars, however much more study needs to be done. What they have found is that in certain individuals chromium may be able to, when ingested for a period of time enhance a person’s insulin utilization and increase the number of insulin receptors in the body. This can work to help increase a person’s natural ability to metabolize glucose and in turn lower blood glucose levels.

Since there have been some clinical studies done, the FDA does allow the makers of one type of chromium picolinate show that this mineral may help to reduce insulin resistance on their product label. Chromium is said to be responsible for breaking down fats in the body therefore it can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. It has been used as an herbal supplement for a number of years as a weight loss supplement and for people who are body building and want to increase their muscle mass. This has become a very popular supplement in the United States for weight loss. Claims have been made that make it sound like a miracle drug, however since it is an herbal supplement the FDA cannot vouch for all of the claims that some of the manufacturers make.

Several years ago there were studies that confirmed that chromium picolinate did indeed help to support faster weight loss while helping to build lean body mass. One such study was performed in 1998 which showed that when chromium combined with L-cartinine was given to a group of subjects. They also had an exercise regimen that was observed. This group lost a significant amount of more weight than the control group. This supplement works by increasing metabolism and promoting the burning of carbohydrates and fatty molecules. It works to process blood sugar and stimulates insulin to do its work. Therefore insulin is working at peak performance and can burn much more sugar and fat than it would normally. In addition to weight loss, chromium picolinate has been reported to increase energy levels, improve moods and build muscle mass while drastically reduce the appetite. It has been marketed as a safe and effective alternative to steroids, increasing strength while building muscle mass.

Chromium is not without its problems and side effects. There have been some reports of some very serious issues and possible side effects from people who were taking high doses of chromium picolinate over long periods of time. This has led to some warnings concerning long term use of the mineral. Due to this, the herbal supplement is not recommended in large doses or been proven to be safe for use for long periods of time. There have been two reports of young adults who developed kidney failure who were taking this supplement and were on high dosages. They were also taking other supplements as well as medications so it is unclear as to exactly what caused their kidney failure. However, it is best to err on the side of caution in these matters.

There are some concerns for people who take medications for diabetes who are considering taking this supplement. The concerns are that this supplement may work along with diabetes medication and lower blood glucose to levels that are lower than normal. Other medications such as aspirin and NSAIDs can increase the effects of chromium. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take this supplement either.

Protein shakes

Protein shakes are very affordable and easy ways to supplement weight loss, body building or weight training programs. Protein is one of the most important parts of our daily diets. It is the building block of the bones, muscles, skin and other tissues of the body. It can also be broken down by the body to produce energy when needed.

In weight loss programs that advocate quick weight loss, one problem can be that the body breaks down fats for energy first when it is shocked into losing weight. The body then turns to protein or muscle mass to break down that tissue into amino acids for energy once the fatty tissues have been used. This can become a big problem for people that do not want to lose any muscle mass. Unless an adequate amount of protein is ingested during that time, muscle tissue will be lost and it can take much longer to repair than it would to maintain it in the first place.

That bears out the question as to why a person cannot eat enough protein in their diet to satisfy this need. Well of course the average person can. Those who are doing strenuous exercise, body building, weight training or on a weight loss program can as well if they are extremely religious about their diet routine while working on their program. This is due to the increased needs for protein by the body due to the stress that increased exercise or weight training. Dieting can put the body under an undue amount of stress in and of itself which can and will make the body change how it works and how it metabolizes its nutrients.

Most people, especially those who have increased protein needs find that with the hectic pace that our lives are in now, it is very hard to prepare and cook enough nutritious meals on a daily basis to meet the requirements that are needed. The recommended amount of protein needed daily for the average healthy adult is between 45-60 grams of protein per day while the recommendation for body builders is 1 gram of protein per 1 pound of body weight per day.

This is where protein shakes come in. They are very quick and easy to make. They give people who are trying to follow a weight loss or body building program a healthy alternative to having to prepare meals every day. This does not even compare the costs of having to purchase that much meat per day. There are low fat alternatives in the protein shakes as well for people who are concerned about their caloric intake. They come in as little as 90 calories per shake. The shakes come in a variety of flavors as well so you can have your choice of flavors for the day or week.

All protein shakes are not equal. There are some shakes that are full of carbohydrates and calories while some are just lean protein and as stated above have little caloric content. It is up to the buyer to look at the ingredients and judge which protein shake is the best fit for them. There are many reviews on the internet about different protein shake brands that can be viewed by anyone that wants feedback in particular brands of these as well.

That being said, protein shakes do offer a very quick and easy way to supplement dietary needs for people who are working toward weight loss or body building goals. This product can help prevent the loss of valuable muscle mass and work to build new healthy tissue as well.

Protein shakes

Protein shakes are very affordable and easy ways to supplement weight loss, body building or weight training programs. Protein is one of the most important parts of our daily diets. It is the building block of the bones, muscles, skin and other tissues of the body. It can also be broken down by the body to produce energy when needed.

In weight loss programs that advocate quick weight loss, one problem can be that the body breaks down fats for energy first when it is shocked into losing weight. The body then turns to protein or muscle mass to break down that tissue into amino acids for energy once the fatty tissues have been used. This can become a big problem for people that do not want to lose any muscle mass. Unless an adequate amount of protein is ingested during that time, muscle tissue will be lost and it can take much longer to repair than it would to maintain it in the first place.

That bears out the question as to why a person cannot eat enough protein in their diet to satisfy this need. Well of course the average person can. Those who are doing strenuous exercise, body building, weight training or on a weight loss program can as well if they are extremely religious about their diet routine while working on their program. This is due to the increased needs for protein by the body due to the stress that increased exercise or weight training. Dieting can put the body under an undue amount of stress in and of itself which can and will make the body change how it works and how it metabolizes its nutrients.

Most people, especially those who have increased protein needs find that with the hectic pace that our lives are in now, it is very hard to prepare and cook enough nutritious meals on a daily basis to meet the requirements that are needed. The recommended amount of protein needed daily for the average healthy adult is between 45-60 grams of protein per day while the recommendation for body builders is 1 gram of protein per 1 pound of body weight per day.

This is where protein shakes come in. They are very quick and easy to make. They give people who are trying to follow a weight loss or body building program a healthy alternative to having to prepare meals every day. This does not even compare the costs of having to purchase that much meat per day. There are low fat alternatives in the protein shakes as well for people who are concerned about their caloric intake. They come in as little as 90 calories per shake. The shakes come in a variety of flavors as well so you can have your choice of flavors for the day or week.

All protein shakes are not equal. There are some shakes that are full of carbohydrates and calories while some are just lean protein and as stated above have little caloric content. It is up to the buyer to look at the ingredients and judge which protein shake is the best fit for them. There are many reviews on the internet about different protein shake brands that can be viewed by anyone that wants feedback in particular brands of these as well.

That being said, protein shakes do offer a very quick and easy way to supplement dietary needs for people who are working toward weight loss or body building goals. This product can help prevent the loss of valuable muscle mass and work to build new healthy tissue as well.

The importance of micronutrients for optimal nutrition

The micronutrients are those nutritional components needed by the body in comparatively small amounts, usually measured in milligrams or micrograms, and may be classified into vitamins and minerals. The vitamins are organic (carbon containing) compounds functioning in the body as co-factors facillitating essential bichemical reactions at the cellular level. Minerals are inorganic (lacking carbon) elements found in the soil and utilized by the body in both functional and structural roles. Calcium, for example, has a structural role in the formation of bone, but it serves in a functional capacity as an electrolyte helping to regulate muscle contractions and heart rate. Plants pick up the minerals via their root system. Then grazing animals eat the plants and we eat the animals and plants.

The vitamins may be categorized as either water soluble or fat soluble. The water soluble vitamins include the entire B Complex, and vitamin C. The fat soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Because they can be stored in fat tissue, a couple of the fat solubles, A&D, can reach toxic levels, as the first European arctic explorers learned when they ate polar bear liver which packs a whopping 150,000 I.U.(International Unit) of vitamin A per ounce. The medical term for this condition is Hypervitaminosis A. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is only 5,000 I.U. so it is easy to understand how these arctic explorers could have overdone the vitamin A so easily.

Minerals may be divided into the macrominerals, those minerals needed in doses of a milligram (1/1000 of a gram) or more, and microminerals, those with requirements in the microgram range (1/10,000 of a gram). A few of the macrominerals are calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, amd magnesium. Microminerals are also known as trace minerals and include boron, chromium, selenium, iodine, cobalt, fluoride, molybdenum, copper, and a host of others.

For optimal nutrition most of us could use more variety so as to stave off monotony and boredom as well as providing a better balance of nutrients. Try not to get hung up on the listed optimal percentages of macronutrients.

Getting our day off to a good start nutritionally is basic. Yet how many of us have no breakfast at all? Or, if we do have breakfast, how often is it little more than tea and toast, or a bagel and coffee? Such a poorly planned menu not only fails to provide us with the fuel and essential nutrients, but also sets the stage for overeating later in the day.

Whole, unprocessed foods are preferable to the refined, highly processed kind. For example, we will be better off having a baked potato than a bag of potato chips. Better still to choose an apple over a slice of apple pie.

Balanced nutrition means ingesting the right amounts of the right nutrients over time. No one food item has them all. There are no nutritional panaceas. Cycling our menus so that we won’t be eating the same meal two days in a row is a good way to start in our quest for balance.

For readily available energy have an easily digestible, high carbohydrate snack about an hour before exercise. Starches with a small amount of protein will be preferable to sugars. After a workout have protein.

Better yet, make breakfast the largest meal of the day, providing 1/3 of your daily calories and 1/4 of your protein. Have a low fat complete protein source with each feeding, continuing to eat at regular, two to three hour intervals throughout the day.

Every so often you may want to try a food item that you do not usually eat. For example, brown rice, sweet potatoes, grilled salmon steak with grilled vegetables, roasted unsalted peanuts in the shell, black mission figs, barbequed lamb in a kabab with vegetables, baked acorn squash; the permutations and combinations are endless.

Dietary supplements are not a substitute for real, whole foods, but serve as insurance only. Try taking these in either liquid or gel cap, especially supplementary calcium.

It is important for us to remember that nutrition is only one part of the equation for health and wellbeing. We also need to exercise. Now let’s get up off our fatty acids and develop start pumping up those deltoids.

Eat healthy to stay healthy

Permanent healthful eating pattern changes that still allow enjoyment and give you enough to eat is what is crucial. Here are tips on what’s thought to be healthful; ways to find healthful foods you enjoy and eat them more often; and how to begin to reduce the clearly unhealthful foods and to not miss them.

Eat at almost every meal; make a focused effort to always eat breakfast - even if it’s just a wake-up beverage, a piece of fruit or nonfat cheese, and your vitamin supplements; eat healthful snacks if you are hungry between meals or after your evening meal; avoid skipping lunch; and, once you switch to healthful foods, eat all you want - except of the healthful fats and oils you do include - eat those sparingly. Eating enough is extremely important: Doing so avoids getting extra hungry, running short on energy, or reducing your metabolism by triggering your body’s famine response. The following general principles seem to have widespread acceptance and to produce good results for good health.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables - particularly those that are nutrient dense or are high in soluble fiber

It’s probably also important to be moderate in eating those with a high glycemic index; and to eat whole fruit rather than drinking fruit juice. It’s usually far easier to add more fruit you already like and to learn recipes for vegetable dishes that you enjoy and to add more of those to your meals than it is to just try to eat less of the undesirable foods.

This may well be the most important of the three areas - because of the astonishing array of nutrients and micronutrients in fruits and vegetables that protect your heart and health - and the fact that it can be fun to add more of them you already like; to explore and develop new ways to add dishes and recipes that use them and that you enjoy; and to try fruits that you haven’t eaten or haven’t eaten in a long time.

Avoid or massively reduce animal fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol in your protein foods

In populations with a mostly vegetarian or vegetarian diet that average a daily cholesterol intake of 100 or less and are five percent or less saturated fat by calories there is virtually no heart disease or heart attacks. Only animal foods have cholesterol; and animal foods tend to be both higher in fat and to have fats that are much higher in saturated fat.

Eat beans, whole grains, or nonfat dairy products - or combinations for protein instead of meat, poultry, and fish at least two of your meals each day. Eat fish rather than poultry or chicken. When you do eat meat or chicken - eat smaller amounts, ideally in combination with vegetables; use leaner versions; use nonfat cooking techniques; trim all visible fat; trim skin from poultry; and, try to always eat onions with your meal - studies show they have a very strong de-clogging effect, whether cooked or raw, which will tend to protect you from the saturated fat and cholesterol in your meal. Avoid egg yolks; or use at most one or two a week. Use two egg whites or egg substitutes in cooking. And, try to eat onions with your meal if you do eat egg yolks.

New studies and sources strongly suggest you may find it safest and most effective:

* To use for protein mostly low-glycemic index beans like lentils or black-eyed peas; nonfat dairy foods; and perhaps fish;
* To use grains and starchy foods like pasta, potatoes and brown rice less much frequently and in smaller servings; and
* To use grains like barley, oats, and buckwheat that are either higher in soluble fiber or have lower glycemic indexes or both - and only in moderation; and to eat mostly whole grain foods in moderation or infrequently rather than flour-based foods in quantity.

Reduce your overall fat intake to a maximum of fifteen to twenty-five percent by calories - and saturated fat to five to seven percent

At least in the early stages - it may well be more effective to approach ten percent fat by calories. This means virtually no added fats or oils and avoiding any animal food that is other than its nonfat or lowest fat version.

Avoid or cut down sharply dairy fats like cream, butter, full fat cheese, whole milk; and two percent lowfat milk - butterfat is 65 to 70 percent saturated and these foods range from thirty five to one hundred percent fat! And, avoid margarine and processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils - there is evidence that the transfats these contain are at least as bad for you as saturated fat - and they should be counted as saturated fats for health purposes!

Since oils high in polyunsaturates may reduce your protective HDL levels and produce damaging free radicals when heated, we recommend you avoid them. The most commonly used of these in the United States are corn oil, safflower oil, and soy oil.

We recommend that you be very sparing in your use of the next technique when you are just beginning, if you are trying to break through a sticking point, or if you haven’t yet added exercise and supplements to your fat loss program. However, they can add a lot of flexibility and enjoyment and make your healthful eating style easier to stay on permanently if you are exercising regularly and once you have lost your excess fat - or most of it.

Fortunately, there is evidence that monosaturated oils as found in olive oil, canola oil, and avocados; nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds; and oils with moderate amounts of omega three polyunsaturates such as are in fish are healthful when eaten in moderation. There is even some evidence they have heart and health protective effects!

And, eating these safer oils and fat-containing foods can help add enough flavor and satisfaction - and prevent the between meal hunger you may get with a nonfat diet - to enable you to enjoy your food; eat a wide variety of foods; and stay easily and permanently on a healthful eating plan.

Whey protein for weight loss

New research has revealed that a protein derived from milk called whey may well be very valuable as a supplement for weight loss. The study findings stated that whey was responsible for improving the feeling of fullness, improving insulin sensitivity, and helping to improve and build new muscle mass. The researchers feel that this substance can help the body as whole in its quest for wellness by helping to support healthy weight, moods, and other body chemistry functions. So are you asking yourself what whey is already? Well to put it simply it is a complex substance that is derived from milk. It is made up with lactose, protein, and minerals.

Whey protein may very well work on controlling the appetite by its role in helping to control the amount of cholecystokinin in the body. This hormone is one that is responsible for giving that feeling of fullness or being satisfied by the amount of food that has been ingested. It is normally secreted by the stomach when it is full. It sends this chemical to the brain to let it know that the body has had enough to eat. If whey can control this hormone level in the body, it may be able to help to reduce the appetite and get rid of a big issue with a large amount of diet products today. When people get hungry all the time they tend to cheat on their diets. If they do not feel hunger or cravings they will be less likely to cheat on their diet.

There was a study using the information given above. Two groups were chosen. One group was given a whey supplement. The other group a casein supplement. Both groups were then sent to a buffet meal 90 minutes later. The findings were that the group who had ingested the whey ate much less than the other group who were given the casein. In another study done simultaneously findings were that 3 hours after a whey drink was ingested people still had feelings of fullness and being satisfied after eating a meal. The casein group did not have these feelings and ate more than their counterparts in this study as well. The conclusions were that using whey may well help give valuable assistance to those who are wanting to lose weight by limiting their intake.

Another clinical research study was done to test the effectiveness of whey as opposed to high protein diets for losing body weight and increasing insulin sensitivity. This study was done on lab rats. The rats were fed a high fat diet for six weeks then they were changed over to either a high protein diet or a whey diet. They were then studied to see which group had more insulin sensitivity. The whey fed group showed that they had 40% more insulin sensitivity than the beef fed group. They also had reduced plasma insulin concentration. When the study was completed, the findings were that the whey demonstrated that it was more effective than the beef was losing body weight and increasing the rats insulin sensitivity. They also stated that they felt that whey was an excellent protein choice for a weight loss program and to promote blood glucose regulation.

Researchers in France did a clinical research study that revealed that people who consume whey products before they exercise were able to burn more fat than the other groups who had either fasted before exercising or were given glucose. The scientists felt these findings showed that whey could be used for building more lean muscle mass and healthy body tissues.

Flaxseed oil pills

Flaxseed oil pills are a great way to improve a person’s health as well as assist with weight loss. These pills are an excellent source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals as well. Most modern day diets do not provide enough essential fatty acids for the body to perform its functions as needed. Therefore supplements are needed to assist the body in digestion and other necessary daily functions.

So what exactly are essential fatty acids? What are their role in the body? Essential fatty acids are those fats that are obtained from fish oils and certain vegetable oils such as flaxseed and olive oil. They assist the body in many ways. One of the main functions is to help oxygenate the blood stream. They also work to assist in digestion and the break down of food into energy sources. Omega 3 fatty acids are responsible for lowering insulin levels which can reduce the amount of fats that are produced and stored by the body as well.

Scientists have found that flaxseed oil is also helpful in mental functions. This oil works to help the brain do several functions including sharpening the memory and improving concentration. They also help to elevate moods and increase cognition.

Essential fatty acids have been shown in studies to help people to burn more fat than people who are trying to lose weight and body fat by diet and exercise alone. The reduction of body fat storage can lead to reduced chances of disease in the future.

Deficiencies of Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to make people more prone to health problems such as coronary artery and heart disease. These fatty acids help to reduce cholesterol levels and help to reduce blood pressure levels. Preliminary studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids are capable of killing certain types of cancer cells without harming other normal cells around them.

Some studies have shown that people with arthritis have been able to take less medication when using Omega 3 fatty acids in their daily diets. They also show that having adequate amounts of these fatty acids in the body can help our bodies response to stressful situations. Other problems that can arise when there is a deficiency of Omega 3 fatty acids include skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

In addition to providing the body with Omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil pills do have more benefits for the body. They are a great source of fiber for the body as well. This also helps to aid in digestion and helps to promote a healthy colon and digestive tract. Flaxseed is also a natural source of protein. This can be used by the body to build muscle and provide energy for the body.

Flaxseed is one of the best natural sources for Omega 3 fatty acids and alpha linoleic acid. These acids also help to improve insulin sensitivity which in turn helps break down more fats and stops the break down of additional carbohydrates which result in additional fats being stored by the body. This is an important factor for people who are looking at improving their body image or those who are weight training or body building.

As stated above this is an essential supplement for the body to work at optimal function due to the fact that most diets today are deficient in these fatty acids. Their benefits for health and weight loss make them a must for any adult to seriously consider adding to their dietary regimen whether it be for health or weight loss.

Omega 3 fish oil

Weight loss gurus have preached for long periods of time that people need to reduce their fat intake in order to lose weight. This has proven to be true in most cases. However, scientists have found that in some cases certain fatty acids are necessary for the body to perform functions. These include functions such as changing food substances into energy, aiding in digestion, and work toward insulin production by the body. These fatty acids are the Omega 3 fatty acids that come from fish oils and some vegetable oils such as olive oil.

Omega 3 fatty acids are responsible for the body’s ability to change food into energy. They also assist in oxygenation of the blood and by facilitating this help to aid the transport of energy to all parts of the body. Researchers have found that diets that are not rich in Omega 3 fatty acids not only retard weight loss but are not healthy due to the reasons stated above.

Studies have been done that show that using Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet can actually assist people in losing weight. One study in particular conducted by the University of South Australia which tested 75 obese adults to see how much weight and body fat they could lose using different methods such as using Omega 3’s, diet and exercise, Omega 3’s alone and diet, vegetable oils and diet, and vegetable oils, diet and exercise. This study showed that the group who were given daily doses of Omega 3’s and exercised lost more weight than the group who were trying to lose weight using diet and exercise alone.

Another study was done and published by an international obesity journal. It showed that when given daily doses of Omega 3 fatty acids every day, people burned more fat than the people who were not given the Omega 3 fatty acids. The group that were studied lost 2 pounds of body fat as opposed to the other group who lost 0.7 pounds of body fat during the study. The study concluded that the group that was given Omega 3 fatty acids burned approximately 25% more fat than the group who were not given the supplement on a daily basis.

One of the studies found that the main reason that the group that lost more fat using Omega 3’s was the fact that their insulin levels were approximately 50 % lower than the test subjects who were not given the supplement. Scientists have known for some time that insulin inhibits the pancreatic enzyme lipase from breaking down fats adequately in the body. Insulin levels can affect the amounts of carbohydrates that are broken down and converted to fats which can be stored in the body.

Omega 3 fish oils are readily available in health food stores and on the internet. They are a good supplement for anyone wanting to improve their health. People who are weight conscious and wanting to improve their body mass index can realize a lot of benefit by adding this supplement to their daily routine. Omega 3 fatty acids can assist with healthy diet, exercise and other life style changes to improve anyone’s life and health.

By reducing body fat, people can reduce their chances of disease in the future such as circulatory disease, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and strokes. Improving diet and health factors today will benefit a person’s chance of having a healthy future.

As with any diet or weight loss supplement, please consult with a medical professional if you are taking medications on a regular basis or have chronic medical conditions to make sure that these supplements are safe for consumption.

Zrii nutritional drink supplement

If you have heard of the new nutritional supplement on the market called Zrii but have no idea what it is, then reading this may give you an insight on just what the rave is about. Zrii is the new super drink, from the Chopra Institute, that has everyone excited about enhancing their health and overall being to a whole new level. With a combination of several unique ingredients this drink can help anyone feel their best. Let’s take a look at just what these ingredients are and why they are the reason for all the fame.

The first key ingredient is called Amalaki. This is actually a fruit that comes from the Amalaki tree and it has been used for medicinal purposes for years. Amalaki is high in antioxidants and is known to increase lean body mass, support the functioning of the liver, heart, lungs and spleen, and enhance cellular regeneration. Amalaki is great for the digestive system and helps your body maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

The second fruit ingredient worth mentioning is Schizandra. This fruit comes from a creeping woody vine that is native to China and Japan. It bares properties that have been used to treat several different diseases. Some of these include, skin disorders, insomnia, palpitations, irritation, and dyspnea. It has also been used as a sedative for those having a hard time dealing with insomnia.

Tusli, another fine ingredient, has been used in India for over 5,000 years. The people of India consider this herb to be sacred and with as many uses it has I can see why. Tusli has been linked in an incredible number of health benefits including its restorative powers. It is very rich in antioxidants and it helps relieve stress, improve immunity, lowers cholesterol, regulates blood pressure and promotes a healthy metabolism.

Other ingredients used in the supplement Zrii are the fruit Jujube, the spice Turmeric and the herb Haritaki. The fruits of the Jujube have been used to alleviate stress and also to sooth sore throats. Turmeric has helped fight infection, aid in gallbladder problems, dysentery, and liver disorders. Because it has also been known for helping with inflammation, turmeric has been used to help people that suffer with arthritis. Haritaki is an herb used to aid in constipation, abdominal discomfort, excess gas and indigestion.

As you can see here, the benefits of these unique ingredients add up quickly. It is no wonder Zrii has become so popular with so many people drinking the supplement on a regular basis. A lot of these ingredients have been proven over thousands of years to have so many positive and working medicinal purposes. Although a lot of these ingredients stem from other countries, such as Asia and India they are making their way through the United States and Europe very quickly and along the way helping so many people reap the benefits of their awesome nutritional powers. Keep in mind that there are also other ingredients in the supplement that are not necessarily as unique, such as ginger, apple juice, grape juice, raspberry juice, cranberry juice, pear juice and pomegranate juice. That does not take away from the drink since each of these ingredients offer their own special qualities as well.

The taste has been described as very pleasant and surprisingly refreshing. There are different opinions on what exactly Zrii tastes like. Some say it is more like grape juice others say pomegranate. If you are looking for a supplement that is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants then you may want to purchase a bottle of Zrii and try it for yourself. Why wouldn’t you want to give this drink a chance to prove what it can do for you and your body?

Best nutritional supplements

These days there are thousands of different nutritional supplements on the market. In the past, the only natural herbs were popular, but today. Nutritional supplements can be bought in any form, including capsules, liquids, pills, and tea. There are so many different kinds of these supplements that it is often difficult to choose which ones to buy. There are commercially supplied nutritional supplements, as well as homegrown ones, although homegrown supplements are rarely considered a safe bet.

So, why do so many people take nutritional supplements? The answer is very simple: nutritional supplements provide the body with those nutrients that may be lacking in a person’s ordinary diet. Nutritional supplements are sources of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids.

Many people still question the wisdom of taking nutritional supplements. Some believe that nutritional supplements cannot actually be fully absorbed by the body.

However, we live in a world of constant change. Nature, for instance has changed during most of our lifetimes. Air pollution, water pollution, toxins in the food we eat, and many more changes have taken place. Our bodies are yearning for more vitamins and minerals to help maintain their health and strength. Our bodies also have to eliminate those toxins, and additional help is often required. In addition, let us not forget about stress. Stress is a major disease of the Twenty-first Century. It is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. Stress destroys one’s body and mind. Nutritional supplements are often helpful in such a situation. Such supplements as glyconutrients can help to fight stress.

Nutritional supplements are also required to combat poor eating habits. Everybody has become so busy nowadays that it is very rare for the average person to have a real lunch instead of just “grabbing a bite.” Healthy meals are necessary from time to time. Nutritional supplements cannot substitute for a normal meal, but they can at least provide our bodies with necessary vitamins and minerals when we are unable to eat an optimum diet.

People who are very active in sports also need to nourish their bodies somewhat bit more than others. After an intensive workout or playing sports, their bodies require extra nutrition. The most popular nutritional supplements for sports-oriented people are protein, vitamins, and minerals. Of course, you can find these vital elements the food you eat, or you can use vitamins and nutritional supplements that contain them.

Nutritional supplements are also very beneficial for those people who want to lose weight. When you make up your mind to go on a diet, you generally start eating less, and subsequently miss out on foods that contain essential nutrients. In order to avoid missing any vitamins or minerals, you need to take some nutritional supplements. In addition, there are nutritional supplements available that help people to lose weight while supplying their bodies with everything they need to function.

To summarize the above, nutritional supplements are great for many reasons. You can easily buy them in the nearest nutrition store or from an online vendor. No prescription is necessary and there is a huge variety of many innovative nutritional supplements available. If you are looking for a way to get the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins your body needs, nutritional supplements are a perfect solution that is also very affordable.

If you eat a balanced and healthy diet every day, you will have all the necessary vitamins your body requires. This can help in your body processes and functions. Each body is different, and has different needs when it comes to food. The only thing our bodies have in common is that we all need vitamins to prevent diseases and live a healthy life. The use of vitamins as a dietary supplement has been around for hundreds of years, providing us with alternative ways to have a healthy life.

Although there are different kinds of vitamins today, they all have their special uses for maintaining our bodies in good health. Certain amounts of these vitamins can improve our health conditions. There are various kinds of vitamins, including A, B, C and E. Each of these vitamins is important, serving a unique purpose in our bodies and health.

Among the types of vitamins, Vitamin B may be the most diverse. This is a very important vitamin. It was first discovered by mixing several chemicals together. Even with the diversity of the B vitamin, scientists were able to isolate eight variants of the vitamin. These eight variations of the complex B vitamin family includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. Each of these variations is somehow unique from the others.

Just as with all vitamins, a deficiency of B vitamins can result in several negative health conditions. These conditions may include weight loss, stress, weakness, diarrhea, anemia, dementia, and many others. A deficiency of B vitamins is obviously not good for our bodies, and in fact, the entire family of B vitamins is needed in order to stay healthy. If ever you have a deficiency in vitamins, you should take immediate action to remedy the situation.

The whole B vitamin family works together to give us healthier skin, a faster metabolism and a better immune system. They can also help to fight depression as well as stress, which is something we all can use. No matter how you look at it, proper intake of the B vitamin family can greatly improve our lives. Although all the other vitamins are also important, the B vitamin family is one of the most significant. All of these vitamins should be included in our daily diets as they can greatly improve our overall health.

Even if you are on a healthy diet, you may not be getting the sufficient amount of B vitamins that your body requires. You should consider also taking vitamin supplements as part of your daily diet. This will ensure that you do not lack in B vitamins. You may not immediately realize it, but a lack of B vitamins can be very detrimental to your health. It is a good idea to add some B vitamin supplements to your diet, and you will soon feel the positive effects.
Nutritional Supplements: The Best Brand to Buy

Xtend-Life develops all its health products using some of the best bio-scientists in the world. Over 90% of health supplements on the market today are produced by contract manufacturers. This makes it very difficult for brand owners to control the product quality because they do not manage all the manufacturing process and purchase the raw ingredients. In Xtend-Life, every facet of product manufacturing as well as the sourcing of all raw ingredients are controlled by their bio-scientists and technical engineers. Xtend-Life natural products are designed to provide targeted nourishment to your cells and organs to efficiently correct nutrient deficiencies and imbalances in your body. They should be your cornerstone health supplements if you are serious about maintaining or improving your health.

Xtend-Life’s flagship brand, the Total Balance range health and anti-aging supplements address the prime causes of aging through a combination of complex bio-active ingredients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, anti-glycation agents, neuronutrients, flavonoids, carotenoids, methylation agents, adaptogens, calorie restriction mimetics, herbal extracts, co-factors) and a unique delivery system. It’s without doubt the most effective overall anti-aging health supplement for men, women and young adults on the market today. Other Xtend-Life natural health supplements include

* Multi-Xtra multi-vitamin/mineral supplement
* Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil from New Zealand fish Hoki
* Natural General for brain and nervous system health
* Neuro Natural Memory for enhancing memory at all ages
* Neuro Natural Sleep for promoting sleep
* Neuro Natural Serenity for helping relieve anxiety and depression
* Male Rejuvenator to help prevent prostate cancer and male sexual health conditions
* Female Rejuvenator to help address specific female concerns
* Viral-Protec to build up protection specifically against colds and flu’s
* Arthrit-Eze for help in multiple forms of arthritis
* Cholest-Natural for normalizing your cholesterol
* Diabet-Eze for assisting diabetic’s overall health
* Cardio-Klenz for overall heart health and artery cleansing
* Bone-Protec for building strong bones

Best vitamin supplements

Although getting the right amounts of nutrients and vitamins from our daily diet is important, it can be very difficult to do. Vitamins and food supplements are sometimes a necessity for those who do not get the proper amount of nutrients from their daily food consumption. Because vitamins have long been considered a necessity, there are now many manufacturers’ supplements from which to choose. Each year people spend thousands of dollars on vitamins and supplements. Doctors often receive numerous complaints from their patients about everyday stress and fatigue. Most physicians recommend taking vitamins and supplements to energize the body. When people inquire about the best solution to a lack of energy, vitamins are highly advisable, as they can also improve the body’s overall condition.

There are currently three primary forms of supplements available on the market – liquid, capsules and tablets. Although each one is as good as the others, you should choose the one that you are most comfortable using. Also, take in to consideration whether they dissolve easily, so that they do not simply pass through your system without being absorbed. If a vitamin supplement is not dissolved, you will be essentially flushing your money down the toilet. Liquids are often considered the best, although not all vitamins in the market are currently available in liquid form. Many people prefer the liquid form because it is easily absorbed, while others do not like it because of the “syrupy” taste it sometimes has. For people who are elderly and have difficulty swallowing solids, the liquid vitamin can be a great alternative. The most common form of supplements is tablets. These tablets are created from organic cements formed into a solid shape. The main problem with tablets is dissolvability. For a tablet to be dissolved properly, organic cement should be used in its creation. These organic cements are expensive, which sometimes leads manufacturers to use less dissolvable ingredients in the production of supplements in tablet form. You may also find supplements that have coated shells, which are normally found in cheap vitamin and supplement stores. The capsule form of vitamin supplements is the one preferred by many people today. This is because capsules dissolve more quickly than tablets, but do not have the syrupy taste found in liquid supplements. Since the vitamins and supplements are not compressed in a capsule, you may have to take two of them to get the same amount of vitamins that are found in a tablet.

When you are using vitamin supplements, you should be sure that you are getting the right amount. Vitamins are great substitutes for minerals and nutrients found in our daily diet. They are also ideal for those who are too busy to eat a proper daily diet. Vitamin supplements are also highly recommended for athletes or those engage in sport activities in order to sustain the level of energy the body needs to perform these activities. You can buy vitamin supplements on the Internet or at a local nutrition store such as GNC. General Nutrition Center (GNC) is one of the most popular local nutrition stores. It provides an array of vitamin supplements. At GNC you can find all the vitamins that you may need, from bodybuilding supplements to health vitamins. They have a number of inexpensive vitamins as well as vitamins created by well-known companies. GNC is the best known name in the world when it comes to vitamins and supplements. They earn millions of dollars in revenue each year, and have numerous chains located throughout the US.

If you are planning to take vitamins or supplements and are unsure of which ones to take, you should consult your doctor. Vitamins and supplements are a great way to replenish nutrients in our bodies, although they never be used as a replacement for a proper daily diet. You will still need to maintain a healthy diet while taking vitamin supplements. Taking vitamins, however can help in maintaining your overall good health. In choosing supplements, make sure you are getting all the things your body needs. Choose your vitamins and supplements wisely, and they will be a good addition to your healthy diet. Most people know that taking vitamins is an easy way to pursue a healthy and illness-free lifestyle. In the past, vitamins have been taken as a supplement with daily food consumption. However, today vitamins are more sophisticated. They are now more geared towards specific aspects of our bodies and health. Even though some of us may not realize it, food does not contain all the nutrients that our bodies need. We may be following a healthy diet, but still not be getting all the required nutrients that we need to carry out our daily activities. You may decide to buy high quality foods as a solution to this dilemma, but even then you may not get the proper amount and types of nutrients your body needs. No matter what you eat, you still could be lacking in certain nutrients.

If you have some restrictions on your food consumption, it may be even more difficult to get the right amounts of vitamins and nutrients. This is very common among those who suffer from food allergies. Because of their dietary limitations, those people find it even harder to maintain the right amounts of nutrients. If you have a small appetite, you will also be at a disadvantage in getting an ample amount of nutrients. People with small appetites feel full very quickly, making it harder to consume the daily food nutrients that the body needs. No matter how we look at it, our bodies simply often do not get the right amount of nutrients from our daily food consumption. To provide the proper minerals, vitamins and nutrients our bodies need, we sometimes must use vitamins and supplements. These can be included in our daily diets; however, we must choose them according to what we need based on our food intake habits.

There are vitamins that have many benefits to our body, and one of the most important of these is B12. B12 can raise our immune system and help increase our energy levels. Some of the other vitamins that we may need to include in our diets are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E. These vitamins are very important to our overall health and bodily functions. Vitamin C and vitamin E are two of the most commonly used vitamin supplements. This is because they enhance the growth of healthy skin and healthy hair, and increase the effectiveness of our bodily functions. Folic acid is one of the most commonly prescribed vitamins and supplements. The effect of folic acid on the body is to boost energy. In finding vitamins that give you energy, you should also remember to pick those that can also fight stress. There are several vitamins, supplements and nutrients that can be of great help in keeping your body alert. Most people are not aware of the energy-boosting benefits of the vitamin known as NADH. People taking NADH on a regular basis find great improvements while using this supplement. Although NADH has many good effects on the body, it is mainly used in fighting chronic fatigue. There are other alternatives that provide energy, such as msm supplements and gingko biloba.

To ensure that our bodies remain in peak condition, we must be sure that we are getting the right amount of vitamins in our diet. You can find vitamin supplements at local drug stores or on the Internet. You will probably find numerous types of vitamins from which to choose, but make sure to include selenium and colostrums in your list. These two vitamins can greatly affect our health. If you take the right vitamins together with your daily diet, you will find that your energy will always be at its peak and that your performance in whatever you do is always at its best. There are many alternatives you have in selecting vitamins and supplements for boosting your body’s energy. Many types of vitamins are available for each body condition. Whether you are in your later years, or are a person active in sports with an athletic physique, there are certain kinds of vitamins that will suit you. However, remember that it is very important to consult a doctor before taking any vitamins; do not rush into taking vitamins, as there may also be bad effects if you take the wrong vitamins or supplements. You should always consult a specialist or a doctor before taking any type of energy-boosting vitamins. People with any type of heart ailments or other grave medical conditions are advised to refrain from taking any type of vitamins. Energy vitamins, in particular, should never be taken without consulting the doctor’s advice. There are certain medical tests and exams that should be conducted to determine which vitamins are safe for you to take.

Vitamin supplements: Best brand to buy
Xtend-Life Multi-Xtra is a natural multivitamin supplement that contains 48 bio-available ingredients. The biggest difference between Xtend-Life Multi-Xtra compare with other ‘Multi’ products on the market is in the form of vitamins used. Xtend-Life Multi-Xtra uses only the best natural forms of ingredients that provide the best efficacy. Multi-Xtra is probably the best vitamin/mineral supplement in the world. However, Xtend-Life’s Total Balance range of products are far more advanced than Multi-Xtra. The Total Balance range of products already contains all the nutrients that are included in Multi-Xtra. The Total Balance range natural supplements contain over 90 bio-active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, anti-glycation agents, carotenoids, neuronutrients, flavonoids, herbal extracts, methylation agents, adaptogens, calorie restriction mimetics, co-factors. They work together synergistically to addresse all the prime causes of aging through a combination of complex bio-actives ingredients and a unique delivery system. Total Balance Men’s Premium contains nutrients specifically for men that will help ensure hormones are naturally balanced. Total Balance Women’s Premium also contains a synergistic blend of nutrients specifically for women to help balance hormones naturally. These nutrients may help minimize menstrual discomfort and also reduce hot flashes if passing through menopause. Total Balance for Children provides not only nourishment to all the child’s organs but also their brain. This children’s formula helps maintain your child’s healthy DNA by better enabling it to repair itself. By doing this it is likely that common degenerative diseases can be avoided in future. It also provides nutrients to help prevent the other main causes of ill health such as methylation, inflammation, free radicals, and glycation.

Antioxidant rich foods

There are many foods in our diet that are considered rich in antioxidants. They can be as common as herbs that are used on a daily basis to as exotic as a berry that is found in Brazil! The main thing is a person needs to know which foods to include in their diet on a daily basis to get the amount of antioxidants they need to keep them healthy and regenerate healthy tissue and cells.

One of the most common foods that is considered extremely rich in antioxidants is garlic. It is used daily in our cooking and diets but how many of us think about how good it is for us? Garlic is packed with antioxidants as well as helps to boost the immune system. It also helps clean out the bloodstream from clogging up with plaque and other trash that could cause clotting in the future.

Cayenne pepper is another excellent antioxidant. They are also jam packed with vitamins and boost the metabolism as well. They also work as an analgesic and have great anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne and garlic can both be taken as supplements if a person is unable to incorporate them into their daily diet.

Certain berries such as the strawberry, blueberry and blackberries are very high on the antioxidant scale. They are packed with vitamin C and help to boost the immune system as well. They are tasty additions to the daily diet and are easy to incorporate into most people’s diet or routine. Other fruits such as grapes, apples, plums, cherries, and prunes also rank high in their antioxidant qualities. All types of bean seem to be high in their antioxidant qualities as well which is something that most people either do not know or do not publicize very often.

Nuts and seeds are all high in healthy fatty acids and are high in antioxidants as well. Things such as flaxseed, buckwheat, nettle, pecans and walnuts are very good for you and have great antioxidant qualities. These also have high fiber content so they have other good dietary qualities as well.

So those are the common sources for antioxidants in the diet. These are easy to obtain and one would think they would be easy to maintain in the diet. However it is much easier to think about 5-6 servings of vegetables and fruit per day than it is to eat it. For those who would rather take supplements or look for something more exotic there are some new things on the horizon that seem to be taking the media by storm and are supposed to provide more antioxidants than we have ever seen before in foods. Interested? If so, then read on.

Many people are not aware of the amount of antioxidants a person can absorb from eating vegetables. Many vegetables are good sources of antioxidants, including broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, and peppers. These vegetables are the best choices to keeping your body healthy. In choosing the right vegetables, consider the richness of the color, as the darker the vegetable, the higher the phytonutrient content.

Phytonutrients are found on the skins of different fruits and vegetables. These nutrients also provide the food’s color as well as its scent and flavor. Phytonutrients are quite excellent sources of antioxidants, as compared to many other types of food. When considering a food’s supplement level, the best choice would be based on antioxidant values.

Though fruits and vegetables are the most efficient source of antioxidants for our bodies, the process by which they are gathered can sometimes be harmful. Some of these foods are treated with harmful ingredients such as chemical herbicides, pesticides, and several types of fertilizers. Based on some experimental tests on fruits and vegetables, organically produced food products have a relatively higher antioxidant content compared to those that are produced and prepared for commercial consumption.

The demands of today’s living can make it difficult to select the right foods to eat. The availability of organic fruits is sometimes scarce — especially if you are living in an urban area. Thus, to complement the need for alternative sources of antioxidants, you may want to choose from the available nutritional supplements that also offer sufficient phytonutrients for your everyday needs.

You may find it interesting that foods containing antioxidants are so highly recommended for our daily diet. Aside from fruits and vegetables, there are other types of foods that are also good sources of antioxidants. Meat products are also great providers of antioxidants, at the same time containing protein, which is another essential nutrient for the body. If you have difficulty determining which antioxidants you need, supplements can provide the recommended amount to stay in perfect health.

Best antioxidant supplements

Have you ever wondered why people suffer from sickness and disease as they age or what causes the symptoms of aging? For years, scientists have been studying people in order to pinpoint this chemical agent. Well it turns out that they found what they were after, and hence the name “free radicals,” became known as the cause of aging and physical breakdown in people as they get older. Free radicals basically come as a result of mutated cells and violently attack normal cells. As scary as it sounds, they are prevalent in almost every person. The difference is that as people get older, their cells go through this change more often thanks to chemicals and toxins in our food and in the environment. In younger people, these changes are much more subtle. The good thing is that there is a way that you can fight free radicals, but you’ve got to take action by altering your diet and supplement routines.

The cure for the fight against free radicals is antioxidants, which are nature’s way of stopping the natural aging process. Antioxidants are found in a variety of substances and luckily they are easy to obtain. If you introduce enough antioxidants into your diet, specifically at a young age, then your body should be more than well enough equipped to handle toxins and free radicals. In the Far East, green tea is one of the most popular ways to ward off the ill effects of aging. In the Brazilian rain forest of South America, they use acai berries as a preliminary method of staying healthy. In other parts of the world they use various other foods and drinks to do the same. Rather than try all of these foods on your own, why not try antioxidants in a supplement form.

Some of the best ways to get anti-oxidants are via antioxidant supplements, which eliminate the need for buying specific foods and trying to introduce them into your daily meal. Although foods like acai berry, pomegranate, and even green tea, are all very rich in antioxidants, it can be difficult to consume enough to make a difference. Antioxidant supplements take away all the guesswork by allowing you to take a few pills per day and stop worrying about dietary regulation.

Although you could try to drink several glasses of green tea per day and drink a smoothie with acai berries and pomegranate, you are far better off simply taking just a few pills per day. Also, the cost of an antioxidant supplement is much cheaper than buying all of the ingredients separately. You can find antioxidant supplements both locally and online, but you will probably find the cheapest prices on the Internet.

The great thing about buying antioxidant supplements on the Internet is that you get the chance to price shop and find the most bang for your buck. Don’t be fooled into buying inferior supplements, make sure that the product you choose has the highest combination of antioxidants possible. Otherwise, you’re simply wasting your money and are better off not taking anything at all.

Antioxidants are great for fighting aging and warding off sickness and disease as you get older. Without the use of antioxidants, you really have no other way to fight free radicals. Free radicals not only cause aging and disease, but they also can cause cancer, which as you know is a very dangerous disease. Why not do everything you can to not only age well, but to ensure that you are healthy in your elderly years. Antioxidant supplements are a cheap way to take care of yourself now and in the long run.

One of the biggest splashes on the television, Oprah and according to Dr Perricone is the benefits of the Brazilian acai berry. This food is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. The claims are that it is so packed full of antioxidants that it has ten times what grapes or other fruits do that were considered high on the food chain before.

Claims are that it can even help stave off the aging process as well. Diet companies are snapping it up as it is said to speed up the body’s natural metabolism and help burn fats at a higher rate. The Acai berry contains some of the most complex amino acids that can be found in foods today. These are very important to people interested in body building or looking to regenerate muscle mass as amino acids are essential for this purpose. The berry also contains a fatty acid that helps transcend the cell membrane and helps to regulate glucose and insulin levels in the body.

Whether all the claims are true or not remain to be seen. However there are many reports and positive reviews of people losing weight, feeling better and having more energy after using preparations with the acai berry in them. One thing to note, however is that for the acai berry to retain its potency and its proper qualities it must be freeze dried. It has been noted that a lot of companies do not disclose how they process their berries so it might be wise to ask this question before paying the high price for this new fad.

Although there are good reasons to take supplements, fruits and vegetables are still the best sources of antioxidants. Just be careful in selecting the foods you eat, since most commercially produced food products contain chemical that may be harmful to your health. Processed foods such as canned fruits and vegetables have high sugar and calorie contents, which are not present in antioxidant supplements. These supplements can provide the required levels of antioxidants without the additional chemicals, sugars and calories. Keeping these concepts in mind will help you to choose which supplements you may want to take.