Women articles online

By: Rebecca Prescott

Omega 3 fish oils have received some negative publicity recently. There were scares over potential contamination in fresh oily fish by mercury, though this has been refuted as an overly exaggerated issue. And more recently, a meta study, which is a ’study of studies’, was published online that seemed to suggest that omega 3 benefits for heart health and cancer were not true.

But Dr Ray Rice, a food scientist, dismissed the results. He said that despite the claim that 48 studies were reviewed, only 12 actually were, and of that 12, 3 or 4 should not have been included. He described the report as being “conceptually flawed”, having a faulty technique, and being misleading to the public.

There is an abundance of scientific data to support the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, from oily fish such as salmon, and of course, good quality (non rancid) fish oil supplements.

General omega 3 benefits include:

* protecting against cardiovascular disease and improving heart health
* improving joint health
* improving moods and behaviour, including ADHD
* good development of the fetus during pregnancy
* the inhibition of some cancer cells

The Omega 3 Benefits For Heart health

The omega 3 benefits for heart health have been well documented. The Food Standards Agency and the British Nutrition Foundation recommend that people eat 2 servings of fish a week, one being an oily fish like salmon that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

A small study of 18 white men, from ages 68 onwards, who had a heart attack from 3 months to 5 years previously, found omega 3 fish oils benefited their hearts and potentially reduced the risk of further heart attacks.

These men took a supplement containing 810mg of fish oil a day for 4 months, and those taking a placebo took a mixture of corn oil and olive oil. The participants didn’t know whether they were taking a placebo or not.

Their resting heart rate at rest and after exercise was measured. It was found that those taking the omega 3 fish oils had a lower resting heart rate, and their heart rate returned to normal more quickly after exercise. Those men that have a high heart rate when resting have a greater chance of having a heart attack, and dying from one.

A study designed to assess the combination of 3 supplements that have been found to individually protect against cardiovascular disease found that when used together, the benefit was much stronger. The 3 supplements were omega 3 fish oils, niacin, and vitamin E. Niacin, due to side effects at high doses, was a low dose component. Despite this low dose, the study found that those taking the niacin, fish oil, and vitamin e combination had a greater benefit than those taking fish oil and vitamin e alone.

The study was a double blind, placebo controlled study, with a control group taking none of the supplements. 57 volunteers took the supplements over a 4 month period. After this period, it was found that the total antioxidant capacity of the volunteers taking either 2 or 3 of the supplements increased, with the greatest increase being in the group taking the omega 3, niacin and vitamin e combination. This third group also had significantly higher levels of vitamin e, whereas those not taking niacin did not have this benefit. This is because niacin, and another component of that supplement, gamma-oryzanol, preserve vitamin e in the body.

The study also found that cellular agents that are involved in inflammation, were reduced in both of these groups taking the supplements. In particular, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was reduced for both, but only in the group taking the additional niacin and gamma-oryzanol component was the reduction of the inflammatory agent interleukin 1-beta (IL 1-beta) significant.

Combination Omega 3 Supplements

It’s not just omega 3 fish oils with the benefits however. For specific conditions, a combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are very helpful.

A study recently published found that teenagers aged 12 to 15 years taking a supplement containing both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids had a remarkably improved attention span. These teenagers had been clinically diagnosed with moderate to severe ADHD and had persistent problems with both impulsiveness, and attention and concentration.

At the start of the study, the inattentiveness of these students was measured at an average of 94%. After 3 months of taking a supplement containing a high quality omega 3 fish oil and the omega 6 fatty acid, evening primrose oil, the inattentiveness of the students had fallen to an average of 17%.

With regards to impulsivity, there were similar benefits. From an average score of 89%, impulsivity scores fell to an average of 28% by the end of the trial.

The evening primrose oil was also a high quality one, being made from virgin evening primrose oil. And the study participants were aware they were taking the supplements, so it was not a double blind study. But the results are still excellent. The EPA content of the fish oil component was 500mg taken per day, which in this case was the equivalent of 6 capsules, though this will vary according to different formulations. EPA simply means eicosapentaenoic acid, and is a kind of active constituent in fish oil essential fatty acids.

References:
1. nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=66694&m=1NIU328&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
2. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=66816&m=1NIE403&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
3. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=67062&m=1NIE413&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
4. foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=66658&m=2FNE329&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub

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By: Nutrovitasub

VALERIAN ROOT

Valerian Root comes from the Latin “valere”, which means “to be in good health.” It has been used since ancient times to treat insomnia and nervous disturbances in sleep. It was also used as a condiment in Europe during medieval times and as a perfume during the 16th century. Valerian Root has been used for food by many cultures. The Piute Indians ground it for flour and the British used the roots in soup. In addition to its historical uses, it is used today primarily to promote restful sleep and relax the central nervous system. Valerian Root contains a root stock which harbors many active compounds that herbalists believe give this plant an amazing medicinal value.

Valerian Root is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomach cramps.

Though research into the chemical properties of the Valerian herb is still under way, scientists have already isolated over 150 bioactive phytochemicals. Some of the phytochemicals believed to be responsible for its effects include valerenic acids, valepotriates, tyrosine and GABA (Gamm-aminobutyric acid). Valerian Root contains many different constituents, including volatile oils that appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors. According to test tube studies, Valerian Root may weakly bind to these receptors to exert a sedating action. As Valerian Root ages, it produces a substance known as isovaleric acid. This compound and another acid known as valerenic acid are significant active ingredients that are present in the volatile oils found in Valerian root. These volatile oils are thought to be responsible for Valerian Root’s ability to relax the central nervous system and promote a good night’s sleep.

Valerian Roots contain several compounds with demonstrable pharmacological activity. These include the essential oil and its sesquiterpenoids (valerenic acid), epoxy iridoid esters (valepotriates) and their decomposition products such as baldrinal and homobaldrinal, amino acids (arginine, GABA, glutamine, tyrosine) and alkaloids. Valerian Root also contains small amounts of phenolic acids, flavonoids, valerosidatum, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, choline, B-sitosterol, fatty acids and various minerals.

Benefits Of Valerian Root
Valerian’s Root has been shown to help fight insomnia in several cases. Promoting sleep, many people use this supplement to help rest easier at night. Valerian Root is not an addictive substance & for this reason, its use is widely accepted. Double blind studies have shown that Valerian root can decrease the amount of time it takes for people with mild insomnia to fall asleep. Valerian Root is also used to treat anxiety disorders and counteract stress. It has a sedative effect that helps to relax the central nervous system and provide a feeling of calmness. In addition to its use as a tranquilizer and sleep aid, many herbalists also recommend Valerian Root as a remedy for tension headaches and muscular pain because of its ability to act as a muscle relaxant. Another of the health benefits of Valerian Root would be its ability to put the user in a calm and relaxed state, helping to alleviate the effects of stress and anxiety. Valerian Root has also been used for such tasks as alleviating headaches, relieving pain, improving menstrual flow and cramps, and also for helping irritable bowel syndrome.

Valerian Root also appears to be useful in relieving menopausal symptoms and menstrual discomfort.. Best known for its calming effect, Valerian Root is used in connection with insomnia and nervousness and related conditions including anxiety, nervous restlessness, anxiety-induced headache or upset stomach. Valerian Root has also been used in connection with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and migraines. However, no clinical evidence substantiates its effectiveness for these uses.

Uses Of Valerian Root
Valerian Root is being used as a sleep aid to help insomnia and other sleeping problems.
The Greek physician recommended Valerian Root for a host of medical issues, including digestive problems, nausea, liver problems, and even urinary tract disorders.
Use of Valerian Root for insomnia and nervous conditions has been common for many centuries and was also used for nervous disorders.
Valerian Root is an effective treatment for people with mild to moderately severe insomnia.
Valerian Root has proven effective at treating anxiety and restlessness.
Valerian Root may be effective against common digestive problems brought on by stress.

Side Effects Of Valerian Root
Though Valerian Root is generally a very safe herbal supplement, possible side effects from taking overly high amounts of Valerian Root can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, grogginess, and palpitations of the heart. Very high dosages may also impair the liver and the central nervous system. Side effects such as mild headaches or gastrointestinal disturbances may be experienced by a small percentage of users. These are reported to be transient, so discontinuing supplementation of Valerian Root should resolve any potential side effects one might experience.

Valerian Root
Nutrovita

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By: Zach Bashore

Supplement Spotlight: S.A.N. Tight
Zach Bashore
April 18, 2006

One of the most popular bodybuilding in the industry today is S.A.N. Tight. This supplement is popular because of its fat-burning effects without the dangerous consequences of ephedrine. This article is going to explain the benefits, uses, ingredients, and side effects associated with the use of S.A.N. Tight.

Despite its fat burning effect, Tight suppresses your appetite so you can manage your calorie intake better. It also preserves lean muscle mass when dieting, increases energy, eliminates fat from troubled areas, and enhances brain function. Tight is the perfect supplement to take before a workout because it allows you to be more focused and more intense with your lifts. During your workout it burns more calories, which in turn, equals fat loss.

Tight is the perfect combination of eight key ingredients which allows for its awesome fat-burning effect. The best part about its ingredients is that it contains no ephedrine and they are perfectly safe. The following eight ingredients give Tight the reputation of one of the best thermogenics available:

*Caffeine Anhydrous
*Forslean
*Bioperine
*Yohimbine HCL
*Vinpocetine
*Guggelsterones E and Z
*Synephrine
*Sclareolide

As with all thermogenics, there are a few side effects that can be harmful if you are one of the following: Persons suffering from any disease, being treated for stroke, seizure disorder, anxiety, depression, psychiatric or thyroid disease, or kidney problems. If you are severely overweight, I recommend that you consult a doctor before using Tight. You never want to take something that can actually be harmful for you.

I`ve heard nothing but good results with use of Tight. One bodybuilder at the gym told me that he supplemented with it for three months and noticed an increase in his lifts each week of supplementation. Be certain that you take the recommended dosage and never exceed twelve weeks of continuous use. If you are serious about weight loss, I highly recommend that you purchase a bottle for yourself.

*http://www.ultimatefatburner.com/san-tight-review.html
*http://www.musclesurf.com/san-tight.html
*http://reviews.bodybuildingforyou.com/SAN-Nutrition/tight.htm
*http://www.a1nutritionproducts.com/benefits/san/tight
*http://www.bodybuilding-supplement-guide.com/san-tight.html

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By: Nutrovitasub

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENT

Fish Oil contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both EPA and DHA are known as essential omega-3 fatty acids because the body cannot make them on its own. Humans rely on strictly on their diet and/or nutritional supplements to meet their daily requirement of Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil provides one source of these important Omega-3 nutrients. Fish Oil supplements are derived from a variety of sources, including mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver, halibut, whale blubber and seal blubber. Fish oils may benefit the skin, the brain, cardiovascular system….and lot more. Fish Oils offer high concentrations of polyunsaturated fats called omega-3-fatty acids which have myriad healing powers.

Many studies find some beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids, especially against heart attacks. Fish oil benefits happen as a result of the long chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in Fish Oil. These are not found in flax seed or other vegetable oils. Scientific evidence reveals a diet rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids helps support healthy joint movement, a healthy immune system, a balanced mood and sense of well being, healthy kidneys, a healthy brain, strength and stamina and helps maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Health Benefits Of Fish Oil
Scientists are constantly discovering new health benefits for Fish Oil. In addition to its more notable properties as heart-healing substances, there’s evidence that the fatty acids in Fish oil ease menstrual cramps and the pain and heavy bleeding of endometriosis. Omega-3s may even aid mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Preliminary findings in people with manic depression (bipolar disorder) link fish oil supplementation to fewer mood swings. The beneficial effects of omega 3 Fish Oil on coronary heart disease (CHD) have been researched for more than two decades. Omega 3 fish oil; has important metabolic effects, such as inhibiting platelet aggregation and lowering serum triglyceride levels, which could play a role in the prevention of CHD. Fish and Fish oil, rich sources of omega 3 fatty acid, have sparked extreme interest in both epidemiological studies, which recommend a beneficial result on coronary heart disease (CHD), and metabolic ward studies, which show a remarkable recovery in lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic patients.

The American Heart Association recommends healthy people eat omega 3 fatty acid from Fish Oil and plant sources to protect their hearts. Increasing omega 3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable.

Intake of omega 3 fats, especially from Fish Oil, may decrease blood pressure and thin the blood. Omega 3 Fish oils are considered anti-inflammatory and helpful for arthritis, asthma, depression and bipolar disease. In some studies Omega 3 relieves both arthritis pain and inflammation. Fish Oil protect the heart by preventing blood clots or keeping other fats from injuring the arterial walls. They not only relax arteries but also help to decrease constriction of arteries and thickening of blood. There is now clear evidence that dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid is essential for normal eye and brain development. Deficiency of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in humans has been shown to produce subtle adverse effects on visual and neural function.

Uses Of Fish Oil Supplement
Extensive scientific research has concluded that Omega 3 fish oil uses include:
Omega 3 Fish Oil uses as an anti-inflammatory treatment for conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Menstrual Pain, Lupus, Immune Response, Hypertension, Diabetes & Cancer.
Fish Oil may be helpful for various psychiatric conditions
Fish oil helps in Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body.
Fish Oil aids in stopping the buildup of fatty deposits (triglycerides) in the arteries.
Fish oil Increase the body’s HDL (good) cholesterol level.
Fish oil reduces inflammation in the blood.
Fish Oil has also been used to treat conditions such as depression, eczema, IBD, macular degeneration and arthritis. Fish oil benefits the heart significantly, as well as the rest of the body.

Possible Side Effects
Consuming excessive amount of Fish Oil capsules can result in excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal distress, anemia, or strokes. Other possible adverse effects are very high doses of fish oils may cause your body to emit a slightly fishy odor.

Fish Oil
Nutrovita

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By: Nutrovitasub

HOODIA GORDONII

Hoodia Gordonii (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) is also called hoodia, xhooba, khoba, Ghaap, hoodia cactus, and South African desert cactus, is a genus in the plant family Apocynaceae, in the part of the family previously treated as a separate family Asclepiadaceae. Hoodia Gordonii is a leafless succulent plant that has the appearance of a cactus and originates from the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, especially in plains and rocky areas.

The use of Hoodia Gordonii is long known by the indigenous populations of Southern Africa, who infrequently use these plants for treating indigestion and small infections. Hoodia is a cactus that’s causing a stir for its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. Hoodia Gordonii is famous for its effects as an appetite suppressant and mood enhancer. Excellent results have been obtained from people using it as part of a weight loss program, leading to many international companies making and selling Hoodia as a ‘new miracle diet pill’. Hoodia Gordonii is a well known appetite suppressant and mood enhancer.

Recent research has shown that the Hoodia Gordonii species contains a molecule that is similar to glucose, only MUCH stronger. The scientists believe that this molecule in Hoodia ‘fools’ the body into believing that it has just eaten. The result of eating Hoodia is thus a complete lack of appetite. Because of this property, Western countries have claimed that Hoodia Gordonii is the ‘new miracle diet ingredient’. There is strong evidence to suggest that Hoodia may become a worldwide answer to obesity, as studies confirmed excellent results.

Hoodia Gordonii is really useful in loosing your weight as research on Hoodia Gordonii indicates that it is the real deal. Hoodia has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing weight. With obesity reaching epidemic proportions across the world, Hoodia may be the answer to millions of peoples needs. Just think - the hardest part about dieting was always hunger and cravings, Hoodia does away with all this. But How Hoodia Gordonii works?

There is a part of your brain, the hypothalamus. Within that mid-brain there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar. When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, these cells start firing and now you are full. What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose. It goes to the mid-brain and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to.

CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Institute of South Africa investigated this property of the plant and isolated the active ingredient that caused it and named it P 57. This is a long molecule that imitates glucose, but about 10,000 times more so. Its presence makes the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, to fire nerve cells to give a feeling of full stomach. CSIR naturally realized the great potential of P 57 as help in weight loss programs.

The medicinal use of Hoodia Gordonii is long known by the indigenous populations, who use these plants for treating indigestion and small infections. Recently the pharmaceutical companies discovered that Hoodia Gordonii extracts can be used to lower blood pressure and reduce the appetite.

Hoodia Gordonii has been used for generations by South African tribesmen to starve off hunger and thirst during long hunting expeditions. In addition to eliminating hunger and suppressing the appetite Hoodia also seems to boost energy levels and counteract depression, some folks even report aphrodisiac-like qualities. The efficacy of Hoodia Gordonii has been established with a profound weight loss and a good emergent safety profile. Hoodia Gordonii also quenches one’s thirst and cures a case of severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, tuberculosis, diabetes, hemorrhoids, hypertension, and is a mood-enhancer and improves energy levels.

Hoodia Gordonii
Nutrovita

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By: Philip Nicosia

It’s very important to watch what you eat. You are eating for two—which doesn’t mean that you eat more (so say goodbye to that second slice of cake), but that you eat smart. You are your baby’s only source of nutrients, and you need the proper balance of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates.

That being said, most prenatal dieticians strongly advise against adhering to a strict no-carb diet. Without sufficient carbs, your body will produce a by-product called ketones during your blood stream, which can put your baby at risk for brain damage.

But what about low carb diets? Aside from the risk of mental retardation, there are some aspects of low carb diets that can worsen the discomforts of pregnancy. For example, low carb diets tend to have low levels of dietary fiber, which exacerbate the constipation that many pregnant moms suffer because of the required iron supplements. Also, most prenatal dieticians recommend taking a lot of fruit because of its rich vitamin content, but most of the items you’ll find in a typical shake are banned by Atkins and South Beach because of the sugars.

But some doctors may recommend taking modified low-carb diets, especially if you are obese, suffer from gestational diabetes or low blood sugar. All three conditions have been proven to have adverse affects on the baby (including prematurity, birth defects, and early rupture of the membranes) so losing weight or controlling intake may actually be the best thing for your baby.

If you are asked to go on a low-carb diet during pregnancy, you will probably be told to go on the maintenance phase of the Atkins Diet, or the second phase of the South Beach Diet. Here, you are allowed a controlled number of carbohydrates, usually from whole grains and fruits, while minimizing white bread, white rice, and pasta. That is fine, as you are still giving your baby the adequate nutrients, while removing processed foods.

If you are not allowed to go low-carb, but still need to control your weight, there are some options open to you. First of all, eat small but frequent meals. If you want a snack, instead of taking junk food or processed meats (which have a lot of calories, but significantly less nutrients), take salads, fruits, nuts and crackers. Choose lean cuts of meat, and minimize salt and rich sauces
during cooking. And while you do need carbohydrates, take in moderation. One plate of pasta is good, three servings of it smothered in white sauce is not.

But the most important thing to remember is that before you go on any diet during pregnancy consult your obstetrician-gynaecologist. She or he can properly determine the best course of action given your particular medical history and the condition of your baby. Do not go on any weight management program without the advice and the approval of your doctor. Whether it’s low carb or Zone or the Mediterranean Diet, the point is that there is a proven link between prenatal nutrition and the baby’s health. Complications can include low birth weight, birth defects, and early delivery.

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By: anchalee

If anyone is searching for another way to enhance the size of breasts without the use of surgery, then a breast enhancement supplement might be right for you. Taking a breast enhancement supplement has become a popular way for people who prefer a cheaper, less invasive way to increase their breast size.

The technology and advancements in the pharmaceutical industry has made it possible for women to increase the size of their breasts just by taking a pill supplement. These breast enhancement supplements can grow your breast to the size you have always dreamed of, while helping you to look attractive and feel more confident about yourself.

The key to getting the breast size you have always desired from a breast enhance supplement, is to select a reputable company that sells these supplements. Usually a search on the Internet will return a large amount of results, however it is suggested that the buyer be aware of sites that have outrageous promises.

After you have selected a reputable website to purchase and receive your breast enhancement supplement, it is important to follow the recommended directions for taking the supplements. A breast enhancement supplement will contain a form of animal or plant estrogen that acts on the breast to enhance its size. These estrogens function to achieve the best results for breast growth. Not following directions might delay or stop the growth of your breasts tissue. It is also good to remember that some breast enhancement supplements cannot be taken with other medication or certain types of food.

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By: Nishanth Reddy

In recent times it would give the impression that fats and carbohydrates have both gotten a bad rap. First it was fat that was the culprit in all dietary ills, and low fat diets were all the rage. Then the two switched places, with carbohydrates being the bad guys and fat reigning supreme.

Both fats and carbohydrates play an important role in nutrition, and both are vital to a healthy diet. It would be impossible and unwise to remove all fat from the diet, since fat is important for the production of energy, and for carrying valuable fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K, throughout the body. In addition, fat plays a very important role in regulating various bodily functions.

Even though some fat is essential to a healthy body, too much fat can be harmful. Excessive levels of dietary fats have been implicated in heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol levels and even some cancers. Most nutritionists suggest limiting daily fat intake to less than 20% of calories, although taking that level lower than 10% is not recommended.

The type and amount of fat in the diet makes all the difference. A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol has been associated with a variety of ills, including heart disease, stroke and other related diseases. In addition, many long-term chronic problems, such as obesity, are associated with high levels of dietary fats.

Food labels do make the complex process of choosing the right fats somewhat easier. For instance, trans fats will be listed on the ingredient list of foods that include them. In general, trans fats are found mainly in processed foods. When limiting your daily intake of fat and cholesterol, it is good to have an understanding of nutritional labels. This government mandated labels could be a huge help to those who take the time to read and be aware of them.

Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet as well, and carbs are necessary for providing energy and many vital nutrients. Carbohydrates are found in fruits and vegetables, in grains and in milk and dairy products. It is important to choose carbohydrates carefully, however, since not all are equally healthy.

Keeping saturated fats and trans fats to a minimum is important to a healthy diet. Trans fats, which are solid at room temperature, are most often found in highly processed foods like cookies, cakes and other baked goods. In addition, trans fats are often found in fried foods and in salty snacks like potato chips. While these foods are fine in moderation, it is best to avoid large quantities of such snacks.

As with many products, less is often more when it comes to choosing foods rich in carbohydrates. For example, less refined whole grain bread is generally more nutritious than white bread, which has gone through a greater amount of refining. That is because the refining process tends to decrease nutrient content over time.

Of course, there are some elements in the diet that should be limited. Two of these elements are sugar and salt. Most Americans consume too much salt and sugar, and this has led to epidemics of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other ills. Limiting sugar and salt, while choosing good fats and unrefined carbohydrates, is a great way to make the most of the nutritional value of the foods you eat.

There’s a lot to understand about Fats and carbohydrates. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

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By: Nathalie Lussier

It has happened to all of us at some point or another: we were doing so well with our weight loss diet or exercise regime. Then suddenly we fell off the horse and decided that if we had already gone this far we might as well give up entirely.

There’s an old Chinese tale about a father and his son who lived on a farm. Together they raised sheep and cared for them. They lived off of these sheep and were able to make money from the sheep’s fur. Every day both the father and the son walked around the field where they were raising the sheep to check that the fence was in good order. One night, the fence broke and some wolves sneaked into the field and ate some of the sheep.

The son cried out to his father saying that all was lost and that they were now ruined! But the father simply picked up his tools and took his son to the fence to patch it up. Once the fence had been fixed, the father told his son that just because there was a weakness in the fence it does not mean that it cannot be fixed nor that it is impossible for them to keep raising sheep.

Your diet or exercise regime is like sheep, it is always at risk of violated or destroyed. The fence represents your will power and your circumstances. It might happen that you’re too busy to go to the gym or go jogging every morning for a period of time. It might happen that you were forced to stop at a fast food joint on the side of the high way. It might happen that you cave in to eating some chips, some chocolate, or any one of your other cravings. But that doesn’t mean you should give up and let your sheep continue to be eaten by wolves. After you’ve stuffed yourself with what you know to be unhealthy food: stop and think about it. It’s not the end of the world.

If you go end up on a binge of food, you don’t need to eat more bad food to “get it out of your system”, to feel better or to make sure it never happens again. You will be faced with times where you want to eat something unhealthy, or you want to sleep in and skip your step class. No problem, but don’t let that one incident ruin your motivation or your commitment to your diet or exercise regime. It happens to everyone, but if you’re one of the people who is able to pick yourself up and fix the fence you’ll be able to keep losing weight and get healthier.

I hope this story has helped you to understand that not all is lost if your resolve waivers for a day or a week, or what have you. You are the boss of yourself and you can chose to return to eating healthy foods and working out on a regular basis without any fear. Trust in yourself and make sure you keep your eyes focused on the goal since that’s what keeps us all motivated.

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By: Nutrovitasub

BLACK WALNUT

There is no better snack around or easier way to add extra nutrition, flavor and crunch to your meal than by adding a handful of Black Walnuts. While walnuts are harvested in December, they are available year-round to help us get those all important omega 3 fatty acids. Black Walnuts trees grow in the central to eastern regions of North America. The most notable attribute of the black walnut tree is its characteristic smell. The Black Walnuts are covered in a smooth hard shell that is difficult to break. The black walnut has a long history of medicinal and food uses.

Black Walnuts used as treatment for diphtheria and syphilis, and is now used mostly for the astringent properties of its hulls and bark. The nuts continue to be a popular ingredient in a number of bakery products. Black Walnuts contain essential fatty acids that may help to protect the body against heart disease. The astringents in black walnut, known as tannins and juglone, help to tighten the top layers of skin or mucous membranes, thereby limiting secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. Consequently, Black Walnuts has been considered an effective treatment for gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Many believe that black walnut may have some ability for eliminating internal parasites such as tapeworms.

Black Walnuts are a very good source of manganese and a good source of copper, two minerals that are essential cofactors in a number of enzymes important in antioxidant defenses. Black Walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound called Ellagic acid, which blocks the metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. Ellagic acid not only helps protect healthy cells from free radical damage, but also helps detoxify potential cancer-causing substances and helps prevent cancer cells from replicating.

Health Benefits Of Black Walnut:
When it comes to their health benefits, walnuts definitely are not a hard nut to crack. This delicious nut is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture. Black Walnut’sconcentration of omega-3s has many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, Black Walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have anticancer properties.

Adding Black Walnuts to your diet can be an important step in improving your cardiovascular health. A host of studies have shown that increasing the dietary intake of monounsaturated-dense walnuts has favorable effects on high cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. In addition to their heart-protective monounsaturated fats, Black Walnuts concentration of omega-3 essential fatty acids is also responsible for the favorable effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Omega-3s benefit the cardiovascular system by helping to prevent erratic heart rhythms, making blood less likely to clot inside arteries and improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol against potentially harmful (LDL) cholesterol. Omega-3s also reduce inflammation, which is a key component in the processes that turn cholesterol into artery-clogging plaques. Since Black Walnuts contain relatively high levels of l-arginine, an essential amino acid, they may also be of special import when it comes to hypertension. In the body, l-arginine is converted into nitric oxide, which helps keep the inner walls of blood vessels smooth and allows blood vessels to relax.

The green shells around the Black Walnuts are usually used internally as a blood cleanser. With warts, there is usually an internal problem with blood impurity or with the immune system. This remedy should be given along with herbs or foods that have a laxative effect, to ensure that the internal toxins are expelled from the body. This remedy is said to have a good effect on blood sugar in high blood sugar problems. Black Walnuts hulls contain a substance which helps the body eliminate parasites. Although this is the primary purpose of this herb, it is also used for poison oak, ringworm and skin ailments. It has antifungal properties and is also said to promote bowel regularity. In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, the Black Walnut-rich ALA diet helps to
• decreased levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and E-selection
• lowered levels of C-reactive protein
• increased levels of the protective omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

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