Green Tea, CLA, and Gluten-Free Foods for Healthy Weight Loss

Posted on November 22, 2011 by copywriters

People are always looking for natural and healthy ways to boost their metabolism and lose weight without changes in exercise or diet. Weight loss pills work for a while, but research always find harmful side effects after prolonged use. Green tea, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), and gluten-free products are natural ingredients that create minimal side effects unless used in very large amounts. These natural ingredients may help weight-loss efforts, but will be more effective when combined with exercise.

Green tea has been used for centuries, most notably in China where it was first used, to cure a variety of ailments. Today, it is commonly used as an energy booster, antioxidant, and weight loss drink. It has been proven to provide positive benefits for the heart and immune system. Green tea is made solely from the leaves of Camellia Sinenis, which contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol that appears to be responsible for its weight loss inducing properties.

According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, as little as 90 mg of EGCG produces positive weight loss results. Thus, a person should take 2 to 3 cups of green tea, which contains 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols, a day to effectively lose weight. However, green tea contains caffeine, which increases insulin, causing blood sugar to drop; and thus, results in lethargy, dizziness and shakiness. Green tea has also been associated with lowering iron levels and even causing anemia.

CLA, which is mostly found in beef and dairy products, is also a healthy weight loss option. It is a family of at least 28 isomers of linoleic acid, a form of omega-3 fatty acids. It is commonly used for its cancer treatment and prevention, and, cholesterol and weight control properties. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, CLA is an antioxidant that helps eliminate cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

According to a study by the Journal of Nutrition, a dosage of 3,400 mg of CLA a day can effectively cause weight loss. Its most significant effect on weight management is targeted on body composition. It reduces total body fat, while increasing lean body mass. A modest recommended daily dosage of 3.2g produces 90 g fat loss per week as shown in a meta-analysis.

Lastly, gluten is a protein found in foods processed from wheat and other grain produce, including beer, flour, breads, and pastas. The National Institute of Health in the U.S. said that between .5 and 1% of Americans are sensitive to gluten because of Celiac disease. That was 2004, but today, about 10% of Americans are gluten-sensitive. As a result, gluten-free foods have increased in sales by 16% last year alone according to a report by Nielsen Company.

The effects of green tea, CLA and gluten-free foods in weight loss are healthy. However, scientists state that the use of these foods itself is not the answer to the prevailing problem of obesity. These useful tools can only help for a healthy lifestyle and exercise program to achieve and maintain an ideal and healthy body weight. On a last note, always consult a doctor before taking any weight loss foods or supplements.

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Probiotics Can Reduce Stress-Induced Disorders

Posted on November 13, 2011 by copywriters

Almost everyone must have gulped down a probiotic drink at least once in his life. Probiotics, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” These microorganisms usually come in the form of bacteria similar to those that normally thrive in the human gut. Because they deliver beneficial effects to their hosts, they are commonly referred to as “good bacteria.” To have a taste of these “good bacteria,” food manufacturers have developed different probiotic-containing products such as dietary supplements, soy beverages, yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, and other functional drinks. Aside from their digestive benefits, probiotics can be consumed as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

In a recent study, researchers claim that consuming probiotic products can change the brain chemistry involved in stress and anxiety. Results revealed that the kind of foods that individuals eat can directly influence their emotions and affect how the brain and body react. They observed that this effect is associated with the action of the vagus nerve, a type of cranial nerve that branches out into the stomach, thereby connecting it to the brain. For example, if an individual eats a spoiled food, the vagus nerve helps to detect and transmit the sickening feeling and malaise. This happens because the vagus nerve plays a key role in generating signals from the gut and transmitting them to the brain.

In mice, the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 fed to one group were compared with the behaviours of those that were only given broth. Based on observations, the brain chemistry of mice fed with the probiotics exhibited lower stress level, as well as anxiety and depression-related behaviours in contrast to the other group of mice. The researchers concluded that ingesting the bacteria may have reduced the levels of the stress hormone corticosterone. It is also likely that the bacteria have altered the action of GABA, a brain chemical that acts directly on nerves to decrease their activity. This finding may have significant implications on the management of anxiety and depression-related disorders in humans.

Stress affects the gut physiology and may influence gastro-intestinal diseases. Usually, commensal microorganisms and their hosts demonstrate a symbiotic relationship. Yet, stress tends to decrease the number of Lactobacilli and increase the growth and mucosal uptake of pathogens, including E. coli and Pseudomonas. Furthermore, these intestinal microorganisms can sense if the host has become stressed. This provides the pathogenic bacteria with the opportunity to boost their virulence and eventually cause more damage to the host. The probiotics, then, counteract the stress-induced effects in the intestinal barrier, visceral sensitivity, and gut motility, which require strain specificity. In addition, direct bacterial-host cell interaction and soluble factors mediate these effects. These pathogens also compete for the essential nutrients and induce the release of epithelial heat-shock proteins. Thus, probiotic treatment may be administered to patients who experience stress-related intestinal disorders.

Since the food can directly affect how individuals feel, it is recommended that probiotics be taken. The “good bacteria” will not only aid in proper digestion and improve immune health but also reduce stress-related disorders.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish Oil Supplements

Posted on November 10, 2011 by copywriters

Just like any other kind of nutrients, essential fatty acids are vital in the proper functioning of the body. As one of the nutrients that the body cannot synthesize, essential fatty acids are specific fats that can be obtained from other food sources depending on the type that the body needs.

Essential fatty acids come in different forms, but the main types that must be included in the diet are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are involved in several normal body functions, including regulating blood clotting and building the cell membranes in the brain. In addition, they help in maintaining the viscosity of the blood to prevent the formation of unwanted blood clots in the arteries that might cause heart attacks and stroke. Current studies aim to identify their potential benefits in other types of health conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Two major types of omega-3 fatty acids are usually found in different kinds of food. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can be obtained from some vegetable oils like soybean, rapeseed or canola oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. ALA can also be taken from green vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad greens. On the other hand, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are acquired from fatty fish.

Similarly, omega-6 fatty acids contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are common in the Western diet because safflower, corn, cottonseed, and soybean oils are usually added in their meals. This type of fatty acid reduces the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. It also serves as protection against heart disease.

Of these two main types of essential fatty acids, insufficient omega-3 fatty acids in the diet result to more adverse effects. Low levels have been associated with dementia, hair and skin problems, mood swings, memory loss, and certain vision problems.

Although it is a known fact that these essential fatty acids are required in the daily diet, most people do not get their daily servings of certain foods that are rich in these nutrients. They can choose to take supplements to obtain the necessary dosage of omega-3 fatty acids.

For example, individuals who do not eat fish can take fish oil supplements. Usually, mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, or seal blubber are used to manufacture fish oil supplements. Small amounts of vitamin E are added to prevent spoilage. Other vitamins and minerals in fish oil supplements are calcium, iron, or vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, or D. As “brain food,” some people eat fish to alleviate and control depression, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other thinking disorders. Generally, it is recommended to take 500 mg per day of essential fatty acids supplements.

Essential fatty acids are important to the body’s health. Thus, it is good to check each person’s diet to ensure that he or she is getting the adequate supply of these essential building blocks. Include fatty fish, soybeans, green vegetables, and other good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the grocer’s list. Or, invest in dietary supplements that contain these essential fatty acids.

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Nutrition Supplements for Holistic Health

Posted on November 6, 2011 by copywriters

Nutrition is the science and study of proper balance diet to promote health. It involves the process of taking in, digesting, and absorbing food for the growth and repair of worn tissues.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, holism is defined as a “theory that the fundamental principle of the universe is the creation of wholes.” Holistic Medicine on the other hand, is defined as “a system which treats the whole person, physically and psychologically, rather than simply treating the whole part.” Thus, holistic nutrition looks at the total person, including dietary intake of nutrition supplements, way of living, prevention of sickness, and the use of non-toxic, natural therapies. The purpose is to do no harm to the body by using nature’s healing power to address the needs of the whole person. Therefore, nutrition is essential to the practice of holistic medicine. Proper diet is the foundation for all therapies and, in general, makes them necessary.

The Western society has conquered the problem of infectious diseases, which is primarily eliminated by public health measures. Although infectious diseases have been eradicated, hospitals and mental health clinics have remained to be busy as infectious diseases have been replaced with degenerative diseases.

By definition, evolution guarantees that all living things existing today are well adapted to their environment as long as they live according to the forces that formed their evolutionary development. This definition, however, does not relate to nutrition. According to the Macrobiotic philosophy, eating whole cereal grains as the principle food allowed man to develop his superior intellect. Using fire for cooking enabled man to change his food and allowed him to become more adaptable and flexible. Man ultimately became the most successful species.

It was the abandonment of the traditional way of eating and replacing it with the modern diet that led to most of the illnesses prevalent today. If man is to return to a diet based on vegetables and fruits with animal products, whole cereal grains, and nutrition supplements, rather than our present reliance on animal products, sugar, and refined/chemically engineered foods, man can regain holistic health.

Holistic Iridology and Sclerology establishes and promotes the principles of natural health care – man’s good health is a natural state and therefore, the body continually works to maintain balance and heal itself. Acute illness is a sign that the body is struggling to heal itself, while chronic illness is a manifestation that healing has failed.

The most important components for holistic nutrition are found in these food categories:

Carbohydrates – whole grains (no wheat), beans, vegetables, seeds, fruits

Fats and oils – cooking oils, nut butters, nuts, seeds, butter

Proteins – beans, bean products, fish, seeds, nuts, meat, eggs, dairy

Minerals – salts, sea vegetables, vegetables, fish, meat

Enzymes – fermented foods, raw vegetables and fruits

Vitamins – vegetables, fruits, sea vegetables

Water – spring water, vegetables, fruits

A person who practices holistic health and creates food plans will experience 15-20 years a younger physical appearance, (about 15-20 years younger) vitality, and energy; will seldom use over-the-counter medications; will seldom feel unnatural headaches; will have less aging symptoms; will experience less weight gain; will have seldom colds, flu or allergies; and will take more nutrition supplements. Based on this knowledge, it has always been a choice of any man to create his own health. Man should always choose the way to holistic health. Choose well.

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Iridology Can Save Lives

Posted on November 3, 2011 by copywriters

As the adage goes, “the eyes are the window to the soul.” They can reveal a lot of information about one’s self, including emotions and feelings. With the advent of technology, human eyes are now used to determine one’s health condition.

Fortunately, alternative medicine today offers iridology, a method used to analyze the health condition of a person through the study of the eye. It is a diagnostic tool that helps people to look at their negative and positive health aspects and come to terms with them. One may not immediately notice it, but the eyes may sometimes appear cloudy or the iris of the eyes may show marks, which vary depending on the state of health and/or age. These visible marks in a person’s eye are not just there for nothing. Through iridology, these marks in the human eye are often connected to health issues that one may not know until the health issue is at a risky stage. So a visit to an iridologist could save more than the eyesight. Here are few of the potential health issues that may be diagnosed through iridology:

Diabetes

Over two million Canadians have Type I and II diabetes and as many as one-third of these population is unaware that they have this condition. There are no obvious symptoms of Type II diabetes, so an early diagnosis is crucial to avoid long-term and sometimes fatal complications.

One of the early signs of diabetes is the dramatic and unexpected changes to the prescription of one’s eye glasses. A blurred vision is usually caused by glucose seeping into the lens and changing its shape; thus, making it difficult to focus.

In addition, weak blood vessels in the retina may indicate diabetic retinopathy, which can eventually lead to blindness. Crystal-like patches or splashes of blood commonly indicate diabetes.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. According to recent data, 16.9 percent of Canadians aged 12 and older are reported to have high blood pressure. This rate increases with each successive age group for both males and females.

Approximately 25 percent of adults with high blood pressure are unaware that they have the condition. Common eye indications for high blood pressure include crossing in the blood vessels of the eye, where the artery has hardened and nipped the vein underneath.

Multiple Sclerosis

According to an international survey, Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world. Out of every 100,000 people in Canada, 133 are diagnosed to have multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada says that the rate of multiple sclerosis in the country could be as high as 240 per 100,000 people. Alarmingly, Canada ranked 5th among the countries that were surveyed.

Common eye indications for multiple sclerosis include intermittent blurring or even blacking out of vision, as well as difficulty in focusing. Multiple sclerosis can cause inflammation of the optic nerve that creates a banana-shaped field defect just below the macula of the eye.

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