Nutrition

Having A Vitamin Rich Diet Versus Taking Vitamin Supplement

2012-05-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

Would you rather consume a vitamin-rich diet or take vitamin supplements to stay healthy? Which is the easier option? Which is more affordable, and which is more effective?
Basic Facts about Vitamins
There are two kinds of vitamins that help people get and stay healthy: fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins are those that are produced by the human body and reside in the liver and fatty tissues inside the body. They stay there until the human body has a special requirement for them. These are vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Water soluble vitamins on the other hand are found in numerous fruits and vegetables. These vitamins are vitamin C and all other substances falling under the Vitamin B category like thiamin and niacin. When these vitamins enter the human body, they don’t stay stored in reserve like fat soluble vitamins but go in circulation through the bloodstream. Those that aren’t used by the human body are released through urine.
Pros and Cons of Having a Vitamin-Rich Diet
The greatest benefit you can enjoy from having a vitamin-rich diet is that your body will able to digest the vitamins found in the foods you eat in its purest and natural form. Although vitamin supplements are still beneficial to your health, they are however not as effective as those found in fruits and vegetables.
Having a vitamin-rich diet is also a more fulfilling way to get healthy because you can enjoy eating at the same time. Vitamin supplements taste bland, and that’s why they often become seen as a tedious task to perform daily. A vitamin-rich diet on the other hand can consist of different dishes everyday depending on your skills and creativity in the kitchen.
As for the disadvantages, however, the first thing you might have difficulties adjusting to is the restrictions on the types of foods that you’ll have to eat. In order as not to counteract the effects of your vitamin-rich diet, you will therefore be required to stay away from meat, sweets, and other foods that are rich in sugar, fats, or oils.
Having a vitamin-rich diet is also usually the more expensive option because you’d have to modify your grocery shopping list to include more greens and other healthy food choices and less of the affordable potato chips you love so much.
Pros and Cons of Taking Vitamin Supplements
Choosing the right vitamin supplement is important because not all types of vitamin supplements are suitable for your body’s needs. Knowing the right dosage is also important. If you take less than what you need then you’re not going to get healthy as quickly as you should have or stay healthy as long as you should do. If you take more than what you need, the excess vitamins you ingest can cause undesirable chemical reactions with any of your bodily functions.
In other words, to play it safe, you will have to consult your doctor as to which vitamin supplements you exactly need.
The biggest advantage to taking vitamin supplements however is the ease and convenience it affords you. Vitamin supplements are something you can take anywhere you go so there’s no problem maintaining your healthy habit no matter where you are!
In the end, it’s still your choice…either way is right, but choosing both options however is the best option.

Best Vitamin Supplements

2012-05-08T07:03:00.002-07:00

Best vitamin supplements must meet high standards in three critical areas. Quality in all three areas is vital not only for health benefits but for safety reasons as well. The best vitamin supplements should excel in these ways:

1. The Design of the Supplement - the term 'efficacy' means 'to produce an effect'. When combined correctly, the effects or efficacy of certain vitamins and minerals in the body can be increased several times. And substances, whether natural or synthetic, when mixed together, can form other undesired or dangerous substances if they are not combined scientifically. When creating a complex best vitamin supplement formula, the professional qualifications of the design staff is a crucial part of the process.

2. The Quality of the Ingredients - there can be enormous differences in quality and potency as well as differences in costs of the individual ingredients. Priority should be given to quality, potency and purity with the best vitamin supplements since the final product will only be as good as the raw ingredients used. The manufacturer must have a system in place to verify that the ingredients used are as the suppliers claim.

3. The Procedures Used in Manufacturing - the large volume vitamin manufacturers may use a ribbon type blender and mix ingredients for only about 20 minutes. This means that low dose substances may not be mixed properly. The time that passes after mixing before encapsulating or tableting is important - less than two hours between blending and tableting makes sure that the blend's integrity remains intact during the manufacturing process. The only dependable way to be sure you are getting the best vitamin supplements is to buy them from a facility that meets pharmaceutical industry production standards.

Are vitamin and mineral supplements really needed? Numerous studies have concluded that because of soil depletion, the overall nutrient value of foods has been declining for decades. Also, even the best vitamin supplements cannot substitute for a poor diet. Eating mostly junk food and taking vitamins will not provide you with the nutrients you will obtain with vegetables and fruits. Vitamin supplements should be considered supplements, not replacements for food. For example, the latest USDA food pyramid recommends consuming 2.5 cups of vegetables a day for women and 3 cups a day for men - most people do not.

The best vitamin supplements cannot be the one-a-day type. Why? One capsule or tablet simply cannot hold all that's needed in necessary quantities - it would be way too large to swallow. One-a-day vitamins are probably a waste of money. And on the other hand, it is easy to end up with a dozen or more individual vitamins to take daily, requiring bottles and bottles which is both a hassle and expensive.

And finally, women need a different vitamin formula than men. A woman's supplement should contain nutrients that are proven by clinical studies to support the balancing of female hormones before, during and after menopause. The best vitamin supplements for men should contain ingredients specifically for supporting healthy male prostate. Including ingredients proven in clinical studies for the prevention of BPH or enlarged prostate is an important part of the best vitamin supplements for men.

Yes, there are manufacturers that meet or exceed the above criteria. Learn as much as you can about what finding the best vitamin supplements really means - before spending your money, be informed about the products you will be taking every day.

Taking Nutrition Seriously

2012-05-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

The importance of good nutrition is nothing new. Back in 400 B.C., Hippocrates said, "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." Today, good nutrition is more important than ever. At least four of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S.--heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes -- are directly related to way we eat; diet is also implicated in fitness.
Until a few years ago, the only athletes who took nutrition seriously were body-builders. Now, nutrition is an integral part of training in such activities as football, basketball, swimming, tennis and others.
This is for a very good reason. Whether you are a world-class athlete or an exercise enthusiast, nutrition is fundamental to fitness. Specific vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids feed your cells. They control your strength, your ability to recover from heavy workouts, and even your mood. Let’s face it. How good is your performance when you’re distracted, depressed, or anxious?
Optimum nutrition can make a vast difference in how your body responds to training, and how you perform in your sport. It can be the difference between winning and losing, and how quickly your body recovers.
The best eating plan for athletes should include adequate fluids and plenty of low-fat, unrefined carbohydrate foods that provide energy and replenish the fuel and fluids used during physical activity. As an athlete, you should pay careful attention to your nutritional needs not only before, but also during, and after exercise.
Should you use nutritional supplements?
If you are active and eat a lot of wholesome foods, you can get a lot of vitamins in your diet. For example, if you drink 12 ounces of orange juice, you'll get 200% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C. Without a doubt, fruits and vegetables are a great source of important nutrients. These powerhouse foods provide vitamins that also guard against aging, cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. They’re smart health insurance for the future.
Nutritional supplements can help your body function at a more optimal level. You simply can’t get enough vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients from your diet if you are engaged in regular heavy workouts.
Be aware that not all nutritional supplements are the same. Some are made from high-quality ingredients while others are actually made from petroleum by-products. Studies have shown that natural supplements are more effective than synthetic.
Good quality supplements enhance your body’s ability to function. The best way to try any nutritional supplement is to take a single product for at least two weeks and observe the effects. Do you have more energy? Can you train harder? At the end of the trial period, stop, take a week’s break, and then try another product, having noted the response to the previous item. Once more give it two weeks, stop, take a week’s break, and try the next one on the list yet again writing down your response. Continue this until you have tried the ones that most appeal to you. At the end of the trial period, you will have a very good idea of what works for you, and what doesn’t. Through this process you will be able to formulate the most effective nutritional program designed exclusively for you.
The end result will be that you will be much more capable and effective, whatever your sport.

Support Your Brain With Good Nutrition

2012-05-07T13:44:00.004-07:00

One of the different kinds of stress people go through is the stress is at work. Thanks to increasing cut throat competition in this dog eat dog world, there is the stress has become a new phenomenon of modern lifestyles.
In the last few decades the nature of work has gone through drastic changes. Technological revolution has touched almost all professions and thus changing the nature of work at an alarming rate. With this change comes stress, and workplace stress poses a threat to physical health.
Some typical symptoms of job stress can be insomnia, loss of mental concentration, anxiety, stress, absenteeism, depression, drug abuse, extreme anger and frustration, family conflict, physical illnesses such as heart disease, migraine, headaches, stomach problems, and back problems.
To combat all these problems there are herbal supplement that are developed to support memory, concentration and overall cognitive performance. At the same time they also help the body sustain energy levels and achieve mental balance.
Why take supplements to Optimize Brain Performance?
Looking at the demands of today’s fast paced lives and career obligations, anything less than optimal cognitive performance can be maddening for you and others. Age, coupled with other fundamental factors can lead to cognitive decline. One should take the slowdown in memory and concentration seriously. Luckily, there are natural and harmless ways to keep your brain healthy.
Have you ever thought of supporting your brain with good nutrition?
There are many factors that lead to deteriorating brain performance. Age, genetics, alcohol and drug abuse, heavy metal and toxin exposure, stress and fatigue could be lead to sub-optimal brain performance. Take herbal nutritional supplements that contain natural ingredients specially formulated to be gentle and safe enough to nourish your brain. They are meant to assist your brain in obtaining the proper amounts of oxygen and nutrients it craves.
Energy Supplements To Revive Energy Levels?
Daily stress at work can deplete you of all vital nutrients and drop your energy levels. You need to replenish your stamina at work so that you can cope up with the routine work stress.
To improve workplace performance a good combination of healthful nutrients and herbs used for centuries can help the body sustain energy levels and improve stamina without producing peaks and crashes are available. The energy supplements sustain your body's natural supply of energy, improves stamina, natural so no harmful side effects or crashes.
Anxiety Relief Supplements
Due to conditions like global economic recession, workplaces are going through metamorphic changes. The consequent pressures under economic transformations, the reorganizations, takeovers, mergers, downsizing and other changes make it difficult for companies to survive. The reformations put their demand on everyone which leads to anxiety.
Hopefully there are stress and anxiety relief supplement that help to reduces feelings of chronic anxiety. They support the emotional well being of employees by moderating their body's physical and emotional response to daily stress.
Promoting relaxation, balancing moods and moderating your body's physical response to stress are a few things anxiety relief supplements are supposed to do. Taking herbal supplements to relieve stress related to work in addition to exercise, good rest and well balanced meals will certainly equip you to deal with workplace stress.

Vitamin For Energy

2008-05-27T11:30:00.001-07:00

Lack of energy and the feeling of fatigue is an age-old complaint. Vitamins boost the energy levels of the human body. Vitamin B is known as the ‘energy vitamin’ and is vital for an energetic and long life. Although Vitamin B is abundant in a variety of natural foods, the typical American diet is deficient in Vitamin B. B-Vitamins are easily flushed out of the body. Alcoholics and people on weight-loss diets are more prone to Vitamin B deficiency.

The B-complex vitamins are a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin. Each vitamin plays a significant role in energy production. Deficiencies usually include more than one type of B-vitamin. To increase energy levels, a supplement of B-complex must be taken along with any single B-vitamin.

The B1-Thiamin vitamin plays an important role in the metabolic process of food and alcohol. It improves the function of the adrenal gland and boosts immunity. Low levels of the B2-Riboflavin cause fatigue, blindness and anemia. Riboflavin is required for the production of energy. Doctors also prescribe riboflavin for migraine and arthritis pain.

The vitamin B3-Niacin also helps the body produce energy. Niacin is used for treating neurological diseases and high cholesterol. In combination with Vitamin C, Niacin reduces the production of lipoproteins, a major risk factor in heart patients.

B5-Pantothenic acid is one of the main energy boosters. It is also referred to as the ‘anti-stress’ vitamin.

Vitamin B12 also helps fight fatigue. It is a vital nutrient for the formation of red blood cells. Red blood cells, in turn, are linked to our energy levels.

The B-complex vitamins work to keep the energy levels high. They can help prevent diseases since they are capable of repairing nucleic acids and immune cells. These vitamins are the foundation of good health and nutrition.

Nutritional Supplements For Fuel To Go

2008-05-27T11:27:00.001-07:00

Life gets busy and schedules get shifted. That's why it's a good idea to have your gym bag with you, packed and ready to go, in your car trunk or at your office. You never know when you might be able to squeeze in an unexpected workout.

You could say the same thing about nutrition. Everyone wants to eat well, and with some planning, everyone can. But sometimes life intrudes a bit. And if your eating plan gets thrown for a loop, you might be tempted to make a bad nutritional choice.

Your body needs the proper fuel in order to function at maximum capability. You can prevent mental malnutrition with nutritional supplements.

Think of the human body as a machine which takes in fuel that, must be burned properly to release energy and drive its component parts. When the fuel (food) is combined with oxygen, it forms oxides, and energy is released, allowing the machine to perform.

This process, called oxidation, does not happen spontaneously. It requires some form of energy to start the process in the same way an automobile needs a spark plug to start the engine.

That's where nutritional supplements can assist. Whether they're used as a meal replacement, for refueling or for quick energy, there's a huge range of nutritional products out there that might merit a spot in your gym bag.

The supplement industry has exploded in recent years, so it can be difficult to know where to start. It pays to look closely at what your'e buying. Some convenient portable products for the gym bag, especially protein powders, shakes and bars. But, be cautious to do some homework.

A lot of people think that all bars are equal, or that if something is on the nutrition shelf it must be healthy. That's not always accurate. A lot of bars are as heavy in sugar as a candy bar, and most people don't need that.

The bottom line? Choose your products based on what you want to accomplish, and research carefully. For example, there are bars with low sugar and high protein that can be good for refueling within 45 minutes after workouts. If you're a long distance runner, a carbogydrate-heavy energy bar before a workout might be a good choice because you're burning the calories during the run.

Also remember that you need to consider the calories in nutritional supplements just as you would any other food. Don't give yourself a free pass just because they're sports products or because you're using them for exercise.

You really do have to fit them into your total caloric intake for the day. If you eat 1,600 calories worth of food and two 400-calorie bars a day, there's a good chance the bars are going to cause you to gain weight.

The most important thing, is to remember that supplements are just that -supplements- and that they need to be used with planning and understanding.

Today's artificial, man-made foods are severely lacking in vitamins, making supplements necessary. Vitamins, minerals and other non-caloric nutrients in sufficient amounts, help to re-tune the human machine.

You need to use them within the context of a proper diet and a good workout program. Within that, bars and protein drinks can play a part in helping you reach your goals. A product won't make you change overnight; it's about the whole lifestyle.

The Nutritional Value of A Few Different Fruits

2008-05-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Fruit has been around since the beginning of the world, and man has been eating it for as long as man has been on this earth. Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and different types of enzymes that help to keep you healthy. Most fruits are easily digested and they have a cleansing effect on your blood and your digestive tract. Here is the nutritional value for a few common types of fruit:

Apple – Apples tend to help put a stop to diarrhea, and they also are a good source of calcium and vitamin A. The skin of an apple has far more nutritional value than the flesh, and it gradually decreases towards the center of the fruit.

Banana – Ripe bananas are also used to relieve diarrhea, whereas the unripe fruit can stop constipation. Bananas are very high in calories, which can give you a boost of energy when you are down. Bananas also contain many vitamins and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, iron, and vitamin C.

Cherry – This fruit is used to cleanse the system, and can also help prevent dental problems. Cherries have also been used to help insomniacs get a good night sleep.

Coconut – The nutritional value of this fruit is it tends to cool the body. Coconuts are also a rich source of potassium, and coconut oil is often found in shampoos and conditioners, because it has a restorative effect on hair.

Orange – Oranges are good for relieving thirst, and also contain many different vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, B, C and calcium. Oranges and orange juice have long been thought of to help give your immune system a boost, and to help fight sickness.

Watermelon – The nutritional value of a watermelon is that it is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. A watermelon is also very useful in cleansing your system including cleaning your kidneys, and purifying your blood. Watermelon can also help to fight different types of infections because it increases urine flow.

Fruit and Vegetables that Pack a Nutritional Punch are Produce Powerhouses

2008-05-27T11:24:00.001-07:00

No one disputes that consuming fresh fruit and vegetables can help improve health and increase longevity. But most people don't know that, when it comes to nutrition, all produce isn't created equal. Indeed, some fruit and vegetables are much more nutritionally dense than others. Given that we tend not to eat all of the fruit and veggies that we should, it's important to make sure that those we choose pack the biggest nutritional bang possible. Here are some that always come out on top:

Vitamin A: When it comes to Vitamin A, which plays a critical role in many of the body's functions, including vision, bone growth, and the immune system, carrots always win the race. A half-cup of carrot juice provides 450% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin A; one raw carrot will give you 175% of the RDA. Spinach, kale, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and apricots come in a respectable, though distant, second. There's only one food that beats out carrots: beef liver. Really, which would you rather have?

Vitamin B6: To a large extent, Americans get most of their B vitamins from fortified cereals. The Vitamin B group is critical to many cell functions, and is instrumental in, for example, carrying oxygen to tissues. Good sources of Vitamin B6 include potatoes (35% RDA) and bananas (34% RDA). Folate, another B vitamin, can be found in spinach, asparagus, mustard greens, green peas, and broccoli.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and protects cells from the effects of free radicals. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables, broccoli, kiwifruit, and mango are all good sources of Vitamin E.

Iron: This abundant metal is critical in delivering oxygen to tissues, as well as in cell growth. Legumes (like beans and lentils) are great sources of iron, as is spinach. Popeye needed to keep the blood flowing to his muscles, right?

Magnesium: About half of the body's magnesium is in the bones, but the other half helps keeps organs functioning smoothly, the metabolism humming along, and tissues healthy. When it comes to fresh produce and magnesium, the greener the better. That's because the molecules that give green vegetables their color contain magnesium. However, bananas, potatoes, and avocados also contain magnesium.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy metabolism and is has wonderful antioxidant properties. Although we often association the vitamin with citrus fruits like oranges, there are many other fresh fruit and vegetables that have higher concentrations of Vitamin C. Guava, red peppers, and blackberries are wonderful sources of Vitamin C, as are broccoli and kiwifruit.

It's important to keep in mind that, if you want to get the most vitamins and minerals from your produce, you should eat it raw. Cooking vegetables drastically reduces their nutritional content, so if you must cook them, try stir-frying or steaming. Likewise, because many nutrients sit close to the skins of vegetables, try to avoid peeling them. Instead, give them a quick scrub with a veggie brush and some water, and eat the skins and all.

The Best Nutritional Supplements Cost Less Than You Think

2008-05-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Whole food supplements are often the most effective way to boost your immune system, metabolism and energy levels. The very best Whole food supplements are made from concentrated whole foods commonly called super green foods.

These super green foods contain a variety of whole green foods, each containing concentrated nutrients. The vitamins provided by these whole food supplements are not isolated. They are highly complex structures that combine a variety of enzymes, coenzymes, antioxidants, trace elements, as well as many other compounds that work together synergistically.

These complex specific combinations that form naturally in whole foods are important because it enables this vitamin complex What vitamin cmplex? to work for your body. It is not nearly as healthy or helpful to tear apart the natural nutrients within this complex system. Even science cannot take these nutrients apart and isolate them from the whole and create the same synergistic energy that whole foods give. Why would we expect synthetic vitamins and minerals to do the same job in the body as a natural, whole complex is designed to do? Your body can tell the difference between synthetically produced nutrients and natural nutrition.

Overall, whole foods nourish us much more than refined foods because they contain complex combinations of nutrients. Whole foods like super green foods are based on blue green algaes, grasses and other foods that have concentrated nutrition. These are nutritional elements your body can easily digest, absorb and utilize immediately. Whole foods are bio available, which means your body can use these nutrients immediately.

It takes very little energy to digest and absorb these whole foods which makes them especially valuable for people who need quick physical recovery, children, the elderly or people who are sick. Having a quick source of super concentrated nutrition can be a life saver for everyone at some point.

Many people call super green foods the miracle food. This could be because super green whole foods have been found to assist cellular metabolism. It also helps you maintain blood sugar levels and because of its high alkaline content, it also helps neutralize excess acidity. This Excess acidity can lead to acid reflux and painful digestion.

Many naturopaths believe that our processed, fast food diets contribute to a general acidity associated with disease and lowered immune response.

Super green whole foods can help a variety of illnesses.

As a supplement, Chlorella (from super green foods) has been shown to help reduce pain in fibromyalgia and reduce blood pressure and blood fat in hypertension. Chlorella also attaches to heavy metals and dioxin to help eliminate them naturally from the body. Chlorella has been found to help prevent the growth of tumors because of its glycoproteins that enhance the migration of T cells to tumor sites.

Another common ingredient is Spirulina. Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein, between 55 and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source. It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids. It is rich in other vitamins, amino acids and protein, such as that from from what

Super green whole food supplements are incredibly cost effective. You can have a super green energy drink for less than a dollar a day. This is much cheaper than the handful of chemically produced vitamin pills you might already eat. Literally -for less than a cup of coffee- you can have all the nutrition your body needs plus a burst of healthy quick energy.

Nutritional Advice for Pregnant Women

2008-05-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

When you are pregnant it is increasingly important to watch what you eat. Since you are now eating for two every bad nutritional choice will not just effect you, but also your baby. In general terms, there are two things that you need to be monitoring. First, you need to monitor how much you are eating as getting the correct caloric intake during pregnancy is crucial. Secondly, you need to be watching what you eat because the wrong types of food can be damaging to your baby. In this article I will discuss both the above issues in greater detail and provide you with some solid nutritional advice for your nine month pregnancy.

As already stated getting your caloric intake right is very important during pregnancy. Consuming too many calories and putting on too much weight whilst pregnant can increase your risk of contracting a blood pressure related disease. Contrastingly, not getting enough calories during your pregnancy can lead to your baby being born underweight and even slow down fetal development.

So where do you go for advice for on the number of calories you should be consuming each day? Your doctor should always be your number one port of call. They are professionally trained in this area and also know about you and any specific issues affecting you and your baby. Every pregnant woman is unique and will have slightly different requirements. Therefore, your doctor is the best source of information in this area and should not be overlooked in favour of this article.

However, you can determine the general amount of calories you need using a free online BMR & Caloric Intake Calculator (just do an Internet search). This calculator will determine your recommended daily caloric intake BEFORE pregnancy. You then need to add approximately 300 daily calories to this figure during your second and third trimester to support your baby's increased rate of growth. Generally, no additional calories are needed during the first trimester but again this may not be the case for you. Only your doctor will know for sure.

Once you have your daily caloric intake sorted you also need to consider what you are eating. There are a number of foods that you need to cut down on or even avoid completely whilst you are pregnant. I have outlined three of these foods in the list below:

1) Alcohol:- Whilst there are no set recommendations on the amount of alcohol you can consume during pregnancy, a number of sources suggest that the number of alcohol related birth defects is on the rise. Alcohol can also potentially lead to miscarriage, low birthweight or stillbirth. These are quite significant risks which can be avoided by giving up alcohol during your pregnancy. I'm not saying it's going to be easy but if you want to be a responsible mother you should have the discipline to avoid alcohol for nine months.

2) Uncooked Meat & Dairy Products:- Deli meats, undercooked eggs, unpasteurised cheeses etc often contain pathogens (such as e.coli, salmonella and listeria). These pathogens can lead to serious infection for both you and your baby. In pregnant women the symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. In the baby these pathogens can ultimately lead to stillbirth and miscarriage. Therefore, if you are a fan of these types of food try to limit your intake during pregnancy or avoid them completely if you can.

3) Unwashed Fruits & Vegetables:- By consuming unwashed fruit or vegetables you are putting yourself at serious risk of Toxoplasma infection. Whilst Toxoplasma is generally not a risk for pregnant women it can be seriously damaging for undeveloped babies. It only takes a few seconds to wash the fruits and vegetables you consume so make sure you always clean your fruit and veg before consumption. This small act can make a huge difference to the health of your unborn child.

This article is not intended to scare you or make you worry. My aim is to make you aware that things you didn't previously regard as important could now be very important. An undeveloped child is much more fragile than a fully developed human being and as an expectant mother you are ultimately responsible for the health of your baby. If you want the best for your baby, read this article, take the advice on board and then go consult your doctor regarding your diet as an expectant mother.

Nutritional benefits of carrots

2008-05-27T10:53:00.005-07:00

Other than the obvious benfits to eyesight, carrots have many other exciting health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks and cancer.

All our lives we've been told to eat our carrots, they help improve your eyesaight. Maybe you've wondered, what exactly is it about the carrot that is good for my eyes? That would be the beta-carotene. In addition to giving the carrot its name and orange color, it also converts to vitamin Ain the body which helps improve vision. The vitamin A forms a purple pigment called rhodopsin the eye needs to see in dim light. Rhodopsin production is spurred by vitamin A, raising the effectiveness of the light-sensitive area of the retina. Not getting enough vitamin A can actually lead to night blindness. Wow, mom was right!

But that's not all that carrots can do for you. The beta-carotene in carrots is an anti-oxident combating the free radicals that contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Medical studies conducted in Texas and Chicago indicate that men with the high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C had a 37% lower risk of cancer than the men with lower levels. Carrots also contain another anti-oxident called alpha-carotene. A study conducted in Bethesda, MD concluded that men who consume high amounts of alpha carotene have a lower incidence of lung cancer.

Cooking carrots actually raises the nutritional benefits. The fiber in carrots can trap the beta carotene, making it difficult for your body to extract. By cooking them slightly, you free the beta-carotene, from the fiber, which allows your body to absorb it better. Eating only a half-cup serving per day will give you more than the recommended dosage of beta-carotene. Also when you buy carrots raw at the store, you must cut off the leafy tops before storing, or they will suck out all the vitamins. the best way to consume your daily dose is to add carrot to your favorite juice blends. This actually breaks apart the fibers allowing the beta-carotene direct acess to absorption. So be sure to eat your carrots every day!

2007-09-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Do You Know Some Nutrients Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer today is one of the most threatening conditions that a woman might have. A woman’s breast undergoes a lot of changes during her lifetime. Right from puberty breast tissues are continuously developing. Women find changes in their breast at every menstrual cycle where they feel different just before and during the periods days. Pregnancy and Lactation causes a lot of changes in the breasts. As age progresses the breast tissue becomes less dense. Because of these continuous changes women need some extra nutrients so that the breast tissues get the adequate supply of them. There are many causes for breast cancer and you can read more in websites like bcancer.com. But do you know that there are some nutrients and food that especially help to prevent breast cancer.

Studies show that the incidence of breast cancer is very low in some Asian countries when compared to the other races. One of the reasons is attributed to their diet. Like in the case of Green Tea, a compound called epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. The Maitake mushrooms, a popular Japanese Mushroom also has proven effects on breast cancer. They contain an important component called D-fraction which ceases the growth of cancerous tumors. Therefore it is recommended for patients with breast cancer in addition to standard chemotherapy.

Studies also show that Vitamin B12 stops the growth of cancer cells. Therefore it is given to breast cancer patients as part of the chemotherapy, which helps to keep the cancer under control. Low folic acid intake is linked to the development of all cancers. Folic acid is crucial to the making and continual repair of DNA which carries our genetic code. High intake of folic acid might reduce the risk of breast cancer.

In a laboratory study, researchers exposed breast cancer cells and breast tissue without any cancer to a type of seaweed that contains high levels of iodine. The seaweed killed all of the cancerous cells, yet did not harm the normal breast cells. Japanese women frequently eat this type of seaweed and have very low rates of breast cancer. The study’s researchers believe one reason for this low incidence of breast cancer may be the iodine in the seaweed. It is therefore also believed that there is a close link between thyroid cancer and breast cancer.

Yet another food that fights breast cancer is broccoli. A chemical found in broccoli called sulforaphane increases certain enzymes in the body called phase 2 enzymes that deactivate cancer causing chemicals. Taking these nutrients in adequate quantities along with the other traditional methods of treatment helps to keep the breast cancer under control.

2007-09-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Essential Nutrients

The food we eat is composed of macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbohydrates; and micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.

Proteins and fats are basic, bare bones essential nutrients for our health. We need 70-100 grams of protein a day (about 300 calories), and 6-10 grams of linoleic acids (about 75 calories). (Linoleic acid is a fat found in vegetable oils.) From those two food classes, our bodies can make everything we need for healthy living.

What about carbohydrates? We know that our cells, including the brain cells, run on glucose. So how much carbohydrate do we need to supply that glucose? The answer is none. Our bodies can break down the protein and linoleic acid molecules and reform them into whatever is needed, including glucose.

If you need proof, look at the traditional diet of the Eskimos. Their diets consisted of protein and fat during the summer months, and almost exclusively fat in the winter. They were strong, healthy, and lean.

It is nearly impossible to get the macronutrients, (protein, fat, and carbohydrate), in pure form. And, even if you could, 375 calories per day is not enough to satisfy our energy needs.

Proteins from animal sources are combined with varying amounts of fats, as in steaks, poultry, fish and eggs. Some carbohydrates (in the form of lactose)as well as fat are present in dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Fat-free dairy products are protein and carbohydrates.

Plant products have protein, but even the ones we think of as good protein sources, such as beans and grains, have more carbs than protein. Plants have some fats, mostly the “good” kind.

For maximum health benefits, add up grams of protein each day. Eat at least 70 grams. One tablespoon of olive oil is enough to take care of the linoleic acid.

OK, what to do with those carbs? Eat them sparingly. And only eat the high quality ones such as vegetables and fruits. If you have a weight control or diabetic problem, leave off the grains.

Carbs and fat combined are a slippery slope into insulin resistance and ill health. Refined flour products are no better. Pasta is a wolf in disguise.Not good for the body!

Best nutritions company -Nutrilite

2007-07-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

One Man, Carl F. Rehnborg

Prior to 1934, there were no known multivitamin/multimineral supplements. People found it difficult to know if they were getting enough nutrients in their daily diets.

Then, Carl Rehnborg, founder of the NUTRILITE brand, created his first nutrition product and became a pioneer in the history of nutrition.

His Dream

While living in China in the early 1920s, Carl Rehnborg noticed, amid unforgettable malnutrition and disease, an important connection between the foods people ate and their overall health.

In farming communities, where fresh fruits and vegetables were plentiful, people were much healthier overall.
In the cities, where diets included far more sugar, salt, and fat, Carl noted that there were many more instances of critical diseases, such as scurvy and beriberi.

During political unrest in Shanghai, Carl was isolated in a protected enclave. There, he conceived the idea of using nutritional elements missing from the typical diet as a way to improve overall health.

Carl supplemented his meager diet with soups from what was available: local herbs, grasses, and vegetables, along with rusty nails (for iron), and lime stone and ground-up animal bones (for calcium).
He shared his broth with a few friends, although the flavor was far from palatable.
Months later, Carl and his friends who ate the nutrient-rich broth emerged from their enclave much healthier than those who had eaten only army rations.

Returning to the United States, Carl set up a small laboratory on California's Balboa Island, where, over the next six years, he conducted experiments using different plant varieties.

He developed a way to dry these plants while still preserving their important nutrients.
He created a formulation of alfalfa, watercress, and parsley, which became the basis of his first product.

Ultimately, Carl Rehnborg created the first multivitamin/multimineral supplement sold in North America.

Our Legacy

Since 1934, when the first NUTRILITE product was introduced, the company has become a leader in nutrition research, development, and innovation.

Today, under the leadership of Carl's son, Dr. Sam Rehnborg, the next generation of scientists, researchers, and technicians is preserving the rich Nutrilite heritage by continuing to produce high quality, innovative supplements.

Because they are made from whole plant concentrates, many NUTRILITE supplements contain a wide array of phytonutrients.

Throughout his life, Carl Rehnborg believed this was the optimum way to achieve good nutrition the way nature intended.

Manufacturing operations in Buena Park, California, and Guangzhou, China, produce up to 10 billion NUTRILITE tablets, capsules and softgel capsules annually.

A New Opportunity

Carl began selling his new supplement person to person, friend to friend, through word-of-mouth referrals.

When some of these early customers began referring new customers to Carl, he suggested they sell the product themselves, rewarding them with discounts on their purchases.

Just as Carl had created the first multivitamin/multimineral supplement sold in North America, he also pioneered an early multi-level marketing system and a revolutionary new business model still in use today.

The two people who guided the NUTRILITE brand to its present-day business success story were Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. Rich and Jay had been distributing NUTRILITE products for 10 years before they founded Amway in 1959, so they were dedicated to the quality of the products and committed to the integrity of the brand.

Today, the NUTRILITE brand is sold exclusively by Amway and Quixtar Independent Business Owners worldwide.

Carl Rehnborg's innovative work was the start of a multi-billion dollar company.

Nutrition

2007-07-25T01:44:00.000-07:00

It's a fact that our body requires certain vitamins in order to function properly. Starting a program of taking vitamins is a personal matter and is up to you to decide. To have a healthy diet you need to realize that small changes can lead to great results and Advanced Nutrition. Most dieters regain the weight they lose. Learn how to make lifestyle changes to maintain long-term, healthy weight loss.

Choose whole fresh foods, avoid processed food products. Don't just avoid processed and refined white bread, but also limit enriched whole wheat bread, which is loaded with processed nutrients and preservatives. Fresh whole grain bread from a bakery would be better, and a bowl of cooked wheat berries would be filled with advanced nutrients.

Now, whether or not you begin a program with those vitamins is completely up to you. Much of this pertains to your regular dieting plan. And just to be clear, everyone who eats is on some kind of diet. It's not always about dropping pounds. Some people are even trying to gain weight. In addition to your day-to-day meals, you might want to incorporate multivitamins and supplements. You may not know it, but just about everybody needs these extra vitamin benefits. If you get your body into good physical condition early, just think how much better you will feel at age sixty. Don't think because you're young you don't need to worry about supplements, and taking care of your body. It's a good idea to start to use nutritional supplements as your body is growing.

Athletes require the benefits of vitamin and supplements to a higher degree than the rest of us. Let's say you are a basketball player. Your muscles are put through intense endurance in an extreme way. It you're a weight lifter, muscles are torn and slightly wiped out. Then it's time to rest and recuperate. Vitamins and supplements are needed to get your biceps and other muscles back in functional condition and eliminate that post-workout soreness, and to replenish your system.

Take your vitamins and supplements with meals and water, these supplements help to restore nutritional balance. I have been taking advanced nutrients for a number of years; get into the habit of taking these vital nutrients daily, a healthy body is worth it! Your skin and hair will look and feel better. The earlier you begin a nutritious diet and exercising program, the faster you can enjoy the benefits.