Archive for the 'Nutrition Stuff' Category

Moringa Leaf Powder – The World’s Greatest Unknown Supplement

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

There is no doubt that the pure Moringa Tree leaf is the source of incredible health benefits. It’s the ultimate, natural, organic, energy and endurance health supplement. There are plenty of studies that describe these benefits and the pure, powdered, moringa leaf is the most potent part of the plant.

India’s ancient tradition of ayurveda medicine sites 300 diseases that are treated with the leaves of the Moringa tree. Gram for gram, Moringa leaves contain:

7 times the vitamin C in oranges

4 times the calcium in milk

4 times the vitamin A in carrots

2 times the protein in milk

3 times the potassium in bananas

Moringa Tree Leaf is organic and absolutely safe. There are no known side effects. It’s gentle enough to be given to babies in Africa to overcome malnourishment. It’s one of the most secret performance enhancing products taken by athletes today who ingest mega-doses that help them physically and mentally. It’s great for people of all ages, especially oldsters who are losing their alertness.

Although there have been references to the Moringa Tree that go back a couple thousand years, and the World Health Organization has been studying and using the plant for the last forty years as a low cost health enhancer in the poorest countries around the world, there is a reason why the moringa leaf is still relatively unknown.

The sale of all forms of vitamins, minerals, and health supplements is a big business. If you were a company selling hundreds of nutritional products, why would you sell one product that could potentially wipe out all your other products! This would be true for the pharmaceutical
industry as well. These industries, with huge marketing budgets, would rather the general public remains ignorant about the moringa leaf.

Soothing Moringa helps lower blood pressure and is a sleep aid. Its detoxifying effect may come from Moringa’s ability to purify water. Moringa acts as a coagulant attaching itself to harmful material and bacteria. It is believed that this process takes place in the body as well.

The result is long-lasting energy without hyperactivity, a nerve system at rest, a blood system not under pressure, and a gland and hormone system in balance. Here are some of the uses around the world for the fantastic Moringa Leaf:
Detoxification – Studies have shown Moringa’s ability to remove hazardous materials from water.

Antibiotic – Moringa is used as a topical treatment for minor infections. Its antibiotic property is identified as Pterygospermin, a bacterial and fungicidal compound. Studies have shown an agueous extract made from seeds was
equally effective against the skin infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus as the antibiotic Neomycin.

Skin Treatment – Moringa has great healing benefits for the skin, curing cuts, scrapes, sores, and rashes as well as cracking and other signs of aging.

Diabetes – An extract from the Moringa leaf has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels within 3 hours of ingestion, though less effectively than the standard hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide. The effects increased with larger doses.

The most popular way of using Moringa is as a tea or a spice in cooking. But the most potent way to ingest it is through capsules that are readily available on the internet by searching under “Moringa Tree Leaf Capsules.”

Michael Harvey is a retired professional athlete who has been in the nutritional industry since 1995 and you should check out his Moringa website at www.zija-moringa.org.

Eggs For Balance

Monday, October 27th, 2008

The egg, the symbol of birth, of life and, therefore, of spring has been celebrated by
numerous cultures at this time of the year. Eggs were given as gifts at spring
festivals in ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia and Rome. They were often dyed red to
symbolize the power of the womb. Eggs, of course, still play an important role in
our springtime holidays, but the real power comes from handling and eating eggs at
this time of year. It is said that at the exact moment of the Equinox an egg can be
balanced on it’s end because the earth is at it’s ultimate balance point (if you try it,
write me and let me know how it went!)

So what does the egg have to offer us nutritionally?

Eggs for Balance

Despite the decline in egg consumption, they still make ” … important nutritional
contributions to the American diet,” according to Dr. Won O. Song, PhD, and Jean M.
Kerver, MS, of the Food and Nutrition Database Research Center, Department of
Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University. They are nutritious,
tasty, versatile and convenient. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality lean
protein and are far less expensive than most other animal-protein foods. Eggs also
provide significant amounts of several vitamins and minerals (vitamin A, riboflavin,
and others).

Although eggs contain a significant amount of cholesterol, they need not be
excluded from the diet. They just need to be eaten with education:

In 1 large egg, the yolk contains 5 grams total fat, 2 grams saturated fatty acids,
213 milligrams cholesterol, and 60 calories. The egg white contains 15 calories.

Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. However, it is important that
you eat organic eggs. This is not necessarily cage-free or “free range” eggs.
According to Dr. Mercola of www.mercola.com, An egg is considered organic if the
chicken was only fed organic food and will not have bioaccumulated high levels of
pesticides from the grains (mostly bioengineered corn) fed to typical chickens.

For more detailed nutrition information, check out Nutrient Value of Eggs at http://www.enc-online.org/eggnutr.htm by the Egg Nutrition Center (ENC).

Heather Dominick - EzineArticles Expert Author

Heather Dominick is a New York State Certified Educator, Holistic Nutrition
Counselor accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners
and the creator of The Nutrition and Life Transformation Program. She
delivers Nutrition Keynotes, Wellness Workshops and Seminars at conferences
and companies. To receive bi-monthly Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips you can (a)
subscribe to her free e-Newsletter at http://www.individual-health.net or call 917-940-5337 to see how she may be able to help.

‘Tis the Season for Colds and Flu So What Can I Do?

Friday, October 24th, 2008

Cold and flu season can really get the best of us if we don’t take care of ourselves. Sometimes, though, even those with a strong immune system are going to get sick too. Here are some herbs and vitamins that are commonly used during this time of year and what they might do for you.

No matter what you are taking, it is always best to spread the amount out over the course of the day. Take a little every couple of hours rather than a bunch 2 or 3 times a day.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C helps lessen the symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold by enhancing the immune system. It will increase white blood count and antibody response. Vitamin C also works as a natural decongestant. The best recommended dose of Vitamin C is bowel tolerance. This means take enough Vitamin C to cause minor diarrhea and then take 80% of that amount daily. This amount will increase during times of immune or physical stress.

Zinc – Zinc is another common supplement used during a cold. Zinc is best taken at the initial onset of a cold and as a lozenge that will dissolve in your mouth. It appears as though zinc binds to the virus preventing it from affecting the body. Do not exceed 100mg of zinc per day as this may depress rather than strengthen the immune system.

Antioxidants – Similar to how Vitamin C works, other antioxidants can be beneficial to helping your body fight a cold or flu.

Probiotics – Probiotics have been used to treat stomach flu but now research is showing that they may also be beneficial for respiratory colds. Probiotics support bowel health, critical during any sort of illness as well as the immune system as a whole. Probiotics are necessary for three reasons. Plenty of probiotics leaves no room for bad bacteria to invade. Probiotics help the body flush toxins. Also, probiotics are necessary for the production of certain vitamins. Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.

Echinacea – This common herb helps to fight infection by stimulating white blood cells (the fighter cells) and fighting inflammation. It may be effective against allergies, colds, flu and other infections illnesses. Echinacea is best used in dose of 200 mg 5 to 6 times a day. It is not recommended for overall immune boosting as the body may become somewhat immune to it’s effects.

Fenugreek – This herb is beneficial for helping to reduce fevers and for sinus congestion by reducing mucous levels.

Garlic – Garlic is a fantastic immune booster making it an effective herb for preventing and infection. Garlic oil or garlic cloves are also effective against ear infections when placed directly into the ear 4 to 5 times daily and covered with a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes. For colds and flu take 400mg 5 to 6 times daily. Safe for long term use.

Ginger – For stomach flu, ginger helps fight nausea by reducing stomach spasms.

Goldenseal – Goldenseal works by strengthening the immune system. It is best used for respiratory illnesses and in combination or alternated with Echinacea. For colds and flu take 125 mg 5 to 6 times a day. For nausea and vomiting take 125 mg every four hours as needed. Goldenseal should not be used long term or by pregnant/nursing mothers or those with high blood pressure.

Lobelia – Liquid lobelia can be taken in very small doses placed on the tongue to help stop a coughing fit. It can also be rubbed on the chest to open up the lungs.

Nettle – Also called stinging nettle, this herb is a good expectorant. It is beneficial for colds and flu where there is a lot of excess mucous.

Olive Leaf – Olive leaf fights bacteria and viruses making it a good choice to prevent colds and flu from starting. It is also effective once you have gotten sick. Use 800 mg 4 to 5 times a day.

There are many more herbs that may be beneficial for colds and flu. If one doesn’t seem to work for you over the course of a few different illnesses, try another.

It is always best to begin taking something at the very first sign of an infection, perhaps before you are even certain you are getting something. Doing so dramatically increases the effectiveness of any remedies you may be considering. If you are still uncertain of what might work for you, seek out assistance from someone that has a background in natural health. Of course, whatever you decide, be sure to discuss it with a health care practitioner in case of interactions that may occur.

Nicole Bandes is a Natural Health Coach whose passion is educating individuals about natural alternatives available to them. Nicole publishes a weekly column of health tips at http://www.naturemadeez.com

Junk Food or Junk Diet?

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

The week-end arrives; you heave a sigh of relief as you now have a couple of days relaxation before you face the pressures of work again. Or do you? Saturday morning – you make the family a cup of coffee to start the day, then it is off out to get the shopping done. You get back late in the morning and realise that you have to get the kids to their swimming club or drop them off at their music instructors place. Too late for a decent lunch, by the time they are organised it will be time to go. So you stop and all have a burger on the way. The traffic is a nightmare, by the time you get in and put your feet up, you find it is time to collect the kids. You are so tired now with all of the rushing about that you really can’t be bothered with preparing a meal so you pick up a family chicken meal from a well-known fast food outlet. Sunday arrives, great, a bit of space, time to prepare a big cooked breakfast. By midday, things are getting tense again so you go for the pizza with some low-fat chips and some salad …

Sounds familiar? Well let’s have a look at the score. Firstly, what is a good diet? Basically, one which contains the nutrients that your body needs, in the correct amounts. The latter is the key to a healthy lifestyle. The main things your body needs from food are proteins (for growth and repair), carbohydrates (for energy), fats (gives a store of energy and the fatty layer protects and insulates yoiur body from impacts and temperature loss), vitamins (for good health), minerals (for the correct functioning of your body systems) fibre (aids digestion and production of faeces) and water (70% or so of the body is water).

So let’s have a look at a burger meal. Does it supply the nutrients you need? The answer is yes. The burger itself contains some meat, so there is the protein, some minerals and fat, the burger also contains fillers and those, plus the burger bun provides carbohydrate. The salad that comes with the burger meal provides fibre, water, vitamins and minerals. The fries provide more fat and carbohydrate and the main bulk of the water comes from the drink. There you have it, burger meals give you all you need!

The problems lie with the quantities of these nutrients. There is inevitably too much fat and carbohydrate compared with the other nutrients. And there is way too little fibre. The vitamin and mineral proportions are very low, unless you have a shake with the meal, which will increase the proportion of dairy product based minerals such as calcium. To get out of that one, you need to make sure that your next meal makes up for this out of balance meal. For your evening meal therefore, you should eat a low fat, high fibre meal, plenty of veg, cooked lightly or eaten raw so as not to destroy the vitamins. If you must eat between meals, snack on fruit or veg.

A further problem is the use of additives. For instance the addition of salt improves the flavour of food so naturally manufacturers put it in. As a result, eating processed food increases your salt levels – increases blood pressure and leads to heart problems for one thing. A little salt is necessary; it provides your body with the mineral sodium, needed in small quantities. Preservatives are another issue here, allegedly there in small enough quantities not to be harmful, what happens if you eat processed food all the time? Worth thinking about.

Antioxidants are important too. They help to prevent damage to the cells of your body, damage that can lead to cells becoming cancerous. Teas are a very good source of antioxidants. Ordinary (black) tea provides some but a lot of the beneficial constituents are lost during the fermentation process. Unprocessed, pure organic teas like Green Tea or Oolong (the latter is only partly fermented) are the best. Therefore, instead of coffee in the morning, try tea, it is more beneficial. Tea also contains the caffeine, but not as much as in coffee. You might have to drink more but think of the extra benefits to your health. Also, Green tea is thought to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol. The high levels of animal fats in burgers inevitably mean more cholesterol so there is another good reason for switching from coffee.

I hope that you can now see that simple changes to your diet can make your hectic lifestyle more healthy. And don’t feel too bad about the odd burger or other fast food, just learn to compensate.

Kevin Woodward looks after the In Nature web site at http://www.in-nature.com/teas/ which offers top quality Chinese teas and herbs for sale securely online. Memberships are available which entitles you to discounts on the products and a free health consultation, the latter is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Vitamins Minerals Nutrition – A Liquid Supplementation Program

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Vemma delivers a liquid nutrition program available internationally direct to your door. The product arrives in two separate 32 oz. bottles–Mangosteen Plus combining a full-spectrum vitamin formula and Essential Minerals providing over 65 major, trace and ultra-trace minerals. These are combined for the recommended daily dosage of 1 oz. in the shot glass included with the package.

The Vemma vitamin formula is combined in a blend of mangosteen fruit juice, whole leaf aloe vera and green tea to provide superior antioxidant protection. The Essential Minerals are extracted from naturally occuring plant source deposits.

Dietary supplementatiton, recognized by many as a necessary factor in maintaining health and protecting oneself from degenerative diseases, is receiving glowing testimonials for its numerous benefits from a widespread segment of the population.

The key ingredients for your health and well-being naturally include a balanced diet and regular exercise. A quality nutrition program may assist in:

* Protecting your body from “free radicals” that can damage cells and increase the aging process

* Supporting cardiovascular health and nervous system functioning

* Creating and maintaining healthy skin, eyes, teeth, gums and hair

* Supporting the immune system and a healthy intestinal tract

* Creating abundant energy through the conversion of energy from glucose

The Vemma liquid nutrition program is a complete multivitamin with major trace minerals, absorbable, easy to use, rich in phytonutrients and xanthones, delicious, and backed with a 30-day empty bottle money back guarantee.

The Vemma program offers customers a superior product and an opportunity for business minded people from a new company backed by it’s successful 10 year old company New Visions.

Products: http://www.MyVemma.com/HealthFitness

Business: http://www.YourVemmaBusiness.com

Heart Healthy Omega 3 Fats

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

University research conducted world wide has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids is not only heart protective but has the potential to reverse heart disease as well. Countless studies have indicated that the long term consumption of fish is associated with less incidence of a second heart attack coupled with fewer death rates as a result of cardiac events. According to Dr. Alexander Leaf of Harvard University, foods rich on omega 3 fats can stop arrhythmia before it triggers sudden death from heart attacks. The American Heart Association has also come to embrace the cardio protective benefits of omega 3 fats as well. It is important to note the FDA does NOT allow health claims for the majority of dietary supplements. However, per the FDA, health claims can be made for those dietary supplements providing beneficial omega 3 fats.

According to large scale study published in the British Medical Journal specific benefits of omega 3 acids are as follows:

Counteraction and prevention of cardiac arrhythmia
Lower triglycerides
Lower blood pressure
Promotion of the growth of new blood vessels

Decreased blood clot formation
Reduced inflammation

The above findings have been duplicated repeatedly via major scholarly research projects all over the globe.

It would be safe to say the benefits of a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can have a profound effect on human health and wellness.

It is also important to point out the fact that the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids should accompany a diet that already has a healthy foundation. It goes without saying that if one consumes fast foods, processed foods, cakes and cookies, you will markedly reduce the health benefits and biological activity of the good fatty acids you consume. Plenty of fruits and vegetables please. Dietary sources of beneficial omega 3 fats include cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. If quality fish is expensive or difficult to obtain in your area, one may consider supplementing the diet with fish oil readily available at most health food stores. Here’s to your healthy heart!

Dr. Linda Posh MS SLP ND. “Doc Posh” brings a fresh perspective to natural health and nutrition. She packs a solid educational background with degrees in organic chemistry, psychology and a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Dr. sports a diverse work history including experience and expertise in acute care neurorehab services, special education, autism support services, spinal cord injuries, senior rehabilitation services and currently consults to both patients and colleagues in natural health. Recently, she has been in the laboratory, formulating revolutionary whole food nutritional supplements.

Nutra-Resources Liquid Vitamins Website donates all profits to providing free Health Care for those in need. Sign up for Doc Posh’s newsletter. Get the latest in health care discoveries, consumer deception and more. Visit http://www.Nutra-Resources.com for the finest in liquid vitamins.

MonaVie Acai Berry Juice – The Tree of Life from Amazonian Rainforest…

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known for centuries, the world is just discovering. That an ancient berry, called the Acai Berry, may cause a sexual sensation. This mysterious berry contained in Monavie acai berry juice, has been making headlines throughout USA in the last year. Having been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on NBC’s “Today Show”, and just last month on the “Oprah Winfrey Show”, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, named the Acai fruit as one of the most nutritious and powerful anti-aging foods in the world.

This new elixir has been created and formulated with the expert talent of Dr. Ralph Carson. Dr Carson, Chief Science Officer of Monarch Health Sciences, heads an all star team of the nation’s leading doctors, a prestigious medical team that is passionate about discovering the planet’s secret natural medicines.

Besides being known as the “Amazon’s Viagra”, the Acai Berry is also known to have the following effects: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, and cardiovascular system. So, how do you get your hands on a bottle of MonaVie? Great question, MonaVie is being launched with a MLM distribution model. A model of business that allows the average person to become the story-teller of a product, and generate their own profits.

Why has such an acclaimed company, gone to this model of business? Just ask Calvenn Starre, MonaVie’s number one distributor, “MonaVie is best served as a person to person product, not just another sit-on-a-self natural Viagra youth elixir.

This way, people can share their personal stories and create financial security during a very insecure time. Why should all the money go to media marketing, when the best advertising is always word of mouth?”

MonaVie is opening its doors to entrepreneurs seeking a home based business opportunity in USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan in 2005. Surprising to most of us, this MLM opportunity is only $39.95, and each bottle of MonaVie is only $30. Bulk discounts are available in quantities of 24 bottles or more. $30 a month to enjoy a “juicier” life, sign me up!

You can contact me and my team at monavie@krillbiz.com or visit our website http://monavie.krillbiz.com/mona-vie.htm

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate For Improving Bone Health

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Many people use the Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement in order to improve their osteoarthritis condition. Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage wears out due to the rubbing of exposed bones, which makes the joints sore. To provide relief from it people undertake drug therapy, but medicines also have side effects. Moreover such medication has not been proven to stop the progression of this disease. Recent studies show that millions of Americans are suffering from this disease and to stay away from major side effects, many of them try new dietary supplementation and opt to supplement with Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate.

What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are naturally found substances within the human body. Chondroitin sulfate is a part of larger protein molecules known as proteoglycan. This protein helps in cartilage elasticity. Glucosamine is present in the form of an amino sugar. Medical science believes that it plays some role in the formation and damage repair of the cartilages.

How the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplement is Produced

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement is available as a dietary supplement. It is produced by extracting these elements from animal tissue. Chondroitin is extracted from the cartilage of animals and Glucosamine is extracted from the tissue of animals, such as lobster, crabs, etc.

How do they work?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate may act as a pain relief supplement but there has not been any intensive research that reveals reduction in cartilage damage.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate have both shown some pain relief of mild osteoarthritis, just like pain relief by aspirin or ibuprofen. People usually take them because they have little to no side effects and because of the possibilities of it slowing down cartilage damage.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Usage

In general, the Chondroitin sulfate is taken up to 1,200 milligram each day where as Glucosamine is taken up to 1,500 milligram each day. Time duration for its usage ranges from 6 to 8 weeks.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Side Effects

The side effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement may include softened stool and intestinal gas.

It is usually recommended that pregnant women and children not take glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar level before they take this supplement. Bleeding may occur if used with a blood thinning medicine such as aspirin.

What do I look for?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are available as dietary supplements, which mean that they are unregulated and the amount of these may vary.

Peter Salazar’s source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com.

To go directly to this product go here: http://utopiasilver.com/products/supplements/glucosamine.htm