Nutrition Articles
Dietary Therapy High Fiber Diets
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 616)
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Can high-fiber diets really do all they claim to do? Studies have looked at the relationship between high-fiber diets and many diseases, including colon cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Proven benefits of a high-fiber diet include prevention and treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. In addition, certain types of fiber help decrease blood cholesterol levels.
Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Part of it, however, may be metabolized by bacteria in the lower gut. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber, including pectin, gum, mucilage, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber.
In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. These include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Such fibers increase fecal bulk and speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract.
Wheat bran and whole grains contain the most insoluble fiber, but vegetables and beans also are good sources.Sometimes there is confusion as to the difference between crude fiber and dietary fiber. Both are determined by a laboratory analysis, but crude fiber is only one-seventh to one-half of total dietary fiber.
Insoluble fiber binds water, making stools softer and bulkier. Therefore, fiber, especially that found in whole grain products, is helpful in the treatment and prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis.
Diverticula are pouches of the intestinal wall that can become inflamed and painful.It is now known that a high-fiber diet gives better results once the inflammation has subsided.
Some types of fiber, however, appear to have a greater effect than others. The fiber found in rolled oats is more effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels than the fiber found in wheat. Pectin has a similar effect in that it, too, can lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
High-fiber diets may be useful for people who wish to lose weight. Fiber itself has no calories, yet provides a "full" feeling because of its water-absorbing ability. For example, an apple is more filling than a half cup of apple juice that contains about the same calories.
Foods high in fiber often require more chewing, so a person is unable to eat a large number of calories in a short amount of time. Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Meat, milk and eggs do not contain fiber.
The form of food may or may not affect its fiber content. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as much fiber as raw ones. Other types of processing, though, may reduce fiber content. Drying and crushing, for example, destroy the water-holding qualities of fiber.
The removal of seeds, peels or hulls also reduces fiber content. Whole tomatoes have more fiber than peeled tomatoes, which have more than tomato juice. Likewise, whole wheat bread contains more fiber than white bread.
Fiber supplements are sold in a variety of forms from bran tablets to purified cellulose. Many laxatives sold as stool softeners actually are fiber supplements. Fiber's role in the diet is still being investigated.
It appears that the various types of fiber have different roles in the body. For these reasons, avoid fiber supplements. Instead, eat a variety of fiber-rich foods.
This is the best way to receive the maximum benefits from each type of fiber present in foods, and obtain necessary nutrients.
Your Best Key To A Healthy Diet Variety
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 707)
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It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and that is certainly true when trying to eat a healthy diet. No one likes to eat the same thing day after day, and boredom is the enemy of a healthy diet.
Fortunately for those trying to follow a healthy diet, there is plenty of variety to be had in healthy foods. In addition to the hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables available at the average grocery store, there is a wide variety of beans, lentils, nuts, meat, dairy products, fish and poultry. There is no need for boredom to set in when pursuing a healthier lifestyle.'
The key to enjoying a variety of foods while eating healthy is to plan meals carefully and be sure to use the many varieties of foods that are available. Using a combination of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and whole grains, it is possible to create a fresh, exciting and healthful meal every day of the week.
Nutritionists often stress the importance of a varied diet, both for nutritional and psychological reasons. A varied diet is essential for good health, since different types of foods contain different types of nutrients. And following a varied diet is important to your psychological well being as well, since feeling deprived of your favorite foods can lead you to give up your healthy lifestyle.
It is much better to continue eating the foods you like, but to eat them in moderation. Instead of giving up that juicy bacon, for instance, have it as an occasional treat, perhaps pairing it with an egg white omelet instead of a plateful of scrambled eggs. As with everything else in life, good nutrition is a tradeoff.
It is important for everyone to eat foods from the five major food groups each and every day. The five food groups identified by the USDA include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy and meat and beans. Each of these food groups contains specific nutrients, so it is important to eat a combination of these foods to ensure proper levels of nutrition.
Of course simply choosing foods from the five food groups is not enough. After all a meal from the five food groups could include cake, candied yams, avocados, ice cream and bacon. Although all five food groups are represented, no one would try to argue that this is a healthy day's menu. Choosing the best foods from within each group, and eating the less healthy foods in moderation, is the best way to ensure a healthy and varied diet.
For instance, choosing healthy, lean meats is a great way to get the protein you need without consuming unnecessary fat and calories. And removing fat and skin from chicken is a great way to eliminate extra fat and calories.
When choosing breads and cereals, it is usually best to choose those that carry the whole grain designation. Whole grains, those that have not been overly refined, contain greater nutritional qualities and fewer sugars.
In addition, many grains and cereals are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. While this vitamin fortification is important, it should be seen as a bonus, not as a substitute for a proper diet. Many foods are supplemented with important nutrients such as calcium (essential for strong bones and teeth) and folic acid (important in preventing birth defects).
Substituting healthier foods for less healthy ones is a cornerstone of a healthy diet. For instance, substituting lean cuts of meat for fattier ones, and substituting skinless chicken or turkey breast for less healthy drumsticks, is a great way to maximize nutrition without sacrificing good taste.
No matter what your reason for following a healthy diet, or what your ultimate fitness goals may be, you will find that a good understanding of nutrition will form the basis of your healthy diet. Understanding how the various food groups work together to form a healthy diet will go a long way toward helping you meet your ultimate fitness goals. Whether your goal is to run a marathon, lose ten pounds or just feel better, knowledge is power, and nutritional knowledge will power your diet for the rest of your life.
Drinking Water Scams Revealed
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 408)
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(free to publish)
Read this article before you consider paying for your drinking
water.
Wouldn't it be nice to stop poisoning ourselves with polluted or unhealthy drinking water? I, for one, felt that I would love to find a source of safe inexpensive drinking water. (Ideally, I'd love to turn on the tap, and out it would flow!)
Whether it's curing cancer with magnets or herbal wonder-remedies or Vioxx, we've all seen the fantastic claims people make about their health products AND about how your whole life will be changed! I can tell you right now that 90% are frauds. You may even have fallen prey to some of these scams, selling you the latest fad. Me too. I've bought so many kinds of drinking
water, I can't recall. (If a lie is repeated often enough, it becomes "the truth").
Finally, after many disappointments I got FED UP. I decided to get to the bottom of this desire we all have to make sure that our most basic nutrient - water - will keep us healthy, not make us sick.
I checked out endless commercial websites and a number of university and government sites; and I was dismayed at what I repeatedly found:
-Outdated information or info repeated from other websites
-Wild and sensational claims
-No research
-No refunds, etc.
I already knew that we can't trust our tap water because of the presence of up to 2000 contaminants.
Specifically, I found:
a) Bottled Water: a real mish-mash of quality, often no more than filtered tap water sold at outrageous mark-ups and at quite an environmental cost.
b) Reverse-osmosis and distilled water: completely ignored the medical evidence of the dangers in the ongoing drinking of water that is void of minerals, acid in nature and oxidizing.
I quickly realized that these products were either useless, overpriced or potentially harmful long-term. And the companies were smiling all the way to the bank.
Nevertheless I was able to find products that were well-researched and legitimate: water ionizers and certain filters. I found two websites providing comparisons of reliable water purifiers: www.waterfiltercomparisons.net and
www.waterpurifier101.com. (While the first of these sites does not address the problem of acidity in drinking water, it is straightforward in its assessment of what various water filters do.)
I hope that you're not misled by false claims, and take a look at these resources, for the sake of your health.
Why Eating Fish Prevents Cancer
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 373)
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What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.
Selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.
Why Eat Fish Weekly?
Best choices are oily fish rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, such as herring, sardines, salmon, lake trout, mackerel and albacore tuna. But forgo fish oil capsules unless you have been diagnosed with heart disease and can't eat at least two meals of fish per week. People with high triglyceride levels who are under the care of a physician may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids in capsules. The U.S. guidelines also recommend two servings of fish per week, but they doesn't address fish oil capsules in the same detail as AHA.
Can antioxidants prevent cancer?
That is a good question. Considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. However, information from recent clinical trials is less clear. In recent years, large-scale, randomized clinical trials reached inconsistent conclusions.
Various new researches show that a serving of almonds, for instance, contains the same amount of antioxidants called flavonoids as a serving of broccoli. And a one ounce serving of almonds provides as much of these antioxidants as found in a cup of brewed black or green tea, in addition to being an excellent source of vitamin E!
Furthermore, the researchers noted that the main antioxidant compounds found in almonds, catechin, epicatechin and kaempferol, are also the ones that provide the highest degree of protection against cell death from oxidants, a mechanism that appears to play an important role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains and some meats, poultry and fish. We urge you to find out more about Antioxidants today!
How To Succeed With Your Diet
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 471)
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Typically, when thinking of the word diet, we think temporary. Spring breaks, weddings and even weekend beach trips will get us to lose some weight. Unfortunately, these short term diets don't work. They are unhealthy and once you stop them, your weight will come back. Studies show you'll be heavier than when you started. Instead of diet, think lifestyle change. This doesn't mean you have to give up fried chicken, pizza or even chocolate. Eating is a big part of our lives and should be enjoyed. An important concept to understand is moderation. If you can't live without fried chicken, eat it, just not everyday. Plus if you have it less, you'll enjoy it more.
Going from your favorite unhealthy foods to healthier alternatives is a huge jump. Next time you are flipping through channels, try and find a makeover show. Many of these shows try and get people to completely change their eating habits in less than a week. While this may seem healthy, it probably won't lead to any long term changes. Put yourself in their shoes. What food do you eat that you know is unhealthy and really love? How would you feel if someone said you can't ever have that food again? I don't think I'd go for it.
An easier way to do it is gradually. Take a food you love and try to make it healthier. If you love pizza, instead of buying it ready, make it at home. There are easy to use crusts available at your grocery store. Add your own toppings. If you love fried chicken, try baked chicken. Don't go out, make it yourself. Home made meals are almost always healthier than ones you get at a restaurant (fast food or not).
Another popular way to get healthier are fat-free or low fat versions of food. Cream cheese, peanut butter and milk all have low fat or fat free substitutes. Sometimes companies do a good job with taste and sometimes they don't. In some cases it might not even be possible to get the same taste with all the fat taken out. This is why it is important to go down in steps. If your goal is to drink fat free milk but you're using whole milk, don't do it overnight. Take it in steps over the coarse of a few weeks. You won't notice the difference in taste as much. The same goes for other dairy products. Also, if you just can't stomach the fat free version, try the low fat version.
Most importantly, don't ever deprive yourself of something you love. Sometimes we over indulge in what we enjoy. Instead of eating a large number of cookies, look at the nutrition label. Eat a serving and put the pack down.
Hgh Somatropin
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 493)
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Bio-Synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) replaced the natural pituitary-derived human growth hormone Somatotropin, in1985.
Biosynthetic human growth hormone, also referred to as recombinant human growth hormone, is also called Somatropin and abbreviated as rhGH.
Human growth hormone is critical for the growth of bones and muscles. Somatropin and its brands are used to treat impaired growth owing to growth hormone deficiency in children and adults; as well as chronic kidney failure and Turner syndrome, short bowel syndrome, AIDS symptoms and more.
Somatropin (hgh) contains protein molecules consisting of 191 amino acids each. Gene splicing enabled researchers to clone the Somatropin (hgh) human growth hormone protein after determining its exact DNA sequence. Biosynthetic Somatropin (hgh)human growth hormone thus began to be available by prescription.
Naturally secreted HGH is the largest protein created by the Pituitary gland. HGH secretion that is at its peak during adolescence slows down as we age and we produce HGH usually in short bursts during deep sleep. It could also be that we age because HGH secretion slows down!
Growth Hormone is critical for tissue repair, muscle growth, healing, brain function, physical and mental health, bone strength, energy and metabolism.
Somatropin rhGH can be administered via injection subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle).
In an injectible form it is effective in considerably large quantities and over a protracted dosage course. The price of injectible Somatropin HGH is prohibitive to say the least.
FDA permitted 'nano' quantity of HGH permissible in dietary supplements, pills, sprays and more that are available without prescription - is too insignificant to be of any use.
However a homeopathic delivery system combining both releaser amino acids, and true secretagogue human growth hormone (within FDA regulations), specialized Growth Factors - hormones and nutrients scientifically shown to increase the levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), into one powerful supplement, would be the ideal non-prescription HGH !
Sytropin HGH - An effective mix of homeopathy and modern medicine
The oral spray-based HGH catalyst Sytropin has been at the centre of rave reviews. Hailed as the HGH of the 21st century, Sytropin combines true homeopathic HGH, 6 Growth Factors, and 8 HGH amino acid releasers into one convenient oral spray.
Sytropin works on the premise that the pituitary gland, though for some reason produces HGH only intermittently, in stages of deep sleep in later years, does in no way lose its ability to produce HGH. It offloads permissible micrograms of HGH into the human body via a sublingual release spray activates the pituitary into producing natural HGH with a combination of supporting releasers.
With Sytropin changes have been observed in relation to body fat to muscle mass, tissue growth, energy levels, tissue repair, the body's healing ability, cell replacement, bone strength, brain function, sexual function, organ health and integrity, enzyme production, texture and quality of hair, nails, skin and more.
More importantly, it is the only HGH supplement backed by a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee!
Food Addiciton
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 1120)
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"Hi, I have had a weight problem all my life. But I think it is more of a pleasure problem It is also a self esteem of issue. Food was always a reward or "to keep me happy" kind of thing. Food is a happy gathering kind of thing... holidays.. going out to eat..sweet cakes on my birthday. Even as a baby I am sure that I was given food when I wasn't given personal attention.
Diet's are a form of restrictions. When a person is on a "diet" it is like a statement to everyone around them that they are trying to lose weight. They are telling the people around them they can only eat a certain foods... That food is the food that is on the diet. It is a form of restriction on a loved one. They now have to show their love by helping me stay on a diet. With a "diet" it seems easier for a person to watch me sweat and work out harder to obtain that new weight that I have set for myself.
I seem to think that being one of the reasons for me being fat. As a baby, a child is given a bottle to drink to make them happy and stop crying. Even I give myself pleasure with food. I have learned to have pleasure from food.
Now diet, is a plan of food a person eats for life to keep a certain weight. OK.. the rules change, and now my self esteem is up and I am worth surviving. Yes, it is a survival issue. Eating too much can kill me.
Of course the story of being fat isn't that easily answered or talked about. There are many other factors on the way I think about this issue. There is much more to it. Much, much more.
And this wonderful web site and you wonderful gals are helping me. Women need more self esteem on many issues. Women can and deserve to be happy. "
- Peggy (WSE member)
Thank You Peggy for allowing me to share your post in my blog.
For people with an emotional addiction for food, losing their extra weight is a lot harder than eating less food and getting on the treadmill. Many people are over weight because they are suffering with an inner issue. They will use food as an emotional void filler. The only reason they are hungry is because they are sad. They have confused hunger with sadness. They use food as their drug to feel calmness. They will eat and space out as an addict does after a fix. They will also fall into the roller coaster of self-loathing. Loathing the fact that they once again fell into the unnecessary need for food.
People that are obese and actually have lost weight, are of two minds. They feel like they are someone else when they are thinner and live a life where they fear that they could fall into that food addiction at any second. The other mind is the one that is consumed with self-disgust and a weakness for the addiction of food. People with eating addictions love and hate food. Again being of two minds. They try to justify themselves, by criticizing people without food addictions. They will drive by fast food restaurants and debate within themselves, only to increase the need for food. Which only causes them to devour even more than usual. They are in a constant battle with, should I or shouldn't I. I know I shouldn't but I so want to. It's a viscous circle for them.
One of the hardest things for obese people to deal with is the whispers and snickers from other people as they pass by them. They know well enough that they disgust people just by watching their reactions, yet is is not enough to make them stop eating. Obese people are ridiculed in public all the time and they loose out on many relationships because the other person cannot understand their addiction for food. Food addicts will even ignore that they are literally killing themselves with every bite that they do not need. They choose to not think about it, as any addict does.
Some will say that solving food addiction is as easy as just telling people to stop being lazy, to exercise and to stop over eating. For them, food means so many things besides fueling their bodies with nutrients. Their addiction will totally over rule their nature to protect themselves, health wise or society`s concerns about appearance.
Depression, low self-esteem, history of abuse, poverty, family obesity and emotionally troubled childhood upbringings are a few of the greatest causes that trigger off food addiction. As I said earlier in this article, people are desperate to fill an emptiness. Food is the easiest route to reaching that full feeling they desire. Emotional emptiness is the monster that creates the addiction in obese people.
You would think that with all the methods that have proven to help people with their weight issues, there would not be a single overweight person, but the numbers are growing faster every day. Obesity is one of the only health issues the we know how to battle and prevent, yet we fail to do so.
Why is that?
Is it because FAT is one of those HUSH words?
Do we ignore the overweight issues of others, so not to hurt their feelings?
Are we doing them any favours by pretending it is OK to be dangerously overweight?
Do we feel that if they like themselves like that, who are we to judge them?
Do we think to ourselves, better them than me?
People that are addicted to the food drug are just as imprisoned as any other addict. There is only one way to get off the drug, and that is to seek help. Also they must want to get off this drug, for themselves. They must want to feel good about themselves. To be able to get to that point, they must build their self-esteem and address the skeletons in their closets. This is why I created womensselfesteem.com. This is one road to an addiction-free place in your mind.
As you read in Peggy`s post, she has finally begun her climb up the mountain to a better feeling person. She wanted to share this with other women that are behind those bars of food addiction. It is beatable. You just have to want to begin the battle.
Again HUGGZZZZ Peggy.
Dorothy Lafrinere
Owner/Operater
Website- http://www.womensselfesteem.com
Weblog- http://www.justblogme.com/Dorothy
email- dorothy@womensselfesteem.com
Minerals The Precious Elements Of Your Body
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 915)
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When you think of precious minerals, you probably think of silver and gold. But where your health is concerned, others - like calcium and iron - are far more precious. Each of these dietary minerals is unique and carries out its own life-giving task.
Scientists have divided these nutrients into two groups - major and trace minerals - depending on how much of the mineral is in your body.
7 minerals you can't do without
The major minerals stand out from others simply because there are more of them in your body. If you could remove all your body's minerals and place them on a scale, they would weigh about 5 pounds. Almost 4 pounds of that would be calcium and phosphorus, the two most common major minerals. The five other major minerals would make up most of the remaining pound.
Calcium.
By far the most abundant mineral in your body, calcium makes your bones and teeth strong and hard. Without it, they would be as floppy as your ears. Imagine trying to get around then.
Calcium doesn't just stay trapped in your skeleton, though. Small amounts of it travel into your blood. There, it's essential for steadying your blood pressure and helping your muscles contract. One rather important muscle - your heart - needs calcium to keep pumping.
Calcium is critical during childhood if you want to have strong bones as an adult. But no matter how old you are, it's never too late to get more of this important mineral.
Phosphorus.
The second-most plentiful mineral in your body works hand-in-hand with calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus is a crucial ingredient in DNA and cell membranes and helps make healthy new cells all over your body. To top it off, phosphorus helps turn your food into energy.
Chloride. Your stomach would be useless without this element. Chloride is a main ingredient in your digestive stomach acids. It also helps to assure that all of your body's cells get their fair share of nutrients - no small job at all.
Magnesium.
This is the least common major mineral in your body, but that doesn't hold magnesium back. First, it helps keep your bones and teeth healthy, then it makes sure calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and proteins do their jobs. When you flex your muscles, you need magnesium to help them relax again.
Recently, experts even found a connection between magnesium and heart health. A deficiency of the mineral could increase your risk of heart attack and high blood pressure.
Potassium.
Keeping your blood pressure steady, maintaining your heartbeat, balancing water in your cells, and assuring your muscles and nerves work properly are a few of potassium's many important jobs. Like magnesium, this mineral might be essential for heart health.
Sodium.
This mineral usually gets a bad rap because it's the main element in salt. But your body needs sodium to maintain its balance of fluids. Nowadays, most people try to limit their salt, or sodium, intake for health reasons. Those who are "salt-sensitive" are especially at risk for heart disease. But it would benefit everyone to lower their daily sodium intake to 2,400 milligrams or less.
Sulfur.
This mineral is a number one supporting actor. It doesn't do much on its own, but it's part of other star nutrients like thiamin and protein. Sulfur is especially important in proteins because it gives them shape and durability. Your body's toughest proteins - in your hair, nails, and skin - have the highest amounts of sulfur.
Trace minerals - small but powerful protectors
By definition, each trace mineral makes up only a tiny percentage of your total body weight - less than one-twentieth of a percent, to be exact. But their small amounts only make them more valuable. They carry out enormous tasks that are as important as the jobs of any of the more common nutrients.
Iodine.
Your thyroid gland uses this nutrient to make its hormones. These compounds control your body temperature, regulating the metabolism of every major organ. A lack of iodine can wreak havoc with your body and cause a condition called goiter.
Iron.
Without a teaspoon of this mineral in your body, you couldn't breathe. Iron makes up hemoglobin and myoglobin, two compounds that carry oxygen throughout your blood and your muscles. No wonder you feel weak and listless when you are iron deficient.
Selenium.
Now famous for preventing cancer, selenium also carries out important daily tasks in your body. It helps your thyroid use iodine, for instance, and it's important for a healthy immune system. A deficiency in selenium can cause heart and thyroid disease.
Zinc.
This mineral has many jobs. Cleaning up free radicals, building new cells, and producing energy from other nutrients are just three. A zinc deficiency can be dangerous, leading to digestion problems and deficiencies in other nutrients.
The mighty five. Chromium, copper, fluoride, manganese, and molybdenum are five trace minerals you'll find in common foods and drinks. They are responsible for everything from strong teeth (fluoride) to your blood-sugar level (chromium). They are so important that nutritionists have set daily requirements for each of them to make sure you get enough.
Experts are also investigating a handful of other minerals to see how essential they are to your body. Boron is one that seems promising as an important ingredient in bone and joint health.
The Power Of Antioxidants Times Three
(category: Nutrition, Word count: 1957)
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In the third grade I was told I could write a paper on any topic for an English homework assignment. I chose the subject of scurvy as it affected sailors who were away at sea for long periods of time and the resulting discovery of Vitamin C as its cure. I remember the paper well for I was literally transcended from ignorance to a place of awe at the intricacies of the human body and its response to nutrients.
Today, antioxidants are the word on the street. They are used to boost energy (forget caffeine - this stuff rocks!) and these antioxidants fight infection, and address a whole range of health issues.
Before XanGo, Tahitian Noni, Fruta Vida, (containing, respectively, mangosteen, goji, and acai) and now Amigo Juice (a marriage of all three super foods), we had Vitamin C, E, and A. For many of us, it was all about drinking that cup of orange juice at breakfast or taking a vitamin supplement. But today, we are not talking about just a punch but a real blow to sickness and disease, taking the form of antioxidant rich health beverages that many consumers swear by in their quest for wellness.
Living in today's very toxic world, antioxidants deserve a special place in the area of nutritional supplements and are certainly worth examining closer to see what they are all about and learn how we can implement them into our daily routine.
Quite simply put, at the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. In humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule desires to be oxidized, and this oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. They are also created by exposure to various environmental factors, tobacco smoke and radiation. Of course, this certainly includes air quality and all the junk we put into our bodies that our immune system is forced to combat.
If allowed to run amok, these free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, cell structures, and genetic material within the cell. They are the bully on the playground and need to be dealt a firm hand for the resulting damage can eventually lead to disease and ultimately death.
Antioxidants play a key role in cleaning up the destruction caused by these free radicals. They clean house before free radicals get a chance to harm the body. Researchers have determined that antioxidants are useful in the prevention of carcinogenic effects of oxidation.
To that end, a variety of health companies, most notably in the form of multi-level marketing, have cropped up offering antioxidant rich health drinks, as captured in the pericarp, hull, pulp, rind, basically the whole fruit, the kitchen and its sink, ground and mixed and served up in tasty 1 oz. servings. Not to mention the mangosteen fruit has introduced an entirely new classification of antioxidants, called Xanthones with professed health benefits too numerous to list, many years of research, and centuries of positive use.
These antioxidant rich drinks created three distinct camps. One decided the mangosteen is their drink of choice, goji has its determined followers, and there is also acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee). It became difficult to navigate through hype and look for substance. According to numerous reports by customers, they all have their benefits.
However, in March of this year, one product was introduced, integrating all three important fruits into one single product in a dried formula, omitting any need for pasteurization, cutting back on the cost of shipping, and providing the most bang for the buck. Most importantly, each of the three super foods had very distinct benefits. Now we have a marriage of all three fruits in one drink in Amigo Juice.
THE BIG THREE SUPER FOODS
The following is a look at the three fruits: acai, mangosteen, and goji.
ACAI:
The Acai berry, or Acai Fruit grows on majestic palm trees in the Amazon Rainforest and looks like a purple marble or grape. Acai contains high levels of Antioxidants, Omega Fatty Acids (healthy fats), Iron, Amino Acids, Fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals. The people living in the Amazon region in Northern Brazil, have consumed Acai for hundreds of years and its healing and sustaining powers are legendary.
Acai Berry is known to harness the following properties: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Cardiovascular System. Acai berries contain very high amounts of essential fatty acids and omegas proven to lower LDL and maintain HDL cholesterol levels. They also contain a remarkable concentration of antioxidants to help combat premature aging.
Acai Berry is a dense source of a particular class of flavonoids called anthocyanins. The ORAC value of Acai Berry is higher than any other edible berry in the world. Acai Berry is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Acai is extremely rich in organic vegetable protein which does not generate cholesterol during its digestion and is more easily processed and transported to your muscles than animal protein (such as what is found in milk or meat).
Besides its outstanding content of protein and unsaturated lipids, Acai is also rich in carbohydrates, providing your body with the necessary energy while working or practicing any kind of sport.
There is also an amazingly high concentration of antioxidants useful in combating premature aging. The proanthocyanidine contents in Acai Berries contain 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins (these are the purple colored antioxidants) of red wine per volume. Although the French consume a high fat diet, they have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to the western countries. They contribute this factor to their consumption of red wine. Acai Berries can help promote a healthier cardiovascular system and digestive tract, because of its synergy of monounsaturated fats (these are the healthy fats), dietary fiber, and phytosterols.
They provide the body with an excellent source of fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggest soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol. The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Essential amino acid complex along with trace minerals, which are vital for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.
MANGOSTEEN:
The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. The tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The edible fruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. In Asia, the mangosteen fruit is known as the "Queen of Fruits." The outer shell of the fruit (pericarp) is rather hard, typically 4-6 cm in diameter, resembling a spherical, black cartoon bomb.
Health benefits:
Mangosteen has compounds with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor activity. Laboratory testing thus far indicates that extracts of mangosteen have activity against several cancer cell lines including breast, liver, and leukemia. Mangosteen also appears to have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Most notably, the mangosteen provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits which play an important role in numerous health conditions.
For hundreds of years, the people of Southeast Asia have used the mangosteen, especially the rind, to ward off and treat infections, reduce pain or control fever, and treat various other ailments.
Most of the studies with mangosteen have focused on the pericarp, or the dark, woody rind as opposed to the fruit inside the woody rind. The pericarp contains the active xanthone compounds. The fruit itself probably has some beneficial compounds but the compounds within the mangosteen fruit have not been studied as well as the mangosteen rind.
Several compounds in mangosteen appear to be active, particularly xanthones. Some of these xanthones include mangostin, mangostenol, mangostenone A, mangostenone B, trapezifolixanthone, tovophyllin B, alpha- and beta-mangostins, garcinone B, mangostinone, mangostanol, and the flavonoid epicatechin.
There are numerous studies available for review at www.pubmed.com. Just enter the word "mangosteen" to access a list.
GOJI
Goji berries have the highest concentration of beta-carotene among all foods on earth. Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Therefore, vitamin A ultimately plays a major influence in Lycium's actions. Lycium's function on the eyes is related to this factor.
Lycium's vitamin B1 and B2 contents are significant and the vitamin C content of freeze-dried Lycium has been measured to be 73 mg/100 grams. The fruit also contains vitamin C, beta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).
Lycium contains 18 kinds of amino acids, of which 8 are indispensable amino acids for the human body (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). 50% of Lycium's amino acids are free amino acid. Lycium contains numerous trace elements, of which the main ones are zinc, iron and copper. Mature fruits contain about 11 mg. of iron per 100 grams. Ning Xia Lycium contains 45% glucose, 7% fructose and 5.5% glucose.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Goji Berries have been used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney and liver problems. They are also used in Tibet to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and cleanse the blood. Goji Berries have a long history of use in the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic.
Science has shown that this bright red berry not only contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but also contains many unique phytochemicals, polysaccharides, and complex compounds that scientists are only beginning to understand.
Goji Berries contain the following complex compounds:
Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.
Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B. Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.
Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
These compounds as found in the Goji Berry are used in the following manner: Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease. Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B. Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound. Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol. Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
When navigating through the myriad of choices in determining which product to choose in today's antioxidant saturated market, it is important to consider the following criteria: quality of product; quantity and source of ingredient; reputation of manufacturing company; and cost.
At one time, health products did a little bit of this and a little bit of that. As someone who used to pop about 30 vitamins each day to get what I felt my body needed for good health, it is exciting to see a number of products offering profound results. These results are allowing individuals to drop their pharmaceutical drug habit, or at the very least drop the dose, giving the body what it craves most, all things natural. We can do much to combat the ill effects of toxins and poor diet by the choices we make with regards to nutritional supplementation.
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