Health and Beauty » Nutrition

Spirulina Benefits:Does it live up to the hype?

Admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:13:27 +0000

Spirulina is a very nutrient dense food that is manufactured from the maxima and platensis species of algae, and can be found in tablet, flake as well as powder form.It contains the full spectrum of amino acids as well as Chlorophyll that gives it, its green color.It is touted as having numerous health benefits, and in this article I will have a look if all these health benefits actually are true.

If you do a search for the health benefits of spirulina you will get something like this most of the time:

Immune System Booster
Improves Digestion
Reduce fatigue and Build Endurance
Detoxifies the body
Increases Energy Levels
Decreases Appetite
Promotes a Healthy Cardiovascular function
Liver and Kidney Support
Reduce Inflammation
Beneficial for people with allergies

If you look at all these supposed benefits of spirulina it seems that it is the best thing since sliced bread!

Most of these claims are usually made by the manufacturers of a spirulina product, and most of the time all they care about is to sell their product to you.

So – what is actually the truth?

The following benefits of spirulina have actually been proven by research:

Spirulina have been proven to increase weigh gain and improve anemia in a study on undernourished children
Spirulina protects against allergies and a study in 2005 found that that it reduced hay-fever
In a study on people with arthritis it was found that spirulina helped to reduce inflammation
A study in 2007 proved that spirulina significantly reduced cholesterol as well as blood pressure
A study in 2007 proved that spirulina had potent antioxidant properties in that it reduced the amount of creatine kinase ( an indicator of muscle breakdown ) after exercise in a group of people.
Spirulina have not been proven to be effective for weight loss – contrary to what some people claim.

There are other studies that were done on animals proving a multitude of other health benefits of spirulina, but I will stick with the benefits that have been proven in humans!

One benefit of spirulina that I have experience myself, and several other people have reported to me as well is that it gives your energy levels a definite boost. Some people swear by it and claim that they will not get through their day without their daily dose of spirulina!

Spirulina side effects

Spirulina does not have many side effects, but it should be noted that it can be dangerous to people with a certain metabolic disorder namely phenylketonuria.

So it seems that spirulina does actually have most if not all of its claimed health benefits, and it is highly recommended by us.

References:

Online:Powersupplements.com; http://www.powersupplements.com/spirulina/spirulina-benefits.html

Online: Wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_%28dietary_supplement%29

Purslane: Vitamins, Minerals and Omega 3 Fatty Acids From a Weed

GuestPoster — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:05:11 +0000

Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) grows wild in the United States and many countries of the world. If you look it up on the Internet, chances are you will find more websites mentioning it as a pest than a boon, and showing you ways to eradicate it. The wild form is a creeping plant with small fleshy leaves (less than 1 inch long) and thick, soft purplish stems.

It grows as well in flower gardens as in sidewalk cracks. It forms a taproot that keeps the plant firmly attached to the ground, and it just grows back when you pull off or mow the leaves and stems. The only thing that seems to stop it is the cold. This humble plant nonetheless packs a nutritional punch that makes it worthy of attention. 100g of purslane leaves has 12.2 mg of vitamin E and more than 2000 IU of vitamin A. On top of that, it is the leafy vegetable with the highest concentration of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) known, with 300-400 mg in a cup (100 g) portion. The tiny black seeds can be eaten as well, and also have a high concentration of ALA.

ALA is one of the omega 3 fatty acids. These are unsaturated fatty acids essential in the diet because the human body cannot manufacture them . ALA has 18 carbon atoms, and in land animals serves as a precursor for the 20-carbon EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which has 22 carbon atoms. Animals differ in their capacity to convert ALA into EPA and DHA. Birds do it best, followed by cattle. Humans are not very good at the conversion, so eating lots of purslane will not necessarily enable you to generate a lot of EPA and DHA from it. However, if we take advantage of birds’ ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, then feeding purslane to chickens is an effective way of getting EPA and DHA- enriched eggs. Omega-3-enriched eggs are usually produced by supplementing the diets of hens with flax seed. Purslane has been tested for this purpose and works as well.

Even if it didn’t have ALA, its many other nutrients make purslane a very good dietary choice for humans, and outside of the United States it is much better appreciated.

I have not seen purslane oil next to the cod liver, fish and flaxseed oils yet, but that may be only a matter of time. It is also not often found in the produce section of supermarkets. Several companies sell the seeds, and there are different varieties available, some with larger leaves and a more upright growing habit.

Hair Growth Vitamins—Reap Its Benefits

GuestPoster — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:43:11 +0000

The lifestyle that we have shows in our physical appearance as well as our psychological outlook. If we eat right, we reap the benefits of having a good body as well as a refreshed mind. But if we don’t, we lose our healthy body and we are stressed about that. Stress is one way to lose our hair and we might eventually need hair growth vitamins.

Having problems with our health is a snowball pattern that will only get worse until we make a lifestyle change. It is not a secret that a lifestyle change is difficult. The best advice in changing our diet is by taking it one step at a time.

What are the benefits of a Hair Growth Vitamins?
Before we go to the benefits of hair growth vitamins, we need to know and understand that what we eat affects the growth of our hair. Thus, we need to be careful and follow the advice of our physician or dietician to avoid having hair loss problems. If we have a good and balanced diet, then we might not need to grow our hair after all.

The benefits of vitamins for hair growth are the following:

• They promote a healthy body that have enough vitamins and minerals for its normal functions to ensue.

• Hair growth vitamins increase the rate of growth of our hair.

• The scalp will have adequate nutrients to grow healthy hair. Along with nutrients, problems like frizzy, dry or coarse hair can be minimized.

• Scalp problems that inhibit hair growth like dandruff can be corrected with hair growth vitamins.

Consulting a specialist is the first step to improving our lifestyle. If we know what the proper amount of food that we should eat or supplements that we should take; then we are sure that not only our health is improved but our hair is also taken care of.

The Side Effects of Fish Oil?

GuestPoster — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:20:09 +0000

When you hear “side effects”, negative things generally come to mind. Well, I’ve tried to come up with some negative side effects but for the most part I’m going to be letting you down.

Of all the health fads over the last decade, fish oil is probably one of the few that actually provides substantial benefits (I’d also like to include vitamin D3 in this category).

Negative side effects of fish oil

When I was doing a lot of research into how I could get really ripped in a short period of time, fish oil supplements kept coming up. So on a regular basis, with meals and before going to bed I would pop a few capsules of fish oil. Normally this doesn’t cause any problem… until you consume fish oil in excess. In my experience too much fish oil can cause “the runs” (a.k.a. diarhea). Since then I have continued consuming fish oil capsules; having to run to the washroom is the worst side effect that I have experienced.

Unfortunately, consuming fish oil by eating fish can have some negative side effects. Some types of fish have high levels of heavy metals in them. If you eat a lot of fish these substances can build up in the body and cause long term health problems. But you can easily avoil this by purchasing fish oil pills with fish oil that has been molecularly distilled; this means that it has been filtered to remove these heavy metals.

Positive side effects of fish oil

Fish oil seems to have a plethora of positive side effects; these stem from the polyunsaturated omega 3 fat that it contains. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fats are also found in walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds.

Omega 3 helps control the levels of insulin in the body. Insulin controls how fat and carbohydrates in the body are metabolized. If levels of insulin in the body are high then the body is unlikely to use previously collected stores of fat for energy. By taking fish oil, insulin levels are maintained at a lower level, causing the body to use up more of its fat stores for energy.

Negative side effects of NOT consuming fish oil

You may or may not know that a large percentage of your brain is made up of omega 3 polyunsaturated fat. The brain needs omega 3 in order for it to function properly. When it does not have access to enough omega 3 it starts running into problems. Not consuming enough omega 3 can lead to problems such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease and anxiety.

The Role of Vitamin B12 in the Body

GuestPoster — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:40:09 +0000

Vitamin B12 is a type of vitamin that can be usually obtained from animal sources. Some of the diseases that results from a lack of this vitamin in are anemia, jaundice, nerve damage and mental disorders. This vitamin deficiency is not common among humans. But, vegetarians are prone to acquiring it because they do not eat meat. Although some vegetables may contain this vitamin, they are not easily absorbed by the body. Hence, vegans especially the strict ones are highly advised to incorporate vitamin B12 supplements in their diet.

The symptoms that result from a deficiency of vitamin B12 are the same symptoms for any other type of disease. It initially manifests as a headache or loss of appetite. But when you begin to feel a tingling sensation in your arms and feet and your skin appears yellowish, then you are certain that you are vitamin B12 deficient. Immediately consult your doctor for treatment. Otherwise, it can lead to heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Without treatment, it can cause permanent nerve damage all over the body, brain damage, muscle weakness and difficulties in walking.

An active form of vitamin B12 is known as methylcobalamin. This vitamin B12 is the naturally developed type produced from bacteria. Its synthetic variety comes from cyanocobalamin. This type cannot be used as is. It must be changed to methyl, a more functional form. A combination of the natural and synthetic type of vitamin B12 is known as sublingual B12. Some of these types have only either one of these two forms. There are different forms of this vitamin that you can choose from. It is produced and can be taken as a tablet, nasal spray or b12 shots. Also, consider your compatibility with the different kinds of this vitamin before taking it. Just like any other vitamin, make sure to consult your doctor on the active variety that fits you before taking it.

Enjoying a Mediterranean diet

GuestPoster — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:40:59 +0000

Have you ever tried med diet? It is actually a diet that has been there for ages already. Most basin areas use them that include Spain, Greece and other countries. What is with med diet? Why is it highly associated with weight loss?

When you think of Mediterranean food you would think of highly natural foods. Before the diet where closely associated with these foods virgin and olive oil, vegetables, fruits and legumes, fish oil, cheese, dairy products, yogurt, eggs, moderate consumption of lean meat, and even wine. As you can see these foods are quite healthy and very tasty if prepared in a good and proper way.

Some recipes are well known all over the world. But that is not the main concern we have today, what we are focusing more is that how Mediterranean diet increase life expectancy for most people. People who have this kind of diet and lifestyle have healthy and fit bodies.

In regards to weight loss, one can definitely enjoy the med diet and also aid him in losing weight. What is good about people who follow a Mediterranean diet is that they get involved in a culture that is so related with healthy life. There are things that you should avoid, they include the artificial products that could have not existed fifty or sixty years ago, trans fat is in total disregard in med diet followers. That is why most people who have this kind of lifestyle have low risk of fat disease and other related conditions.

For common men this kind of diet would be a great way to start if you want to have a healthy way of life, or if you just want to have an all natural diet.

Of course added with good exercise one can really reach their goals of having a healthy and fit body. This goes to show that staying healthy and going natural is still the best way to maintain a good body, as we can see the world today bombarded by new processed foods, and other artificial add-ons means more problems and health risk.

Some of the Benefits of Vitamin B12

GuestPoster — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:53:23 +0000

Found in animal food sources, and added to fortified foods, vitamin B12 contains the metal cobalt and is necessary for the function and maintenance of red blood cells and nerve cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are so vague and so widely varied that it can be difficult to diagnose with just the symptoms.

Brain Shrinkage

In elderly people, gastrointestinal problems can lead to malabsorption of vitamin B12, which in turn can increase the risk of brain atrophy. This is associated with such common elderly cognitive problems as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Elderly people might need to supplement with B12.

Vegans

Vegans are at risk of being deficient in B12, because the main source of it is from animal foods. This is especially true for vegan children, as they require more B12 than adults. Vegans should consider taking a supplement or making sure to add fortified vegan foods to their diet.

Pernicious Anemia

An autoimmune disease, pernicious anemia destroys the body’s ability to create certain digestive chemicals that are essential for B12 absorption. As a result, pernicious anemia sufferers need to supplement with B12 as well.

Cyanide Poisoning

B12 in the form of hydroxocobalamin is one of the mainstays of treating cyanide poisoning.

Psoriasis

In some recent studies, vitamin B12 has shown promise as an effective treatment for psoriasis, a skin disease that results in rash-like outbreaks. In the studies performed, it was mixed with avocado oil. This is not yet on the market as a common treatment, but has opened up new avenues for promising research.

Most diets are not deficient in this nutrient, and so vitamin B12 benefits will not be noticeable for those that are not specifically lacking in it. As long as you have a diet with regular sources from animal foods, or take a supplement, you are almost certainly not deficient in this important nutrient.

Some of the Benefits of Vitamin B12

Brain Shrinkage

Vegans

Pernicious Anemia

Cyanide Poisoning

B12 in the form of hydroxocobalamin is one of the mainstays of treating cyanide poisoning.

Psoriasis

Most diets are not deficient in this nutrient, and so vitamin B12 benefits will not be noticeable for those that are not specifically lacking in it.

What Are Fish Oil Supplements and How Are They Helpful?

GuestPoster — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:55:10 +0000

The use of fish oils as supplement became in demand when studies have proven that it has many benefits. One of the most essential ingredients commonly found in fish oils is the EPA or the eicosapentaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. Unfortunately, many people are unable to get enough amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Various types of fishes can provide omega-3 fatty acids, such as cod liver, salmon, mackerel, and herring. However, the consumption of these fishes in high amounts can be toxic and so fish oil supplements are being used as an alternative.

Another essential ingredient found in fish oils is DHA or the docosahexaenoic acid, which is also an omega-3 fatty acid. Certain studies have shown that DHA is beneficial for the development of the brain and the memory. It can also help slow down or prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, insufficient amount of DHA in the body may result to bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety. This is because the brain is made up of fats, which is why sufficient amount of fats are essential to maintain the brain’s efficiency.

DHA and EPA are proven beneficial to those suffering from heart diseases, as it can help lower the bad cholesterols. It can also maintain the health of the skin and prevent inflammation due to arthritis. Fish oils can also help promote better learning and balance an individual’s mood. Fish oil consumption is never too late for anyone who wishes to maintain a healthy body. Until now, studies are being conducted to determine how fish oils can be beneficial to other health problems. When learning how to lose weight, fish oils are essential as well as it helps get rid of the bad fats in the body.

When choosing a brand of fish oil, make sure to check the packing to make sure that the source of fishes used for its production is safe. Issues about environmental toxins and mercury contamination revolve around these kinds of supplements, and you have to be careful about this. To make sure you have chosen a safe brand of supplement, you can ask your physician for recommendations on which brand you should opt for. You can also look for tips on how you can check on the safety of the brand and how to check on the source of the fishes that are being used.

Where to Get Mangosteen Juice

GuestPoster — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:26:04 +0000

If you are in the market for mangosteen juice then I would recommend that you search with some vigilance because not all of this type of juice is equal. 100% mangosteen juice offers a large range of health benefits where as if you opt for the cheaper option then the only thing you’re guaranteed is a nice flavour.

The mangosteen has been used for hundreds of years to help cure a number of ailments. Through the ages people have been grinding the rind of the fruit to help people and when this became popular a great deal of untrustworthy marketing campaigns popped up and all this did was steer people in the wrong direction.

The minute that mangosteen juice was used to made health drinks was the time where people had to become more vigilant when making their purchases. There are two things that you must be aware of and the first one is the price. This can be the most striking part because buying the real deal is really quite expensive in comparison to other drinks.

The other criteria you should lookout for is how pure the drink is. Is the drink you’re buying 100% mangosteen or not. If it is then great, your on your way to a healthy future but if it isnt then you’re looking at a tasty drink.

If you shop around there are a large number of suppliers who offer 100% mangosteen juice. I normally buy mine from Amazon because there is always some in stock and often offers the best prices. The premium mangosteen juice is made by Xango but if you do go to Amazon then you’ll notice that it’s often categorized under gourmet food and this is reflected in the price. Should you be looking for a cheaper option then Noni juice is an excellent choice as well.

Mangosteen juice is not for the feint hearted when looking at your wallet but the benefits you gain are priceless. Have a look, see why its expensive and then you can make your decision from there.

Best Protein Powder to Gain Muscles

GuestPoster — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:01:11 +0000

Four different protein sources that are being used to make commercial proteins. These are casein, whey, egg, and soy. Both casein and whey are obtained from milk and soy is from certain plant sources. The soy protein is considered as the best protein powder when it comes to building muscles, particularly for those who are vegetarians.

Protein powders can be made into protein shakes. Diet protein shakes can provide you with 5-30 grams of protein per serving, as well as 100 to 150 calories of energy. In order to achieve your desired effect, you have to combine your protein shakes with a well-balanced diet and strength exercises.

The proteins, which can meet your purpose, are casein and whey. Whey proteins contain high levels of amino acids, which are essential for muscle building. These amino acids hold onto the muscles that are being added into the body while diet is ongoing. There are available amino acid supplements in the market as well. The negative point that comes when consuming whey is that the body absorbs this type of protein rapidly. This simply means that the levels of amino acid do not remain elevated for a period that is sufficient for muscle building and growth.

Casein, on the other hand, is being absorbed the body at a slower rate. Because of this, it can help produce a better environment for building and growing the muscles. To get the desired effect, it will be a lot better if you opt for a mixture of both casein and whey protein. A mixture of these two can provide you with a supplement that has lots of branched amino acids that can be delivered in just a few hours. That is why the best protein for muscle building is a combination of whey and casein. Regular consumption of this mixture can help you increase your strength, lose weight, and build muscles.

If you want to know how to lose weight, consuming protein powder can help you with that as well. However, take note that each individual has a required amount of protein and it is essential to know how much protein your body needs per day. There are different protein products that can best suit you as well. If you are not aware of this, then you can consult your physician or a dietitian to determine which of these proteins are best for you and to determine the amount of proteins that you should consume per day.