Posts Tagged ‘supplements’

Acai Berry The Latest Nutritional Surprise!

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
by Sheila Bearsky

The acai berry is very dark purple, grows on a tree, the size of a grape, and is sweeping the globe in a huge way. Its spelled A-C-A-I and often mispronounced. For the record its pronounced ah-sigh-ee. Say it with me, ah-sigh-ee, feels like taking a deep breath doesnt it?

This dark purple wonder grows on very tall palm trees in the Amazon Rainforest and at the tallest point of the branch you will find clusters of leafy green branches and thats where the acai berry actually grows. In order to climb the 25 m high tree and cut the branch off with a long blade, one must be relatively quick & courageous.

The purple berries are a great food item. Twice a year you have the harvest. They have lot of natural vitamins and important antioxidants. Despite its very small size, the berries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

In addition, the acai berry contains omega fatty acids (healthy fats), amino acids, fiber and iron, along with many other vitamins and minerals. This purple wonder has a very unusual but pleasant tropical fruit taste, and the traditional Amazonian recipe mixes the acai fruit pulp and natural guarana seeds.

When used together, there give a huge level of nutritional benefits to your health including more energy and mental improvement. Its the natural guarana seed, in part, that gives you the energy boost similar to caffeine like effect but without the jitters.

The acai berry has been marketed as a highly useful food increment, but now it can be sold in a different type of goods; pills, fruit juice and smoothies, immediate drink powders, and complete fruit.

Some advertisers suggest that the acai berry increases energy levels, helps with indigestion, and enhances sexual activity. The little purple berry has good detoxification characteristics and also has a high fiber content which is really helpful. Its claimed to improve skin appearance, the health of your heart, and make you sleep better. An awful lot of pressure for such a tiny berry, no?

About the Author:

Exercise Programs

Monday, September 7th, 2009

As more and more people spend their days in front of the television, regular exercise is becoming necessary for the masses to maintain their physical fitness. The benefits of keeping fit have been proven time and time again and include being more alert, having more energy, an overall longer life and a greater enthusiasm for your life.

By making sure that you take some cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis, you will help to ward off illness, as well as helping to maintain a healthy body shape and tone.

Regular exercise can help you to not only look younger, but to feel younger as well. As you age, exercise will help you hold onto your youthful vitality.

However fit or unfit you currently are, getting up and outside, burning off some energy and getting some fresh air into your can do only good. The human body is designed to be used actively and because of the way many people live in the modern world, they are not used very much at all. With office jobs and sofa-bound evenings, is it really any wonder that we are becoming overweight and lethargic?

There are several ways in which to exercise, but many people choose to join a gym or carry out group exercise with like minded people. This can be a good way to stay motivated as you will have your friends there with you, pushing you forward. Joining a gym can offer regular exercise as well as the ability to measure how you’re progressing.

If you want to exercise to improve the shape or overall look of your body, then your diet will play a big part in what areas you can tone and what you cant. You should reduce the fat in your diet to a minimum in order to reduce the layer of fat that would otherwise cover over your muscles. If you’re serious about getting a better looking body and you want toned muscles and reduced fat, then it would be worth considering a protein shake of some kind to add to your diet.

For more information about protein or protein visit discount-supplements.co.uk

Exercise Programs

Monday, September 7th, 2009

As more and more people spend their days in front of the television, regular exercise is becoming necessary for the masses to maintain their physical fitness. The benefits of keeping fit have been proven time and time again and include being more alert, having more energy, an overall longer life and a greater enthusiasm for your life.

Cardiovascular exercise can help maintain your health invaluably when conducted on a regular basis. It helps ward off illnesses by improving your immune system while ensuring your body shape is also healthily maintained.

As you age, an exercise program will help you to not only look younger, but to feel younger too. Exercise helps to maintain your vitality in spite of the passing years.

Regardless of the state of your current fitness, getting some fresh air into your lungs and burning a little energy with some exercise will do you nothing but good. Our bodies are designed to be used but with modern life offering so many of us sedentary lifestyles sat at desks all day and sofa bound in the evening it is little wonder that we all end up overweight, listless and lethargic.

There are several ways in which to exercise, but many people choose to join a gym or carry out group exercise with like minded people. This can be a good way to stay motivated as you will have your friends there with you, pushing you forward. Joining a gym can offer regular exercise as well as the ability to measure how you’re progressing.

If you choose to exercise in order to improve your body shape or tone then you will need to work on several areas. Your diet will play a large part in what you can tone and what you cant. You will need to go on a low fat diet in order to reduce your own body fat levels. This will allow your tones muscle to show through the layer of fat that would otherwise cover it up. If you are serious about sculpting your body you might want to look at adding protein shakes to your diet.

For more information about protein or whey visit discount-supplements.co.uk

The Healthy Chocolate Berry Drink, Acai Juice

Monday, September 7th, 2009

The acai berry is becoming so popular worldwide that you would almost think it has magical properties. This small, deep purple berry has a juice that tastes somewhere between wild berries and chocolate. Although, it doesn’t just taste great. Many health giving benefits have been ascribed to this ’super’ fruit from heart health to insulin controlling properties.

What better way to good health than to just take some juice every day? Or if juice is not your thing then you can take it in a pill or capsule form. There is even a freeze dried variety and also a pulp. Whichever method fits into your daily routine, there is a product that will suit your style.

Those who have tried acai berry juice have felt their energy levels restored after a short while. Indeed, in its country of origin ” Brazil ” it has been called the ‘Viagra of Brazil’ because of all its benefits. Most probably the unique mixture of vitamins and amino acids in the supplement is one of the greatest reasons for taking it. People who are aging lose the ability to take in certain vitamins etc. Their joints and tissues will suffer as a result of inflammation caused by this inability hence the aging process shows up very quickly with stiffness and painful joints.

The acai products actively encourage and give the ability to reverse that process. Taking the right oil containing omega 3 is beneficial for joints and promotes uptake of oil in the body. Joints become more supple and pain is reduced or eliminated altogether.

Diabetics have reported a reduction in their dependence on drugs associated with the disease. After just a short time their insulin levels not only drop but become much more stable which means that they can reduce the drugs they are taking.

Additional health benefits includes muscle regeneration. As everyone knows, the heart works harder than any other muscle in the human body. Perhaps it deserves a treat? When you add the anti-aging aspects of juice to this you would have a ’super’ food that could be used and tested for effectiveness.

Get the great taste of chocolate and berries with acai berry juice. Great taste, vitamins and antioxidants is what you’ll get in your daily dose of acai berry juice. Besides juice yau can also enjoy the health benefits of the acai berry in capsules and freeze dried powder.

Make A Life Style Change And Include The Acai Berry

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
by Casey Wigwire

Berries and chocolate. Generally a great combination, right? What if there was a berry that had a cocoa flavor in it? Well as nature would have it, there is. This extraordinarily nutritious berry is called the acai berry (pronounced a-sigh-ee). While it doesn’t exactly taste like pure chocolate, the bitterness of cacao is incorporated into acais intense flavor. The flavor is actually hard to pinpoint as some of its juices have been compared to bitter raspberries while others claim acai produces a salty aftertaste (like say, olives.) Ok, I’m the one that said that. But the flavor is not the only thing that makes acai so unique.

From the rainforests of the Amazons, acai berries have been consumed by Brazilians for centuries. But recently, more and more of these grape-sized berries are falling from the South American palm trees into juice bottles around the world.

A great choice for losing weight are acai berry weight loss pills. You can select these and consume, as there are no proven side effects of acai berry. Although it is protected we have to guarantee that Acai berry benefits when consumed in control. In case of health conditions that are severe or chronic we should first go to a doctor and take his advice, then only think of taking dietary supplements. Some of us suffer from certain allergies, allergy from any food, dyes or preservatives, we should never take this lightly and take medical guidance in choosing our health food supplement. Acai normally doesn’t give any particular allergy, when we go through some of the reviews of acai users we can be sure of this fact.

The cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment or pregnant women or women planning to go family way; or feeding mothers, should particularly let their health care provider aware of their condition. Acai berry benefits are best when you are cautious and use the supplement in proper way. Acai berry benefits are huge, we still do not have any data that shows any particular problem that has arisen due to overdose of the fruit.

In another recent study a purified form of anthocyanins was given to laboratory mice. This study concluded that the mice in the control group who received the purified anthocyanins were able to reduce their body fat and maintain it whereas the group of mice that were given the placebo and another group of mice that were given the actual fruit did not.

About the Author:

Using Food To Relieve Constipation

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
by Jean Johnson

Today there seems to be so much advice given with regard to diet. Eat this, don’t eat that, don’t even think about smelling that! Many foods seem to lead to one result-constipation. If you have experienced this problem know all too well the discomfort and embarrassment this can cause. The number one question may be, which foods would bring relief.

There are quite a few foods that can relieve constipation. Lets take a moment to explore some of these. Two foods that are very high in fiber and thus useful to constipation sufferers are figs and dates. Because of their high mineral and fiber content, these fruits aid the digestion process and may relieve constipation within twenty four hours.

Grape lovers will be happy to note that one or two pounds of their favorite fruit daily can provide them with relief. The fact that grapes are full of vitamins, fiber and minerals may account for this effect. The skin of these beauties also contains an antioxidant called resveratol which only adds to the health benefits of this fruit.

Papaya is another excellent choice in this area. It contains lots of fiber and when ripe is very easily digestible. The protein-digesting enzymes papain and chymopapain are incredibly helpful in creating and maintaining a free flowing system. It is also high in anti-oxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene which produce excellent results in reducing inflammation and improving overall health. Papaya can be used as part of a healthy breakfast, a quick snack or can be added to delicious smoothies.

Persimmons are high in fiber (3.6g per 100g) and minerals like, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. In addition they contain substantial amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate. As a result, this bright orange little fruit stands out from other substances that produce just a laxative effect. Not only does it relieve constipation but the persimmon also revitalizes the body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. That this fruit enriches any diet is an understatement.

Raspberries make it to this list because of their richness in vitamins A and C. The minerals magnesium, iron and calcium also fortify this dark fruit. This fragile and tasty little fruit can not only make constipation disappear quickly but can also replenish your vitamin reserve.

Dried plums (prunes) are very effective in relieving constipation. Generally prunes are considered to be one of the best ways of relieving constipation. Forty percent of each prune is made up of insoluble fiber which assists the lower intestine in the elimination of waste. This wonderful little food outranks all fruits and vegetables in antioxidant content and contains eighteen powerful body boosting minerals and vitamins. Among these are vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin A, zinc, thiamine, sodium, selenium, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorous, pantothenic acid, niacin, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and calcium. Bite for bite there is no other food that outranks this one. So eat up, enjoy these foods and have a free flowing colon.

About the Author:

Dr. Perricone-Acai Berry Endorsement: Fact or Fiction?

Friday, August 14th, 2009
by Travis Van Slooten

You have probably seen a few products out there with a Dr. Perricone acai berry endorsement on them. In fact, you may have seen quite a few of these product lines. But that leaves a person wondering why Dr. Perricone would endorse so many companies and their products. Especially when he has his own very successful product line. Not too long ago, Oprah’s website made an official statement that neither she nor anyone on her show endorses any acai berry products. So what is the real story behind all of the claims and endorsements made by the celebrity doctor?

Who is Dr. Perricone

Some of you may ask who Dr. Perricone is and why companies are scrambling to put his name out on their products. Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a dermatologist and anti-aging specialist who has his own line of skin care products and has published several books on such topics as health, beauty, and wellness. Oprah fans are sure to recognize him as he has made appearances on the popular talk show quite a number of times already. In fact, part of his image as a celebrity doctor can be attributed to these guestings on Oprah. His qualifications as a doctor and his popularity as a tv personality lends credibility to whatever product he chooses to endorse.

What is the Claim?

Some companies are using pictures of celebrities like Dr. Perricone. Acai berry companies are a dime a dozen and finding a good one can be hard. But you can be assured that any companies who feel it necessary to tread on thin legal ice and use a celebrity likeness without permission are probably not worth your business. Some companies may outright lie to you and claim their product is backed by the celebrity doctor. If you find a company making these claims, you are best to stay away from them entirely.

What is the Truth?

If you haven’t already figured it out, there is no connection. At least, not with any specific supplement or product. Dr. Perricone, like many others interested in health foods, has touted the remarkable benefits of the berry. He has called it a super fruit and openly said he thinks it is one of the healthiest foods you can eat and may have potential as an anti-aging product. But his support of the fruit itself does not mean companies selling acai berry supplements are allowed to use his likeness.

The long and the short of it is, there is no truth to any Dr. Perricone-acai berry endorsements you may see on some websites. Companies making such false claims are simply capitalizing on the doctor’s celebrity in hopes of making more money. With Oprah and Dr. Perricone threatening to pursue companies that make these claims, you’ll likely see less of them. Regardless, you now now that any company that claims there acai supplement is somehow endorsed by Dr. Perricone, you’ll know the truth!

About the Author:

I Need to Know the Correct Acai Dosage: How Much Acai Berry is Safe to Take?

Monday, August 10th, 2009
by Travis Van Slooten

Acai berry has recently become one of the most popular supplements on the American market, but many people are still asking how much acai berry they should be taking. While there is no set amount of acai which you should take, there are some things to consider which may help you decide what amount of acai is right for you. Depending upon the product you are using, the acai berry dosage may vary.

Always Consult Your Doctor

It is extremely important that you understand right away that only your doctor is qualified to determine what amount of acai berry, if any, is safe for you to consume. While there are many internet ‘experts’ who will rush to tell you that a certain dosage is right for you, they are not qualified to make that decision. On average, people are taking between 1000 and 4000 mg of different acai berry supplements. While you will most likely fall into this category, it is always the best bet to consult with your doctor to make sure you do not have potential allergies to the product you are considering.

Can I Take Too Much Acai Berry?

You can take too much of just about everything. Although acai poses no real danger in terms of overdose, many supplements may contain additives that could be unhealthy in large quantities. However, even something as normally harmless as acai berry could cause stomach problems or diarrhea from taking too much. Unless you have allergies or take an absurd amount, you will likely be fine. But you should still take the recommended dosage on the bottle or the amount your doctor has suggested.

Are Some Acai Berry Supplements More Dangerous Than Others?

You need to remember that not all acai berry products are created equal. Some products are considered pure acai berry. They contain nothing except the nutritious fruit of the acai berry. These products are not known to have any side effects and are considered as safe as any common fruit. However, some products may contain fillers or additives such as sugars or caffeine which may have unwanted side effects if you consume too much. It is important that you consider the specific product if you are planning on taking a different dosage than what is on the bottle.

Again, pure acai berry supplements do not have any observed side effects. However, if you want to stay on the safe side, the best thing you can do is to check with your physician or at the very least, follow the recommended dosage printed on the label of your product. Also, do your own research before signing up for any product. The quality of the supplement itself is as vital a factor as how much acai berry you should take.

About the Author:

The Health Benefits of Acai Berry and What They Mean for You

Thursday, August 6th, 2009
by Travis Van Slooten

If you’re an avid follower of what goes on in the health industry, by this time you have probably tired of hearing all about the benefits of acai berry. These perceived benefits run the gamut of increased energy to miraculous weight loss to disease prevention and even anti-aging properties. The acai berry does contain a lot of the nutrients we need for our overall well-being, but let’s sift through all the hype and get to its real benefits.

Our First Defense: The Immune System

Acai berries are known to contain an incredible amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants have long been known to slow the progress of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms which are missing an electron in their standard pair. They make up for this by stealing electrons from other atoms. If you have an overabundance of free radicals in your system, you are at higher risk for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and certain types of cancer. While acai berries do not offer a cure for cancer, anything that could potentially reduce the risk for such diseases is welcomed by consumers.

Does Acai Help in Weight Loss Too?

The obesity rate in America is staggering and this is clearly indicated by the growth of the weight loss market which is now said to be in the billion-dollar vicinity. But how does acai contribute in addressing the weight loss problem? Here are the facts: acai berry is rich in fiber and fiber is known to improve one’s digestive system, makes you feel fuller, and promotes energy. Basing on these data alone, you can deduce that acai can help in weight loss by allowing you to have more energy for your exercise routine and daily activities without having to eat more. Acai also has unsaturated fats or good fats that are a rich source of Omega fatty acids, which can help lower bad cholesterol.

Other Benefits

There is one more important compound found in acai berries. Anthocyanins, a pigment found in the skin of some fruits such as grapes, has been found to help fight against coronary heart disease. It was long believed that red wine might be healthy due to this chemical, but the alcohol was still damaging to the body. Acai berries offer a source of anthocyanins, potentially good for keeping the skin healthy by reducing dun damage, but contains no alcohol.

While acai berry supplements will not cure everything, they are being studied as an extremely good way to improve your healthy lifestyle. Whether you are looking to lose weight or simply get a source of antioxidants, acai berries may have what you are looking for. The potential health benefits of acai berry are just now being uncovered and are definitely worth adding to your daily diet!

About the Author:

The Sugar Addiction Test

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
by Katherine Crawford M.S.

If you eat lots of sugar and you want to get rid of arm fat, you’re in for a very tough ride. Unfortunately, a high sugar intake will make your insulin levels sky rocket. And high insulin will block your body from burning arm fat.

Perhaps you think you may be addicted, but aren’t sure. After all, many people are addicted to many things they aren’t even aware of. Thus, a little introspection is required. Think about the following questions to help figure out if you’re addicted:

1. Does it seem impossible to stop having sugar? Do you keep on consuming large amounts of sugar despite the best of efforts to stop? If so, you may be addicted. At this stage, it’s very common for the brain to have undergone some changes that make rejecting sugar extremely difficult.

2. Do you feel horrible when you don’t have sugar? This is called withdrawal! If your head hurts, if you get extremely vivid cravings and if your mood goes up and down in the absence of sugar You are withdrawing

3. Have you developed the ability to generate complex reasons as to why you are NOT addicted? If you consistently come up with detailed arguments in defense of not being addicted, then you may be addicted. This is denial at its max.

4. Can you ignore the risks? If you can ignore the risks of continual sugar consumption despite having a serious health issue, then we have some serious work to do. Having excessive amounts of sugar is NOT healthy, and you need to accept this.

5. Do you use sugar to compensate for other negative aspects of life? Are you in a bad or abusive relationship? Are you bothered by negative emotions? Do you use sugar to offset the above? If so, you may be addicted.

Are you skeptical that sugar addiction even exists? I can assure you that it does. Extensive studies done on rodents have shown that sugar addiction causes the same cerebral alterations as drug addiction. Moreover, hospitals routinely use sugar as an analgesic when performing surgery on infants (i.e., circumcision).

The main factor here is honesty. Are you addicted? If so, overcoming the addiction will be critical if you want to get rid of arm fat. Otherwise, both your arms and health will suffer. If by now you know you’re addicted, then please seek professional help. There are many methods of therapy that work for a wide variety of people. Don’t give up!

About the Author: