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6 superfoods for age-defying beauty:

1) Goji Berries

Goji berries, hollywoods hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids. With such an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging marvels. Originating in Tibet and greatly favoured in traditional medicine these dried berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving depression and aiding weight loss.

Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A. Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for any anti-aging and beauty regime. They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.

The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen reportedly consumed goji berries daily.

A study cited in Dr. Mindells book Goji: The Himalayan Health Secret, observed that 67 per cent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism.

2) Aloe Vera

Foget botox, Aloe vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate botox alternative!

The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (even vitamin B12 one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe vera is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvianting the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.

Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refridgerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavour though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit.

3) Avocados

Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the highest skin penetration rate.

Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.

Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.

4) Chlorella

The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended by Dr. Benjamin Frank in The No-Aging Diet. Paul Pitchford in Healing With Whole Foods writes that insufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity, Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 per cent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.

In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvinating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.

5) Bee pollen

When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes its beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells. He believes its skin rejuvintoin properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a ‘prefect food’ because it is so nutritionally complete.

6) Coconut oil

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Unfortunately, people don’t always grow out of this negative attitude toward fruits and vegetables. Studies show that the average American consumer eats only three servings of fruits and vegetables a day. When compared to the recommended five to nine servings a day, it’s apparent that many of us have a long way to go.

The effort is worth it, though. Studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Academy of Sciences suggest that the nutritional goodness of fruits and vegetables, along with a diet that is low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, may decrease the risk of developing certain diseases.

To help their patients get the necessary nutrients, some doctors recommend green drinks. These powdered drink mixes are a natural source of vitamins and minerals. To many people, however, the drinks also have a strong, unbearable taste and an unpalatable texture.

Would you stick with a nutritious drink if you had to hold your nose while consuming it?

To get the health benefits found in green drinks without the unappetizing taste and texture, I recommend

Christina Carney

You may have heard about the glycemic index and wondered what it is all about. The glycemic index is a ranking of carbohydrates based on their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. It compares foods gram for gram of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates that breakdown quickly during digestion have the highest glycemic indexes. The blood glucose response is fast and high. Carbohydrates that break down slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the blood stream, have low glycemic indexes.

Foods with a high glycemic index convert into sugar very quickly, with negative physical effects. Foods with a low glycemic index turn into sugar gradually, helping maintain your body’s chemical balance. In general, foods with a low index are preferable.

Glycemic Load measures the amount of sugar a food actually releases in the body. Foods with a low glycemic load usually have a low glycemic index, yet still have a low glycemic load. Other foods have both a high index and a high load. You should avoid high load foods as a regular part of your meal plan.

When you choose carbohydrate foods, check both their glycemic index and glycemic load. Detailed tables with this information are widely available. Use the chart below to get started.

High Glycemic Index

Fruits and Vegetables

* Corn

* Cranberry juice

* Orange juice*

* Raisin

Starches

* Bagel

* Bread (white)

* Refined cereal

* Granola

* Muffin

* Pasta

* Potato

* Pretzel

* Rice

* Tortilla (flour)

Medium Glycemic Index

Fruits and Vegetables Starches

Apricot* French Fries

Grape* Oatmeal

Pineapple* Pita Bread

Watermelon Waffle

Low Glycemic Index

Fruits and Vegetables

* Apple*

* Asparagus*

* Broccoli*

* Brussels sprout*

* Cauliflower*

* Celery*

* Cherry*

* Cucumber*

* Grapefruit*

* Green Bean*

* Green pepper*

* Kiwi*

* Lettuce*

* Onion*

* Orange*

* Peach*

* Plum*

* Spinach*

* Strawberry*

* Tomato*

* Zucchini*

* * Low glycemic load foods.

Simply eating more fruits and vegetables is not the answer – they must be the right fruits and vegetables. Starchy vegetables such as peas or lentils (200 to 250 calories per cup) are healthy, but they contain more calories than you may want. If you need to eat more to satisfy your hunger, add low glycemic load vegetables. For example, spinach and asparagus are better choices than higher calorie corn and peas. A cup of spinach topped with 12 cup of tomato sauce has only about 90 calories, but it gives you nutrients from two colour groups.

Why Not Brown and Beige?

When considering which foods to enjoy sparingly, also use colour as a guideline. Many brown and beige carbohydrates, like pasta, beans and potatoes, while healthy, also tend to be high in calories.

Studies showed a weight loss diet of 1.5 pounds a week for 6 weeks cuts absorption of calcium. In 57 postmenopausal dieters it was discovered that those women who took 1,800 mg of calcium a day absorbed 78 percent more calcium than those who took only 1,000 mg a day. To prevent bone loss, women dieting after menopause should get 1,700 mg of calcium a day, the experts say.

For people on low-fat, high fiber diets calcium requirements are also higher. Studies show that 19 percent less calcium is absorbed. It is theorized that the healthier diet moves food faster through the gastrointestinal tract.

While it is common knowledge that calcium is necessary for bone-growth research shows that calcium also fights fat absorption. Studies reveal that calcium blocks fat storage in fat cells. A minimum of 1,000 mg. of calcium daily improves total cholesterol and good HDL, but lowers bad LDL.

Despite the publicity of the importance of calcium for healthy bones research shows that consumption has gone down over the past 30 years.

Diet & Nutrition : How to Eat More Calcium

To eat more calcium, consume three servings of dairy every day, or eat lots of dark, leafy greens, fortified orange juice and breakfast cereals. Space out calcium intake by eating calcium-rich food every three to four hours with information from areg…

Experts recommend 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily for people under 50, and 1,500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D for those over 50. The safe upper limit for calcium intake has been set at 2,500 mg a day. Experts think going above that on a daily basis may invite kidney stone formation.

Once started, never stop taking calcium/vitamin D supplements daily. USDA researchers found that after a 3- year study over one-third of participants stopped taking the supplements. Within one year women lost all bone-density gains and men lost their gains in two years.

For those who are lactose intolerant calcium and vitamin D supplementation is even more important because it will be difficult to get the daily requirement through diet alone.

For those allergic to cow’s milk. Drink enough soy milk to give you 500 mg of calcium per glass as compared to 300 mg in cows milk. Studies at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, showed that 25 percent less calcium is absorbed from soy milk as cows milk.

Get More Calcium in your Diet

I am always telling myself I need more calcium in my diet. But how do I do it? I have purchased calcium vitamins, but they just sit in my cupboard.

Importance of Calcium In Your Diet

But I think even I am guilty of sometimes neglecting to get enough calcium in my diet. Aren’t we all? While kids tend to get the calcium they need to grow through milk us adults oftentimes forget to eat calcium rich foods! … If you don’ t want to take supplements, you can also try to integrate more calcium into your every day diet. Of course most dairy foods are calcium rich, including cheese and yogurt. Spinach is also an excellent source of calcium with one cup …

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. Fibers 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.

Related articles

• How Fiber Can Help Diarrhea (webmd.com)
• How Fiber Helps Digestive Health (webmd.com)
• Dietary Fiber for Heart Health (webmd.com)

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Question: Whats all the fuss about Omega 3 fish oils? What do they do for my body?

Answer: Omega 3 fish oils are a substance that can be found in the bodies of fish. However, eating fresh fish is no longer recommended. The mercury levels that are prevalent in almost all fresh fish these days can be very detrimental to your health. However, companies have manufactured fish oil that is mercury free by processing the oils that naturally occur in the fish. Omega 3 is a type of fat that is essential for human health. Omega 3 contains two fatty acids that benefit the human body greatly, which are known as DHA and EPA.

These fatty acids have been linked to helping prevent heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. DHA is also required by the human brain. Low levels of DHA in the brain have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and an increased chance of being stricken with Alzheimers disease. Therefore, the regular and repeated consumption of Omega 3 fish oils can greatly help affect the quality of your life for the better.

The American Heart Association recommends the use of fish oils to help your hearts performance as long as you keep your dosage under 3 grams per day, suggesting an amount roughly between 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day. Clinical trials conducted have shown that Omega 3 fish oils can reduce cardiovascular events including heart attacks, strokes, and even death.

Also, research has shown that fish oils can help decrease the risk of arrhythmias, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and even slightly lower blood pressure! With all these facts, there is no doubt that the regular and responsible use of Omega 3 fish oils from supplements can be of great benefit to your health.

Why not check out our nutrition guide at http:www.nutritional-supplement-guides.comnut-ebook.html

and also what supplement we personally use for our nutrition needs at http:www.nutritional-supplement-guides.comwhat-we-use.html

Related articles

• Fish Oil Helps Slow Heart Failure (diet-blog.com)
• Upping Intake of Omega-3s (everydayhealth.com)
• Are Supplements as Good as Fish? (everydayhealth.com)

The idea behind meal replacement drinks has been around for a long time. Why? Because it works. In order to achieve weight loss, you must reduce your caloric intake. If you normally consume X amount of calories a particular meal, replacing that meal with a drink totaling less than X calories will result in weight loss.

They are many forms of meal replacement drinks on the market today. Slim-Fast canned shakes maybe be the most wide known. There is also Carnation Instant Breakfast. Plus you have the Atkins Nutritionals drink. The newcomer to weight loss drinks is the whey protein shake. This is the new meal replacement that is producing dramatic results.

The only requirements for meal replacement drinks are that they must provide the nutritional equivalent of the meal being replaced. It also must suppress your appetite as if you eaten normally.

Most meal replacement drinks adequately supply your body with the needed nutrients. They often have low amounts of fats and carbohydrates, but you’ll get plenty of these from your regular meals. The drinks tend to contain protein and fiber. Fiber by definition means your body doesn’t absorb it. The dense cell wall of plant material like celery is not digestible, and it categorized as fiber. Protein is absorbed, and it is required by your body. However, your body doesn’t store protein like it stores fats or carbohydrates. Instead, unused protein in the bloodstream is passed from the body. This makes protein the logical, major component of any weight loss shake. Your body also requires several vitamins and minerals. Adding a multivitamin will supply any nutrients missing from your shake or regular meals.

Most meal replacement drinks do no satisfy the appetite. They do not fulfill the second requirement. I personally have used both Carnation Instant Breakfast and Slim-Fast. I found I was hungry about one hour after drinking the shake. The reduction in calories from your regular meal often leaves you craving food.

Whey shakes are better for a few reasons. One, the whey shake contains a very high level of protein. It can often be 20 grams or more. This is likely more than you body can absorb at a single time. Ingesting that much protein will make you feel full.

Two, the University of Surrey in England studied whey protein and appetite suppressing hormones such as cholecystokinin.1. The study found that whey produces feelings of satisfaction. The reduced appetite caused reduce caloric intake and weight loss.

Three, whey protein studies have shown the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This leads to more even of blood sugar throughout the day, decreasing food cravings and reducing the storage of fat.

Whey meal replacement drinks are more satisfying than other drinks. You will be less hungry, and likely to consume fewer calories during normal meals as a result.

Whey shakes also provide some other benefits. High levels of protein prevent your body from cannibalizing muscle tissue that normally occurs when you diet. You keep the muscle and lose fat. You stop feeling hungry and avoid placing your body into starvation mode where it conserves calories. Whey protein helps remove fat deposits from the waist or hips.

By: Daniel K. Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The whey protein meal replacement drinks is the best choice for dieters. It has several benefits other drinks do not.

Thank you, Dan Smith

You can find more information on the whey shake at Eat Your Whey to Thin.

Fitness trainers and contestants are using the whey shake on the NBC TV show, "The Biggest Loser".

"The show trainers and doctors have been incorporating Whey Protein into the lives of our contestants for the last few seasons," says Mark Koops, Creator and Executive Producer of The Biggest Loser.

"Contestants of The Biggest Loser season seven will use the cross-branded Designer Whey and The Biggest Loser Protein in their quest for better health on the show, and after"

A whey shake is a meal replacement drink. You replace either breakfast or lunch with a whey shake and then eat a healthy dinner. The basic idea is that you will consume fewer calories with the shake than you would at the normal meal. This will lead to weight loss.

I consume a whey shake for breakfast. I replaced cold cereal for breakfast with the shake. I use either the vanilla or chocolate whey powder. There are many flavors available, but I prefer these two. I mix the powder into skim milk. It is possible to use either soy milk or water as well. I think milk makes a better shake (or maybe I’m subconsciously stuck on the word shake).

Some people like to mix fruit, yogurt or ice into their whey shake. I almost never have fruit in the house, and I dislike yogurt and ice. You could add these items if you prefer. For me, it’s just whey powder and milk.

I have lost nearly five pounds in two weeks. I’m have not altered my diet or exercise, except to use the meal replacement drink. I feel full after drinking the shake and I find that my appetite is under control. I am very pleased with my progress.

By: Daniel K. Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Do you need to lose weight? You should try the whey shake diet.

Thank you, Dan Smith

You can find more information on the whey shake at Eat Your Whey to Thin.