Posts Tagged ‘antioxidants’

How Protein Affects Muscle Growth Potential

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It comes from milk. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. Protein can be found in a variety of foods -mainly meats, such as fish, beef, and chicken.

Dairy products as well as eggs, cottage cheese, soy and vegetable protein also contain good amounts of protein. Nevertheless, none of these sources compares in quality or ease of use like whey protein. Whey protein has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining muscle tissue.

Research has shown that ingesting protein powder every day can boost immune system health, facilitate the healing of wounds after surgery or injury, and promote healthy skin - in addition to fostering muscle strength and development.

So if you put that protein powder immediately after your workout that’s gonna help with that muscle recovery the second you’re done working out.

Luckily, it has been found that most varied diets - including vegan get plenty of protein through daily intake of various food combinations. However, some people like to supplement their protein intake, or occasionally substitute a fast, easy protein shake for a meal.

A lot of people struggle with getting enough protein at their breakfast. Stir that protein powder into your milk, pour that over your cereal, perfect. Stir it into your oatmeal.

Protein powders can also be a combination of one or more ingredients.

These concentrated sources of protein are processed into the powdered form, to be reconstituted into liquid form as a protein shake, or mixed with fruit juice or milk. Additionally, protein powders can be sprinkled on cereal, stirred into soups or stews, and cooked into baked goods.

Protein powder is designed to be taken everyday as a dietary supplement. Even if you aren’t a bodybuilder, starting your day with a protein powder shake can provide nutritional benefits. While many nutritionists advise consuming protein throughout the day, a healthy boost of protein first thing in the morning can stabilize your blood sugar levels throughout the rest of the day.

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Balance Good And Bad Cholesterol With Healthy Dark Chocolate

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

The Orac Value ((Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity—The USDA developed this rating scale to measure the antioxidant content of various plant foods) of Unprocessed Cocoa Powder, Dark Chocolate and Acai Berries are clearly at the top of the list. The USDA recommends a daily intake of 3,000 to 5,000 orac daily. Chocolate, Acai berry and blueberry are loaded with antioxidant compounds. Did you know Acai contains 25 times the antioxidants of grapes? Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent the damaging effects of excessive amounts of free radicals in the body by neutralizing and destroying them. This blend of Healthy Dark Chocolate and Acai is loaded with protein and amino acids, blended with and carried by plant fibers for maximum absorbency. FOOD ORAC Value Per 100 grams: Acerola 70,000 — Unprocessed cocoa powder 26,000 — Wolfberry 25,300 — Acai 18,500 — Dark Chocolate 13,120 — Milk Chocolate 6,740 — Prunes 5,770 — Agel EXO 3,848 — Pomegranates 3,307 — Raisins/Dark Grapes 2,830 — Blueberries 2,400 — Blackberries 2,036 — Garlic 1,939 — Kale 1,770 — Cranberries 1,750 — Strawberries 1,540 — Noni Fruit Juice (pure) 1,506 — Spinach 1,260 — ViaViente Brand Juice 1,245 — Raspberries 1,220 — Red Grapes 739.

Many phytoceuticals in cocoa support the heart muscles, strengthen blood vessel walls, and may inhibit atherosclerosis, thereby reducing the risk of edema, stroke, and heart failure. These polyphenols, a broad group of plant nutrients that act as antioxidants, relieve inflammation, protect against radiation and can help clear the arteries with this healthy dark chocolate. Both Cocoa and Acai berry have enjoyed centuries of use as a food staple and in folk medicine to cleanse and detoxify.

Powerful polyphenol nutrients found in Cocoa and Acai (including catechins, proanthocyanidins and vitamin C and E) are known to to be able to inhibit different inflammatory mechanisms. This is important because a growing body of research shows that chronic inflammation is strongly linked to various conditions ranging from cancer and cardiovascular disease to diabetes and dementia. Both Cocoa and Acai Berries are very rich in polyphenols, and perform many other helpful duties.

Did you know that the benefits of Dark Chocolate may help balance good and bad cholesterol? Healthy Dark Chocolate is cold pressed Belgian cocoa that has no cholesterol. In a recent study, participants enjoyed a twelve point reduction in systolic (top) blood pressure. The study also showed an average 13% drop in levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Dark Chocolate improved the health of blood vessels in study participants by making arteries more relaxed and responsive and improved insulin levels. Dark Chocolate can supply the body with crucial minerals, one being magnesium. A high magnesium intake lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and osteoporosis. These benefits were attributed to the presence of high levels of beneficial anti-aging flavonoids in Dark Chocolate.

CNN: “A recent study found that those with high blood pressure who ate 3-5 ounce Dark Chocolate daily for 15 days were rewarded with lower blood pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and improved sugar metabolism.” FORBES: “Over a 15-year period, men who ate cocoa regularly had significantly lower blood pressure … men who consumed the highest amount of cocoa were half as likely to die from cardiovascular disease … men who ate the most cocoa were less likely to die from ANY causes.” TIME Magazine: “Antioxidants in chocolate may help protect against cancer, Dark Chocolate has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate mood.”

Most Dark Chocolate products found on store shelves use processed cocoa powder and sugars, along with bad fats, fillers, waxes, preservatives and high amounts of calories. If you want health grade Dark Chocolate, look for a product that is at least 70 percent cocoa solids by weight. Most store bought chocolate has been stripped of flavonols and phytonutrients and loaded with with chemical additives. Therefore unprocessed Healthy Dark Chocolate versus Store Bought Chocolate.

Healthy Chocolate does provide benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, and we all know that most Americans are severely lacking in omega 3s. These omega 3 fatty acids can help help improve brain function, protect against inflammation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote immune function. Only unprocessed, Healthy Dark Chocolate (more than 70% cacao by mass) yields these marked health benefits. Unprocessed Dark Chocolate standardized for potency and purity is an excellent replacement for other candies (including white and milk chocolate). Dark Chocolate and Acai contain fiber, which aids the body’s digestive system, and contains no trans fatty acids.

Dark Chocolate we all have tried at one time or another. Almost everyone loves Chocolate, wants Chocolate, craves Chocolate. Just got to have Chocolate? We diabetics can have it also. To sum it all up, a few great reasons to eat and drink Dark Chocolate with Acai Berry: It is full of antioxidants, caffeine free, no preservatives, no fillers, waxes, processed sugar, or trans fats. It is diabetic friendly ( will not raise your blood sugar levels), high in fiber, boosts sense of well being and increases energy. It is cold pressed Belgian cocoa powder, Acai Berry, and blueberry, high in antioxidants, and yes it tastes great. The benefits of Healthy Dark Chocolate are endless, but you just need to know where to get it, because it is not sold in stores.

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Out Performing The Acai Berry With Up To Five Times The Antioxidants.

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

Maqui berry is a special berry, which is deep purple in color, grows in remote region of Patagonia. This region located in southern South America and it is one of the most unpolluted places on earth. Several tribal people have been using different parts (fruits, leaves, and stem) of this plant as medicine to cure various ailments. Among various parts used, the berry seems to have more antioxidant properties.

The Medicinal Properties of Maqui Berry Maqui berry seems to have various medicinal properties such as anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cyclooxygenase-2 (anti-cox-2). The active principles of this berry are anthocyanins, which safeguards low density lipoproteins (also known as LDL) from oxidation, abridge inflammation, and keep our cells away from oxidative stress.

Various researches reveal that native Mapuche Indians, native of Patagonia, have used these berries to ameliorate stamina and strength. They have also used these berries to treat various ailments such as childbirth, diarrhea, fever, hemorrhoids, sore throat, tumors, and ulcers.

The Maqui Berry has the highest antioxidant level of not only all berries, but all botanicals (Brunswick laboratories). This deep purple colored berry grows in the remote forests of Patagonia, the South American region that extends to the southern most tip of the continent through Chile and Argentina.

One of the most pristine and beautiful places on the planet, Patagonia also is a region of harsh climate conditions. It is here that the Maqui evergreen has evolved, thriving even standing up to sub zero temperatures. Thus we have a true super berry, powered with antioxidant producing phytonutrients.

The indigenous Mapuche of Patagonia, so strong a people that even Cortez’s armies couldn’t conquer them and experts in medicinal foods and herbs, knew well the healing and strength giving qualities of the Maqui berry.

Conclusion Many maqui berry dietary supplements are available in the market. The manufacturers of these supplements claim that their supplements have anti-aging properties. In addition, they increase the energy levels of the body, maintain healthy heart, meliorate immune system, and support healthy weight loss.

By considering the weight-loss properties of these dietary supplements, soon these supplements will become the superior weight-loss dietary supplement in the world. Mapuche Indians have used the maqui berry as a traditional food; however, it has aroused as one of the best super-foods in Western market.

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Slower Aging Through Antioxidants

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

Since the establishment of time the humankind has been searching for the obscure fountain of youth. As we get older we all seem to lose that youthful vivacity and we all get to the point where we would like to seem and feel younger. Yet, it may be feasible that the fountain of youth has been with us all along and we just didn’t understand it.

Science has found that the majority of age-related deterioration along with most diseases and other disorders are caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly uneven molecules that have an unpaired electron. They are caused by oxidative processes within our body. Most every physical task requires oxygen but what happens is the oxygen molecule is often compromised by environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke and even digestion and other natural processes. When the oxygen molecule loses an electron it will steady itself by pinching an electron from another molecule. This creates the free radical.

The unpaired oxygen molecule, or free radical is a extremely unstable factor. In excessive quantities it can form many problems within our bodies. We cannot avoid free radicals fully and we truly don’t want to because our bodies need a few free radicals for different functions but when they come out in excessive quantities they become very harmful to our cells and they add to several disorders in including some acute diseases and decline from aging.

But, nature has provided the key to free radical damage. Antioxidants are impressive nutrients that are found in the healthiest foods on earth. An antioxidant will come in and contribute the absent electron to the free radical and thus counteract it. Antioxidants can also inhibit the formation of free radicals in the first place. A diet heavy in antioxidants can beyond doubt be a fountain of youth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods are loaded with antioxidants. The more you can bar free radical damage the more you will be able to preserve the healthy vitality of youth.

The retardation of free radical damage by antioxidants is an continuing practice. It is in fact a cycle and more free radicals are created as the other free radicals are neutralized. For that reason antioxidants must be constantly replaced in our bodies. The best and safest way to consume antioxidants is in the utilization of a wholesome diet. A clear minimum of 5 fruits and vegetables should be consumed day after day and 8 to 10 servings of beneficial produce is even better.

The antioxidant capacity of foods is calculated by what is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC. The ORAC is a figure that corresponds with the antioxidants inside that food. The highest ORAC scores belong to foods such as spinach, oranges and most berries, including blueberries, cranberries and the acai berry. The acai berry actually has one of the highest ORAC’s ever found on Earth.

The best way to expand your antioxidant intake is to devour a diversity of foods. One food or even one single nutrient will not give you the equal results as many. The might of antioxidants essentially comes through the synergy of the numerous nutrients functioning together. The nutrients harmonize each other and each becomes stronger and more useful as they work in concert jointly than any would be alone.

Nature has provided us the obscure fountain of youth that we have been looking for. The funny thing is that we had it all along we just didn’t understand it. If you want to stave off the effects of aging make sure that you devour a limitless range of beneficial antioxidants in your diet.

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Goji Berries Beware of Imitations

Monday, January 26th, 2009

It is important to ensure the Goji Berries you are buying to enjoy the incredible the nutritional benefits from Goji Berries are really Goji Berries and not Wolfberries from China. There is a significant difference. As well as being different species of Berries the environment these berries grow in are also very different: the pristine Tibetan mountains versus the polluted land in China.

The wild-craft Tibetan variety has been harvested for thousands of years as a medicinal food by Tibetan doctors and eaten freely as a wild fruit. Many generations ago Goji seeds were taken to China , cultivated, and called Wolfberry. The Chinese Wolfberry is suspect if it does not possess organic certification because of the lack of regulation regarding pesticides, herbicides, and DDT over the years in Chinese farming practices. It is a botanical given that soils with a history of repeat planting often suffer from mineral depletion, which can affect the nutrient quality of the produce, even in somewhat, similar climatic conditions.

Tibet is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with clean air and rich soils. Tibet’s pristine environment is the optimal environment for growing the most nutritious and clean goji berries in the world. Goji berries’ nutritional profile is rich in vitamins, minerals and immune enhancing polysaccharides. To ensure that the Goji Berries provide you with maximum nutritional benefits and are not compromised by environmental pollution choosing Goji Berries from Tibet is your best option.

Berries grown in China are Wolfberries not Goji Berries. In terms of comparing the two, Goji Berries are much more nutritionally dense than Wolfberries. One major example in the differences between Goji Berries and Wolfberries is their make up in terms of amino acids and trace minerals. Goji Berries may cost a little more than Wolfberries, but there are good reasons for that price difference and Goji Berries represent the better nutrition and better value.

The nutritional density, amount of polysaccharides, and antioxidant levels(ORAC units) in Tibetan Goji Berries are all higher than in Chinese Wolfberries. The amounts of those attributes of Tibetan Goji Berries have been all confirmed by certified USDA registered laboratory reports.

Are you sure you are buying Goji Berries and not Wolfberries? There are over 40 different varieties of Goji Berries and Wolfberries and they are not created equal.

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