The Truth About Protein Intake

We have all been hearing the same story from just about every single trainer, body builder, and internet marketer on the subject, you have to eat protein and you have to eat a lot of it.

If it were that simple this article would come to an albeit brief conclusion, but there is a little more to it than that.

First, the real reason why it is critical to your diet is because it is the building block of all muscle tissue in your body. You are building your muscle tissue by eating animal muscle tissue because that is essentially what it is.

Protein gives us branched-chain-amino-acids that our body cannot produce and they are essential to ensure that we can rebuild our muscle tissue after we over-work it. These BCAA's are only found it animal-based protein foods and there are nine of twenty-two that our body cannot produce which makes it that much more important to get quality sources of protein into our daily food intake.

Read More

3 Tips For Healthy Weight Loss - The Key To Lifelong Success

Have you ever been disappointed that after trying diet after diet, you found that you had actually gained weight? Losing weight requires a new way of thinking and hard work; it is never easy.

Losing weight in a healthy way, fortunately, will help you to keep it off. I am going to explain three tips for healthy weight loss and how it is the key to lifelong success in your weight control program.

Now let's get started!

Exercise Some Creativity with Your Diet Plan

When you think about dieting for a moment, what do you think is going to happen if you try a strict diet regime when you have become accustomed to eating whatever you want whenever you want? What do you think your chances of success will be with that type of strict diet?

Read More

Vitamin D: Benefits and Sources

Vitamins are complex compounds which are essential for normal functioning of your body's metabolism. Most of the vitamins can be consumed directly. However, vitamin D can be synthesized by body with the help of ultraviolet rays of sun. For a number of years, the importance of this vitamin has been overlooked. However, with leaps in research, new studies have shown that deficiency of vitamin D in diet can lead to premature aging of bones besides other problems. This happens because lack of optimum levels of vitamin D inhibits necessary calcification of bones and they become weak and worn with time. In order to fulfill the normal calcium in blood, the body mechanism removes calcium from bones. This causes bone softening and abnormal bone structure which causes aging.

Read More

The Many Great Benefits Of Following A Raw Nutrition Plan

Many people looking for ways to eat healthy and improve their weight turn to raw nutrition. This type of nutrition plan is a way to improve your overall health and get the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. The diet not only consist of fruits and vegetables but also foods such as grains, nuts, beans and seeds. These nutrients are also needed in a healthy diet plan.

When making the decision to change your diet, it is important to get the advice of your health care provider. Some people who have compromised immune systems may have problems with the bacteria that are often found in raw milk. It is a good idea to explain to your health care provider your goals and why you have chosen to change your diet.

Read More

Is Coffee Healthy?

What is coffee?

Coffee is a drink made from coffee beans, which are the roasted fruit of the Coffea arabica bush. Also coffee is an addictive drink. The more coffee you drink, the more you depend on it. Majority of coffee drinkers are more than aware of this and rely on it to help them get a start to their day.

Read More

9 Common Myths About Your Digestive Health

You might think that living in The Information Age would mean that our incredible access to knowledge would easily dispel myths that abound about our health. But in fact, it seems that so far, the internet has only helped propagate some of them. Hopefully, reading this will help set you straight on a couple doozies you might not have been aware were actually untrue.

1. The Ulcer-Causer. This is a big one for untrue myths: that spicy foods and stress cause ulcers. In fact, they can aggravate your ulcers, but the most likely cause of ulcers is infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (aka H. Pylori), a commonly occurring bacteria in your stomach. Another likely suspect for most people is the overuse of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen).

Read More

Chlorophyll: The Wonder Green of Life

Chlorophyll has numerous health benefits. And while mostly forgotten over the last 70 years, the wonders of this 'green magic' are slowly but surely reemerging.

Chlorophyll Is The Root of Life

Deep within every photosynthesizing plant cell on this planet is the green pigment, chlorophyll. It's used by plants to harness the sun's power, split water molecules and recombine them with carbon dioxide to create stored energy in the form of carbohydrates.

We depend on this green magic for the very food we eat as well as to produce the life-giving gas we breathe, oxygen.

But food and oxygen may not be all that we have chlorophyll to thank for...

Read More

Water And Its Health Benefits

Water is very essential to our health. The body needs water to function properly. Adequate consumption of water everyday plays an important role in our health and adds no calories, fats, carbohydrates or sugar. Approximately 70 % of our body's mass is made up of water. It is important to drink about 8 glasses of water everyday to fulfill the water requirement of the body. The health benefits of water are priceless and include the following.

WEIGHT LOSS: Water is an appetite suppressant so it limits your food intake. If the body is getting enough fluids, it does not try to retain water. Water rids the body of toxins and prevents constipation. It also helps the liver to efficiently metabolize stored fat.

Read More

Special Nutrients in Kombucha

The total health effects of any single food are the result of synergistic interactions between its constituents. When it comes to kombucha, the mixture of a wide variety of enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, and acids contributes to its overall benefits. While not every component has been identified, the key ones that have are quite powerful, and as kombucha is studied further other compounds may be discovered as well. For now, everything that is known strongly suggests that kombucha possesses many different types of healing properties, and these conclusions will likely be further confirmed as more research is done.

Acetic acid

A significant constituent of vinegar, acetic acid is one of the simplest organic acids. In fact, it is acetic acid that is mostly responsible for vinegar's sharp flavor, which is why many people combine it with some kind of sweetener. But when it comes to health, acetic acid is anything but simple. It possesses many powerful healing abilities, chiefly antiseptic and antibacterial. A 2009 study in the journal Burns found that acetic acid has excellent bactericidal properties for a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and even concluded that acetic acid may be a better alternative to currently used antiseptics.

Many recent studies also indicate that acetic acid is useful for controlling blood sugar. Dr. Carol Johnston, the head of nutrition at Arizona State University, discussed how acetic acid can control glucose levels and can even accelerate weight loss when consumed with meals.

Glucuronic Acid

This powerful acid is responsible for assisting with liver detoxification, by binding to waste molecules and transferring them to the kidneys. It is one of the most important single molecules when it comes to detoxification, and kombucha is rich in it. In fact, a 2007 study in the journal Food Chemistry found that glucuronic acid concentration could reach up to 2.3g/L in fermented black tea. Kombucha's powerful combination of acetic and glucuronic acids makes it perfect for killing bad internal bacteria and then detoxifying your body.

Probiotics

The true power of kombucha stems from the fact that not only does it eliminate harmful pathogens, but it replaces them with high-quality, potent probiotics. The strains in kombucha are a mixture of yeasts and bacteria, but almost always include Gluconacetobacter xylinus, which is responsible for producing many kinds of organic acids and ezymes, including acetic and glucuronic acids, among others like lactic acid. Of course, in addition to manufacturing those beneficial chemicals, the bacteria also assimilate into the intestines, where they help digest nutrients and crowd out bad bacteria from occupying the same space.

Since far more research is needed on kombucha, there is no telling what other chemicals may also be in play. For now, what's certain is that fermented tea is an excellent health drink that more people should be including in their diets.

Read More

Special Nutrients in Kombucha

The total health effects of any single food are the result of synergistic interactions between its constituents. When it comes to kombucha, the mixture of a wide variety of enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, and acids contributes to its overall benefits. While not every component has been identified, the key ones that have are quite powerful, and as kombucha is studied further other compounds may be discovered as well. For now, everything that is known strongly suggests that kombucha possesses many different types of healing properties, and these conclusions will likely be further confirmed as more research is done.

Acetic acid

A significant constituent of vinegar, acetic acid is one of the simplest organic acids. In fact, it is acetic acid that is mostly responsible for vinegar's sharp flavor, which is why many people combine it with some kind of sweetener. But when it comes to health, acetic acid is anything but simple. It possesses many powerful healing abilities, chiefly antiseptic and antibacterial. A 2009 study in the journal Burns found that acetic acid has excellent bactericidal properties for a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and even concluded that acetic acid may be a better alternative to currently used antiseptics.

Many recent studies also indicate that acetic acid is useful for controlling blood sugar. Dr. Carol Johnston, the head of nutrition at Arizona State University, discussed how acetic acid can control glucose levels and can even accelerate weight loss when consumed with meals.

Glucuronic Acid

This powerful acid is responsible for assisting with liver detoxification, by binding to waste molecules and transferring them to the kidneys. It is one of the most important single molecules when it comes to detoxification, and kombucha is rich in it. In fact, a 2007 study in the journal Food Chemistry found that glucuronic acid concentration could reach up to 2.3g/L in fermented black tea. Kombucha's powerful combination of acetic and glucuronic acids makes it perfect for killing bad internal bacteria and then detoxifying your body.

Probiotics

The true power of kombucha stems from the fact that not only does it eliminate harmful pathogens, but it replaces them with high-quality, potent probiotics. The strains in kombucha are a mixture of yeasts and bacteria, but almost always include Gluconacetobacter xylinus, which is responsible for producing many kinds of organic acids and ezymes, including acetic and glucuronic acids, among others like lactic acid. Of course, in addition to manufacturing those beneficial chemicals, the bacteria also assimilate into the intestines, where they help digest nutrients and crowd out bad bacteria from occupying the same space.

Since far more research is needed on kombucha, there is no telling what other chemicals may also be in play. For now, what's certain is that fermented tea is an excellent health drink that more people should be including in their diets.

Read More

Special Nutrients in Kombucha

The total health effects of any single food are the result of synergistic interactions between its constituents. When it comes to kombucha, the mixture of a wide variety of enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, and acids contributes to its overall benefits. While not every component has been identified, the key ones that have are quite powerful, and as kombucha is studied further other compounds may be discovered as well. For now, everything that is known strongly suggests that kombucha possesses many different types of healing properties, and these conclusions will likely be further confirmed as more research is done.

Acetic acid

A significant constituent of vinegar, acetic acid is one of the simplest organic acids. In fact, it is acetic acid that is mostly responsible for vinegar's sharp flavor, which is why many people combine it with some kind of sweetener. But when it comes to health, acetic acid is anything but simple. It possesses many powerful healing abilities, chiefly antiseptic and antibacterial. A 2009 study in the journal Burns found that acetic acid has excellent bactericidal properties for a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and even concluded that acetic acid may be a better alternative to currently used antiseptics.

Many recent studies also indicate that acetic acid is useful for controlling blood sugar. Dr. Carol Johnston, the head of nutrition at Arizona State University, discussed how acetic acid can control glucose levels and can even accelerate weight loss when consumed with meals.

Glucuronic Acid

This powerful acid is responsible for assisting with liver detoxification, by binding to waste molecules and transferring them to the kidneys. It is one of the most important single molecules when it comes to detoxification, and kombucha is rich in it. In fact, a 2007 study in the journal Food Chemistry found that glucuronic acid concentration could reach up to 2.3g/L in fermented black tea. Kombucha's powerful combination of acetic and glucuronic acids makes it perfect for killing bad internal bacteria and then detoxifying your body.

Probiotics

The true power of kombucha stems from the fact that not only does it eliminate harmful pathogens, but it replaces them with high-quality, potent probiotics. The strains in kombucha are a mixture of yeasts and bacteria, but almost always include Gluconacetobacter xylinus, which is responsible for producing many kinds of organic acids and ezymes, including acetic and glucuronic acids, among others like lactic acid. Of course, in addition to manufacturing those beneficial chemicals, the bacteria also assimilate into the intestines, where they help digest nutrients and crowd out bad bacteria from occupying the same space.

Since far more research is needed on kombucha, there is no telling what other chemicals may also be in play. For now, what's certain is that fermented tea is an excellent health drink that more people should be including in their diets.

Read More

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are chemicals that come from food used to support the health. Minerals make and break down body tissues, and regulates metabolism. There are many varieties of vitamins and minerals, for example foods containing vitamins A, C and E contain antioxidants, which can help to reduce the ageing process. The Mineral Magnesium helps to convert food into energy. Unfortunately vitamins and minerals can only be sourced by food. This is the reason it is important to have a balanced diet, to ensure essential vitamins and minerals are met.

There are many vitamins and minerals available, but it would be too long to describe each mineral and each vitamin. Below is a summary of the main vitamins and minerals that are popular at the moment.

Read More

Top 5 Sources Of Vitamin D

Vitamin D has become an incredibly popular topic, as it is very important to our health. Proper Vitamin D levels have been linked to all sorts of health benefits, including strong and healthy bones. Here are the top five sources to get more Vitamin D.

5. Wild Salmon: Fish is a great source of vitamin D, and salmon is one of the best options. The American Heart Association recommends eating oily, fatty fish like salmon about twice per week. Seek out wild salmon if possible, as farm raised salmon has significantly lower levels of vitamin D.

4. Bacon: Yes, everyone's favorite breakfast side is actually good for you! Good quality, organic bacon (preferably from free range pigs) tastes good and has nutritious vitamin D.

Read More

Eat Your Way to a Stronger Immune System

Winter months bring the dreaded and inevitable cold season. Recent research has unearthed a great deal of information and evidence linking our immune systems to our intestinal health. Colds are most often synonymous with a wide array of medicinal and chemical treatments, despite there being no cure. Focusing on cold prevention and overall immune system strength through our food can also have impressive results.

First in line: garlic. This potent onion relative contains allicin, a sulfuric compound with amazing antibacterial properties that is extremely useful in fighting infections both topically and internally. When garlic is ingested, it travels through your digestive system and is absorbed into your bloodstream. By this method, it helps to create an "inhospitable environment" for both bacteria and viruses alike within cells. It is most beneficial in its raw form, and daily consumption can aid in prevention and treatment of the cold virus. Can't stand the thought of eating raw garlic? It is readily available in an extracted capsule form that may still have a slight taste, but can be much easier to stomach.

Read More

Foods to Avoid to Prevent Bloating

We all know the most common culprit: beans. It is true that beans can cause bloating and flatulence due to their high fiber content, however most people can tolerate beans in proper portions with no side effects. Other foods that are high in fiber such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, brussels sprouts, onions, whole grains and cereals may also cause increased bloating and flatulence when consumed in large amounts. Since vegetables and whole grains are a healthy part of the diet, do not go out of your way to avoid these foods, but increase your intake gradually and monitor your symptoms to determine which foods could be causing bloating.

Keep in mind that tolerance of high fiber foods varies per person, however many people tend to feel more bloated after eating foods with insoluble fiber that is artificially added into packaged products like yogurt and granola bars, not from foods with natural fiber such as fruits and vegetables.

Read More

The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

For many years, health experts and doctors have recommended that their patients consume fish oil supplements because of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

This is based on the many years of research into these essential fats and because they believe that the supplements are beneficial to lowering the potential of heart disease, stroke, death and even sudden death caused by heart disease among others.

Omega-3 fatty acids refer to a category of necessary fats including ALA, DHA and EPA.

These essential fats in the omega-3 category are considered essential because they do not have the ability to be synthesized in the body.

In fact, these DHA and EPA fats are essential to healthy living.

A deficiency of these fats shows symptoms of poor circulation, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, dry skin, memory problems, depression and mood swings.

Read More

Potatoes and Health

Potatoes are a very popular vegetable, consumed by at least a billion people worldwide. They come in many types, including maris piper and King Edward. Sweet potatoes are also becoming very popular. Despite the varieties of them potatoes have recently received some negatively, due to the fact that they contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates contains energy which we need to move constantly.

Potatoes also contains other important nutrients:

· Fibre, this contributes to making the body feel fuller for longer. It can also contribute to helping to prevent constipation, which is caused by lack of fibre. Consuming potatoes with the skin on has more fibre in comparison to consuming potatoes without the skin. However it is advised to ensure that potato skins are not discoloured or marked before consumption, as it can cause ill health in large amounts.

Read More

Digestive Enzymes - Health 101

Digestive enzymes break down our foods into absorbable & utilizable components. Each enzyme has a very specific function - it is necessary we get all the enzymes - they are not interchangeable. Poor digestive health is rampant, and unfortunately undetected & underemphasized in western medicine. Digestive health is critical to disease prevention & recovery.

We have 2 main ways of getting our digestive enzymes:

The food we eat: cooking denatures enzymes, so we need to eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. Another issue here is soil depletion - our foods can be filled with toxins which destroy enzymes & because the soil is over tilled can be depleted in precious nutrients.

Good foods to eat:: Pineapple, papaya, sea vegetables, greek yogurt (un flavoured please), mango, wheat grass, shitake mushrooms, sprouts, cabbage, apples, cherries, peppers, unpasteurized honey, apple cider vinegar - which is great as a salad dressing!

Read More

The Benefits Of Juicing, How To Tap Into Them For Great Health

Many people fail to get the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables and often the reason is that they just don't like them and the bulk is quite extensive. On the other hand if you juice them, you can drink all your requirements in as little as an 8 oz glass and tap into the health benefits of juicing.

Adding juicing to your diet is also a way to enhance your health to levels you may not have thought possible. Juice can level out nagging health problems that you may have, it can also help heal many chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, even cancer, not to mention the energy boost you will get.

Read More

Chocolate Milk Is NOT a Good Post Workout Drink!

Chocolate milk is high in sugar, saturated fat and calories. The second ingredient is sugar. The carbohydrates it contains are not the good kind. The protein it claims to have is about 1/4 the serving of a single scoop of most protein powders. Did I mention it's mostly sugar? Even the caramel coloring used to give it that rich creamy chocolate look are more heated sugars and starches. Just because a commercial tells you something, does not necessarily mean it's true. I would not encourage you to drink chocolate milk as a post workout

protein aid or a carbohydrate boost.

Read More