Why Do So Many People Choose to Eat Raw Food?

As you add more raw fruits and vegetables to your diet, you are receiving maximum nutrition from your food. The goal is to deliver nutrients to your cells and take the trash or toxins out of your system. The nutrients from raw foods are delivered through the blood to the cells resulting in cleaner blood and healthier cells. Superior nutrition will return your cells to their more youthful functioning. Because raw foods are easy to digest, this frees up energy for healing and cleansing.

By eating raw, you will experience the following:

Skin benefits:
Carrots and tomatoes contain beta-carotene which when eaten raw contains higher levels of this vitamin. After the body digests beta-carotene, it is converted into vitamin A. This chemical stimulates skin cell growth and builds collagen - a structural protein present in the skin which is essential for skin elasticity.

Weight loss:
People frequently notice a weight loss when they start eating a raw food diet - especially all raw. At raw food institutions, the average weekly weight loss is four to fifteen pounds. Much of this will be water, but on raw fruits and vegetables (take it easy on the fats), later weight loss will be fat, especially if you add some movement (aka exercise) to your improved lifestyle. As you replace cooked and processed foods with more raw food, you can expect to lose weight quickly and consistently, and keep it off. We are talking about a lifestyle change here, not just another diet, even if it's just adding more raw fruits and vegetables to your diet, rather than going all out and switching to a completely raw diet. Eating the same things that got you here will get you back here, if you don't maintain some changes.

Immune system boost:
Leukocytosis supports the argument that raw foods are our natural diet. When we consume cooked food there is an increase in white blood cells normally used for dealing with foreign bodies such as toxins and bacteria. Eating raw food does not have this effect. The immune system is free to do its job of protecting us against invaders.

Acidity level control:
Cooked food tends to be acid forming, whereas a diet high in raw fruit and vegetables is alkaline. When we become too acidic vital minerals are drawn from our tissues as the body attempts to neutralize the acidity. Ionized water and alkalizing raw foods are among the best ways to alkalize your body and help protect it from the effects of ionizing radiation!

No processed food:
When you eat fresh, organic raw food it doesn't come with fine print on the label that can be distorted and twisted by greed. Every single new sweetener like agave syrup introduced into the market was invented to do one thing - make a profit. Since the FDA doesn't enforce food-labeling laws, you can't be sure what you're eating is what is on the label of any processed food. So don't eat that junk!

These are just a few benefits people experience by eating uncooked food.

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Whole Food Stores

Whole food stores, also called health food stores or whole goods stores, are retailers that sell natural health and wellness products to the public. Some stores are community-owned co-operatives or organic markets, but the majority are independent stores, or chains, located in urban high streets. Many stores work with local farmers and gardeners to provide their customers with locally-sourced food, and they often have a strong stance against supplying any products that contain GMO, MSG, artificial sweeteners, growth hormones, herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, binders, or other poisons that compromise taste and nutritional value.

The owners of health stores tend to employ staff that have a pre-existing knowledge of, or interest in, the products that the store sells. Moreover, it is common for their staff to undergo a training procedure, followed by an exam, on subjects relating to natural health before qualifying as a permanent employee. Many stores, especially those in North America, are not just independent but also family-owned, and they tend to have long opening hours. It is not uncommon to find a health store that is open from 8am until 8pm seven days a week, and which is only closed on national holidays.

Products Sold at a Whole Food Store

The type, and amount, of products sold by a whole food store depends upon the ambitions and size of the business in question. A small store located in a dense, busy street is unlikely to have the same number of departments as a sprawling, multi-layered enterprise in a rural area that has the space, and the finances, to expand at will.

Despite these factors, however, most stores tend to sell similar products to varying quantities. It is rare, for instance, to find a store that doesn't sell at least a some of the following: Organic food, natural baby formulas, vitamin supplements, homeopathic and herbal remedies, kitchen utensils, fruit juices and other healthy beverages, frozen and refrigerated goods, milk substitutes or lactose-free milk, natural laxatives, and books and magazines on related subjects. Some of the largest stores will also have specialist departments like bakeries, delis, groceries, and meat and seafood. It is common for a staff member of a larger store to specialize in one department, rather than oversee them all.

Reasons to Support Them

The reasons for supporting a local whole food store should be obvious to any health-conscious individual. In a world in which everything is becoming more corrupted year after year (especially the food we eat), the owners of health food stores should be admired for consciously rejecting this trend and doing what they believe is right instead. Since their business is attacked from all angles by national and multinational supermarkets that sell inorganic equivalent products for lower prices, whole food stores often rely upon loyal clients to remain afloat. Therefore, if you discover a store in your local area that seems to be an honest and ethical business with values that mirror your own, it is always a good idea to support it whenever possible.

Michael Ravensthorpe is a writer and researcher of nutrition from the United Kingdom. He is the creator of the website, spiritfoods.net, which contains interesting and useful information about the world's healthiest foods, from kelp to kefir. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Things to Think About When Meal Planning

Foods have three major components as carbohydrates(essential for energy production by the body), protein(essential for regulation and maintenance of body functions and a major part of lean body mass), fat (vital for cellular structure, immune system function and hormone-production). Most foods have a combination of these. When we eat fresh, foods rich in nutrients and balance our meals with nutritious carbohydrates, proteins and fats, we allow our body to reach and maintain our best weight and overall health.

With meal planning you can look to find the healthy balance needed to fuel you body with the types of foods below. The frequency, amount and time of day you consume these types of foods will play a major role in your energy levels, appearance and overall health. Below we have identify the groups you should be bring in with your meal plan each day and what they do for the body.

Protein Sources- (vegetarian, non vegetarian)Dairy SourcesVegetablesFruitsFatsOnce daily StarchesStarches

How the body uses Protein:

Protein is essential to the body because it supports the growth and repair of our cells. It is the amino acids in protein that are the building block of every single cell. So, when you think about the fact that the human body is a complex cellular organism made up of trillions of cells that die off and need to be replaced every day, protein in our diets is essential! Did you know that every 28 days or so you have a new digestive tract? That's right! The cells in our digestive system fully replace themselves every 28 days.

Protein is also great because it helps to regulate blood sugar. The body also uses Amino Acids to build lean muscle mass. The molecular structure of Protein is quite complex. Therefore, it takes more energy for the body to metabolize Protein. Simply put: You burn more calories as your process Protein-rich foods! It is great to alternate your protein source by choosing different types of foods and also finding variety in both plant and animal based proteins.

**All proteins are not created equally. Nuts, whole grains, and veggies have protein. However, they do not contain all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs in order to build lean muscle.

***Vegetarians need to be a little more creative to ensure that they are getting in all the essential amino acids the body needs. One common mistake comes from not consuming incomplete proteins that don't contain all the essential amino acids. One way to overcome that challenge is to combine incomplete proteins with a food that will compliment it. An example of this would be have peanut butter with whole wheat bread or beans with brown rice. Complete proteins (containing all essential amino acids) can be found in vegetarian sources such as hemp seed, tofu, buckwheat and quinoa.

Why Dairy:

Dairy is incorporated into a balanced mean plan for many reasons. Dairy can be a source for calcium, an additional source for protein during the day, great to use as a condiment or to provide essential probiotics (found in yogurt), which are key to digestive health. A healthy digestive system will lead to weight loss.

**Cheese is a dairy and also can be used as a protein source in a vegetarian diet. However, it can be very caloric and it is very easy to eat more than a portioned amount. A great way to incorporate cheese into a meal plan can be grating 1 oz. of cheese over a starch or vegetable serving.

Fat is a friend to weight loss and overall health:

Fats are needed in the body to help both transport and assist with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Fats are essential for our joint health and protecting our internal organs.

**Avocados and nuts are great for calming inflammation in the body. You need both Saturated and Unsaturated fats. Transfats should be avoided.

The best ally for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are Vegetables.

Find variety in your vegetable choices. Mix them up and prepare them in a way that you will enjoy them. Find balance between eating them raw and cooked, as they are a wonderful source of healthy carbohydrates, fiber, as well as small amounts of protein. Most importantly, vegetables will deliver key macronutrients to your body in which many people experience deficiency. Fresh vegetables also aid in reducing inflammation in the body.

*Key for vegetarians: Be sure you are putting the "Veg" in your vegetarian lifestyle.

** Individuals with hypothyroidism should avoid eating cruciferous vegetablesin their raw form. Cruciferous vegetables include: cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, cabbage, kale, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, turmeric, mustard greens, collard greens, and turnip greens. Soy products have also been known to cause issues for individuals with hypothyroidism.

Once Daily Starch:

Any whole grain fits into the Once Daily Starch category. Foods in this category are great energy foods that provide a good balance of nutrients to the body and are essential for energy production. When trying to lose weight it is essential to look at the serving sizes. These starches are important to the body. Without these starches you are prone to creating an imbalance of the blood glucose and insulin levels in the body.

*Think of these as your slow carbs. If you are hitting weight loss plateaus, consider moving them into your breakfast meal to give the body the full day to burn these carbohydrates.

Starches:

All carbohydrates are broken down into sugar. It is the fiber in these starches that slows down the absorption of sugar. Your body needs carbohydrates to function properly. Quality is key.

Fruits:

Fruits are great! They can provide some natural sweetness and are rich in fiber. They also provide the body with great macronutrients and antioxidants. Fruits are key to repairing cellular damage. To avoid potential weight gain from fruits it is just important to understand portion sizes.

Herbs:

Herbs work the best when they are natural and fresh. They help to reduce inflammation in the body and can provide wonderful flavor enhancements to food.

It is all about creating and maintaining balance in your food intake. You don't have to be an extremist or perfectionist. You just need to drive for balance.

Contact Joey for a one on one wellness evaluation. About the contributor: Joey Toth ( jtoth@thenewwell.com )valley resident and holistic healthcare practitioner has brought the wellness revolution to the valley in the form of the new well of Paradise Valley which part of a national weight loss and wellness company focused on inspiring women to change their lives. The new well combines personal coaching, nutrition, exercise and relaxation therapy - all in one convenient location. Founded in 1999, the new well has centers across the United States. Each center is locally owned with corporate headquarters in Grants Pass, OR. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

What You Need to Know to Buy the Best Juicers

The Benefits of Juicing

When I was diagnosed with colon cancer my doctor recommended that I increase my daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. I began researching the topic and soon discovered numerous medical studies showing the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables daily. Fresh fruit and vegetables are one of the top sources of vitamins, minerals and enzymes available. However, it is not convenient or easy to consume enough raw fruits and vegetables to meet the body's daily nutritional needs. For this reason, the simplest way to get enough fruits and vegetables is by using a juicer to create juice or "juicing."

Juicer Features

Buying a juicer can be very difficult and frustrating if you don't know what you are looking for. Two appliances that look almost identical can have a price difference of several hundred dollars. To understand the difference in juicers, you should first be clear on some of the basic features available.

Speed - Faster is better with most kitchen appliances. In the case of juicers, however, this is not the case. Juicers that operate at a slow speeds destroy the fewest nutrients from heat. Therefore, slower juicers are typically better and more expensive.

Efficiency - Yield refers to the quantity of juice a juicer is able to extract from a fruit or vegetable. Juicers with higher yields are more efficient and therefore more expensive.

Other Capabilities - Today's juicers often come with a host of additional capabilities such as the ability to homogenize food, make sauces, make baby food, etc. Additional features will generally increase the cost.

Types of Juicers

Juicers can be separated into three basic categories: centrifugal, masticating, and twin gear. Centrifugal are the cheapest kind of juicers. They operate at the fastest speeds and are the least efficient. The speed of these juicers gives the juice the lowest nutrient count of the three juicer types. Also, juice made with a centrifugal juicer generally cannot be stored and must be consumed shortly after it is made.

The masticating or single gear juicer is a higher quality than the centrifugal juicer. Masticating juicers are able to process practically all types of fruit and vegetables and are more efficient than centrifugal juicers. They operate at slower speeds than centrifugal juicers which results in a higher-nutrient output. Juice created from masticating juicers usually can be stored for a short time after it is made.

If you can afford the price tag, I recommend the twin gear or triturating juicer. Twin gear are the slowest and most efficient juicers available. They are able to process virtually all produce including leafy greens, and produce the highest nutrient output. Juice made from a twin gear juicer can be stored for a longer time than juice from the other juicer types.

The Best Juicer

You need to take into account your specific needs and budget in deciding the right juicer for you. If you are new to juicing you may not want to invest in the most expensive appliance. You can still get almost all of the same health benefits from a centrifugal juicer. Just remember lower cost appliances lack some of the features and convenience available from the higher quality juicer types.

I discovered the health benefits of juicing after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Visit my free website, topjuicers.org, now to learn about juicing, juicer technology and everything you need to know to choose the right juicer for you. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Country Life Natural Foods

Country Life Natural Foods, situated in Pullman, Michigan, is a retail and wholesale distributor of natural and organic food, as well as an active promoter of physical and spiritual health. Aside from supplying their produce to the local area, the company also delivers it to 18 neighboring states using transport (and the rest of the nation using the United States Postal Service). The goods they sell are extensive, and include beans, grains, seasonings, pastas, granola, jams, spices, meat substitutes, juices, soy cheese, yoghurt, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and over a thousand other items.

Mission Statement

Like many other natural food suppliers in the United States, the mission of Country Life is to encourage others to live wholesome and healthy lives by eating the food that nature intended for us. However, unlike most other suppliers, it is also a Christian organization (in fact, it is connected to the Oak Haven ministry, which is also located in central Michigan), and so, whilst not overly evangelistic, the company does approach its mission from a religious angle.

Seminars and Classes

Although Country Life's mission is similar to those of other natural food companies, it takes its message one step further by actively organizing and hosting seminars and classes that are relevant to its interests. Perhaps the most popular and well-known class organized by the Country Life is its vegetarian cooking class, although it hosts many other classes including: Recovering from depression, controlling diabetes, and even wilderness survival (the latter partly occurs outdoors).

Information About Ordering

If you would like to order goods from Country Life, then you can either visit their physical health food store located east of Pullman, Michigan (open 9-5 EST Sunday to Wednesday, 9-7 Thursday, 9-1 Friday, and closed on Saturday), or order online using their online shop. The online shop is the most effective option, especially if you live outside of Michigan, but remember that you will have to pay for the postage costs.

Reasons to Support the Store

Even in North America, which contains a sizable natural health subculture, companies such as Country Life are a beacon of light in a world that is becoming increasingly indifferent to (and, in many cases, enchanted by) the unhealthy food that now saturates our supermarket shelves. Inorganic food suppliers have never enjoyed as much dominance over the national and international food trades as today, and the largest companies - such as Monsanto and Wal-Mart - show no signs of losing their monopoly on the industry.

There's not much the average individual can do about this trend on an influential level, but he can choose to reject it by financially supporting the retailers, organizations, and distributors that have chosen to reject it themselves. Country Life Natural Foods is one of those companies, and for that reason, it deserves the patronage of all health-minded Americans.

Michael Ravensthorpe is a writer and researcher of nutrition from the United Kingdom. He is the creator of the website, spiritfoods.net, which contains interesting and useful information about the world's healthiest foods, from kefir to kelp. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

The Ultimate "Results-Based" Diet for Flat Abs

You want flat abs, who doesn't? You go through the motions, the exercise, the diets, the machines, but what if the foods you eat daily contribute to your pudgy waistline? What are you eating that's holding you back? What could you be eating that drives you closer to the 6 pack abs you've been working so hard for?

Modern society and so-called science will have you believe simple things: If you eat fat you get fat. Lose 50 pounds this weekend. Have 16 inch arms by Tuesday. Somehow, we buy into these things because we want the same things in life, right? But sometimes the actions that we think are helping us actually hurt us. Nothing exemplifies this more than achieving health and flat abs.

We are told to eat whole grains. so we fill up on whole grains. We are told to consume anti-oxidants, so we find that on the labels everywhere we go. We are told that a low-carb diet will bring you peace and happiness, so we purchase anything that says "low-carb." We become prisoners of the moment instead of seeing the big picture.

The fact is that we all intuitively know the truth. We are influenced by the huge whole-grain/low-fat marketing animal daily, but the bottom-line of a diet for flat abs starts with vegetables.

Begin with leafy green and colorful vegetables first when starting your eating regimen. They provide the rich nutrients your body needs to increase the muscle in your mid-section. Vegetables are also low in calories, which provides the energy to support your workout routine. Vegetables are also mostly water, which makes you feel fuller, faster.

Also an essential element in the diet for flat abs is protein. Protein is the building block of muscle. If you don't consume enough, your abdominal muscles won't have enough raw material to grow larger. If you're a vegan, there are plenty of vegetable options for protein supplementation in your diet. To those of us who are omnivorous, choose plenty of fish and chicken to ensure proper daily protein intake.

A small amount of beef and pork in your diet for flat abs can also be welcome. People are too afraid of beef and pork, which is unfortunate. Beef and pork provides essential nutrients and eaten in moderation, can provide variety and flavor to a 6 pack focused diet for flat abs.

My recommendation is to think of it as a protein pyramid. Lentils, other legumes, and vegetables at the bottom, lean fish and chicken in the middle, beef and pork the top. If this pyramid is followed for protein intake, then bring out those swim trunks from the back of your closet; you're going to need them for the beach when you're out there with your shirt off!

In the end, eating can and should be a pleasurable experience, not something you dread doing because you feel like you can't eat the good stuff. Also remember you can take in plenty of monounsaturated fats in the form of avocados and healthy oils like olive, sesame seed, and flax seed. These oils are said to contribute to a healthy lifestyle and they will definitely contribute to your diet for flat abs.

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Is Agave Nectar Good for You?

A few weeks ago I popped into my local Whole Foods Market because I wanted to buy organic barbecue sauce. As I was looking at the different brands, it was interesting to see that agave nectar was in a few of them. I was chatting with one of the girls who worked there and she commented, "Well, agave is better than sugar."

But is it really?

Somehow agave nectar has become the darling and healthy option for sugar lovers everywhere. It is in everything from breakfast cereals to soy ice cream. But it turns out that agave nectar may not be healthy after all because it's really high in fructose.

Sugar is 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is about 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose (although the amount of fructose in sugary drinks can be as high as 65 percent). Yet agave nectar can contain as much as 92 percent fructose!

So what's wrong with fructose? Since fructose is metabolized in the liver, eating too much can cause fatty liver and high triglycerides. Fatty liver can negatively affect liver function. High triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease. Fructose can also make insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar, less effective. Therefore, if you are choosing agave instead of other sweeteners for health reasons, you are missing the boat.

There are a few good points about agave nectar. One is that it's sweeter than sugar. So you could use less and consume fewer calories with the same level of sweetness as sugar. Interestingly, I have seen many companies switch to agave, but I don't see fewer grams of sugar on the label. Also, because it is high in fructose agave has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a big spike in your blood sugar.

Another good point about agave is that it is not genetically modified, at least not yet. High fructose corn syrup, because it comes from corn, is genetically modified. Sugar beets are now also genetically modified so most of the sugar you are eating is genetically modified as well.

The bottom line is agave nectar is not better for you than any other sweetener. And just like sugar, it will add calories, increase your desire for sweet foods, and help you gain weight. It doesn't mean you should never eat it, but don't kid yourself that it is somehow better than other sweeteners. All forms of sugar, including agave nectar, should be eaten in moderation.

Probably the best option is to have fruit for dessert or to add fruit to other foods for sweetness. For example, in place of adding agave nectar to your oatmeal, try adding blueberries or strawberries instead. Once your palate adapts to the less sweet taste of foods minus all the sugar, fruit will taste a lot sweeter.

Carole is a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist who writes and speaks on a variety of topics related to diet and health. She also consults with individuals and companies.

She can be reached at healthyeatingrocks[at]gmail.com. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

The Best Foods to Eat to Reduce Stomach Fat

Foods That Burn Stomach Fat

When you're on a diet it's easy to feel deprived of the foods you enjoy. But if you focus on the foods you CAN eat, rather than the foods you need to avoid, you'll find that you have a lot of delicious choices.

Below are some of my favorite foods that burn belly fat and are also high in antioxidants. When it comes to carbs, it's important to choose foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and limit those high in simple carbohydrates like white rice and white flour. The less processed a food is, the better.

It's also important to include a large variety of healthy foods to be sure you get the nutrients you need. These are just a sample of the various foods you can choose from.

Chocolate!

Dark Chocolate 78% cocoa

Treating yourself to a small piece of dark chocolate once a week can help lower your blood pressure, reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and stroke and even help manage cholesterol levels.

Beverages Choices:

Water is best and eight 8 ounce glasses are recommended each day

Green Tea

White Tea

Antioxidant Beverages:

Pomegranate Juice (in moderation)

Red Wine (in moderation - contains Resveratrol which is an antioxidant and fat releaser!)

Whole Grains:

Oatmeal - Steel Cut Oats

Barley

Buckwheat

Flax Seeds

Fruits:

Berries

Oranges

Grapefruit

Apples

Acai

Kiwi

Cherries

Vegetables:

Tomatoes - Grape Tomatoes make a great snack!

Red Cabbage

Dark Leafy Greens (great source of calcium!)

Chives

Peppers and Chilis

Cauliflower

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Alfalfa Sprouts

Kale

Spinach

Red Bell Peppers

Garlic

Onions

Eggplant

Garlic

Sweet Potatoes

Cucumbers

Water Chestnuts

Calcium Sources:

Swiss, Feta and Mozzarella Cheeses

Skim Milk (drink it immediately after resistance training and again one hour later to increase fat loss!)

Yogurt

Dark leafy greens such as Spinach and Kale

Broccoli

Almonds

Preferred Proteins:

Eggs

Chicken

Turkey

Lean Meats

Nuts

Nut Butters

Fish high in Omega 3 fats like Salmon & Sardines

Shrimp

Tofu

Nuts

Beans and Legumes

Quinoa

Protein Powder

Oils:

Olive Oil

Nut Oils

Olive Oil

Avocado Oil

Grape Seed Oil

Coconut Oil - Increases HDL (good cholesterol)

Butter

Condiments:

Guacamole

Mustard

Fresh Salsa

Hummus

Pesto

Hot Sauce

Homemade Mayo and Salad Dressings

Misc:

Cinnamon

Termeric

Ginger

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

As you can see, there are a lot of great foods that burn belly fat. Keep a list of your favorites and build healthy meals around them!

If you're interested in more information, tips and tricks on how to lose weight safely visit our web site at flatstomachdietplan.net. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

More Reasons You Need to Eat Breakfast In The Morning

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And it really is! Eating breakfast kick starts your metabolism, provides your body with essential nutrients, helps maintain a healthy weight and protects you from disease. Even with the facts about how important breakfast is, 30% of Americans still skip breakfast. Why? Because many people feel they don't have the time for breakfast or they don't like breakfast foods, or they think that by skipping breakfast they can avoid adding extra calories to their diet and lose weight. However, none of these reasons are good enough or factual enough to actually skip breakfast altogether. Making time for breakfast has enormous health benefits and can actually help to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Here are some powerful reasons to start or continue eating breakfast in the morning.

People who are trying to lose weight skip breakfast thinking that the calories they don't eat will reduce their overall intake. This plan actually backfires, because when you starve the body of food and nutrients it actually holds onto fat, burning calories much slower to conserve energy. When you skip breakfast the body stays sluggish because it's gone all night without food and you are waiting even longer to provide it with the nutrients to function optimally. After fasting all night when we are asleep food actually jumpstarts the metabolism, basically kicking it into high gear so the body burns calories more effectively throughout the day. Easting breakfast not only stimulates calorie burning but also will wake you up because you now have energy to use.

Another thing, the kind of breakfast food you eat will also determine how your body responds. Now a days breakfast foods consist of simple carbohydrates i.e. Doughnuts, cereal bars, white bread, sugary cereals, bagels. These types of foods are loaded with sugar and usually have high number of calories, which spikes your blood glucose levels. Although, it will give you energy it will be short lived and when your blood sugar crashes so will you and you will crave more sugary substitutes before you even hit lunchtime. By eating a hearty breakfast with complex carbohydrates, which digest slowly such as oatmeal or whole grain bread or bagels, which are high in fiber and low in sugar, you will provide your body with a steady source of energy and keep your cravings down.

A hearty breakfast not only provides the body with enough energy to last you all morning but it also gives the body the nutrients to function optimally. When you skip breakfast its harder to get the recommended daily allowance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. When the body is in a state of energy deprivation most people head for the quick fix of sugary, high calorie, high fat snacks. Not only does this impede your body's ability to function, it also hurts your ability to lose weight. By eating a healthy breakfast that contains complex carbohydrates, lean protein, low fat dairy, and fiber you can consume a healthy balance of essential nutrients that will help the body function throughout your day. Overall people who eat breakfast tend to have a better diet than those who skip breakfast altogether.

Not only will your body burn calories more efficiently and you will have more energy by eating a good breakfast but it will boost your brainpower as well. After a long nights sleep the body has used up most of the glucose and glycogen stores that is converted to energy, so these need to be replenished through the consumption of food. If you don't eat breakfast the body slows down calorie burning to conserve energy. When your metabolism slows so does the rest of your bodies functioning. You may feel tired, sleepy, fatigued, experience headaches, mental fuzziness and the inability to concentrate. By eating breakfast your energy stores will be restored and you will feed your brain the glucose it needs to fire neurons and synapses to make clear, conscious decisions.

Along with fatigue, mental fogginess and headaches, not eating breakfast can lead to long-term health problems. Because breakfast is where most people get their fiber, skipping this meal can have costly effects on the body. Skipping a breakfast high in fiber can lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Fiber binds to cholesterol and helps to excrete it out of the body rather than clogging up the arteries. This reduces the risk for heart disease. Fiber also reduces excess estrogen in the body which overtime can increase the risk for breast cancer. Breakfast can be the healthiest meal you eat all day. That's why eating a high fiber breakfast can help to reduce your risk for disease and start your day off on the right track.

Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me. Check out my health website! universalhealthinfo.com/Start_Your_Day_Off_Right.html. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Going Gluten Free While Maintaining Good Health

About 4% of the Irish population are coeliacs, which is a relatively high rate by European standards. People with coeliac disease are unable to digest gluten, a type of protein found in certain grains. As well as being unable to digest gluten, they may often suffer from a range of other ailments including ongoing or severe digestive complaints.

Despite working closely with coeliacs over a number of years, I find that many people assessing my recipes are not diagnosed with coeliac disease. I find more people are experimenting with their diets and removing certain foods to reduce symptoms.

Gluten is found in a number of grains, including wheat, oats, barley and rye. However, I have noticed, in my nutrition clinic, many people suffer from digestive complaints as a result of eating wheat only (i.e. they are not coeliac) and are choosing to reduce or exclude it from their diet. Although it is possible to have a gluten free healthy diet, it is important to increase gluten free grains to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need.

Many of whose who experience difficulty digesting wheat or gluten are simply cutting these foods out and not replacing them with other grains.

Coeliacs can eat a variety of other grains, including rice, corn, quinoa, millet, buckwheat and amaranth but what I notice is that people tend to be nervous trying out different grains. They are relatively easy to cook and simply need to be washed well and simmered in double the amount of water to the grain. You can buy gluten free flours, such as brown rice flour or you can even make your own flour by grinding nuts as I do below.

Gluten Free Apple Pancakes

1 teaspoon of oil
1oz buckwheat flour
1oz cashews (ground in a food processor)
½ teaspoon Royal baking powder (gluten free)
1 small egg
3 fl oz soya milk (or other milk)
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
3 drops of vanilla essence (optional)
1 small apple (grated)

Sieve flour and baking powder into a bowl and add ground cashews.
Hand whisk the egg, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a measuring jug and add apple.
Add to the flour and stir well, adding a dash of water.
Heat your frying pan to quite hot.
Put oil into the pan and wipe gently with kitchen roll.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of the mixture and use the back of a spoon to round the mixture evenly.
Leave for a minute or so, when bubbles start popping through the mixture, flip over and cook on other side for another minute.
Place in a warmed oven while you cook the others.
Serve with natural yogurt and maple syrup

Lucy works with a range of individuals to create health based programs and meal plans to promote good health. Her blend of nutrition and cooking expertise enables her to provide practical advice and solutions to those seeking to improve their health through food. A wide range of recipes and food and health tips can be found on foodforliving.ie. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Understanding Your Weight Loss With a Food Diary

Now that I fully understand what it takes to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight, I realize how important it is to have a food journal. I've learned they are one of the most important tools someone could use to lose weight. You may be asking what a food journal is. I'm not referring to one of those diaries that we all had as kids writing down everything from our childhood crushes to the teachers we hated. I'm talking about a book where you write down your diet goals, progress, setbacks and triumphs.

Three years ago, in the beginning of my weight loss process, I hired a personal trainer. I was under the assumption that he'd do all the hard work and magically make me skinny. After three weeks of meeting him in the gym 3-5 times a week, I stepped on the scale to find I hadn't lost a single pound! I got really frustrated and the next day I went back to the gym with the intentions of firing him. He made a deal with me. He said that if I do this homework for a week and still no progress, I can get a new trainer. Deal. I had to write down everything I put in my mouth. Being the good student that I am (and wanting to prove him wrong) I did it. I was also forced by my husband, who was making sure I wasn't cheating or lying on my little project.

After the first 7 days, I gave him my diet journal. I was so proud of myself that I completed it, until I saw how disappointed his face looked. He pointed out the two cups of coffee each morning, a couple of diet cokes every day, finishing off my daughter's bag of chips, the gummy bears from the movie theater, and the four glasses of wine last Friday. He explained that's the reason I hadn't lost any weight.

Now-a-days, I explain the importance of a food journal to all of my own clients. I truly believe it helps people make smart choices when they eat. I always point out that they can do ten hours at the gym all they want, but if they don't watch their diet, they will not succeed.

A food journal is the most important tool in the beginning of a new lifestyle. You can find free diet journals online or buy one in the library. It's also fun to make one by getting a notebook and decorating it with all of your goals. In it, you want to write down everything from breakfast to dinner and include the times that you eat each meal and how you feel throughout the day. Don't forget to include your happy hours or parties. You have to see the flaws in your diet too.

Also include your workouts. Write down when you go to the gym and which exercises you did. Now you can keep track of which muscle groups you need to work and which you need to rest. If you still have questions about why those pants don't fit, take a look at your food journal and you'll have most of the answers right in front of you.

It's helped so much with my own weight loss results. I've surpassed most of my fitness goals and continuing to reach for more. And let me tell you, I still write everything I eat and every exercise I do down in my diet journal. The trick is to be honest with yourself. If you don't want to admit to the food diary you ate a brownie, you're only fooling yourself. I highly recommend a food journal in your path to a healthy lifestyle. It will make your learning, planning and achieving much easier.

Ingrid Macher is a holistic health coach, personal trainer, and fitness motivator helping hundreds of thousands of people around the world to change their lives. After finding the key to losing 50 pounds in 90 days herself, she has found it her duty to help everyone to become more healthy and happy. On her website Burn20.com, she reveals how she did it in her free eBook 9 Simple Secrets I Used to Melt Away 50 Pounds. Are you ready to change your life? Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Nutrition Teamwork, How Vitamins and Minerals Work Together

Nutrition teamwork between vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are team players, so if you want the most nutritional value from each meal, consider which foods work best together. Iron and Vitamin C are the best known nutritional "team" as they work together to increase each other's absorption. So eating salad with your steak ensures greater absorption of both iron and Vitamin C.

Calcium and Vitamin D are another great team, although combining them into one meal takes a little more forethought. Dairy products are the chief nutritional source of calcium, while our bodies can create Vitamin D from sunlight. We can also absorb Vitamin D from food such as avocado or eggs, so if you don't fancy drinking a milkshake while basking in the sun, throw a beaten egg into the milkshake or blend an avocado into a cup of Greek yogurt to make avocado dip (add lemon juice and garlic for extra flavour).

Nutrition "teams" can also consist of two minerals. Potassium and magnesium work together to maintain heart function and the neurological system. Magnesium also assists in the transportation of potassium around the body, so a magnesium deficiency can lead to a deficiency in potassium. Both minerals are readily available in most meats, fruits and vegetables, so the right levels can generally be achieved through a balanced diet. Coconut water is a rich and refreshing source of both potassium and magnesium, if you are concerned that you are not achieving the right levels through your everyday diet.

Vitamin A is an independent player, easily absorbed from highly coloured vegetables such as spinach and sweet potato, as well as from meats, eggs and dairy products. Once Vitamin A is stored in the liver, it relies on zinc for transportation into body tissues, so a lack of zinc will increase the risk of Vitamin A deficiency. The most common symptom of Vitamin A deficiency is night blindness, when vision fails to adjust to darkness. So if you lie awake at night feeling as if you've been blindfolded, consider a bowl of pumpkin soup before lunch and dinner to supplement your intake. (Stir a spoonful of tahini paste into the soup or nibble on the pumpkin seeds afterwards to ensure you also have enough zinc).

You can have fun matching your favourite foods with their strongest team-mates, but when this seems too complicated, consider some of the foods which work single-handedly as a complete "team". Blueberries, for example, are a great source of both iron and Vitamin C. Milk contains Vitamin A and zinc, and salmon provides both Vitamin D and calcium. With a wide range of fresh foods available, there is a nutritious "team" to suit everyone at any time of the day.

Kirsten Ehrlich Davies is an Australian freelance writer and editor, with special interest in health and nutrition issues.

Visit her website kirstenstoryspinner.wordpress.com to read her nutritional blog "30 Foods in 30 Days". Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

The Benefits of Seaweed: Its Vitamins and Importance to Your Overall Health

Today, many of us have eaten seaweed in one form or another. However, you might be surprised to find out how many vitamins it offers and how vital they are for our general health. Seaweed also has an abundance of minerals, but I'll cover that in another article. For now, lets see what vitamins seaweed offers us and the impact it has on our overall health.

Vitamin A

Cell Growth, Repair, and Immunity

Helps your body fight illness from viruses and bacteria. It strengthens areas of your body which are vulnerable to them such as the mucous membranes near the eyes and nose which is how viruses and bacteria can enter your body which can lead to illness.

Vision and Eye Health

Helps fight against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, along with other illnesses of the eyes which you may become vulnerable to as you get older.

Cancer

Is considered to be a strong antioxidant and is thought to prevent development of certain varieties of cancer and pulmonary diseases.

Bones

Since Vitamin A plays a significant part in the growth of new cell tissue, it also helps ensure bone health by replacing damaged tissue. It also helps the formation of dentin on your teeth.

Prevention of Urinary Stones

Vitamin A creates a mineral called calcium phosphate that prevents solid particles from forming within your body. These particles can form stones and can cause vomiting and pain.

Helps to Maintain Healthy Skin

Vitamin A is an antioxidant. Free radicals damage the skin, which is why antioxidants are important in maintaining healthy skin. It will protect it from wrinkling, pimples, dryness, and psoriasis.

Vitamin B1

Is also commonly known as Thiamine or Thiamin. B1 is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. In addition it will help to convert the food you eat everyday into energy your body uses to function.

Vitamin B2

Also known as Riboflavin. Vitamin B2 also helps convert food into energy. As a matter of fact, every B vitamin aids in the conversion of food into energy. However, B2 is also responsible for breaking down fats and proteins. In addition it helps in the production of hormones and helps red blood cells to stay healthy.

Vitamin B3

Is typically known as Niacin. It also helps in converting food into energy like all the B vitamins. It's also responsible for helping your nervous system to continue functioning properly, assists in maintaining a healthy digestive system and assists in blood circulation.

Vitamin B6

Helps prevent heart disease, aids in the production of antibodies to fight infection, viruses and bacteria. Like B3, it assists in the maintenance of your nervous system. It also assists in keeping red blood cells healthy. Similar to many of the B vitamins, it also converts food to energy.

Vitamin B-12

Is also known as Cobalamin. B-12 is known to assist in preventing heart disease, strengthen the immune system, keep red blood cells healthy and like all the B vitamins we've mentioned, it assists in converting food to energy.

Vitamin C

Is another vitamin that has a host of positive affects on your health. There's also evidence that it helps to raise good cholesterol generally known as HDL. HDL helps to eliminate fatty deposits from arteries, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It's also an antioxidant like Vitamin A. It also promotes strong teeth and bones, healthy skin and gums, helps wounds to heal and strengthens blood vessels.

Vitamin D

Aids in bone growth, strength and also helps to strengthen teeth. It also boosts the activity of the natural killer cells in your body. These cells are responsible for targeting other cells that are infected by viruses. Vitamin D also plays a role in the rejection of tumors. It also helps lower cholesterol. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to increased blood pressure and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E

Is known as an antioxidant like Vitamins A and C. It protects cells from the negative affects of free radicals. It can help to strengthen the immune system. It also helps create red blood cells. In addition it widens blood vessels, which prevent blood clots.

We take vitamins for granted, but they're vital to the proper functioning of our bodies. As you can see, seaweed has an abundance of them. Maybe it's time you thought about including it in your diet more often?

Matt M. Stewart is involved in all things healthy. From exercising out in the great outdoors while kayaking, cycling, and hiking to using healthy ingredients like seaweed in new recipes. He is webmaster of a blog called ESeaweed Nutrition which is devoted to all things seaweed.

If you're interested in learning more about seaweed, it's health benefits, and recipes that use seaweed please visit eseaweednutrition.com. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Can You Afford Not To Eat Whole, Organic Fruits and Veggies?

I just received an email from a lovely lady saying that, due to her medical condition, her doctor wants her to start a raw food lifestyle (it's not a diet folks, it's a lifestyle). For those of you new to that term, it means all organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that are prepared in a variety of ways, but the preparation of the plant-based foods simply doesn't exceed 118 degrees when heated.

First, I want to give kudos to the doc for being so progressive in his approach! That is fantastic and is how our healthcare should be approached - WHOLE BODY! YAY!

These days, the tables have turned from just a couple decades ago and eating whole plant-based nutritious foods can be a little more taxing on our wallets, and sadly the fast-food, processed-food garbage is what is super cheap. But at such a high cost in the end, really. Illness. Dis-ease. Obesity. Medications. And so much more.

Indeed, the "Western World tables" have also certainly turned on the extreme rise of the above maladies as our approach to "affordable foods" has shifted. It's time to take back our tables folks!

Second, her question was specifically about "affording raw foods" since that is what her doc prescribed - a raw food lifestyle. This is quite interesting when you think about it, because in not so bygone days eating fruits and veggies straight from the earth was the inexpensive way to eat - especially since so many people grew their own! Also, eating processed foods or in restaurants was much more costly!

So, let's get back to the question at hand - how to afford whole, organic produce (and nuts and seeds). I would like to be up front and say that yes, buying all organic in stores can get a bit more expensive, but you will find that the longer you eat this way, the simpler your taste becomes. Since you are getting real nutrition from plant sources, your body will be satisfied in new ways! I promise. But, there are some things you can do to minimize your grocery bill impact, and here they are.

Some Ideas for Affordable Sources...

Ideally, you can grow some of your own, even if you must do it in containers. I have done this and it works out great. I have grown peppers and tomatoes in containers on my deck, as well as many, many sprouts indoors. Sprouts are great for green juicing and for salads, wraps and soups. Lentils, peas, sunflower seeds, alfalfa - and so many more varieties are fantastic and one of the best sources of "life force energy" you can get. Bonus: growing various sprouts inside is super easy and super affordable!

Also, try to find a local farmer, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) or co-op who doesn't use chemicals. There are many out there that perhaps haven't gone through the rigorous and expensive organic certification process, but nonetheless, do not use harmful chemicals on their crops. Ask the farmer. Go to your local Farmer's Markets. Also, you can find out more about CSA's or co-ops online. Now would be an ideal time to sign up for a springtime co-op. Split the cost/yield with a friend if that is a concern.

Get to know your local stores. I have several in my area that I frequent on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on what I am shopping for. I like Trader Joe's for its great prices, but they just do not a large selection of organics. I am also excited that I have a local store where ALL their produce is organic - I shop here quite frequently. Lastly, I have Whole Foods to fill in the gaps, but it is a bit more expensive. Sometimes, I may even pick up stuff at regular, traditional grocery stores. They tend to carry the same selection of organics all time, so for example, I know my local Safeway has avocados, zucchini and lettuce almost all the time. You will start to get a rhythm on how you do your shopping!

It Is An Investment. In Yourself.
Eating good, organic whole foods can seem like a lot more expensive at first because many of us have not been putting our wellness and self-care at the top of the list for expenditures. We are a luxury vehicle and the fuel we put into our vehicle should be the best the planet has to offer.

If you don't have your health, what do you really have at all?

Consider this - what you spend in groceries today will pay for itself in future medical bills. Think of it as an investment. In yourself.

Tina Pruitt is passionate about living life out loud and sharing with others the wildly outstanding benefits of green juicing for vibrant, healthy living and shares her healthy, green living techniques and insights via her blog and ezine at tinapruitt.com. If you're ready to jump into a healthy lifestyle, be sure to sign up for the mailing list at tinapruitt.com. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Maca For Fertility, How It Works and How To Use It

One of the most common questions I get is from men and women who have heard about using maca to boost their chances of having a child.. Judging from these questions, there's a good deal of misinformation out there regarding how to use maca in this way. That's why I wanted to offer this detailed article.

How Maca Helps Both Men and Women

Maca is one of a few herbs that are believed to be "adaptogens." These special kinds of herbs adapt to a variety of conditions within a given body and help restore it to a healthy balance. Maca in particular works on the endocrine system to balance hormones in both men and women.

Scientific studies, some of which are referenced below, have found that using black maca boosts sperm count in men and even increases sperm activity. Similar studies show that females given maca respond with increased regularity in cycles and easier ovulation. Another result of taking the herb is a marked increase in libido for both men and women.

In addition to balancing hormones taking this superfood powder also provides excellent nutritional support. It is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, vitamin and minerals. Both men and women who are properly nourished greatly increase the likelihood of conceiving a healthy child.

Tips On Using Maca To Boost Your Chances of Conception

If you do decide to use maca in this way there are several things that you should do and keep in mind in order to maximize your success.

Use only high quality, fresh, certified organic products. Unfortunately there are many inferior products on the market that are made from chemically grown maca or from old maca roots that have lost their potency. Use the right amount. Using maca in this way is considered to be a therapeutic usage and therefore you need to take a therapeutic dosage consistently and regularly.Both partners should take it For maximum efficacy you and your partner should be taking the powder. Maca comes with a number of other benefits, so it should be easy to convince him/her to do so. Women should consider using red maca. It's the rarest and most nutritionally dense form of the plant. It's also the best for female fertility.Men should use black maca. It has been shown to increase sperm count and sperm motility

Scientific Studies on Maca Relevant to This Topic

Gonzales, G. F., et al. "Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in rats." Andrologia. 2006 Oct; 38(5): 166-72.Bustos-Obregon, E., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) reduces spermatogenic damage induced by a single dose of malathion in mice." Asian J. Androl. 2005 Mar; 7(1): 71-6.Ruiz-Luna, A.C., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) increases litter size in normal adult female mice." Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 2005 May; 3(1): 16.Gonzales, C., et al. "Effect of short-term and long-term treatments with three ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on spermatogenesis in rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 20; 103(3): 448-54.Gonzales, G. F., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m)." J. Endocrinol. 2004; 180(1): 87-95.

Conclusion

If you are looking to increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally, without invasive surgical procedures, maca is certainly the supplement to try. Adding maca for fertility to any program or strategy can only help your overall health and chances of conceiving a child.

And now I invite you to check out the best selection of Maca Powder anywhere. Red, Black, Cream, Gelatinized Maca and more from The Maca Team. raworganicmaca.info. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

6 Powerful Benefits of Vitamin A in the Body

There are numerous benefits of vitamin A to the human body thus the need to consume them on a day to day basis.

Usually the vitamins are obtained from either plant or animal sources to offer the nutrients that are essential for maintaining these body functions.

They play an integral role in many body functions. To start with, there are numerous healthy body functions that require vitamin A.

Vitamin A is usually referred to as retinol and helps in various functions of the body that are crucial for the healthy development and functioning.

1. Maintains Good Eyesight

Vitamins A are used in the adjustment of the eye according to changes in light. This is done through making the eye membranes ad others like the mucus membrane moist. These vitamins are acquired in numerous amounts from plant based products.

2. Fights Against Free Radicals

Another health benefit of vitamin A is the ability to remove free radicals in the body thus improving the immunity system of the body. This is due to the antioxidants contained in the vitamins which will neutralize finally eradicating the radicals in the body. Removal of these radicals that are responsible for the damage of body tissues and cells facilitate a better immune system.

3. Helps in the formation of Cells that cover the Human Body

Vitamin A helps in the formation of epithelial cells that form the outer covering of the internal and external surfaces of the bodies. Such cells cover such essential organs as the lungs, nose, sex organs, cornea and the skin.

4. Improves the vision in Blurry Areas

Vitamin A also takes part in the formation of a chemical referred to as the visual purple in the eye. This chemical is helpful in vision and sight in blurred lights. This chemical is what is responsible for the most eyes preventing the eye from dryness that may result to development of ulcers in the cornea of the eye.

5. Bone Health

Another benefit of vitamin A in the body is in promotion of normal development of the teeth and skeletal tissues. With the right amount of vitamin A in the body, they help in the elementary functioning of the body parts and ultimately the whole body. Through those processes and functions, the metabolism of the body becomes efficient helping in proper and healthy growth of the bones.

6. Fights Against Diseases

Since Vitamin A is a component of the immune system, it helps in fighting the disease causing pathogens. Hardening of the body tissues against severe environmental conditions is also a vital role among the benefits of vitamin A in the human body.

These vitamins can be acquired also from animal products such as eggs, meat, liver, dairy products, tomato,cucumber and cod. Fresh fruits such as grapes and cantaloupe together with vegetables are the plant sources of these vitamins. It is advisable to use the plant based sources of vitamin A due to the low content of cholesterol in them.

Kelvon Yeezy is an enthusiastic writer, who has been travelling to "Writing Online". For any inquires, you can get in touch with him on facebook and follow him on twitter. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Wheatgrass: Reality And Fiction

Sorting wheatgrass truths from fiction can be a difficult process. From the initial research on the useful effects of wheatgrass on ailing chickens in the 1920s, claims for wheatgrass benefits for individuals have burgeoned. Dissenters, too, have multiplied as quickly as wheatgrass grows. In 2006, Brian Dunning published "Speptiod # 06," which criticized many claims, focusing on the lack of scientific research into the claims. In the following years, that research has begun to be published.

So what are the wheatgrass facts? In a nutshell, there's a grain of fact in the majority of the claims--but not many are "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."

Claim: wheatgrass is very high in vitamins and other nutrients.

Fact: It is just about the same as any other green vegetable. Match up two ounces of wheatgrass juice to a large serving of broccoli or spinach and you find the protein of all three to be virtually the same. Wheatgrass has 4 times the vitamin E of broccoli and 1/3 more than spinach, but broccoli has 25 times as much vitamin C as wheatgrass and spinach has 8 times. Vitamin B12 is frequently touted as one of wheatgrass' major components. Two ounces have 0.3 micrograms--admittedly more than spinach and broccoli, neither one of which have any, but this is still only 1/2 of 1% of the minimum daily requirement for B12. Wheatgrass does have significant, just not overwhelming, amounts of numerous important vitamins, minerals, and other micro-nutrients. It is good for you.

Claim: wheatgrass is 70% chlorophyll, and chlorophyll will cure cancer, digestive conditions, and heavy metal poisoning.

Fact: There have been some small trials that have found that wheatgrass juice can be helpful in all these areas, although it doesn't alleviate all such ailments. Some children with a hereditary anemia were able to increase the time between blood transfusions when they drank 100 ml. of wheatgrass juice each day. Women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy required fewer of the drugs which help re-build blood components if they had a similar amount of daily wheatgrass. Similar quantities seem to ameliorate the extent of ulcerative colitis. Wheatgrass, additionally, showed no counter-indications in any of these situations (if you don't consider its flavor). So, wheatgrass is probably an aid to good health without significant side effects for the majority of people.

Claim: wheatgrass has no gluten.

Fact: Wheatgrass that has been cut after the seed has been entirely absorbed for plant growth usually has no gluten. Cut too early, it can still have some of the gluten proteins that will be concentrated in juice. Probably a tiny amount--but if you have sensitivities, you may prefer to stay clear of it.

Claim: even mold on wheatgrass can be avoided in the juice. Fact: wheat grown indoors in closely packed trays is prone to having the ungerminated seeds mold in damp environments. The obvious mold may be cleared away, and, of course, you don't juice the unsprouted grain. However, mold reproduces by microscopic spores which might be on the grass blades. If your intolerance to mold is high, it may be good to avoid wheatgrass juice.

To preserve the good things in wheatgrass, you need to juice it properly. Either a hand-cranked juicer or an electric single- or double-auger masticating juicer like the Omega 8004 is needed. These slow-speed juicers squeeze the juice out, rather than chopping it up and pushing it out a strainer as do the high-speed juicers. The cutting both bruises the blades and produces much higher oxidation--neither one of which safeguards the nutrients. In addition, the high-speed juicers produce significant heat which further degrades the juice. Another caution: if you won't be able to drink it promptly, keep it in the refrigerator in a container just the size of the juice so it can not further oxidize.

Miracle? No, but not a myth either. In reality, there are rewards to consuming wheatgrass juice. Its juice--properly grown, harvested, juiced, and stored--is a healthy choice, and that is a fact.

Thomas Christopher welcomes you to learn more about the wheatgrass benefits and Omega 8006. Thomas is a Colorado public speaker. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Natural Appetite Suppression Tips

For a great majority of people, while gaining weight might be an easy thing to do, getting rid of this weight is however a different story altogether. While a lot of weight gain is caused by people living a sedentary lifestyle of little or no exercise, the majority is as a result of people engaging in unhealthy eating habits such as overeating and frequent snacking.

Most of these people find themselves suffering from constant hunger pangs and frequently giving in to them and also more often than not engaging in overeating and snacking on high-calorie and high-fat foods during these lapses. This habit has a very high proclivity of becoming easily vicious and emotionally draining which can leave an individual feeling disheartened and unenthusiastic making him or her to struggle with his or her weight loss efforts.

Arguably, the best way to stop this tendency and get back on track with your weight loss efforts is to make use of an appetite suppressant. Suppressing your appetite can be said to be one of the best ways to control your calorie intake and thereby more effectively manage your weight.

While you can opt for an appetite suppressing supplement, there are however some natural appetite suppressing alternatives that can help you curb those hunger pangs and seemingly uncontrollable snacking tendencies.

Below are some natural dietary additions that can prove very effective in helping you suppress your appetite.

Apples
In fact, the whole apple fruit can be considered an excellent appetite suppressant. Apples are a good source of pectin - a soluble dietary fiber which is known to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol. The high fiber content of apples helps to fill you up easily while equally slowing the absorption of glucose and thereby helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels which consequently help in eliminating hunger pangs.

Apple Cider Vinegar
This cider vinegar is derived from the fermentation of apples and often retains the flavor. Vinegar is believed to help lower blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the chromium found in cider vinegar helps to regulate insulin levels and also plays important roles in glucose metabolism.

Apple cider vinegar helps to suppress the appetite by delaying gastrointestinal emptying and also through lowering insulin levels which consequently stabilizes blood sugar levels helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Cayenne (Red Pepper)
Cayenne is a spice and is also known as Capsicum, hot pepper, red pepper, chili and chili pepper. Cayenne contains an ingredient known as capsaicin which is known to help in suppressing appetite.

The capsaicin in red pepper also aids in weight loss and the treatment of Type II Diabetes through the reduction of insulin production. Cayenne likewise has thermogenic effect which is capable of increasing the body's metabolism by as much as 23% for up to thirty minutes. Red pepper actually aids in reducing your appetite by improving meal satiety essentially through making you feel thirstier and therefore more likely to crave after water instead of food.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed is high in both soluble and insoluble fibers. The soluble fiber accounts for about one-third of flaxseed and has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and also regulate blood sugar levels. Flaxseed is also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, which is known to quickly send signals of satiety to the brain.

Since two-third of flaxseed is insoluble fiber, it is regarded as "bulking" fiber and help to suppress the appetite by making you feel fuller after absorbing water from the body and expanding. Due to the fact that they remain relatively unchanged in the gastrointestinal tract, they aid digestion by adding bulk to the stool (solid body wastes) in the large intestine and help food pass through more quickly.

Psyllium
Psyllium husks contain about 70% soluble fiber and 30% insoluble fibers. It is generally used as a gentle bulk-forming laxative for constipation and when eaten usually absorbs fluids and expands to make you feel satisfied.

Water
Water is considered to be an important appetite suppressant because when drunk it simply feels you up. Although it might seem so simplistic, it is nonetheless a fact that when it fills your stomach up, you simply don't feel like eating any more.

Water reduces the available space in your stomach for food thereby reducing the amount of food you should have normally eaten to overcome the feeling of hunger you were experiencing. Drinking an 8-ounce glass of water before every meal for example, can help you drastically cut down on your overall calorie intake.

Although the above tips might sound simplistic in approach to be able to create any significant appetite reducing and weight loss result, the fact is that they can have a significant effect when the overall benefits add up together after extended application.

However, if you feel you need a more effective and proven appetite suppressant to get the work done, then you might want to try making use of a Hoodia Gordonii based appetite suppressant.

Hoodia Gordonii is the world's most powerful natural appetite suppressant. It contains an active ingredient known as "P57", a steroidal glycoside which as of today has not been found in any other plant on earth and has proved very difficult to synthesize artificially.

P57 is believed to influence the hypothalamus - the appetite control center of the brain - into believing that you are full thereby suppressing your appetite. It has been used for several centuries by the Sans Tribe of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa whenever they go on long hunting expeditions to suppress their appetite.

You can get the full benefits of Hoodia Gordonii in a pack of UniqueHoodia which is by far the best Hoodia Gordonii based appetite suppressant available today. UniqueHoodia has been clinically tested and certified to contain nothing but 100% pure South African Hoodia Gordonii.

To get more information about UniqueHoodia, along with other top-quality and unbiased best weight loss tips, kindly check us out today! Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Be Shopping Savvy: Nutrition Labelling Decoded

As I mentioned earlier, I have a plan and planning is what prevents these little 'hiccups' from turning into full blown pig out sessions that last for days and days! To be honest, I am lucky. I have spent nearly five years at university studying nutrition. This allows me to walk into any supermarket and make informed food choices after just a glance at the ingredient list. I can only imagine how confusing it can be if you didn't have my screening tool.

Making matters worse, apart from the words fat, carbohydrate, sugar and protein, there's also fibre and sodium to be considered. Where does one even begin to make sense of this information? What's important? What's not?

The good news is that you don't need to be an expert in nutrition to decode the nutrition fact table. All you need is this simple nutrition screening tool which I am about to reveal. Remember this and soon you'll realise what's 'belly' or 'heart' friendly and what's not.

Ingredient List
You may have noticed that every packaged food item has an ingredient list, but what you may not know is that all ingredients are listed in descending order. This means that heavier ingredients are listed first.

It should come as no surprise to you that high fat or high sugar foods may have vegetable fats, oils or sugar listed as their first three ingredients.

Let's have a look at an easter egg as an example. Ingredients are typically milk chocolate which is made from (1) milk (likely whole milk); (2) second ingredient is sugar and (3) third ingredient being cocoa butter. This particular egg also contains cocoa mass and vegetable fat, sugar, glucose syrup, dried egg white and flavouring. Would you now be surprised if I told you that this easter egg is a high fat and sugar product that should only be enjoyed as a treat; and not as an everyday snack?

Still not convinced? Then let's apply a simple screening tool.

Screening tool
Any product that exceeds 10g of fat, 15g of sugar and less than 5g fibre per 100g of food is not what I like to call 'an everyday food'. If you still don't know what I am talking about, refer to the back of the packaging and look closely at the table called nutrition information. Follow the column titled 'Per 100g'.

Going back to the example of the easter egg, per 100g, it contains 15.7% fat (over the upper limit of 10g/100g), 64.2% sugar (well over the cut-off of 15g/100g) and very little fibre at 0.4g (less than 5g/100g).

I am not saying don't eat easter eggs, but you may want to think twice before reaching for the third or fourth.

For more articles and tips for screening food products, refer to alightperspective.blogspot.co.uk. alightperspective.blogspot.co.uk. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Black Maca For Libido, Strength, and Concentration, The Facts and Research

What Is Black Maca?

Black Maca is a variety of the main Peruvian Maca root species (Lepidium meyeni). The species grows in a range of colors from white, to off white, light pink to dark purple/red and light gray to dark gray or black.

Black Colored roots have not been classified as a different sub species of Maca. Their distinctive color is a result of the soil conditions and climactic conditions in which they are grown.

What Studies Have Been Done on Black Maca?

In 2010 a paper published by Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences in Zurich, Switzerland concluded that different colors of the root have different health promoting properties. This research was in part inspired by several other research papers focused on both Black and Red varieties since the middle 2000s.

Here is a summary of what research has uncovered on Black Colored Maca so far
In a study from 2009 at the a Peruvian University, Black Maca was seen to be the best of all varieties for increasing sperm production motility and volume as well as for increasing libido. (Lepidium meyenii (Maca): a plant from the highlands of Peru-from tradition to science, Gonzalez, CF, et al)In 2011 2 different studies, one from China and one from Peru found that Black Colored Maca helped laboratory mice improve their memory and concentration skills. ( Dose-response effect of maca (black) in mice with memory impairment, Rubio, J and... Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Memory Impairment, various)In 2010 a team of 6 researchers reported that Black and Red Maca were found to be the best at improving and protecting bone structure especially in mice who had their ovaries removed. (Effects of different varieties of Lepedium meyenni on bone structure, Gonzalez, C et. al.)And in 2006 a Peruvian team observed that while all Maca contributed favorably to reducing depression, Black colored Maca also improved the learning and concentration abilities of laboratory mice. (... Maca on Learning and Depression, Rubio, J.)

So, Who Should Take Black Maca?

Independent of the research listed above I have noticed 2 things in particular when taking this variety of the root:
First, it gave a stronger increase in libido and sexual performanceSecond, it seems to provide more stamina and to help build muscle more effectively than the other varieties of Maca

Based on my experience combined with the research listed above, I feel that Black Maca is the best choice for all of the following cases.
Men wishing to increase their fertility (women should try Red Maca for fertility)Men and women wishing to boost their libidoAthletes, both men and women, looking for extra stamina and strengthAnyone looking to improve memory, concentration and focus skills with MacaAll people taking Maca to improve their bone strength and density

Organic Black Colored Maca vs. Non-Organic

It's always important to consider the source of your Maca powder. Unfortunately, many companies do sell inferior Maca or Maca from previous harvests in order to increase profits. I've even seen Maca that's obviously been cut with some other ingredient.

Also, event though, Peru has banned all GMO (genetically modified organisms) from it's agriculture until 2021 (yippie!), it doesn't mean that all product is grown organically. Some farms do use pesticides and chemical fertilizers. That's why it's important to choose organic Black Maca whenever possible. Also consider that the studies listed above were completed with high quality and organically grown Black Maca roots.

Luckily there are many farms in Peru that are dedicated to growing Maca roots in the traditional manner which allows the land to rest properly between plantings and which takes advantage of natural fertilizing techniques.

Final Thoughts On Black Maca Powder

If your goals for taking Maca powder include enhancing libido, male fertility, improving mental skills and increasing muscle size, then Black Maca powder is a great choice. Also keep in mind that Black Maca exhibits similar overall hormone balancing and energy boosting qualities as standard Cream or Red Maca.

Discover the best selection of Maca Powder anywhere. Red, Black, Cream, Gelatinized Maca and more from The Maca Team. Click here for details raworganicmaca.info. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.