Natural Supplements - Help Your Body

Vitamins and mineral supplements are a good way to supply your body with nutrients that you might not be getting from your diet. Go down any vitamin aisle in a drugstore, market, or health food store. The first thing you will see is all the 'natural' supplements and vitamin complex tablets that all claim to provide all kinds of benefits. There are supplements that claim to help you lose weight without exercise. Does it sound too good to be true? It is. You have to burn more calories than you consume and exercise will help you accomplish that but I digress. If you are considering adding supplements to your diet have a discussion with your doctor will help to determine whether or not adding supplements would be beneficial for you or not.

 

Are vitamins necessary for optimum health? Most people, if they eat a healthy diet, do not need them. Most vitamins are fine and are not harmful. If someone does not eat a healthy diet or because of illness has a limited diet a vitamin supplement could be very helpful. Fruits and vegetables have important vitamins in them and should not be eliminated from a diet unless a doctor orders it. In this case a supplement would almost be necessary. Your body needs vitamins to keep it functioning. 

 

Most people think that vitamins are a source of energy that is not the case. Vitamins help regulate the body's metabolism. Vitamins also help the food we eat to release its energy. It's the food that when absorbed and broken down into the nutrients the body can use that provides our body with energy. The body more easily absorbs calcium if you are also taking Vitamin D. Most calcium supplements are already fortified with vitamin D. There are thirteen vitamins that are all important to achieve optimum health. Vitamins E & C contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help to release free radicals, which are high-energy particles. These high-energy particles damage healthy blood cells. Studies are now coming out that indicate that the consumption of vitamins and supplements may aid in fighting cancer and preventing other chronic diseases. The research is by no means conclusive in this regard. Studies continue to be conducted in an effort to provide us with the ultimate health.

 

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.  An excess amount of vitamins in your system could cause bleeding, negative interactions with some prescription medications. 

 

Listed below are some vitamins and how overdoses can affect you:

 

• Vitamin A - Too much vitamin A can cause neurological problems

• Vitamin D - Too much vitamin D disrupts the balance of calcium in the body that can lead to calcium deposits in the soft tissues of the body.

• Vitamin C - Too much vitamin C can lessen the effectiveness of other medications.

• Vitamin E - Too much vitamin E can cause blood not to clot and can cause other bleeding issues.

 

Vitamins are just one tool among many that are available to us to help us get healthy and remain healthy. Vitamins alone will not do this. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular health check-ups will do this.  

 

No one knows better than I do how important it is to eat properly and take care of my body. Also, like many others I have a tendency to be drawn to the junk food much to my own detriment. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to get some exercise in. I also take vitamins and other supplements to help my body work better. 

 

There are a variety of opinions about vitamins, supplements, and healthy eating.  Vitamins are generally ok unless they are fortified with iron. The effectiveness of vitamins with iron is often hotly debated. Too much iron can cause iron overload and it doesn't get 'washed' out of the blood as efficiently if at all. There is a disease called Hemochromatosis, which is fatal, as it attacks liver function. It can be controlled and there must be liver function tests done among other things. The controversy continues to reign.  

 

You have complete control in this area. Do your research; there are a great number of websites that provides information on supplements and how they work. You should sit down with your physician and discuss your options. He/she may suggest you meet with a nutrition specialist as well. Get smart and be healthy. A little knowledge is a very good thing and in the case of vitamins the more you know how they work and how they could be harmful, the safer and healthier you will be. Trust your instincts, know your body, and get help if you need it. Good eating, good exercise plenty of water and common sense will help you to meet your goal of good health.

Natural Sexual Stimulant Ingredients

Sexual stimulants claim to arouse or increase sexual desire, or libido. A broader definition includes products that improve sexual performance. Aphrodisiacs, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, the list of supposed sexual stimulants includes anchovies and adrenaline, liquorice and lard, scallops and Spanish fly, and hundreds of other items. Here is a very partial list of some herbal ingredients commonly found in sexual enhancers/stimulants:

 

Avena Sative (Wild Oats)

 

Avena sativa, or oats, have long been used by breeders to help male animals "sow their oats" or boost their fertility. Avena Sativa is one of the best remedies to feed the nervous system when under stress and strengthen it to handle the situation. It works to calm down performance anxiety.

 

Brazilian Catuba Bark

 

Brazil's most famous and highly regarded libido booster. It is considered a central nervous system stimulant and used for sexual weakness and lowered libido in both men and women.

 

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

 

This Chinese herb is also known as Goat Sex Herb. It has been used for centuries to help improve sexual functions. It has androgen-like effects. Androgens are involved in sexual desire in both men and women. Horny Goat Weed may help improve circulation and kidney function.

 

Longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali)

 

A popular Malaysian tree, it is proper for its aphrodisiac properties for both men and women. The researched focus is towards improved desire and sexual initiation.

 

Maca

 

Grown high in the mountains of Peru, Maca root tends to significantly boost libido and sex drive in men and women by enhancing the endocrine function. The endocrine system includes all of the glands, and the hormones they secrete, that exist in the body and that control such conditions as fertility, sexual function, digestion, brain and nervous system physiology, and energy levels.

 

Mucana Pruriens Extract

 

A rare and powerful Ayurvedic herb that has unusually high levels of naturally occurring L-Dopa. L-Dopa is an amino acid that has been the subject of over 25 years of extensive scientific and medical research. It may help with improving sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, stimulating arousal, and increasing intensity and frequency of orgasms for both men and women.

 

Muira Puama

 

Found in the Amazon, this extraction is very potent and has an impressive research history of helping restore libido and has been used to help prevent erectile dysfunction.

 

Tribulus Terrestris

 

Also known as Puncture Vine and Gokshura, may help to increase seminal fluid, not by volume but sperm count, and at the same time may increase sexual desire, arousal and performance in men and women. Tribulus may help to increase the duration of erection and assist in achieving orgasm in those previously unable.

 

Yohimbe

 

A tree that grows throughout the African nations of Cameroon, Gabon and Zaire. (A similar plant in South America is called Quebracho). The bark has been smoked as a hallucinogen and has been used in traditional medicine to treat angina and hypertension. The herb is a sensual stimulant for healthy men and women.

Natural Mood Enhancer Supplements - 5 HTP, GABA and St. John’s Wort Mood Enhancers

What is 5 HTP Mood Enhancer?

 

The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP), which comes from an African vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5-HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.

 

5-HTP mood enhancer is the precursor to serotonin. It improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in weight loss. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. Read more about 5 HTP Mood Enhancer supplements, click here.

 

What is GABA? A non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming agent". By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.

 

GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, discovered in 1950, is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and even seizures. GABA is able to induce relaxation, analgesia, and sleep. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are known to stimulate GABA receptors, and hence induce relaxation. Several neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and Parkinson’s disease are affected by this neurotransmitter.

 

What is St John’s Wort Mood Enhancer? Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is "hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine), natural extracts from St. John's Wort have shown to relax and soothe the psyche with minimal side effects.

Natural Health Supplements

These days, you can’t be too concerned about your health. With possible toxins and lower nutritional values found in the foods we eat and the things we drink, many people have taken to buying supplements to help aid their health. Here’s a list of natural health supplements that can lead you to a more sound and healthy way of life:

 

Saint John’s Wort: Used for over 2,000 years, this supplement is a simple plant that can greatly aid depression. One of the most widely used natural health supplements, in a double-blind clinical study, Saint John’s Wort was proven to be equally as effective as pharmaceutical antidepressants, while giving less side-effects then their drug company counterpart.

 

Bee Pollen

 

People take bee pollen in supplement form to help increase energy and vitality. In addition to offering several required vitamins and minerals, bee pollen acts as an enhancer to the immune system, as well as being a useful tool in cleansing the body of harmful toxins.

 

Athletes have been known to take bee pollen regularly to help enhance their endurance, stamina, recovery time from exercise, and more. It may also prove to be helpful in alleviating the pesky symptoms of hay fever. With all these possible uses of bee pollen, it’s amazing to find out that it can also be used to aid in weight loss. A substance in the pollen known as lecithin helps to stimulate your metabolism and flush fat from your system. This is another one of the most widely used natural health supplements.

 

Fish Oil

 

Harvested from the bodies of fish, fish oil is purified through a scientific process and turned into supplement form. Containing Omega-3 fatty acids, these natural health supplements can have numerous effects on your body for the better. For one, fish oil can aid in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been associated with better memory, clearer thinking, and health of the heart. 

 

One of the best nutrients for brain health, this supplement’s effect on your body can be vast. Be sure to only purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oil, however, since this is the process which removes the heavy metals found in fish due to pollutants. If your fish oil is not pharmaceutical grade, you run the risk of consuming such dangerous materials as mercury.

Natural Growth Hormone Supplements – Help For The Weary World

A natural growth hormone is one that is responsible for the overall development and sustenance of normal body functioning for persons and while these natural growth hormones are comprised of amino acids that produced in the endocrine glands to stimulate certain activities.

 

A hormone is a naturally occurring substance that is actually a chemical messenger for our body, helping it go about daily tasks every day. A natural growth hormone is one that is responsible for the overall development and sustenance of normal body functioning for persons and while these natural growth hormones are comprised of amino acids that produced in the endocrine glands to stimulate certain activities, their job doesn't end there. Let us learn more about these hard working natural growth hormones and the role they play in helping us about our daily needs.

 

Natural growth hormones facilitate optimum body performance and determine muscle, tissue and cell functioning

 

The endocrine gland produces the natural growth hormone and proceeds to send it all through the body through the blood stream so that it helps our body maintain optimum performance levels for various task like eating, walking, sleeping. One prime example of a natural growth hormone is Insulin, which helps the human body digest food while others decide on the limitations of factors such as scope of bodily growth, digestion, reproduction and sexual functions. Thus, we find that the natural growth hormones play an integral role in ensuring peak performance of a person, especially during adolescence when there is maximum production of HGH, the human growth hormone occurring naturally in the body. Beyond the age of 22, the is considerable decline in the production levels of the natural growth hormone with the pituitary gland, one of the endocrine glands, situated in the center of the brain, producing less of this highly complex hormone. What makes the HGH a natural growth hormone that is immensely complex is the number of amino acids it takes to function (all of 191 amino acids) - a rather large number for any protein produced by the pituitary.

 

Adolescence is the time when the body needs to grow and the secretion of natural growth hormones like HGH helps it to do so. However, beyond adulthood, falling HGH levels and the slackness of the natural growth hormone production ability of the pituitary gland makes for lesser hormones in our body, which has tremendous impact on our physical and mental abilities. This is the main reason why many people are keen to try out the numerous supplements and synthetic solutions as a replacement means for the lack of natural growth hormones, but such persons are best warned to first learn about the costs (not just financial but physiological as well) of ordering a substitute for this natural deficiency.

 

Benefits of safe and real HGH enhancers: natural growth hormone replacement and acceleration aids

 

The availability of real HGH and homeopathic HGH sprays, powders and pills is a welcome deal for those looking to boost natural growth hormone production without the negative side-effects and exorbitant costs of synthetic enhancers or injections. Real HGH supplements are a blend of all natural growth hormones and replicate the role naturally occurring HGH would have played in keeping metabolism and energy levels high; increasing the body's ability to burn fat, hold on to lean muscle mass and not fat while combating wrinkles, greater libido and great looking hair and skin are other advantages of high natural growth hormones levels.

Natural Cholesterol Control Supplements

The body needs cholesterol for digesting dietary fats, making hormones, building cell walls, and other important processes. The bloodstream carries cholesterol in particles called lipoproteins that are like blood-borne cargo trucks delivering cholesterol to various body tissues to be used, stored or excreted. But too much of this circulating cholesterol can injure arteries, especially the coronary ones that supply the heart. This leads to accumulation of cholesterol-laden "plaque" in vessel linings, a condition called atherosclerosis.

 

When blood flow to the heart is impeded, the heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). If a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery affected by atherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death can occur.

 

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. More than 90 million American adults, or about 50 percent, have elevated blood cholesterol levels, one of the key risk factors for heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's National Cholesterol Education Program.

 

Cholesterol lowering supplements containing Policosanol or Red Yeast Rice are known to assist in lowering cholesterol levels.

 

Policosanol

 

Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. It is a mixture of eight higher primary aliphatic alcohols isolated and purified from sugar cane wax. One of the newest and more successful substances that benefits those suffering from high cholesterol is Policosanol, which is a safe and natural extract from sugar cane wax. It works by helping the liver control production and breakdown of cholesterol. Policosanol promotes healthy platelet function and helps to maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

 

Red Yeast Rice

 

Red Yeast Rice is the product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Red Yeast Rice is proposed to be a mild aid for gastric problems (indigestion, diarrhoea), blood circulation and spleen and stomach health.

Making Vitamins Plain And Simple

It's no wonder we are pretty confused when shopping for vitamins. We've been told, for example, that a good vitamin supplement would boost our energy level. In fact, we're told this constantly: in magazine articles, television media, the plethora of vitamin- promoting infomercials, web sites, and pop-up ads on the Internet.

 

So when you arrive at the vitamin shop, you're already at a complete loss (and may have forgotten altogether) why you're even there, and end up like many of us, just not taking any vitamins at all because it's all so...so...confusing!

 

Vitamin World, Vitamin Gallery, The Vitamin Patch, Vitamins for Vegetarians -- the vast array of shops, whether online or in your neighbourhood, all beckon, promising renewed everything. If you have any health problem or complaint known to man, you'll find a good vitamin supplement (or 12 to 15 of them) to straighten out your suffering right away.

 

The good thing about vitamins (just one of many) is that they're really largely "natural," with very few containing harmful or otherwise irritating, toxic chemicals.

 

To put it plainly, vitamins are good for us because they are derived largely from natural plants and minerals. That's the basic fact. And the benefits are many; it's difficult to take the "wrong" vitamin, and it certainly can't hurt you, so why not give it a swing? But remember: Take everything in moderation.

 

Beta-carotene, for example, is thought to protect against cancer and heart disease. It can dramatically boost the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant, which controls those "free radicals" we've all heard about and prevents them from causing damage to cells that lead to premature disease and aging.

 

Biotin metabolizes protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps in energy production, and there is some proof that it can help people with diabetes by keeping glucose levels reduced. Other benefits include healthy hair, skin and nails, and reducing fatigue, heartburn and some allergies.

 

Folic acid is famous among women who are trying to conceive and those already pregnant. Other benefits include keeping your heart strong, increasing energy and helping ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Vitamins and minerals are now seriously recognized in playing a role in the health and vitality of every organ in the body, from skin and bones to the nervous and immune systems, right up to the brain. Vitamins can lower cholesterol levels, help wounds heal more, raise your sperm count and make you more resistant to colds and flu, asthma, cataracts, and even gum dis-ease.

 

Again, you really can't go wrong with vitamins. Look beyond the fancy marketing and packaging. The key is to focus on your particular ailment and go straight to the natural remedy. Don't let all the hype distract or confuse you; all you really need to do is keep it plain and simple.

Fight Cancer With These 10 Foods

More than a third of all cancers could be prevented by changes in diet and exercise. One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk is lose excess weight - and one of the best ways to lose weight is through a filling, fibre-rich diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

 

But that's not the reason why the National Cancer Institute recently approved the dietary guidance: "Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases." These foods are packed with antioxidants and other compounds that protect your DNA and fight free radical damage. 

 

Since these substances work synergistically, it's best to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables rather than relying on one particular produce item to serve as a magic bullet against disease. That said, recent studies have uncovered specific benefits in the following foods that would recommend making them a part of any healthy diet.

 

1. Tomatoes: Lycopene, also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit, has been linked to lower risk of prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer. It also targets the free radical that is implicated in lung and digestive cancers. 

 

2. Broccoli sprouts: One forkful triggers a cascade of antioxidant activity that lasts for days. 

 

3. Berries: Blueberries, cranberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes - all rich in anthocyanins that repair and protect DNA.

 

4. Soybeans: Isoflavones such as genistein may help prevent and treat prostate cancer and may reduce breast cancer risk

 

5. Tea: Both black and green contain powerful compounds shown in countless studies to lower the risk of several types of cancer. 

 

6. Pumpkin: This unsung super-food is a super-rich source of both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, two hard-working carotenoids that combat lung and ovarian cancer. 

 

7. Spinach: Popeye's favourite may help ward off cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon and prostate. The active antioxidant lutein is also found in kale and other leafy greens.

 

8. Garlic: Allium veggies (which also include onions and scallions) work to get your body's own antioxidant defence systems in gear. This process provides protective benefits against stomach, oesophageal and breast cancers. 

 

9. Pineapple: The enzyme bromelain may inhibit the growth of malignant cells in both lung and breast cancer, while the phenolic compounds also provide a protective benefit. 

 

10. Apples: Can one a day help keep cancer at bay? Studies show quercetin may reduce the risk of lung cancer and impede growth of prostate cancer cells. Other antioxidants together with pectin help halt colon and liver cancer cell replication.

Fibre-Rich Food is the Best Nutrition for Dieting

In this article I will reveal some little known facts about the fibres and the beneficial effect they have over your body.

 

First of all let me explain what fibre is:                                                                 

 

Fibre is an indigestible part of all plant foods. It is found in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Your digestive system cannot stomach fibre, so it is excreted undigested. Well, you may think you don’t need fibre, because it’s excreted undigested, but that’s not true.

 

Let's imagine the following picture:

 

You overeat at least once or twice a week, more often at weekends, and your regular menu doesn't include much fibre. Well, this might be your life style; however you should consider that it may cause you lots of health problems like:

 

• indigestion
• discomfort stomach aches 
• gases in the digestive tract 
• constipation
• haemorrhoids
• you got tired faster 
• can't concentrate on what you're doing 

 

I mean you become less productive at work and more irritable at home. Besides all this, you gain weight and that’s the moment when you realize you have a problem.

 

In order to solve a problem, you should first find the reason for it. In this case it’s the lowered intake of fibre-rich foods and respectively - the higher intake of foods containing no fibre (like meat). The average amount of fibre intake is about 25-30 grams per day. Unfortunately most people regular diets include less than 10-15 grams daily. 

 

You should start consuming more fibre-rich foods:

 

• all bran cereal 
• beans
• peas
• spinach
• sweet corn  
• wholemeal brown bread 
• red cabbage 
• carrots
• baked potato with skin 
• apples, bananas, oranges and all fruits 

                                                                                    

There are two types of fibre - soluble and insoluble. If you start eating more food rich in fibre, you’ll be amazed of its beneficial effects over your body, health and way of life. 

 

Soluble fibre forms glue like gel in the intestinal tract. The gel softens stools (no more constipation) and improves your digestion (no more indigestion).

 

Fibre slows down stomach emptying and you feel fuller longer. This effect helps you eat less, your body burns additional calories to digest fibre and you can lose weight.

 

Insoluble fibre is an excellent natural laxative, because of its abilities to hold onto water and to push waste faster along the intestines - this way fibre decreases the risk of colon cancer. 

 

In conclusion, I'd like to tell you that you won't be sorry if you start eating more fibre-rich foods. Like many other people I used to take not enough fibre, and I suffered stomach aches. Then I started to eat more fruits and fibre-rich foods in my daily menu. I must admit that it really worked for me, and now fibre-rich food is the most important nutritious part of my regular diet.

Eating Greens

Eating a lot of greens can have many health benefits to you. You may not know all the good things that greens can do for you, so read on.

 

A substance that is found in all plants is Chlorophyll. What it does is it acts as a blood detoxifier, which helps increase circulation to all your organs. It does this by dilating blood vessels and it is also a natural deodorant because it helps reduce offensive body orders. Wow, two in one cannot beat that. 

 

Super green foods come from young cereal grasses like wheat, barley, rye, alfalfa, oats, kelp, chlorella and many others as well. These have a whole lot of nutrients in them; they even have more nutrients than spinach, eggs, broccoli, chicken in calcium, iron, protein and all of the other categories as well. So it would be better for you to opt for super greens.

 

Did you know that super green foods are the only vegetables that can help animals maintain their weight, strength and good health even if it is consumed alone? Super greens can help boost your immune system they are powerful antioxidants, that can help you grow and have many another health benefits as well. Bottom line is super greens are one of the greatest things you can do to your body. They do so much for our bodies, so we don’t have to worry do much about being healthy. 

 

Also another good thing is that there is no harm in eating super green foods, they give us so many nutrients and are the most natural way of getting everything your body needs to function and be healthy. So go out there and start eating more greens, after all you want to be healthy right? Don’t forget to tell everyone you know about the benefits of greens as well so they can make that same decision as well.

Cayenne Pepper Could Help Stomach Ulcers

Cayenne pepper can increases the flow of digestive secretions from the salivary, gastric and intestinal glands, without aggravating peptic or duodenal ulcers.

If you suffer from a peptic or duodenal ulcer, the last thing you might consider taking is hot Cayenne Pepper. This goes against everything you've ever heard about what aggravates an ulcer, the facts are that most "spicy" foods do just the opposite. Capsicum can reduce pain which serves as a local aesthetic to ulcerated tissue in the stomach and can even help to control bleeding in the stomach.

 

Some individuals may be bothered by eating "Red Pepper" or spicy foods, these foods do not cause the formation of gastric ulcers in normal people. An interesting note is that people suffering from ulcers usually avoid Cayenne Pepper, in fact those people may actually benefit from its therapeutic action.

 

Taking Capsicum may significantly reduce the risk of ever developing a peptic ulcer. A Chinese study published in 1995 stated, "Our data supports the hypothesis that the chile used has a protective effect against peptic ulcer disease."¹

 

Another 1995 study found that Capsicum can even protect the stomach lining from aspirin induced ulcers.² Aspirin can cause stomach ulceration in certain individuals or if taken with too little water or juice. Researchers have concluded after experimenting with human volunteers that the capsaicin content of capsicum has a definite gastro - protective effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach.³ Eighteen healthy volunteers with normal gastrointestinal mucosa took chile and water followed by 600 mg of aspirin and water. The study was conducted over a period of four weeks. Endoscopy results showed that taking 20 grams of chile before the aspirin definitely demonstrated a protective action on the stomach lining.⁴ Capsicum has the ability to rebuild stomach tissue. Capsicum has the ability to bring blood to regions of tissue at a faster rate boosts the assimilation of foods that are consumed with it.⁵ Several clinical studies support this phenomenon. It has been thought that Capsicum stimulate the release of substances which increase secretions in the stomach and intestines plus can increase an abundance of blood to the stomach and intestines.⁶ In fact, Capsicum can increases the flow of digestive secretions from the salivary, gastric and intestinal glands.

References:

 

1 J. Y. Kang, et al. "The effect of chile ingestion of gastrointestinal mucosal proliferation and azoxymethane-induced cancer in the rat." Journal of Gastroenterology-Hepatol. Mar-Apr. 1992: 7 (2): 194-98.

2 K. G. Yeoh, et al. "Chile protects against aspirin-induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury in humans." Dig-Dis-Sci. Mar. 1995: 40 (3): 580-83.

3 Ibid.

4 Ibid.

5 L. Limlomwongse, et al. "Effect of capsaicin on gastric acid secretion and mucosal blood flow in the rat." Journal of Nutrition. 1979: 109, 773-77. See also T. Kolatat

Carbohydrates and the Glycaemic Index

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

High Glycaemic Index

 

Fruits and Vegetables

 

• Corn
• Cranberry juice
• Orange juice*
• Raisin

 

Starches

 

• Bagel
• Bread (white)
• Refined cereal
• Granola
• Muffin
• Pasta
• Potato
• Pretzel
• Rice
• Tortilla (flour)

 

Medium Glycaemic Index

 

Fruits and Vegetables

 

• Starches
• Apricot
• French Fries
• Grape
• Oatmeal
• Pineapple
• Pita Bread
• Watermelon
• Waffle

 

Low Glycemic Index

 

Fruits and Vegetables

 

• Apple
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprout
• Cauliflower*
• Celery*
• Cherry*
• Cucumber*
• Grapefruit*
• Green Bean*
• Green pepper*
• Kiwi*
• Lettuce*
• Onion*
• Orange*
• Peach*
• Plum*
• Spinach*
• Strawberry*
• Tomato*
• Zucchini*

 

* Low glycemic load foods.

 

Simply eating more fruits and vegetables is not the answer - they must be the right fruits and vegetables. Starchy vegetables such as peas or lentils (200 to 250 calories per cup) are healthy, but they contain more calories than you may want. If you need to eat more to satisfy your hunger, add low glycaemic load vegetables. For example, spinach and asparagus are better choices than higher calorie corn and peas. A cup of spinach topped with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce has only about 90 calories, but it gives you nutrients from two colour groups.

 

Why Not Brown and Beige?

 

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

Benefits of Goji Juice

Goji juice made from goji berry fruit is a great best way to receive all the nutrients packed in this small but wonderful fruit. Its anti-aging properties may likewise help keep you strong and beautiful.

Modernisation is wonderful, but there are also other factors in the modern life we live in that may subject our bodies to harm. Understanding what can harm us and what will help us will be our best defence.

 

Free radicals, our body’s natural enemy subject our body to more than 10,000 hits during a normal day. If our body is not able to combat the harmful effect of free radicals, then it may give us disease and pre-maturely age our body including our skin.

 

The pristine valleys of Tibet and Mongolia have a solution to this problem.

 

What do you think is their secret?

 

Introducing goji juice, made from goji berries grown in the remote and unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia. Experts who want to save the people who live in this modern society studied what must be wonderful about these Himalayan diets and why do they live so long and free from diseases. Their studies prove that their diet perpetually include goji berries.

 

Further studies on goji berries prove that they are nutritious and contain vital nutrients necessary to combat free radicals.

 

Goji juice contains potent vitamins, and minerals like no other berry.

 

Goji juice also contains 18 amino acids, 8 of which are essential for our bodies, but having all 18 adds to the beneficial characteristic of this wonderful red juice.

 

Based on studies by numerous health professionals including Dr. Earl Mindell, the author of The Vitamin Bible, goji juice made from goji berries can give your body all the nutrients it needs to help keep a healthy and happy life.

 

Goji juice aside from the 18 amino acids also has 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E. All of these can help give you healthy and active life.

 

Some of the beneficial effects of drinking goji juice are:

 

Energy and Strength: goji juice is considered as an adaptogen. It increases exercise tolerance, stamina and endurance. Goji juice may also enhance the recovery of ill patients.

 

Cholesterol level balance: goji juice may also help manage your cholesterol level because it contains beta-sitosterol, which can help in your cholesterol level balance.  It will also help avoid cholesterol deposit in the blood vessels, thus heart problems may be eliminated.

 

Normal Kidney Function: your kidney is the vital organ that may possibly control the brain and other organs in the body. It is thus essential for better health that you keep your kidneys functioning properly. Goji juice is believed to be helpful in keeping this essential organ functioning properly.

 

Supports General Health: as mentioned earlier, free radicals harm our body in many ways. Thus, eliminating this natural enemy will help keep our body strong and avoid illnesses. Goji juice is a potent antioxidant that may keep our body healthy.

 

Other beneficial factors which may come from goji juice are enhanced sexual function, blood sugar level balance and vision problems.

 

This is because goji juice contains more beta-carotene even compared to a carrot.  The vitamin C contents of goji juice, which is 500 times more in weight than orange, will help keep the immune system functioning properly to avoid illness.

 

These are only a few of the helpful and beneficial functions of goji juice and because goji juice is safe even for children.

 

If drinking this sweet and tasty juice excites you well enough, you can also eat goji berries with your food. You can eat them fresh or the dried goji berries are also available. You may use your imagination as to how you can enjoy these wonderful and amazing berries.

Benefits Of Carrot, Carrot Seed Oil And Carrot Root Oil

It may come across as a myth but it is not. Carrot really helps your eyesight. This is due to the beta-carotene which gives carrot the orange colour and also the name. It contains vitamin A in large quantities in the form of beta carotene. Due to the usefulness of carrot it has been considered as one of the top most salad requirements.

 

If you have carrot juice it helps to remove the indigestible fibre. It is also rich in minerals and known to be very useful for your skin. It is learnt that cooked carrots are more nutritional as well as equipped with more benefits.

 

Carrot seed oil is another way of treating your skin right. The presence of Beta carotene and vitamin A helps to keep your skin alive. It maintains the elasticity of the skin which happens to sag at one point or the other. These oils have been used quite regularly in many skin care products. It protects the sun damaged and wrinkled skin. It keeps the skin firmer and more radiant due to its anti-aging properties.

 

Carrot oil, another important part of carrot is made useful for your benefit. The presence of carotenoids helps to reduce the damage due to ultra violet rays. By protecting your skin from ultra violet rays it also protects you from skin cancer. It provides a natural tanning boost to your skin when applied. Best part about nature is that nothing goes waste. The carrot root oil if mixed with any of the other base oil helps your skin tremendously. It also helps cures dry skin problems and rejuvenates the basal layer.

 

Skin Care Remedies

 

Grate one carrot and mix it with a spoonful of honey. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it for 15 minutes. By using it regularly you will make out the difference.

 

Carrot juice if applied on blemishes regularly helps them to fade away.

 

For carrot skin mask you need raw carrots and lemon juice. Grate the carrot and add some lemon juice and apply this mixture on your face and neck. You can do the same with cooked carrots by blending them and adding 5 tbsp honey or yogurt. Apply it and leave it for 15-20 minutes.

 

By mixing pineapple and carrot juice you can make a fine blend for glowing skin. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it and pat it dry.

 

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.