Sunday, July 20, 2008

Top 7 Anti Aging Foods

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by Marcus Ryan

Let's face it; age is a fact of life. Time marches on and all that jazz. But while you can't control the march of time, you can control how time plays with your face and body.

That means eating a diet full of foods that will help you to look and feel young. Eat the following seven foods to ensure that you age well, feel good and keep skin that's youthful and supple.

Avocado

Avocados are full of monounsaturated fat, which is a good fat that helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart healthy. But more than that, it's a fat and the right fats are actually good for your skin. They help to keep your skin supple and moist and that helps you avoid wrinkles. If you can get that suppleness with a good fat, you're heading in the right direction.

Avocados are extremely versatile, so you can have them for breakfast or for dinner. You can add them to salads, sandwiches and mash them for a dip. They are high in calories, however, so limit your overall intake to about a half an avocado a day. You'll still derive all the benefits.

Yogurt


Yogurt is full of protein and probiotics. The protein helps to keep your muscles lean and helps to build new, lean muscle. In addition, protein slows the absorption of carbohydrates, which helps to control hunger and your body burn more fat.

The probiotics in the yogurt are good for digestion and help to keep your body free of bad bacteria that can fester and cause all kinds of digestion and other intestinal troubles.

Try to stick with yogurt that is all-natural, or vanilla flavored. The more "stuff" you get in your yogurt, the less of the good things you're getting.



Salmon


The delicious fish is also a great superfood for two primary reasons - it's full of protein and also of omega 3 fatty acids, the kind that are good for your skin.


If you eat salmon about three times a week, you are providing your body with these good fats, the ones that help to protect your heart and burn fat.


Be sure to add salmon to salads, or try it grilled in the summer. You can also pan roast it, or bake it slowly in the oven. Even the kind in the can is just fine.



Spinach or broccoli or Chinese broccoli


Each of these foods is a leafy green vegetable, which are beneficial in so many ways. They provide a serious antioxidant boost, which helps your body to age well and gracefully, and help your body to fight the ravages of environmental stresses.

Leafy green vegetables also help to reduce insulin production, which helps you to lose weight, control hunger and age gracefully. When you make a lean protein for dinner, add a large serving of your leafy greens, too.


Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and eaten in moderation, have shown to have no noticeable negative impact on cholesterol levels. Best of all, they are easy to prepare, versatile, inexpensive and portable.



Tofu or tempeh



Full of protein, tofu and tempeh are both versatile, tasty additions to any diet. What you might not know is that they are full of flavanoids, which help to reduce the bad cholesterol in your body

Because tofu takes on the flavor of whatever you make it with, you can create tasty dishes, both savory and sweet, with this versatile form of protein.


Blueberries


Blueberries are always at the top of "best foods" lists. They are flavorful, colorful, and packed with antioxidants. The antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, and that helps prevent aging.


Add some blueberries to your morning cereal, or your daily yogurt. Add them to pancakes or waffles.


So there you have it.



If you choose the right foods, you can help your body and skin to age gracefully. And when it all tastes as good as these 7 superfoods do, eating right is even easier!

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Vitamins That Help With Erectile Dysfunction - That Will Give You a New Lease of Life


by Jonathan Dean

Many men are trying to discover vitamins that help with erectile dysfunction as using the right ones are a safe alternative to prescription drugs and thousands of our users have reported tremendous results.

How to cure erectile dysfunction with good circulation

By far the most common cause is compromised blood flow to the pelvic region including the penis. This may be due to a narrowing of the blood vessels high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol.

Vitamins and supplements are essential for healthy blood circulation

There are a number of erectile dysfunction vitamin and herbal supplements on the market to treat this condition:

1. Vitamin C

2. Vitamin E

3. Zinc

Seek advice from your health store advisor on what daily dose is recommended.

These simple secrets also work wonders for increasing circulation levels

1. Stop smoking

2. Moderate alcohol and caffeine

3. Eat complex carbohydrates and lots of fruits and vegetables every day

4. Drink lots of pure distilled water

5. Exercise to generate a sweat

6. Breathing exercises

7. Laugh

You might think these are too simple, they will really work wonders for increasing circulation levels and you will be kicking yourself you did not know this before, once you start to see the improvements in your sex life. The main principle of exercises is to improve circulation of the penis and to increase the volume of blood held within the erectile tissue. It is the erectile tissue that engorges with blood when sexually aroused resulting in an erection.

Certain herbal medicines like Ginkgo have also shown success in treating this condition in conjunction with vitamins that help with erectile dysfunction. The benefit of herbal medicines is that they usually do not have any side effects when they are use appropriately and within recommended limits.

Any prescription drug will come with serious potential side effects such as priapism (an erection that won't go away), heart problems and blurred vision.

Simple, natural cures at home have been the latest rave for male erectile dysfunctions. The natural treatments have also been proven beneficial to your general health. The proven effectiveness, this treatment also takes an all around approach to cure impotence which heightens all body functions. Of our thousands of customers, most of them have thrown away the miracle pills.

If you are looking to make a commitment to your health and to your sex life (she will thank you), then it is time you cured your erection dilemma for good with vitamins that help with erectile dysfunction and other natural cures.

Johnathan Dean is an expert in natural mens health and the owner of:
http://www.squidoo.com/erectiledysfunctionnaturalcures - You can learn everything you need to know about Vitamins That Help With Erectile Dysfunction. Also herbs, supplements, diet tips, breathing exercises will guarantee an end to your erectile dysfunction within days. Try a guaranteed natural doctor approved impotence treatment that works or your money back.


Weight Loss & Obesity Affects Life Expectancy


by Kim Beardsmore

We hear it all the time…lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.


In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The study showed an obese 20-year-old white male, (5'10")178cm and weighing (288 pounds) 130kg was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.


It is now well research that a Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.


1. Check to see if you are overweight or obese.
To find out your BMI you need to divide your weight (measured in kilos) by your height (measured in metres) squared. If the result is greater than 25, your health may be improved by losing weight.


2. Match your diet to your body’s requirements.
If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.


3. Colour your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables.
There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.


4. Eat lean protein with every meal.
Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.


5. Rev up your metabolism with activity.
If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well being, exercise is a key ingredient. Thirty minutes activity each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk is recommended for adults. Children should be active for an hour each day.


6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight.
A study, “Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes” shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn’t. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.


Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it’s never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

Seven Secret Agents That Can Help You Live To 120


by Dr. Jeffry Weiss, Phd

You know about Vitamins A,C, D, E ,and the B’s – about how they boost the immune system and help the body repair itself. Well, that old hat. There are supplements now that are so far ahead of those that it’s like comparing a model-T car to the space shuttle. This stuff is the real cutting edge in nutrition and we’ve got them for you right now. Are you ready to slow down the aging clock? Here we go.
1 – Alpha-GPC. This nutrient, derived from soy, provides high levels of choline, which protects brain cells. It also increases levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which triggers an increased release of HGH (human growth hormone). This hormone is naturally present in the human body when we’re young but decreases steadily as we age. Studies have shown that increased HGH can reduce body fat, boost energy levels, and restore youthful immune function.
In animal studies, alpha-GPC corrected age-related brain decline. In human studies it helped stroke victims retain cognitive functioning and improve mental functioning and mood of people with dementia. Dose: 600 – 1200 milligram.
2 – Ashwagandha Root. This herb is used extensively in Ayurveda – the traditional medicine of India. It stimulates immunity and, as an antioxidant, rescues cell-damaging free radical. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to be helpful with such inflammatory conditions as arthritis. increased oxygen-carrying hemoglobin, which rejuvenates cells. In addition, 70% of the men in the study said that their sexual performance improved – some men even reported fewer gray hairs.
3 – Beta-Glucan. This nutrient is derived from baker’s yeast, young rye plants, and medicinal mushrooms. It activates macrophages – key immune cells that fight bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. Beta-glucan enhances the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapy. It acts as a free-radical scavenger, removing cells damaged by exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, and environmental pollution. It also lowers total and LDL (bad) cholesterol which increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It also reduces risk of infection by stimulating white blood cell activity. Dose: 300 mg to 1,000 mg. per day.
4 – Lemon Balm. Lemon balm is an important anti-oxidant. It contains a high concentration of phenols – chemicals that fight cell-damaging toxins. This herb can improve sleep, decrease the pain of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, boost mental functioning, and combat viruses and bacteria. Avoid if you have glaucoma. Dose: 1,000 mg. to 1,500 mg. per day.
5 – Omega-3 fatty acids. Also called essential fatty acids (EFAs), omega-3 fatty acids aren’t manufactured by the human body and must be supplied by diet or supplement. They are found primarily in fish but are present in smaller amounts in green, leafy vegetables, soybeans, nuts, and flaxseed and canola oils. Omega-3s decrease blood level of triglycerides (bad fats) and homocysteine (an artery-damaging amino acid) and lower blood pressure. They help thin the blood, preventing blood clots – lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Omega-3s also act as anti-inflammatories, helpful in the treatment of such autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. They are the building block of the outer layer of brain cells and may help treat depression. Dose: 3 g. to 10 g of fish oil capsules a day. It is extremely difficult to get sufficient omega-3 through dietary sources. The best sources are mackerel, salmon, sea bass, sardines, anchovies, and tuna. 6 – Evening Primrose oil. Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. The active ingredient is gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acid.
As the body ages, it loses its ability to convert dietary fats into GLA. Supplementing with evening primrose oil is important in combating the general effects of aging. It also may help in treating rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s-related memory problems. Dose: 3,000 mg. to 6,000 mg. daily.
7 – Resveratrol. This naturally occurring anti-oxidant is found in many plants – including the skin of grapes. Red wine is the main dietary source. Resveratrol decreases the stickiness of blood platelets, reducing the risk of blood clots. It may help prevent the development and progression of various cancers. Red wine provides little, if any resveratrol (less than a milligram per glass. Supplements provide 15-20 milligrams per serving.

Main Causes of Obesity in America


by Petra Peach

Discover the main causes of obesity in America. They are similar to those of many other affluent countries around the globe and relate to lifestyle, evolution of society, and financial freedom. Although, on the surface, they do not sound like problematic issues do they?
In poorer countries, where choice (and food) is limited, obesity is rarely a problem. As incomes improve, so do choice, and the demand for a more varied diet. If we take China as an example, the peasant farmers are giving up their subsistence lifestyle in droves and seeking better incomes in the cities. Along with the change in their financial position comes lifestyle change and as a result China is seeing a surge in obesity levels.
In the US, obesity is not a new problem, but has now reached epidemic levels, with no easy solution in sight. The first step for any individual with a weight issue is to accept that they have a problem. People in denial easily dismiss a few extra pounds, or going up a dress size.
The next step is to educate people regarding their current diet and the calories (energy) it contains. Eat more than your daily requirements and you will gain weight. Current guidelines suggest a daily intake of 2000 calories for women and 2500 for men, but this is subject to activity levels.
With advances in technology and improved health and safety, much of the calorie burning menial work has disappeared, so unless people partake in physical recreational activities those guidelines may be too high for some people.
Portion sizing is another issue in the US; with some maxed meals served in restaurants so calorific, they exceed the total daily-recommended intake on one plate. With infinite choice available it is easy to exceed the recommended daily intake. It is vital to start valuing food on quality not size.
Unfortunately many people are not aware of what their food contains, such as fats (good and bad) sugar, fiber etc. Fast food, convenience food and the growing taste for fat and sugar are all a serious cause for concern.
Obesity is not just a weight issue and many other potentially life-threatening health problems are caused through poor diet. Anyone with weight problems needs to act now, make a commitment to change their lifestyle and improve their dietary habit.
Going on a diet simply does not work for the following reasons:
You lose weight, but gain it all back plus more
You feel starved or cheated on your so-called diet
You are not able to stick to the diet for more than a week
You beat yourself up thinking you are going to be fat forever. Make the commitment to lose weight by changing your lifestyle today!




Saturday, July 19, 2008

How to Get the Most Out of Your Vitamins


by Lauren S Johson

Since a balanced diet is difficult to maintain, many people rely on vitamin and mineral supplements to provide them with the proper nourishment. However there are a few important tips to remember before undergoing a vitamin regimen. First of all, if you happen to suffer from any illnesses, speak with your doctor regarding any possible interactions that your vitamins may have with your medicine or with your illness. For instance, calcium supplements are not recommended for people who suffer from kidney stones. Here are a few more tips in getting the most out of your vitamins and minerals.

All fat soluble vitamins should be taken with food if they are to be well absorbed. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Also, natural forms of vitamin E are absorbed better by the body than synthetic vitamin E. Vitamin E has also been proven very beneficial for women who take oral contraceptives. This particular vitamin, along with coenzyme 10, has been showing up in lower percentages in women who take birth control pills.

If you take mineral supplements, which many of us do, you should be aware of the fact that coffee and tea slow down their absorption. Also, multivitamins that are time released provide better overall absorption. And unlike what most of us believe, there is no difference between the body's ability to use natural vitamin C than it is synthetic. And although we can't overdose in this particular compound, we can experience an upset stomach if taken in excess. Some compounds that we can overdose on include Iron, Zinc, and Selenium. These particular compounds can be very toxic when taken in excess so be sure that you have your doses correct. These are just a few tips towards a healthy multivitamin regimen.