Three Principal Carbohydrates and the Foods in Which they are Present

Carbohydrates are organic molecules (contain carbon and come from living sources) and are our main source of energy. Three principal carbohydrates according to their structure) are: sugars, starches and fiber.

1. SUGARS

Monosaccharides: · Glucose is found in fruits or can be hydrolyzed from starch, cane sugar, milk sugar, malt sugar

· Fructose is found in most fruits and fruit juices, honey, certain vegetables

· Galactose is formed in the process of metabolism of the milk sugar lactose

Disaccharides:

• Lactose, also known as "milk sugar" and the only sugar of animal origin, comes from mother's milk
• Sucrose or "white sugar" comes from sugar cane, sugar beets, maple syrup, molasses, sorghum and pineapple
• Maltose or "malt sugar" is produced in the process of breakdown of starches in certain cereal grains and is also present in beers, malted snacks, some breakfast cereals and crackers

2. STARCHES are also known as "complex carbohydrates" or "polysaccharides". They are found in potatoes, vegetable roots and whole grains like wheat, rice and corn.

• Amylopectin – most common starch found in foods
• Amylose – with long chains of glucose molecules
• Glycogen – the animal source starch (from muscle and liver)
• Dextrins – partially digested starches, formed during the breakdown of starch

3. FIBER is mostly the indigestible cellulose from the skins of fruits and vegetables and coverings of cereals. It provides little energy or caloric value but aids intestinal function and elimination. Other hi-fiber substances are: guar gum, konjar root flour, chitosan (derived from oyster shells).

• Cellulose – most common fiber from basic foods
• Hemicelluloses – from the cell walls of plants (i.e. psyllium seed husks, pectin)
• Agar and alginate – from seaweeds
• Carrageen – from Irish moss plant

A Call For Vitamin D Fortification

Most people today are aware of the need of vitamin D as an essential vitamin. It is necessary in the support of basic structure and function of our cells and more specifically it is needed for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to Rickets, Osteoporosis and Osteomalacia. While some foods are already fortified with Vitamin D, and many people take dietary supplements, it has been questioned if we are getting enough.

An article published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association reported on new research suggesting that many people are deficient in this vital nutrient. One study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Health Sciences found that 92.4% of African-American newborns and 66.1% of white babies had insufficient vitamin D levels at birth. The study also found that more than 80% of the African-American participants and nearly half of the white women tested had levels of vitamin D, at the time of delivery, that were too low despite the fact that over 90% of them had been taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.

Dr. Robert Heaney, a professor at Creighton University School of Medicine, has been conducting research on vitamin D for nearly two decades. He stated, "The amount of vitamin D in supplements isn't nearly enough," and went on to say "The principal obstacle has been we haven't known how much vitamin D we have needed until the past two years."

Current estimates from Dr. Haney's research estimate that the body uses 4,000 IU, per day, of vitamin D. The current dietary reference intake for women up to age 50 is 200 IU per day. As for the concern of safety regarding Vitamin D, Dr. Haney's research has shown that vitamin D safety does not become an issue until a person exceeds well beyond 10,000 IU per day.

In diet, vitamin D is found in liver, fish, butter, milk, egg yolk, yeasts and some mushrooms. However there is some question as to whether modern agricultural practices have resulted in these foods providing less vitamin D than the same foods produced only decades ago. The human body also has the capacity to convert cholesterol into vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. People with lighter skin will produce more vitamin D from sunlight exposure than those with darker skin. Again modern lifestyle changes may not result in anyone having as much regular, full-body exposure to sunlight as experienced by their ancestors.

Ultimately a diet rich in whole foods, safe exposure to natural sunlight and appropriate use of dietary supplementation may be used together to ensure that this essential vitamin is available to do its part in supporting optimal health.

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be a serious problem to the health of people of all ages. It can lead to further problems and cases of high blood pressure should be addressed as soon as possible. There are some simple, easy and most importantly natural ways to lower blood pressure and addressing lifestyle is often a necessary factor. As there is often a direct link between obesity and high blood pressure, it is first important to ensure that the body is sufficiently fit and healthy. Regular exercise can go a long way towards losing excess weight and in turn lowering blood pressure. Changes like stopping smoking and minimizing alcohol consumption are also advisable not only because it will help to avoid increasing your blood pressure but also because of the other major health problems that nicotine and alcohol can cause.

Changes in the diet are very important as many of us consume too many salt and fatty foods. Limiting the amount of fast food eaten and avoiding salt can be the quickest ways to change the diet but adding healthy fruit and vegetables to every day diets is also essential. Filling up on fresh fruit and vegetables can improve the overall health and feeling of well being of anyone but they are especially useful at lowering blood pressure. Eating less fat, red meat, salt and increasing the amount of nutrients in the diet are all effective measures to take.

When cooking meals at home, do not add salt to the ingredients or if you feel it is really necessary then simply reduce the amounts. After all, there is a lot of sodium in canned and processed foods which often form a major part of many people's weekly food intake. When dining out, it can be a good idea to ask for a limited amount of salt to be added to your meal and avoid fatty, creamy sauces or desserts. Soft drinks and canned soups can both have negative effects on the blood pressure so simply avoiding these and similar items can be a great start when looking for a natural way to lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure can affect anyone and it can also be hereditary but there are many natural ways to lower blood pressure and even avoid taking blood pressure medication altogether. The basic facts are that a healthy diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight go a long way to improve blood pressure levels. The odd treat is not a problem but moderation is imperative.

Body Odour Problems

Most of the people do not know that they have suffered from the problem of body odour as they are used to be as it is. Body odour is not a disease but it is a health issue and has to be sorted out. It is not difficult to cure this and it is nothing but a unpleasant smell arising out of sweating. Believe it or not, sweating does not produce odour. Yes it is odourless! But when the sweat dump on the skin, gradually bacteria breaks the sweat and releases chemicals on the skin. Those chemicals produce unpleasant smell on the body.

Causes of Body Odour

There are certain areas like genitals and armpits are more likely to produce odour in the human body. Your diet has a significant importance in controlling the body odour. When you have more spicy food in your diet, it can also cause body odour. Those food particles may include chemicals which create odour in the body. The problem becomes an issue during the summer. You can take bath twice to reduce the smell in your body. But it will be only a temporary remedy. Body odour is also created when you wear unwashed and uncleaned clothes.

Deodorants Vs. Antiperspirants

Use of deodorants is not a permanent solution for the body odour problem. You can use them as a mask for body odour. But antiperspirants has the ability to reduce the amount of sweating that the human body produces.

Suggestive measures to prevent the body odour

Have a regular bath daily. It is better to take a fresh shower before going to bed.

Don't wear unwashed clothes. Wash your clothes daily with possible high temperature.

Wash your feet regularly.

It is better not to use sweaty shoes.

Always go for cotton socks.

Reduce the spiciness in your diet.

Use antiperspirants regularly.

Go for roll-ons instead of deodorants.

To be free from sweating, shave your armpits.

It is not advisable to wear tight fitting clothes.

Try to avoid tea and coffee intakes. Caffeine is a main cause for continuous sweating.

Do You Know All the Benefits of a High-Fiber Diet?

Forget the fads—a diet high in fiber is much more effective and beneficial than the Atkins Diet or Negative Calorie Diet could ever be. The benefits of a high fiber diet are never ending. Not only does such a diet promote weight loss, but it can solve many health problems as well. Additionally, a diet high in fiber can help to prevent many dangerous disorders and conditions.

High Fiber Foods For Weight Loss

One of the many benefits of a high fiber diet is weight loss. Fiber expands in your stomach and takes up a greater volume; thus, it makes you feel fuller and less likely to consume excess food. High fiber foods, by nature, also tend to be less calorie dense. This means that they contain fewer calories in the same amount of food. Finally, weight loss is one of the many benefits of a high fiber diet because foods with fiber generally take longer to chew, which means that your body has more time to register that it is full.

Fiber Fights Health Problems

Many health problems, such as digestive problems, are caused by a fiber deficiency. Thus, one of the benefits of a high fiber diet is that it reduces or eliminates these health problems, which can include constipation and cramps. If you are unable to consume enough high-fiber foods, taking fiber supplements is also an option that provides the same benefits.

Preventative Measures

Fiber can also help to prevent many genetic conditions and diseases. One example is type-two diabetes. Prevention of type-two diabetes is one great benefit of a high fiber diet. Because fiber slows the absorption of sugar, it not only is beneficial for people who are trying to prevent diabetes, but it is also beneficial to people who have diabetes because it can improve blood sugar levels.

Another disorder that a high fiber diet can help to prevent is heart conditions. Heart conditions are often caused by blood cholesterol levels that are too high. Fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol levels; thus, it also helps to prevent heart conditions.

Improve Your Health

Overall, the benefits of a high fiber diet indicate that it is a more successful and effective way of managing your health levels than engaging in fad diets and other weight loss programs. If you want to improve not only your weight, but your overall health, consider the benefits that a high fiber diet might provide.

Green Tea And Colon Detox

With a tradition of almost five millennia of continuous use, green tea is the most popular beverage in China, Japan, India or Thailand, highly appreciated for both the delicate flavor and the great therapeutic properties. Said to accelerate metabolism and reduce the level of toxins in the blood, green tea also makes an excellent remedy when it comes to regulating blood sugar and increasing the quality of digestion. The Book of Tea written as early as the 12th century by a Zen priest became a real treatise for the medical world.

There are many varieties of green tea available on the market, and its usage has long left the Asian borders to spread all over the world. As a cure for a toxin-infected system, green tea is one of the most advertised and successfully used plants in weight loss and detox diets. However, the refinery of the taste and the tonic properties of the green tea leaves are not to be overlooked either. Served warm or hot, green tea was made popular to Europe under the British Empire when it was first introduced on the market, and it has ruled our taste ever since.

The so-called "anti-adipose" green tea variant acts as a very powerful laxative on the system, purging all the toxins and accelerating the elimination of heavy metals accumulated in the organs. However, it is highly important that you respect the recommendations for the administration of the supplement, particularly if you haven't used anything similar before. The active principles in the green tea no longer allow the absorption of toxins in the blood stream at the colon level, thus improving your general health condition.

Together with ginseng root, green tea is considered a longevity stimulator, fighting the effects of old age by a direct influence on the free radicals at the cell level. A cup of green tea may help you lose some weight, improve digestion or simply get a general sense of well-being by a boost of energy. For further information on natural healing and homeopathic health solutions, please subscribe to the silver bulletin e-news magazine HERE.

Using A Concentrator Effectively

A concentrator is an electric compact unit that can produce oxygen by itself. It is the size of a large suitcase and extracts air from the room and separates the oxygen from other gases present. The unit is plugged into the wall for charging and can be run on batteries and produces from 1 liter to 5 liters of oxygen in one minute. Oxygen is delivered through nasal cannula.

Using a concentrator is an economical way of producing oxygen and as it is portable, can be used on aircrafts, cruise ship and at home .They can be rented or bought according to the need. The main advantages of using a concentrator over other oxygen devises are that it requires minimum maintenance and does not need refilling. It can provide unlimited oxygen when it's plugged in and turned on in the room. It is very light and portable which makes it ideal for traveling and moving.

One of the good companies that are manufacturing these oxygen producing units or concentrators are Inogen one, CHAD, Aerox and many others. The need for using these artificially filtered oxygen supply is specifically for people suffering from COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These diseases encompass chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main feature of these respiratory diseases is narrowing of the airways due to inflammation of the walls of the air sacs in the lungs.

The best new feature of concentrator Inogen One is that it allows for mobility with the Inogen One Satellite Conserver. The satellite conserver allows the patient to move around about 100 feet from the main unit. This technological advancement has become possible due to the converter taking control of conserving function and functions like a remote control for the main Inogen One unit. The remote control can be worn like a necklace, attached to the belt and can also be placed in the pocket.

Although the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages but they are still worth mentioning. The main disadvantage is that as it runs on electricity, there is a marked increase in the bill .Its run on electricity, due to power cuts and outrages, aback up oxygen system might be needed. Its maximum capacity is 5 liters of oxygen per minute and cannot deliver oxygen at higher flow levels. When its run a lot of heat is produced and noise is also there.

Low Carb Diet Menu- How To Cook A Tasty Low Carb Breakfast! - Part I

Are you tired of eating the same old boring food everyday? Hey wait! Did anyone tell you that there are tasty low carb foods as well, foods which taste so nice that you will forget all about your good old days when you used to survive on a high carb diet? In this article, I will give you tips about the type of low carb foods you can eat at breakfast. In the next article, I will give you tips about the type of low carb foods you can eat at lunch. I hope you enjoy these easy recipes.

The primary ingredient of our menu will be egg

Ok, let's make a vegetable frittata (a frittata is a hybrid food made by combining an omelet with a quiche; a frittata is cooked on the stove and then finished in the oven), then freeze or refrigerate servings to pull out and heat it on the microwave oven. The great thing about vegetable frittata is that you don't need to have unique vegetables to cook one. You can use just any vegetable leftover to cook it. Another advantage is that you can make a vegetable frittata in a short period of time. Remember that we don't want to spend too much time in cooking a breakfast!

An easier way to create a vegetable frittata is to scramble the leftovers of vegetables and cheese with eggs. If you want you can also use omelet leftovers instead!

See how easy it is! We want our breakfast food to be one which is great to eat and easy to make. And we have one now. Just make a vegetable frittata everyday at breakfast, and serve it with low-sugar fruit, and a flax muffin.

If you want to add more items to your breakfast, go for Special K cereals as they contain a low amount of carbohydrates. Other kinds of low carb cereals are All Bran and Fiber One. There are three types of All Bran cereals available: each of them containing a different level of carbs. Be sure to check out the label of the food package to see the carb content of the cereals.

I hope you will be having a great breakfast. But have you thought anything about lunch? If no, in the second part of this article, I will give you tips about the type of low carb foods you can eat at lunch. To access the second part, simply click on the link in my resource box below!

Infertility Diagnosis For Women

First of all the infertility specialists analyses the patients medical history and performs a physical examination. He asks questions about the patient's medical and emotional health, menstrual history, whether they are under any medications, about their lifestyle, if they smoke, if they consume dugs, alcohol or caffeine. All these can help the doctor establish what kind of test to perform.

The following tests can be performed to determine the cause of infertility:

~monitoring the body's temperature in order to determine if the ovulation takes place;


~an urine test to detect LH surges helps to determine the ovulation's day;


~in order to determine the hormone levels blood and urine tests can be performed;


~ the doctor takes tissue samples of the uterus to establish if the corpus luteum produces an appropriate quantity of progesterone so that to the risk of premature ovarian failure or the absence of ovulation could be eliminated;


~the woman can take clomiphene citrate (a fertility drug) on days 5 and 9 of the menstrual cycle and on the 10th day the doctor measure FSH to test the ovarian reserve;


~women with ovarian failure should take into consideration a test for autoimmune disease like diabetes or hypothyroidism;

If these tests don't show off any result (which is very possible), then other procedures are performed for examining the uterus:

1)the ultrasound procedure uses sound waves, is painfree and is used to evaluate the ovaries and the uterus in order to detect ovarian cysts and tumors, fibroids.

2) Hysterosalpingography is a procedure used to discover any abnormalities of the uterus and an eventual blockage in the fallopian tubes. A small tube is inserted into the cervix and a special dye is injected through this tube into the uterus and the fallopian tubes. The uterus and the fallopian tubes filled with this dye are exposed to an X-ray. If the X-ray shows that the dye emerges from the end of the tube then ther's no blockage. It exist the risk of pelvic infection so it is recommended that the patient take antibiotics before the procedure.

3)the hysteroscopy procedure uses a tube (hysteroscope) inserted into the vagina, then into the cervix all the way to the uterus. The hysteroscope is equipped with a small camera that allows the doctor to view the uterus. This procedure may detect conditions like: fibroids, pelvic scar tissue, endometriosis and coect them by eliminating the scar tissues that may attache organs together. There are some risks associated with this procedure such as:infection, bleeding, or side effects of the anesthesia.

First Aid Homeopathy - Minor Bruises

Bruising is most likely to occur as part and parcel of a fall or minor mishap, such as stubbing your toe or accidentally hammering your finger during some routine DIY. However a serious accident can result in quite severe internal bruising and this would fall outside the remit of home prescribing and demand urgent, professional medical attention. Common symptoms of mild bruising can include any of the following: Pain and tenderness at the site of the blow or injury, swelling of the injured are, Localized, progressive discoloration of the skin that changes from red to purple and eventually to a rather lurid bluish-greenly-yellow in the last stages of healing.

Practical self-help - As long as the skin around the bruise hasn't been broken, apply an ice pack to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Bruises, where the skin hasn't been cut or grazed, can be greatly soothed by an application of Arnica cream. This reduces any pain and tenderness and also encourages the traumatized tissue to reabsorb blood, thereby speeding up the healing process. If a limb has been badly bruised, keeps it moving as much as possible in order to keep the blood circulating. Witch hazel has a very soothing, cooling effect on bruised skin. However, it is highly astringent and therefore may not be suitable for anyone with very sensitive skin.

CAUTION! IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR, GET SWIFT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: A serious fall or major accident that has resulted in the casualty feeling drowsy or confused, Any injury to the head, Bruising of the eye socket, In addition, get your doctor's opinion if you notice that the skin is repeatedly bruising for no reason, or if bruises take longer than a few days to heal - ideally, even a nasty bruise shouldn't take longer than this to show sign of recover. We need to put medicine as fast as we can to rub of the pain and tenderness.

The Perfect Match of Tea and Honey

According to the Chinese folklore, in 2737 BC. Chinese emperor Ksan Nung found the tea beverage while he was drinking a glass of hot water. The wind dropped into the glass a leaf from the tree under which the emperor was sitting. He found the concoction to be a great improvement from plain boiling water. And after this he gave orders for growing teas.

Today, tea has hundreds of species in different genera and is a popular thirst quencher and the most commonly consumed beverage in the world after water. The Chinese and Japanese have a habit of drinking the beverage in the afternoon and the British people drink several cups of it every day. Tea-drinking is national pastime in India, where the biggest production of the plants is. Green tea herb is especially liked by people from Far East, and the semi-fermented tea, especially the oolong (black dragon) by people of south China and Taiwan. Black tea is consumed relatively more in Europe. Beyond its taste for enjoyment, tea is packed with various health perks. It contains anti-cancer polyphenols, essential oils, some vitamins (E and some from B group) and minerals, including a high percent of zinc which is important for pregnant women. The more processing tea leaves undergo, the darker they become. Green tea, the least processed tea, is simply steamed quickly. Black and red teas are partially dried, crushed and fermented.

Tea has long since been associated with nearly every meal in many countries and accepted as a healthy supplemental drink. Scientific studies suggesting that medical benefits of tea can improve a person's health have sparked new interest in tea as an alternative drink. A cup of tea contains an average of 40mg of caffeine, compared to 85mg as found in a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The heart-health and cancer-preventive benefits of black and green teas are well-publicized. Scientists point to a natural class of antioxidants called flavonoids found in many natural plant-derived foods, including tea. These antioxidants help remove the body of molecules called free radicals, which are body damaging by-products from pollution and the natural aging process. Free radicals in the body's cells are very unstable and tend to react negatively with other important molecules like DNA, causing malfunctions and damages on the cellular level. The destruction of these free radicals paves the way for many diseases including cancer. It is also believed that antioxidants have positive effects on dental health. Studies showed that rinsing the mouth with black or green tea may prevent cavities and gum disease. The antioxidants in black tea inhibit the growth of bacteria that promotes cavities and affect their ability to attach to tooth surfaces. Research suggests that tea may also increase bone-mineral density and drinking tea regularly for years may produce stronger bones. It also indicates that older women who are tea drinkers are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who do not drink tea. Tea drinkers may be surprised to learn another health benefit of tea: blood pressure control. Drinking a half-cup of green or oolong tea per day could reduce a person's risk of high blood pressure according to some studies.

Many people use honey to naturally sweeten tea in replacement of table sugar due to its associated health benefits. A good source of carbohydrates, natural honey sweetens with no additives or preservatives. Because of its composition, pure honey has a lesser effect on glucose and insulin levels. Both tea and honey are known to contain antioxidants, which help prevent damage to cells and tissues that contribute to diseases like cancer.

Personally I am very fascinated and intrigued by how the hundreds of varieties of honey can mix and match with these tea blends to customize and suit personal moods and preferences in taste. I cannot imagine the kind of exciting impact these multiple combinations would have on our sensory experiences, and not to mention the natural health benefits inherent in both products. We don't have to be a connoisseur to experiment the various honey-tea combinations. It's fun and easy, just incorporate it into each morning's breakfast, afternoon snack, or family party. For instance, avocado honey variety can go with Earl Grey tea, and clover honey with either lemon or mint tea for a unique taste, Tupelo honey variety with jasmine tea, and eucalyptus honey with Irish Breakfast tea. Blueberry honey's pronounced taste adds zest to mild tea blends such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast. Orange blossom honey, one of the most versatile varieties adds a new dimension to most tea blends. Some think it's best with black teas such as Ceylon and Darjeeling. Teas with strong distinctive tastes, such as Jasmine or Apple cinnamon, go well with mild-flavoured Alfalfa honey. Sage honey, yet another mild variety complements intense tea flavours including orange spice, lemon, and mint.

So, why not consider including 1-2 cups of tea as a healthy part of your daily diet. The flavour possibilities are endless and perhaps limited only by your imagination. Lastly, remember, when adding honey into tea, wait till it's not too hot to avoid destroying its natural goodness.

What Are Goji Berries and Are They the Same As Wolfberries?

There's a marvelous little red berry that grows all around the world, and people in different places call it by different names. Many English speaking people call it a Wolfberry, and nowadays even more English speakers are calling it a Goji Berry. But it's really the very same thing.

As we all know, Science assigns two Latin names to every botanical organism, a genus and a species. Two plants that are even a little different from each other have different species names. Thus, if two plants have the same genus and species names, they're the same plant. People can call them by different names, but that doesn't change the fact that they're actually the same thing.

The Goji berry/Wolfberry plant, whose genus is Lycium, has two closely related species. One species is known as Barbarum and the other is Chinensis. Both species grow in many places on the earth.

Since people in different countries tend to speak different languages, it's not surprising that Chinese and Tibetan people don't call these berries wolfberries. China has many dialects. The plant is frequently called gǒuqǐ and the berries are called gǒuqǐzi (zi means "berry.") "Goji" is a simplified pronunciation of gǒuqǐ.

A similar word can be found in other languages. For example, in Korea the berry is called gugija, and in Thailand it is known as găo gè. Tibetan has many names for the berries, including qouki, qou ki ji, quak qou, kew ji, and kew ki. In Japanese the plant is called kuko and the fruit is known as kuko no mi or kuko no kajitsu.

In about 1973, the word "Goji" began to be used for the first time in English so English speakers could have a word for this berry that was similar to these Asian words. Since then, the word "Goji" has been exploited by many marketers as the berries have appeared in more and more natural foods stores in the U.S. The new word "Goji" is now quite commonly used.

It's not really clear where the word "wolfberry" originated. One theory is that it comes from the place name "Lycia", the ancient name for Anatolia, in Turkey, and "Lycia" can be heard in the name Lycium Barbarum. "Barbarum" means that the wolfberry plant might have come from elsewhere, such as China, originally.

But this doesn't explain why it has the word "wolf" in it. Thus, another possibility is that Lycium Barbarum comes from the Greek word "Lycos," or Wolf. Wolves do eat berries and other fruits to get needed fiber in their diets. They also eat tomatoes, the Latin name of which means "Wolf Peach" (Solanum lycopersicum.) The word "lycos," or wolf, can be seen in the Latin.

The genus Tomato (Solanum) contains another species, lycocarpum, which translates to Wolf Apple. This medium sized yellow tomato isn't familiar to many of us because it grows in South America. South American wolves eat them! It's not the same plant as the tomato we're used to in North America. What's my point? I'm getting to that…

Goji berries and Wolfberries are in the Nightshade family (Solanaceae), and so are tomatoes! Nightshades are an important source of food and spice. Nightshade species include potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers (capsicum), deadly nightshade (belladonna), datura (jimson weed), tobacco, mandrake, wolfberry and many more.

Many of the species in this important family of foods are used in making herbal medicines by native peoples all around the world. Some of them have psychoactive properties. Goji berries are legendary as a medicinal plant and have been used as such for many centuries in many countries.

Goji berries and wolfberries have lots of other names such as boxthorn, Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree, Matrimony Vine, Bocksdorn, Cambronera, Chinese Wolfberry, and Red Medlar.

The point here is that Lycium Barbarum and Lycium Chinensis are two completely different species, two completely different plants. Many people proclaim different names for them. They claim, for example, that "Tibetan Lycium Eleagnus Barbarum" is the REAL Himalayan Gogi berry, even though it doesn't actually exist as a species.

There's no question that these two species have different medicinal and nutritional properties, BECAUSE they're different species. In fact, it's not only that different species are different from each other, it's also true that all the many VARIETIES of any one species are somewhat different chemically and therefore nutritionally.

In some mountainous areas of Tibet and northern China there is what is commonly known as the "Goji belt," a fertile high altitude region where Goji plants are cultivated and grow wild. The "highest quality" Goji berries are produced in the best location and climate, which turns out to be this Goji belt. This is because of the purity of the water and the mineral-rich soil washing down from the high mountains.

The political strife going on between Tibet and China is well known. There is also Tibetan/Chinese political strife about what defines a Goji berry. From a Western perspective, this is just plain confusing.

Additionally, the name Tibet carries an unmistakable mystique. It's therefore easy for Western marketers to capitalize on it, claiming the superiority of TIBETAN Goji berries over all others. But, as we've shown, from a scientific perspective, "Tibetan" Goji berries don't exist.

Tibet, a country more vertical than horizontal, mostly dry, infertile and arid, with few roads among the highest mountains in the world, is not famous for farming. It's adjacent to China. The political boundaries really don't matter to the land or the Goji plants; instead, as has been mentioned, the soil and the climate are the important factors when growing Chinese wolfberries and Goji berries.

The highest quality berries have the highest levels of glyconutrients and are grown in Ningxia and Xinjiang provinces in China, right in the Goji belt. These areas have exceptional growing seasons, unusually alkaline soil, adequate rainfall and extreme temperature fluctuations from 102 to -16 degrees F.

The Goji belt produces four grades of Goji berries: super, king, special and Grade A. The largest berries are "super," second largest are "king," etc. You might find marketers advertising their berries as the biggest, but they're still all the same berry, Lycium Barbarum. They're that unless, of course, they're Lycium Chinensis.

Wolfberries, Gojis, they're wonderful. It's easy for politics and marketers to confuse and blow smoke all around a bushel of Goji berries or Goji juice. However, nothing clouds the central fact that this unique little berry is the biggest nutritional powerhouse in the world!

The Connection Between Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation

Research concerning omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation indicates that these fats may prevent chronic inflammation, relieve the symptoms of conditions related to chronic inflammation and possibly prevent life threatening diseases linked to chronic inflammation. Here we look at the importance of omega 3 fatty acids and the best sources for including them in the daily diet.

To clearly understand the relationship between omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation, it is important to understand that inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or illness. But, when inflammation occurs that is not due to injury or illness, it is associated with pain, as in conditions such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. In addition, chronic inflammation has now been linked to many life threatening diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Understanding the importance of omega 3 fatty acids and the best sources for adding them to the daily diet is crucial for good health at all ages.

The options for treating chronic inflammation are limited and come with health risks and side effects. Researchers looking for new alternatives have been pleased with the results of clinical and laboratory studies related to omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation.

Currently there are two common choices for treating inflammation. Drugs that suppress immune system responses are one treatment choice, but suppressing immune system activity can lead to frequent infections and other health problems. Anti-inflammatory drugs may relieve pain, but they act by suppressing the activity of a group of molecules known as eicosanoids.

Eicosanoids are produced within the human body from omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. You may wonder why the body needs eicosanoids. The simplest answer is that they signal activity in various systems of the body, including the immune system and central nervous system. Some stimulate the production of hormones, responsible for many functions including growth and healthy sexual function.

All functions of the human body have a natural balance. Some eicosanoids stimulate the constriction of blood vessels, while others stimulate dilation. Some stimulate blood clotting, which is important for proper healing after an injury. Others inhibit blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots within the blood vessels that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Some stimulate inflammation. Others inhibit inflammation or have anti-inflammatory activity.

Omega 3 derived eicosanoids are mostly anti-inflammatory. Omega 6 derived eicosanoids are mostly inflammatory. Most of the fats in the typical Western diet are omega 6 fats. Scientists and other experts believe that this type of diet leads to chronic inflammation, because of the absence of countering anti-inflammatory omega 3 eicosanoids. This is why many health organizations publicize the importance of omega 3 fatty acids and the best sources of these in the human diet are fish and fish oils.

Research related to omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation has shown that omega 3 supplementation decreases the breakdown of cartilage that occurs in arthritis. Further research indicates that omega 3s not only counter the inflammatory affects of omega 6s, but decrease the production of inflammatory eicosanoids by competing with omega 6s for the enzymes needed to create them. Patients in clinical studies have reported reduction in pain, greater flexibility, less morning stiffness, higher energy levels and other benefits.

The bad news is that the dietary sources of omega 3 fatty acids are few. Most foods contain far more omega 6 than omega 3 fatty acids, which is why most people consume too many omega 6 fats and not enough omega 3 fats. Fish is the only common food that provides reasonable amounts of omega 3s, but even eating a serving of fish every day would not provide the recognized Adequate Intake of 1000mg per day. People also have to be concerned about mercury and other contaminants in fish, but molecularly distilled fish oil supplements are a safe alternative.

Because nutritionists recognize the importance of omega 3 fatty acids and the best sources of them, a daily fish oil supplement is commonly recommended. Recommendations vary for various conditions, but 1000mg per day should be sufficient for healthy people. Consumers should avoid fish oils that contain vitamin A (such as cod liver oil), as this vitamin can be toxic at high dosages. Research concerning omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation is still on-going and will likely continue for years. Thus far, the only negative side effects are diarrhea at high dosages and increased bleeding at dosages over 3000mg per day.

Creatine Protein: Create the Ultimate Environment for Muscle Growth

Creatine protein is one of the most imperative substances to any bodybuilder and potentially any athlete. Creatine provides the muscles with increased strength and extra available energy that is required to build up strength and lean muscle mass. Creatine and protein gives the muscles the ability to grow while providing the ability to also repair themselves. There are many rips and tears that can take place when strength or weight training and providing the body with the proper nutrients allows them the ability to heal. There are many supplements available today claiming to provide outrageous benefits however, it is the best advice to understand the separate components that make each supplement unique and effective.

It has become widely accepted in recent years that protein makes the very building blocks of the body. With that concept in mind it is easy to ascertain how a combination of creatine and protein together in one supplement could provide an excellent source of nutrition for the body. Creatine protein gives the body essential amino acids that are required for the body to create natural creatine in the muscles as well. They also help the bones stay strong, keep tendons strong and healthy as well as maintaining healthy organs. Creatine and protein provides nutrition to the many aspects of strength training and packs it all in one fantastic supplement.

Glycogen becomes an important player when creatine protein is added to the mixture. This is because glycogen is type of carbohydrate that is stored within the muscle and is responsible for actually fuelling the muscle. The creatine protein supplements encourage the muscles to store more glycogen so that when intense sessions of strength training are conducted, more oxygen is available for the muscles. The cardiopulmonary system can't keep up to the demands placed on it when intensely training so the added element of storage through glycogen is a welcome addition.

Results cannot be expected to be immediate when first beginning Creatine and protein supplement therapy. The chemical reactions that follow after ingesting creatine protein creates muscle fullness to provide longer training sessions as a building block to promote increased strength. While these benefits are a result of taking Creatine and protein, any good trainer will say that the body needs time to properly absorb and utilize the supplement. Remember, there aren't any magic solutions to gaining increased strength and muscle mass. There are only supplements available to create the right environment in the muscles to promote that growth.

Unlock the potential in any weight or strength training and give Creatine and protein supplements a try. Whether its building muscle mass or strength training, Creatine and protein provides the muscles with the right nutrition to promote growth. Make finding a quality creatine protein supplement a priority and begin to experience the intense energy that only creatine protein can provide!

Healthy Diet Plans-Living A Long Life Through A Healthy Diet

Many people falsely believe that their lack of good health is a result of bad genetics or simple bad luck. Actually, you have almost complete control over our health, and it's through eating healthy diet plans. Believe it or not, the foods you put into your body are almost entirely responsible for your overall health and fitness state.

Good eating habits can overcome bad genetics and luck anytime. Here are some tips to get you on the right track to eating healthy foods and living a long and healthy life.

Fist of all, increase your consumption of raw foods. Raw foods are any foods that have enzymes in them to aid in digestion. Try to make sure you consume at least 75% of your foods raw.

Here are the foods you should be primarily focusing on: fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and sprouts. These foods will help you live a long and healthy life. The reason they are so good for you is that they all come from the plant.

How natural is it to consume an animal that has been living in extremely cramped quarters its' whole life and has been fed large amounts of food to increase their body fatso they provide more meat? Does this strike you as a natural way to eat and stay healthy?

On the contrast, some of the healthiest and longest living civilization in the world consume primarily raw foods. Believe it or not, despite what you've heard about not being able to obtain enough protein and other essential elements through plant foods, they actually provide every essential vitamin and mineral your body needs to stay healthy.

Take protein, for instance. A common myth is that you can't get enough protein through plant food. Actually, there are many different excellent protein sources provided by raw foods. Great examples would be carrots and especially raw nuts.

Make sure, however, that you soak your nuts before consuming them raw. Raw and unsoaked nuts contain enzyme inhibitors that, when you eat them, will make you feel tired. Soaking the nuts releases theses enzymes and allows you to enjoy soaked nuts and feel great as a result.

The bottom line: your health is in your hands. It is not up to luck, fate, or genetics-it is up to you. If these healthy diet plans seem overwhelming to you, don't attempt to change your whole diet overnight; take your time.

Try eating one healthy meal a week, and gradually increase that number. The more you consume these natural foods, the better you will feel, and the more motivate you will be to eat this way. Follow these healthy diet plans, and watch your overall health, happiness and quality of life skyrocket faster than you ever thought possible.

Lowering Cholesterol - Our Guide For Lowering Cholesterol

Lowering cholesterol is easier for some people than others. There are a few known factors to this problem. Many experts deduce that genetics is one of the major causes to it being harder for some people to lower their cholesterol on their own without prescription drugs. Another factor may be simply lack of whole hearted effort and/or willingness in following the suggested diet and exercise routine to lower cholesterol naturally. Another reason is lack of knowledge. Many times research is not done thoroughly before starting a regimen worthy of lowering cholesterol. One of the main misconceptions when trying to lower cholesterol levels is that simply avoiding fatty foods that have cholesterol listed on their labels is enough to do the trick.

Thoroughness

While it is not possible to change the genetics that may make it harder to lower cholesterol, it is possible to be thorough in the effort to reduce LDL cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol, levels. Lowering cholesterol requires the knowledge of what foods need to be avoided and what foods need to be added to the diet. Lowering cholesterol in the diet takes more than just reading labels. Even if LDL cholesterol is avoided, tests may not come back with satisfactory results as it is equally important to raise HDL cholesterol, "good" cholesterol, and to have physical activity maintained or added to everyday life.
Addition to Cholesterol Lowering Diet

There are products that can help with lowering levels of LDL cholesterol when a cholesterol lowering diet does not work well enough. Physicians tend to lean toward prescription drug therapy when diet and exercise does not lower the levels significantly. The downfall of these drugs is, as with most prescriptions, that the side affects that can range from mere annoyance to serious health issues. Some of these side effects may include: diarrhea, constipation, severe muscle cramps with possible muscle and tissue damage that can lead to heart failure, and nausea. Another viable option may be one of the natural products that are on the market.

The natural products do not have the side effects of drug therapy. Many of those products may even have benefits for other health issues as well. As with any other health related issue it is always best to discuss the treatment plan with a physician as there could be many different factors involved in high cholesterol treatment.

Benefits of Regular Exercise

No matter which method of lowering cholesterol is chosen, experts agree that results are more impressive when regular exercise is added to the equation. Regular exercise helps keep the blood flowing well, which in turn helps the body move cholesterol to the liver for excretion once the cholesterol has served its purpose helping to build cell walls and produce hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.

Green Tea Diet Patch - The Rudiments

Green tea diet patches are one of the latest fads to hit the weight loss industry. Reportedly the results of years of research, diet patches entail the use of transdermal technology to eliminate hunger and burn fat at the same time. Here are the basic features of a green tea diet patch and how it works.

A green tea diet patch is one of the many types of diet patches that abound the market today. It is an all-natural weight loss patch designed to help you reduce weight by stimulating the thyroid gland. The components in the green tea diet patch gently increase the body's metabolism to help break down fatty tissues.

The green tea diet patch uses a transdermal method of delivery to allow the skin to easily absorb the ingredients within the patch. Transdermal (trans meaning through, dermal meaning skin) or patch technology is currently being used for fever relief, pain relief, smoking cessation, body detoxication and birth control. The increasing popularity of patches can be attributed to the ease of use and consistent dosage.

Although the green tea diet patch is currently available in various types, most contain a combination of four basic ingredients, which are:

· Guarana – standardized for caffeine, a stimulant that features gentle fat burning or thermogenic characteristics

· Chromium – used to regulate insulin function and balance the levels of blood sugar

· Garcinia cambogia – standardized for HCA-hydroxycitric acid, advertised as a means to prevent carbohydrates from being converted into fat through the inhibiting action of the enzyme citrate lyase

· Fucus vesiculosus (or bladderwrack or brown seaweed) – marketed by diet patch makers to burn fat, bladderwrack is high in iodine, which is used by the thyroid gland to make the different thyroid hormones needed for optimum performance

A green tea diet patch can better transport medication to the body at even and consistent levels over several hours. Pills, on the other hand must be taken a number of times each day, whereas the diet patch needs only a single application. Skin safety is also ensured as patches are manufactured with 100 percent pharmaceutical-quality elements to prevent sensitive skin from becoming irritated.

Here are the procedures involved when using a green tea diet patch.

1. Choose a clean, dry and hairless area on the skin on your upper body.

2. Then peel off a green tea diet patch and apply it to the shoulder or back area.

3. Be sure to leave the patch in place 24 hours a day to promote weight loss.

4. Drink a minimum of 8 ounce glasses of water each day to flush out toxins from your body and to replace essential fluids.

5. A well-balanced diet and exercise should go together with your green tea diet patch use to achieve maximum results.

6. Green tea diet patch use is recommended for at least 90 days or until such time that goals are met.

While anyone can use the green tea diet patch, it may not be suitable for some people including pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from diabetes, hypoglycemia, serious heart or thyroid problems, or those who are sensitive to iodine.

10 Tips For Healthy Skin

Healthy, younger looking skin is what everyone dreams of. Healthy, younger looking skin is not hard to achieve. Looking after your appearance and maintaining a regular routine and healthy diet can help to give you perfect looking skin, free from spots and blemishes.

Below are 10 tips that will help you on your way to clear, beautiful skin.

1. Your outside appearance reflects what's on your inside. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and sunflower seeds.

2. Try and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. This will help to keep your skin moist, refreshed and supple, which will help the skin fight off developing wrinkles and blemishes.

3. Moisturize! Applying moisturizer after a warm face wash or a warm shower is the best remedies for skin. Moisturizing helps to restore the oils that our skin has and helps to keep the skin hydrated. Moisturizing for men is just as important as the oils in men's skin can be lost more easily than those in women.

4. Protect yourself from sun and tanning studio's. The sun and tanning studio's are the main reasons for premature aging. By applying self tan spray or keeping your face well protected from UV rays can help to prevent premature aging.

5. Keep up regular exercise. Regular exercise helps to keep the skin elasticity which prevents wrinkles. Exercise is also good for your body as a whole as it helps to maintain a low amount of body fat.

6. Taking vitamins and minerals helps to keep goodness in the skin. Vitamins and minerals have been developed to help your body. By taking one multivitamin can help to keep your skin fresh and clean.

7. Try and maintain a constant sleep pattern. Sleep is the body's time to restore itself and to re-energies the body's organs and skin. By maintaining a regular sleep pattern, you will feel more energized and your skin will become more healthy and fresher looking.

8. Do not scrub and wash too hard. By doing this it removes the required oils that the skin needs to regenerate. When washing, wash lightly and in circular motion. This helps to keep the blood flow in your skin and does not allow the essential oils to escape.

9. Do not squeeze spots. Although very tempting, by squeezing spots and black heads, the disease spreads and your acne will not disappear. By not squeezing your skin can heal the spot on its own and scars will not be formed. Constant squeezing of spots will cause scarring of the skin.

10. Finally, the most important thing you can do to help achieve, younger healthier looking skin is to stop smoking or never to start. Smoking causes premature aging and yellowing of the teeth and skin. The tobacco that is released into the air dries out your skin, while the smoke you inhale constricts the flow of blood to blood vessels, therefore preventing your skin of essential nutrients that your body supplies.