Kanhaiya Amla Powder

AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS ) FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY

AMLA, proudly known as 'Indian Gooseberry' has been the key constituent of many Ayurvedic formulations. And nowadays, it has been accepted by almost all medical branches as a result of extensive research carried at Germany, England, India, and various other countries.

IN AYURVEDA, importance of Amla has been ascertained from the experiments and experiences of ancient Rishi-Munis of India, namely Charak, Chyavan, Atreya, Kartik, Vrat Koumudi, and many others. Amla is considered one of the strongest rejunevatives (rasayana), particularly for blood, bones, liver, heart and skin.

SOURCE OF NATURAL VITAMIN C : Amla is exceptionally rich source of vitamin C and powerful anti-oxidant. 100 gm. of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is thirty times the amount found in oranges.

VITAMIN C : Vitamin C is essential for making 'Collagen' in the body. Collagen provides much of the framework in the cell or tissues, just as the skeleton provides the framework for the body. Thus, Vitamin C plays the vital role in growth and repair of tissues in ALL PARTS of human body, and hence it is useful for treatment as well as prevention of so many diseases. It enhances the overall immunity. " When your immune system is strong, You get sick less often, and recover quickly."

POTENCY OF AMLA : Research has shown that Amla is 12 times more assimilable and creates more potent medicinal effect than synthetic vitamin C, known as Ascorbic acid. Researchers have also shown that just 8.7 mg of natural vitamin C from Amla is equivalent to 100 mg of synthetic vitamin C. The synthetic vitamin C is missing vital nutrients such as Rutin, Bioflavonoids and the "J" & "K" factors.

MODERN SCIENCES: The modern sciences too, have accepted the supremacy of Amla towards imparting health and beauty, due to its very high vitamin C content.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE researchers, published the result of their study, based on a single measurement of vitamin C in the blood of 19,496 individuals aged 45 to 79 state that : as concentrations of vitamin C in blood plasma went up, the risk of dying from all causes went down.

This report in the March 3, 2001 issue of 'Lancet' state that the risk of death from all causes including heart disease, cut in half for individuals who have highest levels of vitamin C in blood. In the findings of Dr. Kay Tee Khaw, the high blood levels of vitamin C were associated with a decreased risk for cancer.

AN ANTIOXIDANT : Oxidation is removal of electrons from the molecular oxygen and to convert it to an active form called as 'oxidant'. It has a tendency to acquire electrons and damage most cell structures by releasing DNA damaging free radicals. The Vitamin C in Amla is a well-known antioxidant, which is able to inactivate DNA-damaging free radicals, by releasing oxygen electrons. Thus vitamin C in Amla prevents the abnormal growth of cells in all parts of body.

H.L.NEWBOLD, in his book "VITAMIN C AGAINST CANCER", has interviewed four Noble Prize Winner scientists, and professors from some of the world's best-known medical centers. He reports the latest findings about vitamin C as a promising new weapon in the battle against cancer- not only for treatment, but also for prevention. Few lines between the covers of his book have been quoted below:

?. (Nobel Prize Winner) Dr. Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron began an experiment with 1100 terminally ill cancer patients. The results: the 100 patients taking vitamin C had lived four times as long as 1000 control patients who received no added vitamin C.

?. cholesterol is broken down and eliminated as bile acids. Vitamin C is beneficial to heart patients.

?Mr. Cameron said that in terminally ill cancer patients treated with vitamin C : not only their lives prolonged, but also the quality of their lives was greatly improved during the time they did live. This freedom from pain was most important for terminally ill cancer patients.

?We (human beings) cannot make our own vitamin C. ?one should not wait for the application of vitamin C until one gets ill. We should take it all the time.

?like oxygen and water, vitamin C is an indispensable part of the life of every living creature on this globe.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES: Amla is not only a wonderful antioxidant, but it has proven anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, yeast inhibiting, nematicidal, anabolic, anti-hepatoxic, anti-hyperhidrosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic, hypolipidemic, and hypotensive relieving properties. It also acts as an antacid and anti-tumorganic agent. In addition, it increases protein synthesis and thus useful in cases of hypoglycemia.

PREVENTIVE AND IMMUNITY ENHANCING, ANTI-AGING USES OF HEALTH FOOD : AMLA POWDER - HEALTH

1. Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma, Intermittent fevers
2. Hyperacidity, Bilious vomiting, Gastritis
3. Ulcer, Jaundice, Hepatitis
4. Hemoglobin, Red blood cell count, Anemia
5. Cholesterol, Hypertension, Cardiac disorders
6. Diabetes
7. Ophthalmopathy, Cataract
8. Rheumatism, Osteoarthritis
9. Diarrhea, Dysentery
10. Gonorrhea, Spermatorrhea,
11. Sexual rejuvenation
12. Scurvy, Bleeding gums
13. Cancer
14. HIV
15. Heavy metal poisoning

PREVENTIVE AND IMMUNITY ENHANCING, ANTI-AGING USES OF HEALTH FOOD : AMLA POWDER - BEAUTY

1. Premature graying and hair loss
2. Skin diseases, wrinkles on skin
3. Obesity
4. Anti-aging

RECOMMENDED DOSES : Daily intake of dietary vitamin C (According to U.S. RDA), are listed below :

Infants age below 1 year : 30 to 35 mg

Children age 1 to 14 years : 40 to 50 mg

Adolescent age 15 to 18 years : 65 to 75 mg

Men age over 18 years : 90 mg

Women age over 18 years : 75 mg

In accordance with above chart, as a HEALTH FOOD & BEST DIETARY SUPPLEMENT, about one teaspoonfull of vitamin c rich, quality Amla Powder is sufficient for enhancing general immune system. Daily doses of powder can be adjusted with the age.

As we cannot make our own vitamin C, and the body excretes any excess of the same, the regular intake of herbal Amla Fruit Powder is highly recommended for all the people.

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Amino Acids Primer

Ever wondered whether amino acid supplements really work? We reveal some surprising facts...

FACT: Protein is made from amino acids. So it should follow that amino acid supplements can be combined in many different ways to form proteins in the body. In the same way as when you eat protein, it is broken down in your digestive system into its constituent amino acids and di-peptides (two amino acids attached to each other).

In this article we'll first we'll look at the facts, lay the ground work and build from there, so to speak. We'll look at whether amino acid supplements have a part to play in your bodybuilding protein diet or are just good for window dressing.

There are two varieties of amino acids, the first are called dispensable amino acids (DAAs) as these can be made in the body from other amino acids together with nitrogen and carbohydrate. These are:

Alanine

* Major component of connective tissue * Key component of the glucose alanine cycle which enables muscles and other tissues to derive energy from amino acids * Immune system builder

Arginine

* Can increase secretion of insulin, glucagon, growth hormones * Aids repair following injury and immune system stimulation. * Precursor of creatine, gamma amino butric acid (GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain) * May increase sperm count and T-lymphocyte response

Aspartic Acid

* Aids conversion of carbohydrates into muscle energy * Builds immune system immunoglobulins and antibodies * Reduces catabolic ammonia levels after exercises

Cysteine

* Detoxifies harmful chemicals * Stimulates white blood cell activity

Glutamic Acid

* Precursor of glutamine, proline, ornothine, arginine, glutathione, and GABA * A potential source of energy for muscle tissue * Important in metabolism of other amino acids.

Glutamine

* The most abundant amino acid in the human body * Immune system builder * An important source of energy, especially for kidneys and intestines during caloric restrictions. * A brain fuel that is an aid to memory and promotes concentration

Glycine

* Aids in the manufacture of other amino acids * Has a calming effect * Assists in mobilization of glycogen * Can inhibit sugar cravings

Histidine

* Ultraviolet absorbing compounds in the skin * Important in the production of red and white blood cells * Used in the treatment of allergic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive ulcers.

Proline

* Component in the formation of connective tissue and heart muscle * Easily used for muscular energy

Serine

* Important in energy production in cells * Aids memory and nervous system function * Helps builds up immune system

Tyrosine

* Precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as thyroid and growth hormones * Elevates mood

Taurine

* Aids in the absorption and elimination of fats * May act as a neurotransmitter in some areas of the brain and retina

That leaves the essential amino acids that cannot be produced in the body which means they must be supplied by the diet. These are:

Isoleucine

* A branched chain amino acid easily taken up and used for energy by muscle tissue. * Used to prevent muscle wasting * Essential in the formation of haemoglobin

Leucine

* A branched chain amino acid used as a source of energy * Helps reduce muscle protein breakdown * Promotes healing of skin and broken bones.

Lysine

* Low levels can slow protein synthesis, affecting muscle and connective tissue * Inhibits viruses * Lysine and Vitamin C together form L-carnitine, a biochemical that enables muscle tissue to use oxygen more efficiently which can delay exercise induced fatigue

Methionine

* Precursor of cystine and creatine * May increase antioxidant levels (glutathione) and reduce blood cholesterol levels. * Helps remove toxic wastes from the liver and assists in the regeneration of liver and kidney tissue

Ornithine

* May help increase growth hormone secretion in high doses * Aids in immune and liver function

Phenylalanine

* The major precursor of tyrosine * Enhances learning, memory, mood and alertness * Suppresses appetite

Threonine

* One of the amino detoxifiers * Helps prevent fatty build up in the liver * Important component of collagen * Tends to be low in vegetarian diets

Tryptophan

* Precursor of key neurotransmitter serotonin * Stimulates the release of growth hormones * Free form of this amino acid is unavailable in the U.S. * It is only available in natural food sources and may be indirectly obtained by HTTP-5 supplementation

Valine

* A branched chain amino acid * Influences brain uptake of other neurotransmitter precursors (trptophan, phenylalanine and tryosine).

Well, you've seen those branched chain amino acid supplements , and probably used them?but what are they? These are the essential amino acids with a molecular structure that has a branched shape, and include valine, leucine and isoleucine.

These BCAAs are important because they make up around a third of muscle protein in the body. During intense aerobic exercise they may be used in the production of glutamine and alanine that are required by the body. BCAAs are also used as fuel by the muscles, especially when muscle glycogen is depleted. They can contribute around 5-15% of the total calories you burn while training.

As the amino acids in the muscles may be used for the fuel requirements in exercise?some take BCAA supplements before and after workouts to limit any muscle loss that might occur. The idea is to stock up the free amino acid pool in the body so the amino acids in muscle tissue will not need to be cannibalised. This is a major selling point used by the amino acid supplement manufacturers.

It is not good enough though just to consider the quantity of amino acids in the diet, their bioavailability is also a key factor. Bioavailability measures the degree to which any substance reaches its destination or where it is required in the body. So it is essential to be aware of this &quot;efficiency of delivery&quot; and how the actual protein sources taken ultimately achieve their intended purpose.

It is possible that two similar diets could contain exactly the same amount of particular amino acids (the amino acid profile) but have differences in absorption in the body.

The most reliable way to deliver specific amino acids is to consume the actual amino acids themselves. The most bioavailable source for oral use is powdered free form amino acids. Just how quickly can amino acids reach their target sites in the body?

Well, the blood plasma levels of a single unbonded amino acid taken orally can be raised in as little as 15 minutes reaching the site it is needed efficiently.

<B>Amino Acid Supplements ? Do they work?</B>

Over the fifteen or so years I have been reading the bodybuilding and fitness magazines it has always seemed natural to see advertisements for the latest &quot;breakthrough&quot; bodybuilding supplement.

You have seen the sensational claims, the clinical studies and the celebrity endorsements? it all seems so, well, predictable.

<B>You expect to take these &quot;sure fire&quot; products with a pinch of salt...</B>

But, the amino acid supplements, well these always fell well under my B.S radar? to be honest I always thought these had some merit. I mean, pretty much any newbie bodybuilder can tell you that amino acids make up protein? and well, protein is what muscles are made of, right?

So, when it came to researching amino acids for top-bodybuilding-supplements.com, I thought it would be a case of getting hold of the latest proven studies showing a clear link between amino acid supplementation and increased muscle growth and reduced muscle breakdown following exercise? done deal!

Its true, 'free-form amino acid' supplements are popular and even make up a proportion of protein powder mixes and other meal replacement type drinks. The BCAA caps and powders are also popular.

These supplements contain a lot of nitrogen and this is widely thought to lead to nitrogen retention by the body. In turn, nitrogen retention is understood to enhance the synthesis of proteins by cells and therefore promote muscle growth.

The amino acid supplements available to athletes and bodybuilders claim either to increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH) release or replenish protein depleted from muscles during exercise, thus preventing muscle breakdown.

<B>Lets have a look at the evidence.</B>

It is true that supplementing with certain amino acids can cause the release of HGH? the real question you should be interested in though, is exactly how much of this HGH release will result in muscle growth! A simple distinction, but we will see that it may influence whether you decide to supplement with amino acids?

Here are the results of three separate and independent studies carried out at different times, by different researchers?

The first study: Arginine and Ornithine were taken by subjects in doses of up to 20g per day. Of these, only 1 in 10 experienced any elevation of HGH levels and only minor increases in HGH occurred.

Study 2 showed that taking 1.2 grams (approx 5 x 250mg capsules) of arginine pyroglutamate and the same amount of Lysine, between meals did produce HGH release? but there was no consequent muscle building effect.

Study 3 found that supplementing with Ornithine did promote HGH secretion ? but the quantities of amino acids required made all the subjects sick and...

No muscle growth resulted from the HGH release. I was surprised by these findings? until I remembered that HGH release can be caused by all sorts of factors? a nap, eating, stress, well quite a lot of things actually.

Basically, there are far cheaper ways to stimulate HGH release. But are we missing the point here? The best use and major reason for amino acid supplementation may well be the role they can play in preventing muscle breakdown and in post workout recovery.

Even if they cannot stimulate significant muscle gains, surely if amino acid supplementation prevents the breakdown of muscle tissue during and following exercise then the overall effect is the same? that ultimately you will retain more muscle mass training with amino acids than without.

We say 'retain' because the natural process we all know that results in muscle growth is hypertrophy, literally the breaking down and rebuilding of the existing muscle tissue. Taking one step backwards and two steps forward! If we can somehow reduce the 'back-step' to a minimum, more progress will be made overall?

But what are the best sources of amino acids for assistance in the recovery process? We only have to look at the body's preferred source of muscle fuel to find out! Glycogen stores are the primary food for muscle tissues? but what happens if these stores run low or are depleted during intense exercise?

The next best source of fuel is the Branched-Chain-Amino-Acids (BCAAs)? these are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine? which help rebuild muscle tissue during and after exercise and are a source of fuel for the muscles also.

So? perhaps if we supplemented with BCAAs, there will be less breakdown of the muscle tissue during and after exercise?

This is exactly what the clinical studies show? It has been shown that supplementing with BCAAs (circa 30% Leucine) before or during endurance training can reduce or eliminate protein breakdown in the muscles.

Another study, relevant to strength trainers showed how weight training can reduce blood plasma Leucine levels by up to 30%... but if Leucine supplements (3 grams per day (12 x 250 mg caps) are taken together with a moderate protein intake of little more than 1 gram protein per Kilogram of bodyweight? there was no decline in blood plasma levels of BCAAs.

<B>So what does this all mean?</B>

It is true that you can get all your daily requirements of BCAAs from good quality protein sources, chicken, tuna, skim milk and eggs? so why bother to supplement separately with BCAA caps?

Although BCAA supplements are relatively cheap, it would seem far more cost effective to pack a brown bag meal with high protein sandwiches for your post workout meal?

There is a downside to this approach however, which is the bioavailability of the amino acids in your meal. Not only will you not necessarily feel like a meal straight after your workout but the digestive process will take between one and two hours for the amino acids to be released from the meal and available for repair and re-growth.

So, perhaps the ideal is to take a whey protein shake after your workouts to replace BCAAs burned up during training? as the amino acid profile of some of the current whey protein powders is ideal for fast absorption. And if you are dedicated, the ideal would be to take glutamine powder before and during the workout to prevent stores being depleted.

Also, bear in mind that the body will only burn up BCAAs if your muscle Glycogen stores are running on empty! So this means if your pre-workout meals are well planned ie high in carbs? then BCAAs will be less in demand during training.

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With top articles on bodybuilding weightloss, bodybuilding protein, safe creatine use and new bodybuilding supplements reviews.

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Vitamin E to Protect Against Parkinsons Disease

Moderate amounts of vitamin E in the diet can protect against Parkinson's disease, according to a study in the Lancet Neurology (2005;4:362?5).

A chronic, progressive neurological disease, Parkinson's disease is characterized by resting tremors, increasing muscle rigidity, and eventual paralysis. The cause is unknown, but a number of factors, including age, genetics, and environmental influences are believed to affect risk. Drugs can help relieve the symptoms and might slow the progress of the disease, but cannot cure it.

Highly reactive free radicals appear to play an important role in the nerve damage that occurs in Parkinson's disease patients. Antioxidants (such as vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, zinc, and plant chemicals known as bioflavonoids) are nutrients that prevent free radicals from injuring cells. Several studies have looked at the effects of dietary antioxidants on the risk of Parkinson's disease.

The current report analyzed the research on the possible link between the risk of Parkinson's disease and dietary intake of three antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Eight studies were found to meet the criteria of this analysis, and of these, seven looked at the effect of vitamin E on the risk of Parkinson's disease, seven looked at vitamin C, and four looked at beta-carotene. The studies used questionnaires to approximate the amounts of these antioxidants in the participants' diets and supplements. For this analysis, intake was categorized as high if it was within the top 20 to 25% of people's diets and moderate if it was in the middle 50 to 60%. Moderate and high dietary intake of vitamin E were associated with a 19% reduction in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, but no protective effects of either vitamin C or beta-carotene were seen. High intake of vitamin E was slightly more protective than moderate intake, but this difference was not statistically significant.

The findings of this analysis show that eating a diet rich in <a target="_new" href="http://www.vitaminherbuniversity.com/topic.asp?categoryid=1&topicid=1009">Vitamin E</a> can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Foods with high amounts of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, other vegetable oils, and avocados. Despite their high fat content, it's important for people to understand that these foods are an important part of a healthy diet.

It is important to note that at least one study suggested that synthetic vitamin E (the most common and least expensive form used in supplements) is unlikely to provide the same benefit as vitamin E in its natural form because of its reduced activity and possible reduced ability to reach the brain tissue.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.vitaminherbuniversity.com">Vitamin Herb University</a> is the premier online course and informational resource for dietary supplements, supplement reviews, vitamin information, herb information, and drug herb interaction.

More Complete Arthritis Supplement

People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the aging process', but sometimes the pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and over 100 other forms of arthritis so intolerable, prompting people to look for effective treatment.

Prescription drugs such as VIOXX, Bextra and Celebrex (arthritic painkillers) - and many other COX-2 inhibitors widely used for arthritic treatment - have been investigated following studies into their negative cardiovascular side effects. VIOXX alone has been linked to around 140,000 cases of coronary heart disease in the US since 1999.

More and more people look for alternative solutions for arthritis pain and more and more people are buying the combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSN, as studies have shown that Glucosamine and Chondroitin help in the repair and maintenance of cartilage.

Both inflammation and oxidative stress function are primary degenerative mechanisms in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. While researchers believe that glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth and chondroitin provides cartilage with strength and resilience, specific amino acids is also need for overall impact.

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up protein. Vitamins and minerals will not perform their specific functions effectively if the necessary amino acids are not present.

Three amino acids are critical to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory functions: cysteine, glutathione, and taurine.

Cysteine influences the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), which plays an important role in the inflammatory response by influencing the production of phagocytes.

Taurine acts as a specific scavenger for the hypochlorite ion, a free radical. Adequate levels of taurine naturally limit the degree of inflammation. When taurine is low, the inflammatory response is enhanced, commonly resulting in oxidative stress reactions.

Other amino acid imbalances may also impact the etiology of osteoarthritis - particularly methionine metabolism. Normally, B12 and folate are necessary for the body to metabolize homocysteine to methionine, the essential amino acid the body needs to produce S-adenosylmethionine. Numerous clinical trials have shown that S-adenosylmethionine can greatly reduce degenerative damage and symptoms of osteoarthritis in some patients, including related depression.

Imbalances of amino acids may also signal key deficiencies of vitamins and minerals integral to the musculoskeletal system. Experimental studies show that impaired cartilage structure can be induced by a vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 triggers the transformation of the amino acid homocysteine to cystathionine and then to cysteine and its urinary metabolites.

Not all amino acids are same. Amino acids can be derived from a variety of sources, including plants, meats, fish and cartilage.

For arthritis treatment, the most compatible amino acid source is animal cartilage, including porcine, borvine cartilages and young chicken keel. Joint TLC is one of such products (www.holistictlc.com) that combines chondroitin, glucosamine and essential amino acids that promotes joint health, but this combination is still rare as most still use MSN in the place of cartilage derived amino acids, as MSN, for the marketer, is less expensive.

References:

1 Bradley JD, Flusser D, Katz BP, Schumacher HR Jr, Brandt KD, Chambers MA, Zonay LJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of intravenous loading with S-adenosyltmethionine (SAM) followed by oral SAM therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 1994;21(5):905-11.

2 Barcelo HA, Wiemeyer JC, Sagasta CL, Macias M, Barreira JC. Experimental osteoarthritis and its course when treated with S-adenosyl-L-methionine. [Spanish} Rev Clin Esp 1990;187(20:74-78.

3 Konig B. A long-term (two years) clinical trial with S-adenosylmethionine for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Am J Med 1987;83(5A):89-94.

4 Baldessarini RJ. Neuropharmacology of S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Am J Med 1987;83(5A):95-103.

5 di Padova C. S-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Review of the clinical studies. Am J Med 1987;83(5A):60-5.

6 Flynn MA, Irvin W, Krause G. The effect of folate and cobalamin on osteoarthritic hands. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13(4):351-6.

7 McCarty MF. The neglect of glucosamine as a treatment for osteoarthritis--a personal perspective. Med Hypotheses 1994;42(5):323-7.

8 Masse PG, Ziv I, Cole DE, Mahuren JD, Donovan SM, Yamauchi M, Howell DS. A cartilage matrix deficiency experimentally induced by vitamin B6 deficiency. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1998;217(1):97-103.

James Well consults to nutrition industry, specializing in Diet, Energy, Libido and Diabetes care and other related holistic products. He directs a research lab facility among other projects.

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - Methoxyisoflavone

Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market. Methoxyisoflavone is a non-hormonal anabolic compound that has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, increase protein synthesis and improve recovery from exercise.

During tests that led to the issuing of a patent for methoxyisoflavone the following findings were noted:

1. It was found to be more anabolic than anabolic steroids without any of the side effects.

2. It increased lean body mass significantly within 30 days while producing no androgenic effect.

3. Cortisol levels were reduced and nitrogen levels increased considerably.

Flavones can be safely taken by men and women who want to boost their lean muscle gains without risking the hazards associated with taking anabolic steroids. A dose of 400-800 mg can be taken daily, split over two doses. Its effects can be enhanced by taking it with protein due to the ability of protein to force nutrients into muscle cells.

Methoxy can also be stacked safely with ZMA to maximise testosterone gains, or ecdysterone to increase protein synthesis, maintain a positive nitrogen balance and keep the body in an anabolic state.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the <a target="_new" href="http://bodybuildingadvisor.com">bodybuildingadvisor.com</a> website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.bodybuildingadvisor.com/index.html">Bodybuilding Advice</a> to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

The Real Truth About Supplements

Not All Supplements are Created Equal. There are more supplements available than I would care to count and keep track of. So what is the biggest difference between all the different supplements? In my world you can divide all supplements into two categories:

1. Whole Food Supplements
2. Chemically Manufactured Supplements

If you follow along with the supplement news you will know that they are always discovering a new vitamin, a new cofactor, a new mineral, a new this or that. Now let me ask you a question, is it really "new" or did man just discover it. Of course, man has just discovered the importance of it.

Nature is great. She provides everything we need in nature. Or said another way, these new vitamins, minerals, cofactors and other newly discovered essential minerals are already found in nature in whole foods. Even if we don't know about them yet nature has always had them in our food. So when whole food supplements are made they already have and have always had all these newly discovered ingredients. Now let me ask you a question. If we as humans just discovered something, do you think the chemically manufactured supplements have this newly discovered thing in it? NOPE! The only place to get all the cofactors, minerals and essential nutrients before we know about them is whole food supplements.

A perfect example is Vitamin C. Everyone says vitamin c is the same thing as ascorbic acid. That is like saying an egg shell is the same things as an entire egg. They are completely different. Ascorbic acid is only the "shell" around what is the rest of Vitamin C. But when most people manufacture Vitamin C, they just manufacture the shell or what is ascorbic acid. Whole foods have then entire "inside" of every nutrient the whole foods supplements are supplying.

You can get good vitamin and mineral sources, or you can get cheap, not so good, imitation vitamins with parts missing. Which one do you think will be better for you? Of course, the ones that are whole, complete, and have everything your body needs to build itself healthy and strong again.

This means if you are going to take supplements, make sure you get them from a good source. If the supplements are really cheap, well, you usually get what you pay for. One of the best sources I have ever found is a company called Standard Process. www.standardprocess.com The only problem with them is you cannot buy them yourself. You have to go through some doctor or other health care professional. I get nothing to recommend these supplements to you, that is how much I like them.

There are other good lines of supplements as well. LifePak? by Pharmanex is also a great option. You can find out how to get these and other supplements at my website <a target="_New" href="http://www.bazuji.com">www.bazuji.com</a>.

Tips to actually help make it easy for you to eat healthy is something I also share with you and more in my free e-course that this article is a part of. Go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.HealthyEatingDiet.com">http://www.HealthyEatingDiet.com</a> to get the full e-course. Dr. Jamie wants to help give you Permanent Results with his "non-diet." He is also giving you dozens of valuable free gifts to "ethically bribe" you into helping him make his new book, "The Ultimate Non-Diet" a #1 best seller. For details on the book go to: <a target="_new" href="http://www.TheUltimateNonDiet.com/free">http://www.TheUltimateNonDiet.com/free</a>

What Can Muscle Milk Do For Me?

As the name suggests, muscle milk is a supplement that is rich in the proteins necessary for ultimate muscle growth and fitness. Essentially having its beginnings in the composition of human mother's milk after much research muscle milk emerges as a much-improved version.

There are many protein sources available besides muscle milk. Extensive research concerning muscle milk protein, however, indicates that the ingredients in muscle milk have vastly superior advantages for athletes. Muscle milk is capable of increasing muscle growth faster due to increased muscle synthesis.

Because of this muscle milk gained importance among the body building fraternity as muscle milk protein aids with tissue growth and repair. An intake of muscle milk protein ensures that the body receives the building blocks it requires for producing amino acids. These acids from muscle milk are necessary for strong muscle tissue and enhanced natural body healing.

This valuable effect of muscle milk protein means a decrease in the time spent recovering from muscle injuries and strains. The anti-inflammatory effects of muscle milk allows for longer training periods with shorter recovery time, while taking muscle milk.

The precursory effects achieved through muscle milk intake replenish protein levels, which are quickly lost during a workout. Muscle milk protein balances blood sugar levels thus minimising the urge to overeat. Energy obtained through food intake is properly utilized by muscle milk and blood sugar fluctuations are minimised by muscle milk protein.

While muscle milk is relatively low in lactose and fats, muscle milk contains calories with engineered lipids, which promote leanness while quickly building and strengthening muscle. These calories in muscle milk provide athletes with the increased energy necessary for a workout. Importantly, muscle milk achieves this while leaving the minimum of fatty deposits within the body. The muscle milk formula can boost the immune system because muscle milk protein contains ingredients in all the correct quantities for optimal system performance.

The muscle milk protein in muscle milk plays an antioxidant role while enhancing hormonal and cellular responses. The side effects of muscle milk are minimal as long as the proper dosage instructions of muscle milk protein intake are followed. Muscle milk allows for more energy to be retained in the body, freeing up the protein and amino acids for utilization at higher levels of muscle growth and function. The mineral retention necessary for muscular contraction is further enhanced by muscle milk protein, increasing flexibility of motion.

Muscle milk contains a complex combination of proteins, peptides and certain amino acids. When muscle milk is taken at least 30 minutes before a strenuous workout muscle milk floods the system with muscle milk protein, growth nutrients and acid buffering agents. The natural production of creatine is enhanced by muscle milk, resulting in efficient energy production and strength when taking muscle milk.

Muscle growth is increased dramatically by muscle milk, as is fat metabolism and muscle synthesis. A supplement of muscle milk protein has distinct advantages for athletes wanting to build muscle quickly while increasing fitness levels. Muscle milk's complete health enhancing abilities makes muscle milk protein an excellent choice for anyone.

Copyright 2005 Health-Focus Providing Resources on Health and Nutrition

<a target="_new" href="http://www.health-focus.biz/health/muscle-milk/muscle-milk">Muscle Milk Resources</a>

Building Muscle Power Through Vitamins and Minerals

The muscles of the body actually depend heavily on the vitamins, minerals as well as on the other nutrients that we take in so as to ensure that they're always well taken care of. Consciously taking care of your body through the proper exercise, a well-balanced diet and a stress-free mind all contribute greatly towards keeping healthy and building a good set of muscles.

Muscles actually serve a far more important physical function apart from making fit people look good as well as the ability to lift heavy objects. Actually unknown to most people, the heart is the most important muscle of the body, as it runs the circulatory system. Our muscles help keep our internal organs in place and gives us the ability to perform each and every movement we make, from chewing and swallowing to controlling our bladder to sitting, standing and walking. Healthy muscles are essential to our day-to-day lives. Several vitamins and minerals actually work well together in keeping us fit and having stronger muscles.

Such vitamins and minerals that contribute to this are potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus which all greatly work together in making sure that our muscles are able to contract smoothly and effectively, as they should. This is, of course, essential to keeping the heart beating in a regular and efficient fashion. It is also important to take note that while the heart is the most important muscle in the body, each and every muscle in a person's body deserves to be treated with equal importance and care since they work as a group.

Vitamin C is highly essential to the health and performance of muscles because it works alongside potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus in their muscle regulation tasks. Vitamin C is also necessary to the formation of collagen and elastin, which are important connective tissues of the body that helps build muscle structure. Vitamin C is also responsible for the well-being of the blood vessels, which support the muscles need for oxygen and nutrients.

Naturally, as with most of the important processes and systems of the body, the vitamins that make up the powerful and essential Vitamin B complex have a role in the health and function of the muscles. In fact, deficiencies in the B vitamins can even lead to all sorts of muscle problems, including a lack of muscle coordination. The B vitamins are greatly responsible for the creation of the red blood cells that support the entire body.

Proper nutrition is a good way to ensure that one's muscles have what they need to function efficiently and to be strong. Daily exercise also plays an important role in muscle health and strength and should never be left out of any endurance strengthening health plans. Exercise is what actually helps the body to stay in shape and helping keep the jiggling flabs away. But before you start rushing to the nearest gym and start picking up the various exercise equipments there, it is highly important to note that even though it's a good thing that you're actually on your way to improving your health.

One must not be a brash, eager beaver. From zero exercise to lifting 50 pound weights can cause your muscle to tear and ache. You probably won't even be able to get up from bed the following day. Have patience that even though the road to good health is still a long way to go for a beginner like you, it's highly commendable that you've made the conscious decision to actually get there.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: <a target="_new" href="http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/">http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/</a> or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: <a target="_new" href="http://www.besthealthlink.net/">http://www.besthealthlink.net/</a>

Antioxidants Nutrients Have Powerful Anti-Cancer Activity!

Antioxidants . . . The Nutrients Boost The Immune System and Have Powerful Anti-Cancer Activity . . .

Health and nutrition experts have increasingly come to recognize the value of taking a synergistic blend of potent antioxidants, the cancer-fighting, health-promoting nutrients that help boost the immune system naturally. Heres a summary of major antioxidants that should be considered for daily intake . . .

Researchers analyzed data from the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET). They focused on blood samples from 278 subjects with prostate cancer and 483 matched subjects without cancer. They analyzed blood levels of several carotenoids, including lutein vitamin A and vitamin E (alpha and gamma tocopherols), then identified correlations between those levels and the risk of lung and prostate cancer.

Results: In the overall population, the highest intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol were associated with a significantly lower risk

of lung cancer. Women with the highest blood levels of lutein, zeaxanth in and beta-cryptoxanthin had the lowest risk of developing lung cancer.

The risk reduction associated with these nutrients was 69% for lutein zeaxanthin. Men with the highest blood levels of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) were 41% less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Firstly, for a good, all-around antioxidant boost, everyone can benefit from daily vitamin C, vitamin E, and Selenium.

Vitamin C

What It Does:

May protect against GI (gastro-intestinal) cancers, cataracts, and heart disease; reduces severity of colds. Optimizes vitamin E utilization.

Best Food Sources:

Fruits and vegetables (eg., strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, dark leafy green, red peppers).

Suggested Dose:

500 to 1,000 mg. (or more) a day. Best taken with meals.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E comes in two forms: tocoperols (the most common form of the vitamin) and tocotrienols. Take a vitamin E supplement to assure youre getting optimum tocopherol levels. Less is known about the tocotrienols; research is ongoing.

What It Does:

Tocopherols may protect against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimers, and certain cancers; they may also enhance immunity. Tocotrienols may

fight heart disease and breast cancer; may also protect skin against the suns UV rays.

Best Food Sources:

Tocopherols: Nuts and vegetable oils have a small amount. Tocotrienols: Rice bran. Supplements are beneficial to supply a therapeutic dose of these vital vitamin compounds.

Suggested Dose
Tocopherols: 400 to 800 IU of natural vitamin E a day, preferably as mixe d tocopherols; best taken with meals.

Selenium

What It Does:

Protects against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Assists other antioxidants to function at optimum levels.

Best Food Sources:

Brazil nuts, grains, vegetables (selenium content varies depending on the

soil produce is grown in.)

Suggested Dose:

100 to 200 mcg. a day; avoid higher daily doses, which may be toxic. Take with meals to help boost absorption.

Coenzyme Q10

What It Does:

May fight cancer and heart disease; strengthens gums; protects nerves; helps generate energy, naturally.

Where Its Found and Specific Food Sources:

Present in all cells of the body, especially in the heart. Also found in

nuts and oils, but supplementation is required to get a therapeutic dose.

Suggested Dose:

At least 30 mg. a day. CoQ10 is particularly important for anyone who has heart disease. In addition, anyone taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, such as Mevacor (lovastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), or Zocor (simvastatin) should take CoQ10 because these drugs deplete the bodys store of Coenzyme.

Alpha-Lipolc Acid

What It Does:

May protect against heart disease, cataracts, stroke, cancer, and diabetes-related nerve damage. May also help boost critical glutathione levels.

Best Food Sources:

Found in tiny amounts in some foods (eg., spinach, beef, potatoes).

Suggested Dose

100 mg. a day with food. For people with diabetes, 200 mg. three times aday.

These Additional Antioxidants May Also Be Beneficial To Your Health.

Other antioxidants that may be worth including in your antioxidant mix depending on your individual health concerns are carotenoids, ginkgo biloba, and proanthocyanidins. Glutathione, an amino-acid like antioxidant, is very important for immunity and proper liver function . Taking these additional antioxidants boosts your bodys natural production of valuable glutathione.

Carotenoids
What They Do:
May lower your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Best Food Sources:

Orange and red fruits and vegetables; dark green vegetables.

Suggested Dose:

If diet is lacking in fruits and vegetables: Take mixed carotenoids supplying 25,000 IU of vitamin A activity a day.

Ginkgo Biloba

What It Does:

Improves circulation; may fight heart disease, Alzheimers, impotence.

Where Its Found:

Extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree.

Suggested Dose

30 to 60 mg., of extract (equivalent 250 mg. - 500 mg. of whole herb) once or twice a day, with or without food.

Proanthocyanidins (Grape Seed Extract / Pine Bark Extract / Berry, Fruit Extracts)

What It Does:

Boosts bodys production of vitamins C and E and glutathione.

Where Its Found:

Extracted from grape seeds, berry extracts or pine bark (such as Pycnogenol).

Suggested Dose

30 to 200 mg. a day.

SOURCES / REFERENCES:

<a href="http://www.essential-supplements.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/466?osCsid=b2b49a8d05be63a19222a33c11edfaef"> The Doctors Complete Guide To Vitamins and Minerals</a>

/ Eades, M.D.

<a href="http://www.essential-supplements.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/48/products_id/464">The Nutrition Desk Reference</a> / Garrison, Jr., M.A., R.Ph. & Somer, M.A., R.D.

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2003;2003:518-526.

Roger Jirves is an authorized dealer of the Vitamin Power line natural nutrition-science products. <a href="http://www.essential-supplements.com/vitamax.htm"> Antioxidant Vitamins, Minerals and other Anti-Aging Nutrients . . . </a>

Why Is Thiamin So Important?

What Is Thiamin?

Known as Vitamin B1, thiamin was the very first B-Vitamin discovered. As an integral part of the B-complex spectrum of vitamins, thiamin is primarily involved in energy metabolism ? turning foods into a useable energy source for the body, known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). All of the B-vitamins work together to produce ATP, and each different vitamin is also involved in more specific aspects of the human body. Thiamin helps support healthy nerves and a healthy heart, is involved in positively influencing mood, and is also now considered useful for soothing heartburn.

How does Thiamin Work?

Besides playing an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein, thiamin is also necessary to maintaining heart health. The human heart pumps blood in and out of its chambers numerous times a day, feeding blood through vessels to the various parts of the human body ? it is the hardest working organ in the human body. Regular daily intake of Thiamin is essential to people suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) because it has been shown to improve the heart's &quot;pumping power.&quot; Thiamin has been found in very low levels in those people with CHF. Long term use of diuretic drugs, which are often prescribed to CHF patients, deplete the body's storage of Thiamin. One study of CHF patients on diuretics showed that taking at least 200 mg. of Thiamin each day for 6 weeks improved the heart's pumping power by 22%.

Not only does Thiamin help support a healthy working heart, it also helps promote healthy nerve function throughout the body. Although there are a number of diseases that affect nerve health, diabetics especially suffer from nerve damage, if the disease is uncontrolled, resulting in a numbing of the extremities, usually detected first as a tingling in the hands and/or feet. Thiamin may be used to support overall nerve health, ultimately minimizing numbness and tingling and helping to protect against this condition.

Often recommended by health professionals for mood disorders, the intake of Thiamin to boost mood is valuable, even when the vitamin is not deficient in the body. One study of a group of college-age women who were not deficient in Thiamin reported improved mood, energy and alertness after just 2 months of taking 50 mg. of Thiamin a day. And yet another study showed that taking 10 mg. of thiamin each day for 3 months improved energy levels in the elderly, along with lowered blood pressure, healthy weight loss and an improved quality of sleep. Recent reports claim that Thiamin may be helpful in treating the memory-loss associated with Alzheimer's disease, although this has not yet been fully proven.

Like all of the B-complex Vitamins, the body requires a steady dose of Thiamin each day to function at optimal levels because it is water-soluble. Deficiency can have a negative effect on mood, including increased irritability and depression, as well as result in increased muscle fatigue. Severe deficiency results in a condition known as beriberi, resulting in nerve damage, muscle loss, loss of mental abilities, paralysis and eventually death. Since Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin, any excess that is taken in and not used by the body, will simply be excreted in the urine, so toxicity is not a concern.

Thiamin is commonly added back to milled foods marketed (as &quot;enriching&quot;) to prevent deficiency. Thiamin is found specifically in enriched grain products, dried bean, nuts & seeds, lean pork and whole grains. It is important to be aware that drinking diuretics, such as coffee, tea, or soda, can deplete Thiamin levels so it is important to drink those in moderation, or be sure to take extra Thiamin.

Robert Nelson is a Nutrition Staff Writer for Super Vitamin Power, Distributors of the Vitamin Power line of nutritional products. All of the products needed for optimal health can be found at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.supervitaminpower.com">http://www.supervitaminpower.com</a>

Vitamin E ? Just the Facts, Ma?am

It is important to understand that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being and should do whatever is necessary to maintain our health and assist our bodies in resisting and fighting disease. Since health practitioners agree that vitamins are essential for life and health, we must ensure that we receive adequate amounts for our bodies to function properly and to protect us from illnesses. Vitamin E is one of the vitamins to which we should pay particular attention.

A vitamin is an organic substance essential for life that regulates metabolism and assists the processes that release energy from digested food. Vitamin E, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, assists in strengthening our immune systems and helps protect us from a variety of problems as well as several serious illnesses. This vitamin can be obtained from food or supplements.

There are two kinds of vitamins and both are needed by the body. Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored within the body in fatty tissue. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that cannot be stored and the excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins ? with the exception of vitamin A ? are measured in international units (IUs), and studies by the U.S. government's National Institute on Aging have shown that at least 200 IUs daily of vitamin E are needed to garner any significant benefits from taking this vitamin.

How Does It Help?

? Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissue against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that usually contain oxygen and can interaction with DNA and other molecules leading to an impaired cell function. Vitamin E, one of the chemical compounds that prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds, neutralizes free radicals, and is, therefore, one of the body's natural defenses against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

? Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K. Vitamin E improves circulation, is necessary in the repair of tissue, promotes normal blood clotting and healing, and can reduce scarring, too.

? Women find it useful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast.

? Older adults take it to help reduce blood pressure, relax leg cramps, help prevent cataracts, and, perhaps, to assist in reducing age spots.

? Vitamin E also helps prevent anemia, maintains healthy nerves and muscles, and promotes healthy skin and hair.

Where Do We Find It?

Food sources of vitamin E are nuts (e.g., almonds), sunflower seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains (e.g., wheat germ), olives, legumes, and dark and leafy vegetable (e.g., asparagus and spinach). There are also significant quantities of this vitamin in such foods as brown rice, cornmeal, eggs, kelp, milk, and organ meats. Some herb vitamin E sources are alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, flax, nettle, and rose hips.

Vitamin E, like all other vitamins, is not only available from food sources, but also as a supplement. It can be purchased in the form of a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid, and as a powder that can be mixed with water or juice or added to gels or bars. It can also be administered by injection. Read labels carefully so that you purchase only those supplements that have been extracted from a natural food source and have no harmful additives included. A proper balance of vitamins are needed in the body because they work in synergy, or cooperative action, and high doses of one vitamin can induce a depletion of another. You can take vitamin E safely in a one a day multivitamin, or as single vitamin supplement if you wish to take an amount higher than is included in a multivitamin. Visit a vitamin store and watch for the opportunity to purchase your vitamins at a discount.

How Much Do We Need?

The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your age, your weight, and the problems you are trying to solve or prevent. Remember that supplements should be taken daily, and should be taken with food so that you will receive other nutrients to assist in their assimilation. Keep your supplements in a cool, dark place to protect their potency, and take them as part of your mealtime routine:

? To maintain good health, you should take a minimum amount of 200 IUs daily.

? To help lower raised cholesterol levels, especially in young adults, take 300 to 600 IUs daily.

? For reducing menopausal symptoms, take 400 IUs daily.

? To help combat coronary artery disease and poor circulation, take 400 IUs daily.

Be Careful:

It is important to understand the different functions of vitamins if you are going to ingest them separately instead of within a multivitamin where the formulation will ensure a proper balance. In the case of vitamin E, there are a variety of concerns of which you should be aware:

? Vitamin E should be taken under medical supervision if you are also taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulant medication). Vitamin E acts as a blood thinner, too.

? Remember that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and since it will be stored in the body in fatty tissue, it can reach toxic levels. People who decide to take mega-doses of vitamins and don't know what they're doing can suffer from too much of a good thing with this vitamin. If you are taking a multivitamin supplement and a separate vitamin E supplement, make sure you are not taking a toxic dose. Anything over 1200 IUs should not be taken without consulting a health professional.

? Be careful if you take iron as well as vitamin E. These two supplements should be taken at different times of the day because iron in the form of ferrous sulfate will destroy vitamin E. Organic forms of iron such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, however, will not harm the vitamin. Read the label and make sure you know which form of iron you are taking.

? Diabetics, people with overactive thyroids, and those with rheumatic heart diseases should be especially careful not to take more than recommended dosages of vitamin E.

? If you suffer from high blood pressure, begin with 200 IUs of vitamin E per day and gradually increase the dose over a period of six weeks until you reach the desired level.

? If you are taking vitamin E, you must also take a minimum dose of zinc as well, and some supplements will include the necessary amount of zinc in the Vitamin E tablet or capsule.

Vitamin E is an important element in our arsenal of disease-battling nutrients, and there is an increasing lack of vitamin E in our diets because of our dependence on processed food and the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Fortunately, supplements allow us to obtain whatever amount of vitamin E we need to keep us healthy.

About the Author:

Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing tips to consumers about <a href="http://best-vitamins-online.com/index.html" target="_blank">vitamins</a>, <a href="http://best-vitamins-online.com/multivitamins.html" target="_blank">multivitamins</a>, and <a href="http://best-vitamins-online.com/herb-vitamins" target="_blank">herb vitamins</a>.

Vitamin A ? The Glow-in-the-dark Vitamin

The ancient Egyptians had a cure for "night blindness". They fed the patient lots and lots of liver. Perhaps they thought they were appeasing the Gods of sight. In 1930, the first fat-soluble vitamin was discovered - vitamin A - which, it turns out, does indeed appease the Gods of sight.

Vitamin A is best known for improving eyesight, particularly at night, which is one of two reasons we call it the glow-in-the-dark vitamin. But the eyes are not the only part of your body grateful for your generous consumption of vitamin A.

Your skin also benefits. And your hair. And mucous membranes. And nails. In fact, almost any surface lining your body can find.

Your immune system benefits, too, giving you added resources to ward off infections. Bones and teeth are strengthened with proper amounts of vitamin A, and even the risk of some cancers can be reduced with vitamin A.

And there are more confirmed and suspected benefits.

The other reason we call Vitamin A the glow-in-the-dark vitamin is because it is best known as the bright orange color in so many foods we enjoy. Like pumpkins, pumpkin pie and my favorite: pumpkin cheesecake ( see my recipe at <a href="http://www.thehappyguy.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe.html" target="_new">http://www.thehappyguy.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe.html</a> ). And, of course, carrots, squash, peaches, apricots, cantaloupe, mangoes, sweet potatoes and the rest of the orange-spangled veggie gang.

But again, vitamin A is much more than meets the eye, because it is not actually vitamin A that turns the fruit and vegetables orange, but a precursor to vitamin A called beta carotene. Beta carotene does not become vitamin A until your body processes it.

And vitamin A is just as likely, if not more so, to come from protein sources such as most dairy products, egg yolks and some fish. And the queen of all vitamin A sources is liver, that ancient Egyptian God of sight. Calves liver. Chicken liver. Pork liver. Any liver you can sink your teeth into.

The vitamin A in protein sources is real vitamin A, no processing required.

Other great sources of vitamin A are dark green vegetables, such as Swiss chard, broccoli, spinach and beet greens.

As important as it is to glow with vitamin A, don't glow too brightly. An overdose can be harmful to bones and skin, causing weakness and brittleness, even leading to fatigue and vomiting.

It is advisable not to take a vitamin A supplement except under the supervision of a physician. In most cases, it is much better to take a liquid multivitamin such as Essential Nectar in recommended daily doses. There is very little chance of getting an overdose that way.

Also, increase your intake of beta carotene sources to avoid an overdose. Whereas your body absorbs all the vitamin A it takes in directly, it converts only the beta carotene it needs (talk about customization!).

So get glowing and get the vitamin A you need.

About The Author

David Leonhardt runs The Liquid Vitamin Supplements Store: <a href="http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net" target="_new">http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net</a>

Learn more about vitamin A: <a href="http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net/vitamins/vitamin-a.html" target="_new">http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net/vitamins/vitamin-a.html</a>

<a href="mailto:Info@thehappyguy.com">Info@thehappyguy.com</a>

Vitamins for Smokers

Numerous studies and surveys have consistently shown that a majority of adults frequently eat foods that contain too little vitamin B-6 and vitamin E. We consume far too many calories, and too much total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Women frequently eat too little folic acid, iron, calcium, and zinc. This is why it is so important to take a multi-vitamin daily.

The basic nutritional needs of men and women who smoke are similar to those who don't use tobacco. However, conclusive evidence exists that smokers need much more antioxidant nutrients than non-smokers.

Essentially, smokers need antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), and vitamin E. It was once believed that beta-carotene was an attribute for non-smokers, but recent clinical studies have found that beta-carotene can actually be harmful to smokers' health. Beta-carotene can be found in most multi-vitamins and an excess of beta-carotene is risky for good nutritional health. If you are a smoker and going to take a multi-vitamin, be sure it doesn't list beta-carotene as one of the ingredients.

Too many smokers have inadequate intakes of antioxidants. Smokers are reported to consume lower quantities of antioxidant nutrients than nonsmokers. Antioxidant nutrients have protective roles with regard to cancer, heart disease, cataract formation, cognitive (mind) dysfunction, and other diseases. Researches believe there is a balance between antioxidant protectors and components that promote oxidation in the body. This balance seems to be related to health or disease. Some components of cigarette smoke promote oxidation that provides high levels of oxidant stress. Free radicals, which also promote oxidation, are derived from tobacco. Cigarette smoke has been estimated to contain 1,000,000,000,000,000 free radicals per inhalation. These free radicals can oxidize the fat components of the body and this is quite harmful.

For instance, cigarette smokers have lower vitamin C (natural antioxidant) intakes and plasma vitamin C levels than nonsmokers. The incidence of cancer, heart disease, and cataracts is lower in populations that have high intakes of fruits or leafy green vegetables, all replete with vitamin C. Smokers who ate foods containing more than 200 mg vitamin C daily had serum vitamin C levels equivalent to those of nonsmokers who consumed 60 mg or more of the vitamin, according to a recent national survey. The most recent edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances recommends that regular cigarette smokers take in at least 100 mg of vitamin C daily. Smokers have been found to have higher levels of vitamin C in the lung tissues than nonsmokers. This clearly reflects a positive defense mechanism against the free radical species from cigarette smoke.

Studies have found that smokers have a 30 percent lower vitamin C level than nonsmokers. Researchers believe that nicotine may interfere with vitamin C absorption. Nicotine boosts metabolic rate, therefore increasing the rate that vitamin C is metabolized. Individuals who smoke need 100 milligrams of vitamin C (versus 60 milligrams for nonsmokers) every day.

The body's most effective antioxidant is vitamin E. Smokers have been found to have lower levels of plasma vitamin E than nonsmokers.

Smokers seeking nutritional supplementation should look for a multi-vitamin that contains at least all of the following: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Niacin, Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Zinc Picolinate, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), and the antioxidant Co-Q10. Some supplements add Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Powder, Inositol, Rutin, Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex, Choline Bitartrate and PABA.

If you smoke, or live with someone who smokes, it is important that you make the right choices to safeguard you health against the risks associated with smoking. One of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right multi-vitamin. It's a fact that smoking depletes the body of important nutrients. It's also a fact that one nutrient, beta-carotene, has been found in clinical studies to adversely effect smokers' health. Beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A, can be found in most multi-vitamins.

Link to: Betacarotene info

<a target="_new" href="http://www.lungUSA.org">www.lungUSA.org</a>

Information on quitting

Information on Quitting and Preventing Smoking from the National Cancer Institute

Available Smoker's multi-vitamin products

Should You Be Taking Liquid Vitamins?

How many pills do you have to take every morning? Lots of multivitamins in there? For most people the answer is yes, considering there are more multivitamins sold than Prozac or Viagra!

I think my mom used to take at least five or six vitamins. I don't know about you, but I think that sounds like a big hassle, and I don't have time for it.

The thing is, vitamins and minerals are necessary. You can get most of your nutrients from eating a balanced diet which includes lots of fruits and vegetables, but you can't get everything. That's where vitamins come in.

You may be wondering, &quot;Why do I actually need vitamins and minerals?&quot; Let me tell you about the United States Senate Document #264 from way back in 1936.

The main point of the document is that the soil in developed countries, especially North America, has been nearly depleted of all important minerals. And this was in 1936! Thank about how bad it is now. We should be getting minerals from the foods we eat, but we aren't. (Don't worry, the end of the article has a solution.)

To quote directly from the document, &quot;The alarming fact is that foods, fruits and vegetables and grains, now being raised on millions of acres of land that no longer contain enough of certain needed minerals, are starving us - no matter how much of them we eat!&quot;

One mineral you're probably familiar with is calcium. We need that for our bones. And since cycling is not a weight bearing sport, we need extra calcium. Calcium does more than build strong bones, however.

Read this interesting selection from the document for more detail:

&quot;A cage full of normal rats will live in amity. Restrict their calcium and they will become irritable and draw apart from one another. Then they will begin to fight. Restore their calcium balance and they will grow more friendly; in time they will begin to sleep in a pile as before.&quot;

Now we come to another important question: Do you have a dangerous mineral deficiency? For example, if you are deficient in selenium, you could experience an irregular heart beat, infertility, or muscular dystrophy. A deficiency in tin could lead to male pattern baldness. And a lack of lithium could cause reproductive failure. Yikes!

(By the way, the product I'm going to tell you about contains all the macro and trace minerals known to man!)

Hopefully you now realize the importance of vitamins and minerals in your diet. But you probably know how annoying it is to take pills. Well, what about liquid vitamins?

First off, let's talk about absorption rates. In pill form, only 10-20% of the vitamins are absorbed. However, in liquid form, 98% are absorbed. (Think of taking pills as flushing 80-90% of your money down the toilet!) (1996 Physicians Desk Reference, p. 1542)

Along with actually working, liquid vitamins are easy to use. Just take a few sips, swish it around in your mouth, and swallow. That's it.

Personally, I hate swallowing pills. I know some people who couldn't swallow a pill to save their life. And I know people who pass pills through their system without breaking them down at all. However, everyone I know can swallow a liquid.

Not too long ago, Centrum actually came out with a liquid multivitamin because they could see the potential in this market. However, it is simply a multivitamin in liquid form. Wait?isn't that what we wanted? Well, yes. But there is something even better.

Remember how I said it would be a good idea to get your nutrients from actual whole food? Now there's a way to do that, but with a liquid.

That way is with a product known as Body Balance. By taking it, you're getting organic vitamins and minerals derived from live plants. Specifically, from pure deep sea vegetation. (See why Centrum isn't on par with whole food like Body Balance?)

Click here for <a href="http://levibloom.com/lifeforceintl" target="_blank">more information or to order Body Balance</a>.

Check it out today. Isn't your health worth it?

Article not evaluated by the FDA. Some statements are just the opinion of the author and should not be used as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Body Balance works for most people, but that does not guarantee that it will work for you.

This article was written by <a target="_blank" href="http://levibloom.com">Levi Bloom</a> in 2004 and originally appeared in the <a target="_blank" href="http://bloombikeshop.com/articles/healthfitness/main.htm">health and fitness articles</a> on his site.

L-tyrosine and Your Health

L-tyrosine is a protein that the body produces from phenylamine, thus making it a non-essential amino acid. L-tyrosine is available from natural foo sources including: - cottage cheese - yogurt - cheese - milk - bananas - lima beans - turkey - peanuts - avocados - almonds - pumpkin seeds - sesame seeds

L-Tyrosine supplementation is especially needed among hard training athletes and obese or those significantly overweight.

Low levels of l-tyrosine have bee associated with low body temperature, low blood pressure, underactive thyroid, and depression.

L-tyrosine has many important roles in the body. Bodybuilders favor it because l-tyrosine helps alleviate stress and fatigue that comes from intense training, retain muscular protein, and increase energy levels. L-tyrosine helps with stamina enameling athletes to workout for longer periods of time.

L-tyrosine also has been useful for a treatment for cocaine abuse and withdraw. Some using l-tyrosine have also said that it helps with withdraw from caffeine and nicotine.

Those who suffer from phenylketonuria use l-tyrosine supplementation as a treatment. Health care providers are able to determine if your need a tyrosine enriched diet and how much would be required.

Regarding l-tyrosine supplementation in those who are depressed more studies are needed in order to come to a conclusion if l-tyrosine can benefit those who suffer from depression.

People with kidney problems should not take l-tyrosine. Daily use is also not recommended. L-tyrosine should only be taken as needed and under the supervision on a health care provider.

Josie Anderson is a personal trainer in SC, USA and is the owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.weight-loss-program-101.com">http://www.weight-loss-program-101.com</a> providing weight loss resources to help with many weight loss goals.

Vitamin Nutritional Supplements: Tips, Myths, Facts, and Online Store!

With dietary supplements making their way in our daily life, we find it difficult to survive without them. We have very smartly and effectively heralded these supplements as panacea for all ills. But as the saying goes, too much of even good things can be bad! So, we should be cautious enough not to make supplements our oxygen. To know your thresholds of the supplements, read on.

Myth: When it comes to vitamins and minerals, more is better!

Fact: A person might become hypervitaminosis if he eats too much of vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin B and C don't affect the body much if taken in high quantity as they can be flushed out of the body but fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A,D,E and K gets stored in the liver and might become toxic eventually if taken in large amounts. We get most of the requirements from our daily food (provided it is a balanced diet) but incase of malnutrition and sickness, you may need to take multivitamins doses.

Myth: Intake of supplements during illness harm our body!

Fact: During illness, cells are destroyed and exhausted adrenal glands do not function properly because they are deprived of nutrients. Hence body needs its fighting team of vitamin c, B6, folic acid, zinc in higher amounts. Other important thing to be noticed here is, fever and stress deplete most essential nutrients from our body. Hence the need for extra supplements is all the very more. Piece of advice: Always take supplements during illness after consulting with your physician.

Myth: Even if vitamins do not help, they do not harm!

Fact: All chemicals can get toxic if taken in high amounts including vitamins and minerals. Hence, it is important to consult your physician before taking extra vitamins or minerals supplements. For e.g., too much of calcium can cause kidney stones. So, it is wrong to make assumption that extra vitamin and minerals wont harm your body.

Myth: Supplements can help me lose weight!

Fact: You might come across various herbal weight loss products making tall claims and promising you quick weight loss. But the fact is, none of these herbal remedies work and some like ephedra, the banned weight loss supplement, can have serious side effects. Regular exercises and a perfect diet plan just makes the perfect recipe for the effective weight loss. And this kind of weight loss is long term too.

Myth: Vitamin C supplements help in preventing cold and cures sinus.

Fact: Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling advocated high doses of calcium to prevent common cold But it showed no significant effect on common cold. There has been no scientific data to support the effectiveness of vitamin C towards common cold. Infact, excess of vitamin C can cause gastro intestinal problems like nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps.

About the Author:

Jasdeep: for <a target="_new" href="http://weightloss-health.com/">http://weightloss-health.com/</a> your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

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Acne Hormones - Natural Acne Hormone Balancing Treatments for Clear Skin

Can you treat a headache or stomach ache externally, without somehow manipulating your natural bodily functions internally (aka popping a pill)? NO! Then why would you try to treat acne that way? Many acne treatment systems today such as Proactiv, target acne only from the outside, and do not address the issue interanally, as it should be for lasting and dramatic results.

If you are really serious about treating acne and really eliminating it at it's source (ie the hormones that cause acne), then you owe it to yourself to try a natural acne hormone treatment which is specifically designed to equalize hormone imbalance and purify the skin from the inside out using special blends of herbs, botanicals, and/or natural compounds such as Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Why Go Natural?

Because many people who have not been responsive to conventional acne treatments, or their effectiveness has worn off due to long term use, experience superior results with natural acne treatments.

Acne can actually be caused by two different hormones in women. It's usually an overabundance of androgens (male hormones) or estrogens (female hormones). In men, it can also be caused by imbalances in male and female hormones. This hormonal imbalance triggers the breakouts by over-stimulating the oil glands on acne prone areas of the body, which then results in a clogging of the pore, hence that thing we all know and love - the pimple.

Antioxidants are also very potent as hormonal equalizers, as well as "blood purifiers", and their properties foster an environment for mending skin eruptions as well as preventing new breakouts and promoting a healthy glow and skin tone.

Most natural acne treatments are designed to do two things:

1.) Help correct hormonal imbalances related to acne breakouts.

2.) Reduce inflammation and swelling, and pave the way for fast skin repair where breakouts have recently occurred.

Some other tips you can follow to help prevent unsightly breakouts are:

1.) Drink plenty of water. This helps to cleanse the system, and results in clearer, more hydrated skin.

2.) Avoid caffeine and caffeine-containing products like chocolate or supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants.

3.) Relax. Try a calming exercise for when you get stressed out. Stress triggers breakouts for many individuals.

4.) Avoid harsh cleansers or toners - these can only aggravate acne and cause further irritation and redness.

5.) Use a light, non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging) sunscreen. While it is true a suntan may camouflage breakouts, it mostly aggravates them by forcing further oil production due to its drying effects. Try using a good facial self tanner instead.

If you follow these few simple skincare principles, and combine them with a high quality acne treatment targeted to balance hormones and internally "cleanse", you really can't lose. Your complexion will thank you!

Danna Schneider is the webmaster and founder of CosmeticsGalore.com <a target="_new" href="http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/natural-acne-remedies.html">http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/natural-acne-remedies.html</a> , a site for beauty enthusiasts which identifies and reviews the best cosmetic improvement products on the market today. Gives testimonials and the latest in cosmetic technology.

The Benefits of Whey Protein Drinks

Whey proteins drinks, especially shakes, are available in a variety of flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. Whey protein drinks are also available in other flavors such as fruit punch, orange cream and grape.

Bodybuilders and athletes find whey proteins are more compatible for their digestive systems as whey protein is lactose free, as well as being lower in calories, sugar and carbohydrates. Whey protein can be found in a variety of other protein shake and protein drink blends. For instance, whey protein is also included in Pure Gro's blend of 5 different proteins including egg protein, milk protein, soy protein and calcium caseinate protein. You can also use whey protein in many of your favorite cooking and baking dishes to ensure that your body is getting sufficient daily intake.

Whey protein drinks are a delicious and nutritious way of increasing your daily intake of protein, making sure you get all of the essential amino acids into your body daily and helping maintain your immune system at peak working order.

You can make your own whey protein drinks using whey protein powder and any number of combinations. Purists mix it with bottled water, putting nothing unknown into their bodies for a variety of personal reasons. Others mix it with any of a number of juices, orange or grape to arrive at a flavor they like. Still others use it in a fruit smoothie type of drink, mixing the pure powder with bananas, peaches, blueberries and other fruits plus milk or water, producing a thick, sweet mixture that fills the stomach, removes that hungry feeling, satisfies the bodies need for amino acids and tastes good.

There are many diets that recommend using whey protein powder as one of several herbal, mineral ingredients including enzymes to digest the powder even faster than the body can digest it on its own.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-wheyprotein.com">Whey Protein Info</a> provides detailed information about whey protein powder, drinks, concentrate, and best whey protein, as well as the benefits of whey protein and other helpful whey protein facts. Whey Protein Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-homegyms.com">Home Gyms Web</a>.

Some Vitamin Supplements to Enhance Your Ironman Training Diet

There are a host of choices for supplementing your Ironman diet. I'll give you descriptions of a few that I found helpful to my Ironman training and racing. I won't delve too deeply into the world of vitamins. This is an area best left to the experts. As I said earlier, if I have not used a product or diet or anything else concerning Ironman training, I won't recommend it. Here are a few of the supplements I had good success with.

I always made a point of including the anti-oxidants vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium to my list of vitamins. Actually I would buy the vitamin C with Selenium added. Their main function was to act as a deterent to the forming of free radicals in your body when you eat unsaturated fats.

It seemed that every few years, Ironman Canada featured a "really" cold swim. It doesn't bother a lot of people, but I had quite a hard time with it. Being super low in body fat has its disadvantages. I came across the vitamin supplement pantothenic Acid that plays an important role in energy production. I also discovered that pantothenic acid is a key antioxidant for athletes who compete in extreme conditions, especially cold water. I added it to my vitamin choices and never had problems with cold water again. If the location of your first Ironman is in a part of the world where warm water is no guarantee, I would highly recommend using it. Otherwise it probably isn't a necessary choice for you. If you do purchase it, what you ask for is calcium pentathonate, the calcium salt of pantothenic acid.

I also noticed an improvement in energy levels when I used branch chain amino acids. Amino acids, the molecules that make up every protein in our foods and bodies and can also function as anti-oxidants. I believe this vitamin supplement would be valuable to almost anyone doing the intense training demanded to prepare properly for an Ironman Triathlon. It also compensates if your diet is a bit lacking in protein. I was on such a high carb diet, that this choice was ideal for me.

My all-time favorite for a supplement is L'carnatine. I could take this one and three weeks later be five pounds lighter. I also notice a marked impovement in my energy level and recovery from training. Every Ironman hopeful should give this a try. Its "very" expensive, but well worth it. If you can find it, I would use it. I believe its available over the counter in the U.S.

So there you have it. Thats the vitamin package I use leading up to an Ironman. It took years of hit and miss to finally come up with this combination. All the doses except for Vitamin C and Selenium were 500 mgs. I would take more (1000) vitamin C with 50 mgs of Selenium added.

I also had a lot of success with algae products and its something I would certainly look into.

Regardless, anyone doing the demanding training needed to impove their Ironman chances should seriously consider vitamin supplements.

NOTE: Don't fall into this trap.......If something works really well for you, don't assume that more will be even better. Stay with the amount that seemed to make a difference.

Training for Ironman competition over a 20 year period gave me the opportunity to try many vitamin supplement combinations. My hope is that you find this information useful in preparing for your first ironman triathlon.

The name of my website is "Ironstruck."

My address---<a target="_new" href="http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com">http://www.triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com</a>

Fatigue After WLS: Iron Deficiency May Be the Cause

I've been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don't have my usual get-up and go. Naturally, I blame the gastric bypass ? it gets the blame whenever I don't feel well. After careful assessment I realized I have forgotten to take my vitamin for almost three weeks now. I am probably iron deficient ? a risk all gastric bypass patients face.

We've all heard of anemia ? a dangerous iron deficiency disease. In fact, iron-deficiency anemia is second only to obesity as a nation-wide health problem in the United States. Nine out of ten women in this country do not get their RDI of 18 milligrams of iron a day. That means their heart, brain and all other tissues are not receiving enough oxygen ? iron is the chemical element in the red blood cell hemoglobin that delivers oxygen throughout the body.

If a person is short on iron they suffer a loss of energy, low-level fatigue ? the blahs!

Brain activity, breathing, cellular respiration and every activity of the body depend on iron in the blood. Rosy cheeks and a glowing complexion indicate iron needs are met. Energy levels are up and an overall sense of wellness pervades.

Gastric bypass patients are at risk of iron deficiency because iron found in meat, poultry and fish is normally absorbed by the duodenum and small intestines. The nature of the bypassed system prevents adequate iron from foods from being absorbed. In addition, patients cannot physically eat enough food to meet the Daily Reference Intake (DRI).

To avoid iron deficiency and the resulting loss of energy patients must take an iron supplement daily.

Iron supplements: ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate or ferrous sulfate are recommended for all weight loss surgery patients. The body more readily absorbs iron when it is taken with vitamin C or a glass of orange juice. Your bariatric center may recommend a specific iron supplement for you. I take Puritan's Pride? Easy Iron; a capsule that contains 28 milligrams of iron glycinate, a gentle form of iron that is highly absorbable and well tolerated. It also contains Vitamin C, Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12 to further aid iron absorption by the body. I take it by itself between meals with water. Iron can interfere with zinc and calcium so I do not take my other supplements at the same time.

Iron is a key element in the body's energy-producing system. As you lose weight and become more active you will thrive with bounding energy. Be sure to maintain it by supplying your body with the iron it needs. In your annual blood test your serum ferritin level will measure your iron level and the nutritionist at your bariatric center will make the appropriate recommendations for supplementation.

It should be noted that iron RDI's are different for men and pre-menopausal women. Men over 19 years old should intake 8 milligrams of iron a day, preferably from food sources; women aged 19 to 51 should intake 18 milligrams, supplementation is suggested. After menopause women need intake only 8 milligrams to meet iron needs.

Always assess your nutritional intake if you lack energy. There's probably something you are missing, that once you get it back in your system you'll be feeling prime and proper in no time! If you don't know what vitamins & minerals you should be taking see your bariatric center.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://www.livingafterwls.com">http://www.livingafterwls.com</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com">http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com</a> - Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.

Copyright ? 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved.

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