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Healthy Chocolate – A Healthy Treat that Tastes Great

Posted by crazyaboutfood | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 05-11-2009

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Healthy Chocolate comes with some of the most essential
nutrients needed by most Americans.  This is probably why we
all have chocolate cravings.

The fruit of the cacao tree contains cacao seeds or beans.
If you peel open a seed or bean, that’s where you’ll find
the chocolate or chocolate nib.

Highest Amount of Antioxidants

Low temperature treated chocolate contains the most
antioxidant flavonoids of any other food found on this
planet.  These antioxidant flavonoids protect you from free
radicals that are responsible for aging you.

The Benefits of Flavonoids:

Helps repair damage caused by free radicals

Keeps blood clots from forming

Helps with your circulation

Helps prevent heart disease

If your looking for a high antioxidant chocolate treat,
choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate and for the
highest amount choose raw chocolate.

Contains the Highest Magnesium Levels

Healthy Chocolate is an excellent source of the mineral
magnesium.  We need magnesium for many of our body’s
functions such as balancing our brain chemistry.  This could
be the reason women crave chocolate more during their
menstrual cycle.

To keep your heart functioning at its best, you need a
regular supply of magnesium.  Americans are extremely
deficient in this mineral and about 80% of us need to focus
on adding more to our diets.

Healthy Fatty Acids

Chocolate is a source of saturated fat which does not seem
to raise cholesterol levels.  It is also a source of heart
healthy monounsaturated fat.

Chocolate’s monounsaturated fat contains a powerful fatty
acid called oleic acid which is also found in olive oil.

Contains “Feel Happy Chemicals”

Two important brain chemicals found in chocolate are
phenylethylamine and anandamide.

Phenylethylamine gives you the same feeling as
falling-in-love.  It also increases your alertness and your
focus.

Anandamide levels increase in your brain with the
consumption of chocolate.  This chemical produces a feeling
of relaxation and just makes you feel good.

Healthy Chocolate is Raw Cacao

In its raw and unadultered state, chocolate is actually a
valuable and potent super food.  Chocolate processed at low
temperatures protects its nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Besides magnesium, other essential minerals present are
calcium, zinc, iron, copper, and potassium along with
vitamins E and B.

You will not find much caffeine in raw chocolate.  What you
will find is the sister molecule of caffeine which is called
theobromine.

Since chocolate has more of a stimulating effect when it is
roasted or cooked, eating  your chocolate raw could give you
a much more pleasant experience.

To find some of the greatest quality low temperature treated
chocolate treats,  Click Here.

You can find more antioxidant rich foods by visiting Destination Healthy Foods.

Coconut Nutrition is The Hidden Treasure for Your Health

Posted by crazyaboutfood | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 25-10-2009

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Coconut Nutrition has taken a beating for decades.  There is
a misconception spread among people that coconut fat is not
good for the heart.  This is because it contains a large
quantity of saturated fats.

The saturated fats present in coconuts are not harmful and
contain medium chain fatty acids which help to prevent
various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and
high blood pressure.

Why You Need Saturated Fats

They are important for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E
and K.  Dietary fats are needed for the conversion of
carotene to vitamin A and for mineral absorption.

The livelihood of your hormones, hormone like substances,
and cell membranes depends on an adequate supply of
saturated fats.  Saturated fats also provide your body with
a great source of energy.

Omega 3’s need saturated fat to be used properly in your
body.

Your cells communicate better when your diet has this fat
and your cell membranes should be made of about 50%
saturated fat.

Vegans or Vegetarians who do not eat any animal products
should look at coconuts as a source of saturated fat.

As Nutritious as Mother’s Milk

Coconut’s fat is unique because it’s composed predominately
of medium chain fatty acids or medium chain triglycerides.
Coconuts are one of only a few dietary sources that contain
MCFAs or MCTs.

Mother’s milk is another source of these powerful fatty
acids which help newborns to develop their immune systems
properly.

Coconut Nutrition and MCTs

Your digestive system will not have to work too hard
because these fatty acids are easily digested.

Your body rapidly turns MCTs into energy for your body.

The fatty acids found in coconuts are loaded with lauric
acid.  Lauric acid helps your immune system fight off germs
and parasites.

MCTs boost your metabolism and thyroid functions.

Coconuts and Your Cholesterol Levels

Recent studies show that dietary coconut oil does not lead
to high serum cholesterol nor to high coronary heart
disease.

It has been found that coconut oil fats help to raise “Good
Cholesterol” levels.

Older studies on the fats or oils found in coconuts
reported that it raised cholesterol levels and was
therefore, a risk for heart disease.

This kind of flawed study used hydrogenated coconut oil.
Hydrogenated oil is made by forcing hydrogen gas into oil at
high pressure – this changes the properties of an oil for
the worst.

All hydrogenated oils have been shown to increase serum
cholesterol levels which contribute to heart disease.

There are studies that prove people in tropical areas of
the world who consumed a large amount of coconuts did not
suffer from the many diseases of our Western World.

Organic Coconut Cream is Delicious

This is one of my favorite ways to consume coconuts.
Organic coconut cream is very similar to coconut milk, but
contains less water and has a more thick paste-like
consistency.  This rich and thick cream has a light sweet
taste and contains more nutrients than coconut oil.

Coconut Nutrition and Raw Coconut Cream

Unlike coconut oil, which is fat soluble, coconut cream is
both fat and water soluble.

You get the wonderful health benefits found in coconut oil
along with the bonus of breaking up your stored plague.

Stored plague that has hardened in your body due to the
consumption of cooked fats and cooked cholesterol breaks
down with the use of this powerful solvent.

Best Way to Eat Coconut Cream

Organic Coconut Cream makes a great ice cream

Great fat to use in smoothies

Just scoop a spoonful or two into your favorite soups and
stews.

Make Your Own

If you have a Green Star Juicer, all you’ll need are some
quality coconuts preferably organic coconuts.  Call or visit
your local health food store.

Basically, you would crack the coconut open, drain the
coconut water or drink it, scoop out the fresh coconut meat,
and then feed it to the Green Star Juicer and presto -
freshly made coconut cream.

For more information and ideas on adding coconuts into your
life, go to Coconut Diet
To have a healthy mind, you must eat the best
foods!  Find out what might be missing from your diet by
visiting Destination Healthy Foods

GeneWize: Revolutionary Health Care!

Posted by Matt Willis | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 17-09-2008

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by Matt Willis

When it comes to your health, there is no room for compromise. You have to make sure that you use only products that you can trust, as well as products that would not harm your health.

We at GeneWize are proud to unveil that there is a great new way to get your daily dose of nutritional supplements. Through a revolutionary research-based solution, your vitamin supplements could now be customized just for you.

Customized genetic nutrition, or nutrigenomics, is a new field in medicine and biotechnology, wherein a person’s genetic profile is used to create nutritional products suited to the person’s genetic makeup.

With more and more people learning that health is one of the most important possessions that one could have, there is thus a wide open field for health care products, like GeneWize.

GeneWize, being the revolutionary product that it is, has secured for itself a niche in the nutrition industry.

If you are familiar with the multi level marketing model, then you know that through this system, one gets to earn commissions from the affiliate marketing structure. GeneWize allows you to create a two-tiered income stream, which we will teach you when you sign up with us, or even just visit our website or blog.

If you want to earn passive income through a great, revolutionary, helpful product like GeneWize, if you want to start your own home based business, consider GeneWize and be a part of the new era of health care!

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Muscle Building Tips, How Important Is Pre-Workout Nutrition

Posted by Ricardo d Argence | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 16-09-2008

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by Ricardo d Argence

The same holds true for each and every one of your workouts if the saying says, “if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Every gym session must be faced with mental and physical preparedness because it is a battle.

Make sure to eat smart before heading to the gym so that your body has enough energy to deal with the weights as effectively as possible.

The meal you eat before working out must accomplish three things: 1. Making you as strong as possible. 2. During the workout you should provide your mind and muscles with a constant stream of balanced energy. 3. You will be minimizing the muscle breakdown process in addition to providing the necessary tools to help your body recvover post-workout.

The first thing to make sure of is that you are properly hydrated before beginning your workout. Water plays a vital role in keeping strength and energy levels peaked, so always ensure that you’ve consumed an adequate amount of water in the few hours before you train.

Eat a regular meal around 30-45 minutes before going to the gym. The most important component of the meal is, of course, protein. This protein will aide your body in maintaining an anabolic state during your exercise session, in addition to averting the breakdown of muscle during training.

The main reason whey protein is so great when taken before a workout is because it prevents muscle catabolism that may occur while working out. If you want to slow down the release of protein and provide your body more steady amino acids through out your work out try mixing you whey with milk.

You should take 1-2 portions of low-glycemic carbohydrates with your protein shake. Before the work outs it is best to take low glycemic carbohydrates because they are broken down and absorbed slowly,which gives the body a constant stream of energy as long as the workouts last.

Your body responds to consumption of high glycemic carbohydrates, which are quickly released into your bloodstream, your body responds by releasing a surge of insulin to help your system even out your body’s blood sugar. Rapid fluctuation in insulin levels is the last thing you want in the middle of high intensity workout so choose carbohydrates that will not cause this.

Pre-workout carbohydrate choices such as oatmeal, apples or brown rice will provide your body with a steady stream of sugars throughout the workout and will keep your energy levels peaked at all times. This pre-workout meal should be fairly small to allow for easy digestion and to prevent you from feeling sick when you train. You should never workout without having a meal in you first.

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Popular Cooking Methods for Fish

Posted by Jana Banks | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 16-09-2008

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by Jana Banks

Fish is a wonderfully nutritional food, rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation, enhance our cognitive and behavioral function and help in the prevention of heart disease and arthritis. While many reports over the years have put a good scare into fish-lovers with news of the high level of mercury found in our seafood, the general expert consensus advises we eat it in moderation, having about 2 servings a week. There are a variety of ways to prepare and cook some of your favorite fish – here are some classics, along with a few tips for making sure your dish turns out well.

Broiled is ideal for fish that when dressed has a thin, flat surface with its oils distributed throughout the flesh, such as bluefish, shad or mackerel. Whether broiling on charcoal, electric or gas, first brush the fish well with butter or oil and be sure to cook evenly and slowly. Baste with butter once or twice more while broiling, for an average total cooking time of around 15 or 20 minutes, turning periodically as needed.

Baked fish is another very popular preparation method when baking dryer type fish, but you’ll want to be sure to baste the fish well to maintain its taste and texture. Some ideal fish to bake includes halibut, salmon, bass, whitefish, and bluefish. Another delicious dish is baked stuffed fish, stuffed with something such as a small amount of crabmeat or vegetable-based stuffing.

Frying is ideal for any small fish and fillet. Preparation is simple: after cleaning and washing the fish, just season it with salt and pepper. Then roll it in flour; immerse it in egg yolks and then cover with breadcrumbs. When frying, it’s important to make sure that the fish is completely covered with the egg and breadcrumbs so the fish can have an oil-proof barrier. The cooking fat must be hot – smoking hot – and well maintained throughout the cooking process. And finally, make sure you drain the fish of all the fat and oil after it’s finished frying.

Sauted is another great option for small fish or fish pieces. Season with salt and pepper then roll in flour or fine dry breadcrumbs, and proceed to cook in hot fat, turning when golden brown and cooking both sides evenly. Make sure that the fat in the pan covers just enough of the pan to keep the fish from sticking.

It’s a good idea to introduce some color to your fish dish by adding a garnish (such as parsley, tomato slices, lemon slices or wedges, cucumber twists) and serve with a side of tasty rice and some fresh green vegetables and you’re all set with a nutritious and delicious meal!

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Is Spirulina Good For Me?

Posted by Jane McQuigan | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 13-09-2008

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by Jane McQuigan

Spirulina is a natural health supplement contains far more protein than any other food in existence.

The protein content in spirulina powder is a massive 60-70 percent higher by bulk than any other natural food and almost all nutritional supplements on the market today.

Spirulina is probably the most thoroughly analyzed food microalgae ever. spirulina powder has many uses and is frequenly utilised by people in their own self-care program as it is shown to provide more energy, nutritional improvement, weight control and blood purifying.

Spirulina has been employed for hundreds of years as an abundant source of nutrients and it has been shown to contain a vast array of medical useages, which include its use as an antiviral, weight loss aid, antioxidant, and lipid reduction.

Farmed around the world, Spirulina is most usually applied as a dietary supplement and whole food.

Spirulina is normally available in several forms which consist of tablets, flakes, and powder.

Spirulina powder is a good source of potassium, and comprises outstanding numbers of calcium, chromium, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

The protein in spirulina powder is unlike other forms of protein as the protein contained in Spirulina is a tremendous 85-95% digestible which makes it one of the highest accessible strains of protein known to man. In Point Of Fact only dried egg supplments contain more usable protein than spirulina powder.

Spirulina converts the suns energy into a tremendous source of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Spirulina powder can be used by anyone and is absolutely safe for minors. It is proven to boost vigour levels and increase stamina while boosting our immune system, which improves not only skin tone but nail and hair growth whilst providing a large volume of nutrition with almost no calories.

For over 40 years Spirulina has been researched for its astonishing nutritional benefits. In fact, long before it became a supplement industry favourite, spirulina powder was used regularly by indiginous peoples from around the world for this very reason.

Research has proven how effective Spirulina is, people are now recognizing that spirulina powder is a unique fortified food with a vast potential as a medicinal drug.

With spirulina powder’s high volume of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other advantageous nutrients consisting of lipids, GLA fatty acid, essential fatty acidsthe nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), vitamin B complex, C and E, and phytochemicals, which include phycocyanin, carotenoids and chlorophyll spirulina powder is quick becoming the number one superfood worldwide.

Naturally Green are retailers of first-rate quality spirulina powder grown in Hawaii which due to its freeze drying process makes it one of the most nutritionally abundant sorts of Spirulina in the universe!.

We can offer great savings on all of our Spirulina products which now include Spirulina powder and spirulina capsules.

Spirulina powder is often combined with smoothies but it can also be added to food dishes to provide an increase in nutritional properties.

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Functions of Vitamin B

Posted by Alison Addy | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 09-09-2008

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by Alison Addy

The Many Vitamin Bs

When we hear the term “vitamin”, we often think they are referring to one of the many vitamins we need as we need Vitamin D or Vitamin C, etc. What many people don’t realize is that there are different varieties of Vitamin B and, although somewhat similar, each has their own purposes for our body and good health. Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin that is easily absorbed in your body. Water-soluble vitamins do not stay in our body for very long. The unwanted and unused portions of the vitamins are washed out of our system when we urinate. Because of this, there is very little chance of consuming too much Vitamin B. In a few cases this has happened and symptoms such as headaches, weakness and diarrhea may occur.

Sources of Vitamin B

Because of the many necessary things Vitamin B does for our body, it’s important that we get the proper amount of Vitamin B. People that are vegetarians and vegans should make sure they eat plenty of organically grown foods. Those that consume meat and milk on a regular basis should have no worries about getting the correct amount in their diet. Some other excellent sources of Vitamin B can come from natural sources including bananas, potatoes, chili peppers, lentils, liver oil, turkey, liver, tuna, molasses and brewer’s yeas. Some of the popular energy drinks on the market also contain Vitamin B. Recently with more and more people becoming vegetarians, there has been concern about a lack of Vitamin B12, which can result in problems like anemia. Many are solving this dilemma buying using Vitamin B compounds that are healthy and eating specific foods rich in Vitamin B12. The web is a wealth of knowledge on all of these important vitamins as well as foods that can be good.

Why We Need Vitamin B

Vitamin B is very important for our body. One of its biggest and most important functions is breaking down the carbohydrates from the food we eat and turning them into sugar glucose. Vitamin B also plays a large role in helping the nervous system to properly function. Each of these has roles in our body that they do best. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin, as it is commonly called, is great for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats and converting them into the energy our body needs. Vitamin B2 and B3 are both good for giving us healthy looking skin. Vitamin B6 helps to promote healthy red blood cells. If you are taking Vitamin B1, it’s important to realize it doesn’t mix well with alcohol. There are Vitamin B Complex supplements that some people choose to take to ensure they get their RDA of the Vitamin, although most are able to get an adequate amount from natural sources.

Find more information onpreventing colds vitamin c

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Amazing Health With Chlorella Tablets

Posted by Jane whiteringstall | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 09-09-2008

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by Jane whiteringstall

So what exactly is Chlorella and how is it beneficial to our well-being?

Chlorella has the largest chlorophyll content of any plant in the world. Chlorella also contains more than 10 times the volume of beta-carotene than carrots and it is rich in most B vitamins, particularly high in B-12

Chlorophyll works as a phenomenal natural blood and organ cleansing agent. Chlorella’s cleaning processes on your gut and other excretion channels, as well as its protection of your liver, helps the promotion of clean blood

Chlorella reports have shown substantial benefits for the bloodstream as it also incorporates a complex molecule contained in its cell wall, which alike chlorophyll, attaches with heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead to in effect filter out harmful toxins from your body, reconciling sugar and normalizing blood pressure.

Chlorella Helps to Prepare the Immune Factors. Science sees the trillions of white corpuscles (leukocytes) and antibodies that circulate in the blood and lymph as the body’s primary defence mechanism against disease.

Here are just a few benefits you may have when taking chlorella.

Chlorella helps with restoring Blood Sugar levels. Experiments have recorded that chlorella tends to normalize blood sugar in subjects of hypoglycemia while many another personal testimonials establish that it also helps controldiabetes.

Chlorellahas been proven to improve digestion. Chlorella is prolific in fiber and boosts positive intestinal micro flora output, which usually results in the elimination of food cravings, boost feelings of fullness at lunch times, and better food elimination (and a resulting decrease in fat storage from food).

Chlorella consists of high measures of fatty acids especially the artery-cleansing, omega-3, alpha-linolenic variety; maybe the grounds chlorella has been proved to be so efficient in he reduction of cholesterol and the subsequent preventiion of atherosclerosis.

Chlorella comprises high quantities of fatty acids especially the artery-cleansing, omega-3, alpha-linolenic variety; maybe the reason chlorella has been shown to be so capable in reducing blood cholesterol in the body and preventing atherosclerosis.

Chlorella provides all the necessary nutrients the body needs and as part of a weight loss diet it can actually help people lose weight more effectively.

Chlorella is considered a whole food, and it is prolific in protein, caretenoids (astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, flavoxanthin).

Chlorella also consist of a large percentage of chlorophyll, which is essential in aiding digestion, cleansing the bowels, and purifying blood.

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Weight Loss: Learn How to Eat During the Holiday Season

Posted by Ricardo d Argence | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 05-09-2008

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by Ricardo d Argence

When you’re on a weight loss program, it is very tempting to eat foods that prove to be harmful to your body. However, it is the very last thing you’d want to do!

It’s just one cookie, it won’t do any damage…right? Well, did you realize that one little cookie a day for a month can add an extra pound to your weight? During holiday season it can be especially difficult to resist the lure of delicious food and stick to a diet. Here are some handy hints as to how you can manage to maintain your weight loss during these periods.

It is important to never skip meals. Being tired and hungry most of the time will leave you feeling pretty grumpy. If you think skipping a few meals can make up for your intentions to splurge on those tasty holiday meals, you are dead wrong! It will most likely cause you to be extrememly hungry during the holiday season, causing you to over eat.

You must eat before the party. It is a good idea to snack before the party, and select a high fiber meal. Adding lots of fiber to your diet will help make you feel full so you’re less likely to binge on all the sweets and high calorie holiday goodies.

Keep away from the buffet table. Resisting a wonderful looking dish can be hard enough, but smelling it can break the toughest of willpowers. Choose a healthy helping of those foods you need-the salads the fruits and a snack or two and move away from the table as fast as you can. At times when you are about to give in to those urges to eat, it helps to distract yourself by participating in a conversation that is of great interest to you.

Drink lots of water. Water is a great lubricant and helps you keep dehydration away during the weight loss program. Drink plenty of them during the party to avoid feelings of hunger-they do a good job of filling your tummy instead of binging on the food. Water will also help to fire up your metabolic rate and helps flush fats away.

A Good Amount of Exercise. Exercise is very crucial to keeping your metabolism raised up and the adrenalin going so you don’t have to turn to food to feel good. Don’t let the holiday season hold you back from exercising. This is the worst excuse to have for not exercising.

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Nutrition Fact Label: Unlock the Weight Loss Mystery!

Posted by Gail M. Davis | Posted in Nutrition | Posted on 03-09-2008

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by Gail M. Davis

Educate yourself about nutrition fact labels to help you achieve and maintain good health. The relevant information provided by these food labels makes it possible for you to quit guessing and estimating and start succeeding in the quest to reach your desired weight! Make this one of your most treasured tools to help you reach all of your wellness goals.

The most essential piece of information offered by the nutrition fact label is the serving size and the number of servings per container. Everything else on the food label depends on this information being accurate. Looks can be deceiving! Always look to see how much you are consuming.

Your food label will also provide the total calories and the number of calories from fat. It takes 3500 calories to equal a pound. In order to reach and then maintain your ideal weight, you must expend more calories than you consume. Remember that everything is listed per serving on the label; therefore you may have to double your calories if you eat two servings.

Nutrition numbers are the next piece of information provided. These include total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, protein, cholesterol, and sodium. Sometimes you will see monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as well. Even though manufacturers are not required to do so, many also include potassium, vitamins, and minerals on their labels.

The food label is organized in such a way that you want to avoid too much of the nutrients listed first. Diets high in fats, cholesterol, and sodium can increase your risk of cancers, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The nutrients listed next are the ones you want to make sure you consume plenty of in your diet. Fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and C all promote good health.

Some nutrition fact labels are longer than others. The footnote at the bottom is often incomplete, depending on available space. The footnote is standard and is not based on the nutritional value of the food item. It simply explains that all dietary recommendations for Americans are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Also listed on nutrition fact labels is the Percent Daily Value (%DV). This is a valuable tool that shows you how much of each nutrient one serving provides based on a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet. You do not have to consume 2,000 calories a day to use these numbers. This is just the standard. You don’t have to calculate anything in order to benefit from this information! The %DV does the math for you!

There is no %DV for sugar, protein, or trans fat. Keep in mind that sugar has many synonyms, such as sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, honey, syrup, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, and fruit juice. It should be used sparingly. Trans fat should be avoided at all times, as it is associated with high LDL cholesterol levels. Protein, on the other hand, only has to be given a %DV if it claims to be “high in protein” or if the product is for children under the age of four.

If used correctly, nutrition fact labels are an extremely valuable resource, but unfortunately, they are not always available. For those times when you don’t have the option of using a nutrition fact label, equip your kitchen with an Eat Smart Nutrition Scale. This impressive food scale instantly calculates and displays key nutrients for specific portions of 999 foods! It serves as a “food guidance system” as you work to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

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