Vitamins For A Healthy Heart

As we all know, vitamins are very important when it comes tokeeping your heart healthy. You need to eat the right foods ofcourse, although you also need to supplement the food you eatwith the necessary vitamins your body needs to stay in shapeand keep your heart working healthy for a long time to come. Ifyou don't consume the right nutrients, you won't be doing yourheart any favors - and may end up having problems later on inlife. The first vitamin that comes to mind for most people is vitaminE, a vitamin that is essential to improving the overall healthof your heart. When taken correctly, vitamin E will stop thecholesterol in the body from harming the arteries that surroundthe heart. Anytime cholesterol oxidizes, it sticks to the sidesof the arteries and can lead to blockages which can cause heartattacks or other serious problems with the heart. To help you keep your heart healthy, most doctors recommendthat you take additional supplements that contain vitamin E.They may also suggest that you eat foods that are naturallyrich in vitamin E, such as nuts. Nuts have high amounts ofvitamin E, and most of them taste great. You can find otherfoods that contain vitamin E as well, although nuts have thehighest amounts. In the past, research has shown Vitamin E to help those whohave already suffered the wrath of a heart attack. This vitaminhelps to prevent heart attacks in the future by opening up thearteries and eliminate blockage. Those who have had a heartattack in the past are always encouraged to add more vitamin Eto their diet. What many aren't aware of, is the fact that you can use vitaminC to boost the effects of vitamin E. Vitamin C is known as anantioxidant, which prevents the damaging effects thatcholesterol has on the body. Along with preventing cholesterolfrom damaging the body, vitamin C also helps vitamin E withit's functions - such as protecting your arteries and yourheart. More on detox diets at http://www.diet-detox.info By taking both vitamin C and E as a combination, you'll be wellon your way to a healthier heart. Overall, this is the easiestway that you can be sure you aren't damaging your heart,especially if you have had a heart attack in the past. If youhave a history of heart disease or heart problems in yourfamily, these vitamins are essential to your diet. Even if you are just concerned about the health of your heart,these vitamins will give you the peace of mind in knowing thatyou are eating for a healthy heart. As far as your dosage goes, it will vary from person to person,although 400 international units of vitamin E and C are therecommended amounts for most people. On it's own, vitamin C canbe tolerated in large doses, without imposing any harmfuleffects. You can take around 500 mg of it twice a day, andensure that your heart remains healthy. To be on the safe side, you should always make sure that youget the proper amount of vitamins in your daily diet. Takingadditional vitamins and supplements isn't a bad idea either,especially if you are trying to boost the health of your heart.Detox diets vary, but they typically advise restriction of thediet to raw vegetables, fruit, water and yoghurt Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body,which is why you should always take care of it. If you eat theproper diet and take the necessary vitamins - you'll be well onyour way to keeping your heart healthy.About The Author: More on detox diets athttp://www.diet-detox.info

Wu Long Teas And Weight Loss After The Holidays

For most people the holidays like Christmas, Chanukah and NewYears are special occasions that allow families to reunite andspend quality time together. Accompanying the festivities areoften parties and dinners that can result in weight gain. Manypeople often seek ways to reduce weight after the holidays areover.This is not a time for panic: crash diets and extreme exerciseprograms almost always fail and should be avoided. Weight lossshould always be part of a sensible balanced program of exerciseand diet and most experts agree that moderation and consistencyare better than excess.Strategies to Prevent Weight GainTo help prevent weight gain it is important to assess yourbehavior and environment and adopt healthy habitsThe amount and types of foods you eat, and your physical activityhabits are important factors in controlling weight. Theenvironment in which you live may also contribute to the adoptionof poor eating or exercise habits. This is especially true intoday's society, which is dominated by speed and convenience.For example, escalators, elevators and remote-control appliancesmake us less physically active and walking is less frequent thanin prior years. Also, greater availability of foods that arehigh in calories, fat and added sugars, and larger portion sizespromote unhealthy eating behaviors.In addition, reputable organizations, government agencies andindependent researchers agree on the importance of adoptinghealthy habits to prevent weight gain.Effective weight management involves behavior modification whichis a lifelong commitment and includes at least two components:Healthful eating in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines forAmericans, emphasizing a reduction in total calories, a loweredfat consumption, and an increase in vegetables, fruits and wholegrains, is an essential part of weight control.Increased frequent and regular physical activity of at leastmoderate intensity is also required.Health professionals also recommend a prescription for health andweight loss that includes: * Moderate physical activity on most days of the week of atleast 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes per day forchildren. * Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, andreasonable portion sizes at home, in schools, at worksites, andin communities. * Drinking at least eight glasses of pure water.In addition to exercise and a healthy diet, the use of Wu longtea (also spelled oolong tea or wu long tea) is growing inpopularity as a wholesome and flavorful way to limit weightgain.Will drinking Wu long tea really help lose weight?For many, Wu long tea is a helpful addition to a comprehensiveweight loss program. Wu long tea tastes good, contains healthbenefits that lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and a cupof Wu long tea in the morning can serve as a reminder of ahealthy life style.Wu Long tea has become a premium weight loss tea that many arediscovering for the first time. If you have never enjoyed thegreat taste and slimming health benefits it is known for, you aretruly missing an incredible opportunity. Originating in theFujian Province of China, Wu Long tea has gradually beenintroduced into Western culture. Of all the tea, Wu Longrepresents the Chinese culture best.Those who enjoy the flavor and rich aroma unique to slimming WuLong tea truly understand the art of drinking it - slowly anddelicately. Using a tiny teapot and small teacup, they areinheriting a rich tradition, started by the Chinese generationsago. The health benefits of Wu long tea are many: * Rich in Theaflavin, Tea Polysaccharides and Tea Catechin,antioxidants that assist in the reduction of plaque in thearteries, in lowering cholesterol and in producing slimmingeffects. * Helps regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics. * Burns 2.5 times more calories than Green Tea, ideal for weightloss. * Promotes clear, youthful looking skin.Scientific studies have established that tea is high inhealth-promoting polyphenols that protect us against cancer andother diseases. Wu long tea is particularly high in "polymerizedpolyphenols" which according to recent studies helps to increaseenergy expenditure.One recent study found that energy expenditure increased by 10%for a period of 2 hours after drinking wu long tea. This wassignificantly higher than the energy expenditure observed afterdrinking other types of tea.Another study found that wu long tea can suppress lipidmetabolism which has the effect of suppressing fatty accumulationand body weight increases. The study concludes that long-termconsumption of wu long tea is beneficial for the suppression ofdiet induced obesity.Health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and catechins arepresent in all types of tea, but hand picked wu long tea is thebest source because the pickers are selecting the best leavesfrom the tea plant. Machine harvesting is indiscriminate andshould be avoided - older leaves and twigs are harvested alongwith the newer leaves.Wu long tea is not a miracle cure for weight problems. Weightloss involves following a sensible, healthy diet, and a change inlifestyle to include an adequate amount of exercise. Wu long teahowever, can give you the extra boost to help in your weight lossplans, but it must be used as part of an overall strategy toimprove your living habits.Enjoy the holidays and the festivities involved, don't undertakecrash weight loss programs and adopt a healthy lifestyleincluding Wu long tea!-------------------------------------------------------Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden MoonTea Company. For more information about tea,(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea) green tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea) and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

Green Tea's Effect On Body Fat

Losing weight is a subject on the minds of many. Our eat on therun, tv watching lifestyle has led many of us to have biggerwaistlines than we'd like; and bigger waistlines than arehealthy for us. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Controlestimates that over 60 million Americans, or 30% of the adultpopulation, are obese.Obesity related illnesses are going to lead the pack as causes ofdeath in our country very soon if we don't get ourselves back ontrack. Obesity leads to heart disease, high blood pressure, TypeII diabetes and increases your risk for some forms of cancer. Asour weight increases, so do our risk levels.So, how do we go about losing the weight? Well, most of us areaware that we need to eat less and exercise more. Putting morecalories into our bodies than we burn off in a day leads toweight gain. Cutting calories and getting exercise can help youget your expenditure and intake in line. There's certainly nogetting around this basic weight loss principle.But, research is showing that there are some foods that can helpyou lose weight, and other foods that will pack on the poundsfaster than you can say "calorie". I'm not talking strictlycalories here - I'm talking about foods that help you burn fator stay full longer versus foods that cannot be used by the bodyas energy, so they automatically turn to fat.Let's look at foods that can help you. You might be surprised atsome of these - they're not all low calorie. However, they'reknown to help you feel full longer or burn fat.Nuts - Nuts, especially almonds, have been found to be helpful atlosing weight. Now, nuts are not exactly a low calorie food, andthey must be eaten in moderation. However, they are verynutritious.Nuts are high in fat, but it's HDL fat, which is the kind thatpromotes good cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol helps ridthe body of LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol thatclogs arteries and leads to heart attacks and strokes.Nuts are thought to make us feel full longer. In addition, theycontain protein that seems to burn a lot of calories duringdigestion. Doctors are somewhat unclear as to how nuts work, butthey do seem to have an effect on weight loss.Milk - Research has shown that those who drink 24 ounces of lowfat milk every day tend to weigh less than those who do not drinkmilk. Again, the reasons are not clear, but low fat milk doesseem to speed up the metabolism. One study showed that women whoate a reduced calorie diet that included 3-4 servings of low fatdairy products and exercised lost more weight than those who atea reduced calorie diet with fewer servings of dairy andexercised.Green Tea - In recent years, green tea has gained a lot ofattention for its ability to protect health and prevent disease.Green tea has been shown to prevent heart disease, cancer,Alzheimer's disease and even Type II diabetes. But, more andmore, we're finding out that green tea may have lots ofpotential to help weight loss, too.First, let's talk about what's so special about green tea. Themagic is in the anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are importantbecause they fight free radicals in our bodies.Free radicals are damaging molecules that are created as weconvert the food we eat into energy. Free radicals damage cellsand DNA, leading to disease, if left unchecked. That's why it'sso important to get anti-oxidants in our diets each day. Fruitsand vegetables are also good sources of anti-oxidants.But, some of the most potent anti-oxidants around are those foundin green tea. Tea anti-oxidants are known as catechins, and theymake up about 25% of the weight of a dry tea leaf. Tea containsfour main catechin substances: epicatechin (EC), epicatechingallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechingallate (EGCG). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the mostabundant catechin in tea.Health professionals favor green tea over black tea because itretains more of these catechins in their natural form than blacktea. Black tea goes through a fermentation process that changessome of these catechins from their original state into one thatis less healthy. It's these catechins that seem to have theability to help us lose weight.One particular study looked at Japanese men. All of the men werefed the same healthy diet for two weeks before the actual studybegan. Then, a 12 week study period began, in which some of themen drank one bottle of tea that contained 690 mg of teacatechins each day. The rest of the men were fed one bottle oftea that contained just 22 mg of catechins each day. All of themen continued on a healthy diet.At the end of the study, the men who ingested 690 mg of teacatechins each day had significantly lowered their BMI, bodyweight, waist circumference and body fat mass, when compared tothe men who consumed fewer tea catechins. The study concludedthat the catechins in tea can help to reduce body fat when partof a healthy diet.So, while we know that to lose weight we have to reduce ourcalories and get regular exercise, it's nice to know that thereare foods out there that can help us meet our goals more easily.So, add some nuts, milk and green tea to your healthy diet, andwatch how your body changes!-------------------------------------------------------Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden MoonTea Company. For more information about tea,(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea) green tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea) and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

When Thyroid Problems Hit Home

If someone close to you (such as a friend or family member) hasbeen diagnosed with a thyroid problem, you may be initiallyshocked and unable to provide a significant amount ofassistance. However, after a time, you will undoubtedly want tosupport him or her tackle their thyroid symptoms. Here, we'vecompiled a few ways you can be there emotionally andintellectually as you can together deal with a thyroidproblem(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Thyroid-Support.html). Be Open The first way to help the person with thyroid problems is tosimply be open to the fact that he or she has a thyroidcondition. Don't avoid talking about it; instead, be availablewhenever your loved one needs to chat. And rather than tryingto find a solution to thyroid symptoms, be a non-judgmentalshoulder to cry on. Don't insist that he or she do anythingwithin the first 24 hours of finding out about the thyroidcondition unless a physician insists that immediate steps arenecessary. Learn about ThyroidProblems(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Thyroid-Support.html) Scour every medical journal you can, searching forup-to-the-minute information on thyroid symptoms and problemssuch as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Pick up medicalpamphlets on thyroid problems in both doctor's offices andhealth food stores. You may even want to join an Internet-basedmessage board or two and find out from others what sufferingfrom thyroid symptoms is really like. By being as informed asyou can, you'll be better able to help your family member makewise thyroid problem treatment options. Understand that Medicine May Not Be the Total Answer Though modern medicine is capable of effectively curing someforms of thyroid problems, it may not completely eradicate allthyroid symptoms for your family member. Instead, suggest to them that they look into natural remediesas alternatives to, or in conjunction with, medical treatments,such as taking a supplement rich in bladderwrack or selenium. Other holistic helpers include B vitamins, such as B12, B6, andfolic acid, all of which seem to help tackle thyroid problems byboosting the body's immune system. The more you know about these"alternative" remedies, the more help you can be in tacklingyour family member's thyroidsymptoms(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Thyroid-Support.html).Attend Appointments with Your Loved One If at all possible, you may want to join your family member orfriend when he or she heads to the primary care physician orendocrinologist for appointments. This way, you'll hearfirst-hand what's being recommended to treat his or her thyroidproblem. And you can also ask the professional about alternativeremedies or ways to recover should thyroid surgery be necessary.Of course, some family members may not want you actually IN thedoctor's appointment, but may still appreciate your offering totake them to the office and waiting for them. This is still ahighly appropriate method of supporting someone with a thyroidcondition, and will actually make you feel better, too.Remember - there's no need to allow a thyroid problem to comebetween you and a family member. Reach out and you'll both reapthe benefits of some hand-holding.About The Author: Author Bio: Mitamins team bd@mitamins.netTargeted: Thyroid Support; Safety: Avoid Vitamins Overdose,Supplement Drug Interactions; Quality: Freshly Made with BrandIngredients. vitamin support for ThyroidProblems(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Thyroid-Support.html)

High Protein Diet - Opposite to a Low Carb Diet?

By: Trevor Mulholland High protein diets are usually associated with low carbohydrates, even though people who have high protein requirements, like professional body builders, are not advised to go on a low carb diet. Protein is one of the most important nutrients necessary for health. The body uses it to build muscle, replenish cells, keep the blood in optimum condition, and basically to keep the body operating smoothly. If done properly, a high protein diet will keep you strong, healthy, and happy.A high protein diet can provoke weight loss, as several studies have indicated. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and science has shown that if your amino acids are deficient, you are prone to a number of health problems, including obesity. If you concentrate on protein-rich foods and minimize your intake of refined food that have a high carbohydrate and sugar content, after a while, your body will enter into a state called ketosis. Instead of burning carbohydrates as fuel, the body will turn to fat as its primary source of energy. Simply put, the less carbs you have in your body to burn, the more fat your body will use to give you the energy you need to live from day to day.In addition, it has been proven that eating protein-rich foods leaves you feeling full longer and you will find that you are much less inclined to snack or go on an eating binge. This is because your blood sugar and insulin levels are kept within the normal range you'll be keeping undue hunger at arm's length.Going on a high protein diet does not mean, however, that you are free to gorge on any and every type of protein. You would do well to avoid fried foods dripping in oil or margarine-smothered products. The reason for this is because these foods contain so-called trans-fats and other bad oils and fats that can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. However, there is a wealth of other types of fatty, protein rich foods that are quite nutritious.As is common knowledge, meat is an excellent source of protein. Pork and beef contain ample amounts of this nutrient. But if you are concerned about fat, you should limit your portions of dishes containing meat. On the other hand, there is no need to worry about oils and fats if you eat fish and other seafood. Aside from being rich in protein, they contain essential fatty acids that improve your blood cholesterol levels and help prevent ailments like stroke and coronary artery disease. So you need not have any qualms about indulging your appetite at a seafood buffet - most of them can do no harm, only good.Many plant products also have a rich amount of protein in them. Soy-based produce like tofu and soy milk are suitable for those trying to lose weight on a high protein regimen. So are pulses and beans. Not only are they protein-rich, they are usually low-fat and low-carbohydrate as well.There have been concerns that a diet rich in protein can have adverse health effects. Some health experts claim that too much protein can deplete the body's calcium supply and lead to diseases like osteoporosis. Another concern is that the kidneys are forced to deal with more byproducts, thus lessening their efficiency. And there are indications that too much protein increases uric acid levels, which can lead to gout or kidney stones. However, the jury is still out on whether protein is the major culprit in these conditions. More, longer-term research is needed to determine this although there are also many studies that are being conducted to explore these problems, their extent, and their possible resolutions.A high protein diet may not be for everyone, but for a vast number of people, it not only helps them in their weight loss efforts, it keeps them healthy, too! If you are considering going on this diet, always remember your limits and stick to the rules. It's possible to modify it a little bit in various ways (such as reducing the intake of saturated fats) to suit your personal taste, but don't deviate from the "main course." Choose your protein sources wisely, don't forget to exercise, don't be a glutton (it's one of the seven deadly sins, after all) and just watch the pounds melt away.Article Source: http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/articlesCarb-club.com provides you with information on all kinds of issues like high protein diet and diets like the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, the Zone diet, and more. Come take a look at www.carb-club.com/

Using Color To Achieve Optimum Nutrition

With more and more research being done on the effect ofnutrition on overall health and longevity, increased attentionhas been given to the importance of planning healthy meals athome. Research has shown that optimum nutrition is achievedthrough the eating of a variety of natural foods that arepacked with vitamins and minerals. In an effort to reach optimum nutrition it is important to makea commitment to focusing on particular food groups. Expertsagree that color is the key when filling up your plate withfood. Fresh fruits and vegetables part of optimum nutrition come in all shades of beautiful colors; the deep orange of ablood orange, the red of an apple or strawberry, the intenseblue of a blueberry. Fresh vegetables are best served green;green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. When it comes to carbohydrates, color is still vital toachieving optimum nutrition. Sweet potatoes are more nutritiousthan white potatoes; wheat pasta is a better choice than whitepasta; brown rice beats white rice, and dark whole grain breadis far better than processed white bread. The combination of these healthy choices along with leanproteins, low-fat dairy products, and at least eight glasses ofwater a day will go a long way to achieving optimum nutrition.Of course, part of this commitment is the minimizing if notaltogether elimination of foods that are fried, processed,and contain high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Ultimately, if you are you going about achieving optimumnutrition the right way, your plate should reflect a variety ofbeautiful colors; foods that hold an enormous amount of vitaminsand minerals. Make a game out of if by choosing foods that are apart of this nutritious rainbow. The most important thing is toimplement this lifestyle within the home, giving your familythe tools it needs to stay healthy for a lifetime. Work as ateam to find new and exciting recipes that showcase seasonalfoods and pack nutrition and taste into every bite. Optimum nutrition is within all of our grasps; it starts with acommitment to a lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that makes the mostof the natural food products available to us and, ultimately,it is a lifestyle that can greatly benefit you and your family giving you long years of health.About The Author: For easy to understand, in depth informationabout optimum nutrition visit our ezGuide 2http://nutrition.ezguide2.com

Extreme Weight Loss Plan: Is It For You?

Nothing beats a balanced diet and regular exercise as healthy ways to lose weight. But it is quite a tall order for many who are stuck in front of computers all day. Here is a rundown on extreme weight-loss plan available in most countries today, and the possible risks involved.1. Hormone TherapyQuite holistic, this approach basically involves taking an anti-aging medicine. As the body ages, hormone levels go down, the pituitary glands stop producing growth hormones, and one's metabolism slows, making weight gain very easy and losing weight a challenge.The goal of this method is to bring the body's function back to its 20'the age when the body is at its peak. Weight loss is a result of the increases rate of metabolism. Ten to twenty pounds can easily be lost, but then after that it may come back. The therapy, however, can also replenish growth hormones, firm the muscles, and tighten the skin.Hormonal therapy is best for people whose hormones are not in tip-top shape but whose will power is. Health experts say that most people who follow this regimen tend to let their appetite go since they now have faster metabolism.The RisksOverdose and hyperthyroidism are the main risks. There is also an ongoing controversy about this approach and cancer. If an individual is genetically predisposed to cancer cells, the growth hormones may trigger the sleeping cancer cells to grow. This theory is not yet medically proven, but requires careful consideration.2. LiposuctionAccording to some 2003 statistical reports, liposuction was considered as the well known "cosmetic surgery" method in the United States, with approximately more than 380,000 cases performed.The need for liposuction is feasible for people who have extreme fat deposits. Some people have certain areas in their body that are predisposed to easy formation of fatty deposits like the abdomen, the hips, and the arms.Cosmetic surgeons claim that liposuction is essentially a surgical technique that involves a probe being inserted into the patient's body and liquefying the fat prior to suctioning it out.The most commonly used method of liposuction is the wet method, which is an outpatient procedure that takes around an hour and a half to perform.On the other hand, the dry method involves general anesthesia for liposuction on all parts of the body in one session. Tending to be bloody and painful, this approach causes 99% of lipo mortalities.The LimitationsLiposuction allows the removal of fat deposits from a patient's body in a single operation by as much as 10 pounds. Also, keep in mind that liposuction is really not a mere procedure for weight loss. Rather, it is a "cosmetic surgical procedure" designed to contour the body by removing extra fat not even requiring a minor surgery to take away extra skin or to put away huge "permanent scars".Liposuction is best for individuals with a healthy mind and body. Patients with healthy skin will find that their skin will respond positively to their new body contours.The RisksIn some cases of liposuction, the risk of getting an infection is possible, as with any surgery, for that matter. Thus, a prophylactic is administered before the procedure.Also, pulmonary embolism happens in one in 100,000 patients of liposuction. This happens when an amount of loosened fat travels the body and reaches post-surgery may prevent this.3. Bariatric SurgeryThis is the last resort for those who suffer from what is called morbid obesity, a case of being overweight by 100 pounds or more.There are two ways to do bariatric surgery:a. The "Lap Band System"This type of bariatric surgery works on the principle of stomach stapling, but instead of stapling, a removable band is placed to restrict the stomach. Placed laparoscopically, the "band" is pretty much like a belt that can be tightened or loosened, only worn inside the body.The modifiable band is a "silicone elastomer hollow ring" packed with saline and mounted surrounding the higher portion of the stomach creating a fresh miniature "stomach pouch", with the larger portion of the stomach underneath the band, thereby, reducing the storage space.b. Gastric Bypass SurgeryOtherwise known as stomach, stapling, gastric bypass surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach so that a patient feels full after only a diminutive quantity of food, from one ounce to three ounces. The result is an immediate decrease in calorie intake and the long-term reducing in weight.Indeed, there are many kinds of weight loss plans available in the market today. Some may be beneficial for one, but could be harmful to the others. The key is to find out which weight loss plan will best work for you. With any extreme weight loss plan you should always weigh the risks compared to the benefits.Talk it over with your health care practitioner and your family and always wait at least six months before having the surgery. During this six months, eat the most nutritional foods possible, work with your doctor on starting an exercise plan and get your body as healthy as possible. Surgery does take a toll on the body so you need to treat it well before and after.The six month wait will also give you time to really think it out and decide if you are mentally prepared for an extreme weight loss plan. There is a good chance that after the wait, you may change your mind and go for more subtle ways of weight loss.Patricia has been interested in weight loss & fitness since the early 70's and knows the difference between hype & fact. For daily dieting & fitness information please visit: http://The-Weightloss-Guide.com/blog