Thursday, August 14, 2008

This is good article explaining the weak performance of South Africans at the Olympic games.

http://www.health24.com/fitness/The_Olympics/16-4151,47559.asp

For all your weight loss products, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and Herbalife Products, visit http://www.herbalstore.co.za.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Article on cancer prevention.

Hi everybody.

Take a look at this excellent article on cancer prevention.

http://www.health24.com/news/Cancer/1-898,47415.asp

Visit http://www.herbalstore.co.za/ for all your nutrition needs.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Nutrition and Weight Loss

by Catherine Tyler



It is a common belief that your body structure is predominantly due to what you inherit. However, scientists and health professionals discard such perceptions. According to them, the theory of your genetic structure forcing you to be bulky is just a fable. Their opinions are that though heredity plays a vital role in deciding the edges of our body frame, most of us grow hefty due to our own food preferences.





When we are young, our body metabolism is high and so is our life style. We eat a lot and the energy gets easily consumed in the activities we are engaged. The problem starts as one starts retiring or ageing, an irreversible process. The first point to be kept in mind is that as we grow old, both our physical activity and the metabolic rate slow down. So, it is recommended to reduce the food intake which is just needed to keep the body functioning.



Even though if you gain weight, there is no need to get panic because you may try out one or the other approaches to reduce the body fat. These days weight loss tablets are in demand which challenge a drastic change overnight. A majority of these advertised products are diet pills which might have detrimental effects, however, the latest amongst these are some herbal medication made up of plants without any chemicals.



Amongst these, Herbalife weight loss product is gaining popularity rapidly. These are entirely made of herbs, low-growing, soft-stemmed plants. Usually, their leaves and seeds are used in medicines or as food flavors due to their scent and flavor. They are helpful in the smooth progression of weight loss.



The market is flooded with a variety of these medicines. You may consider selecting some of the widely used ones such as Herbalife formula 1 vanilla diet slim lose weight, Herbalife diet formula 1 tropical fruit and Herbalife formula 1 strawberry weight control powder



When compared with other substances which act as catalysts to reduce those extra pounds, these herbs certainly have an upper edge. Due to the flavoring agents, they are good for the taste buds, reliable, uncomplicated and efficient. The best part is that they are less expensive unlike others and would suit your budget.



Before you finally decide to go for one of these, let us study some of the pros and leads for using these products which will help you to take a decision.



1. Any diet pill or weight loss product in general works to reduce the excessive fat content of the body. In contrast, these products also work towards your body's tenor providing an erect posture and physique. They help your body to restrain the forthcoming accrual of fats.



2. Unlike other substances, they are also a cardinal source of providing the essential nutrients to your body cells as they are plant products.



3. These products are made of herbs with an instant flavor and not like the heavily chemicals intoxicated substances. You will not even feel as if you are taking a medicine as it satisfies your taste buds.



4. One has to reduce the food quantity while on a diet plan and weight loss regime. These herbal products do not set any limitation and you can eat more as they check the fats from piling up in the body tissues.



5. These products have a tendency to minimize the intake of additional calories which will make your task easier and achieve the desired goal.



Now, you need not worry about what delightful items others are eating while you are on a fitness spree because you will definitely have a gratifying experience.



If you think that you have to reduce your body fat to a standard, it is recommended to workout more along with a diminution of the calorie count. You might also want to undertake this to avoid an expansion of your body structure. If for some reasons, these options are not feasible, give a chance to the Herbalife weight loss products to prove its worth.



With a strong determination and consistent efforts, you will certainly reap the benefits even though it might take some time.



About the Author
Learn more about Nutrition and Weight Loss, please visit http://www.slim-nutrition.com/



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A great South African Online Herbalife retailer is http://www.herbalstore.co.za

Monday, August 4, 2008

Omega 3's - How much to lower cholesterol?

by Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

Increasing the amount of omega-3 fats in our diet and decreasing the amount of omega-6 is beneficial in reducing your risk for heart disease. Most American’s consume a high omega-6 diet, with omega 3 being a common deficiency. Omega 3 deficiencies and the imbalance between omega 3 and omega 6 intakes have been linked with serious conditions, including heart attacks. Successfully maintaining a ratio of 4:1 to 1:1 omega 6 to omega 3 will help lower cholesterol levels and control high blood pressure.

How much omega 3 do you need to add?

This is under debate and more research is being done. Right now the range experts recommend is from 500-2000 mg/day. Here are the current American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations.
The AHA recommends that individuals without heart disease eat a variety of fish twice a week, use heart healthy oils (flaxseed, canola, soybean oils), and consume flaxseed and walnuts.
For individuals with heart disease, the AHA recommends 1 g of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily, preferably from fatty fish.
The AHA recommends 2 to 4 g of EPA + DHA daily, under physician’s care only, for individuals that need to lower triglycerides. High doses, > 3 grams/day, can result in excessive bleeding. (Do not self medicate! Talk to your MD before supplementing greater than 2 grams.)

Omega 3 Content of Different Foods

Wild Salmon, 4 oz. 1700 mg (DHA 700 mg, EPA 400 mg)Tuna canned in water, 4 oz. 300 mg (DHA 200 mg, EPA 50 mg)Cod, 4 oz. 600 mg (DHA 160 mg, EPA 50 mg)Flaxseed, 1 Tbsp. 1000 mg (ALA ��" alpha��"linolenic acid ��" 1000 mg)Soybeans, dried, cooked ½ cup 500 mg (DHA/EPA 250 mg, ALA 250 mg)Walnuts, 1 oz. 2570 mg (ALA 2570 mg)Pecans, 1 oz. 280 mg (ALA 280 mg)Wheat germ, ¼ cup 210 mg (ALA 210 mg)Canola oil, 1 Tbsp 1300 mg (ALA 1300 mg)Olive oil, 1 Tbsp 100 mg (ALA 100 mg)

There’s a reason I included details on amounts of DHA, EPA, and ALA for each omega 3 source. Right now, DHA and EPA have a greater link with lower cholesterol levels, lower triglycerides, and higher HDL levels than ALA. The body is able to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is low; therefore, it is best to include high DHA and EPA sources in your eating plan.

My recommendation:

As a preventive measure and to promote lower cholesterol and blood pressure control, I recommend eating fish twice a week, select a supplement that will provide you at least 1000 mg of omega 3 fatty acids daily (choose a good source of DHA and EPA), and use ground flaxseed when appropriate in your meal preparation.

About the Author
Now, to receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson, subscribe to The Heart of Health today!

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You can find an ecellent Omega 3 product here: http://www.herbalstore.co.za/herbalife-products/65/herbalifeline.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Why Your Diet May Not Be As Rich In Iodine As You Assume

by: Steve Smith

The trace mineral iodine is well known for its crucial role in enabling the body's manufacture of vital thyroid hormones, but it is also important for the health of the immune system and for optimal brain function. It is widely believed by many authorities that iodine deficiency should never be seen in the affluent West, although this problem affects millions throughout the developed world.

Some nutritionists argue, however, that this conventional view is too optimistic, because the content of all minerals in foods is heavily dependent on the mineral content of the soil from which those foods are derived. The assumption must therefore be that the continuing de-mineralisation of farm soils has led to a reduction in the amount of dietary iodine commonly consumed.

Fish and other seafood, however, remain a relatively rich source because these ocean creatures concentrate the sea's iodine in their flesh. Though not commonly eaten in the West, seaweed, or kelp, is also an excellent source of iodine for this reason, and is readily available in the form of a dietary supplements. Dairy products and certain meats may also be a good source, particularly where iodine is routinely added to farm animal feed. But in countries, including most of Western Europe, where animals are grazing fields growing on iodine depleted soils, levels are likely to be much lower.

So even in the West, those not including fish or seafood in their diets, and not using iodised or sea salt, may be at real risk of deficiency. In an effort to compensate for low levels of dietary iodine, the mineral has been routinely added to ordinary table salt in the US for many years. But the practice is not as common in the UK and other European countries, where specially iodised or natural "sea-salt" has been marketed more as a luxury alternative. The problem of insufficient dietary iodine has been compounded on both sides of the Atlantic, however, by increasing concern about the possible adverse health consequences, particularly high blood pressure, of excessive salt intake. Many nutritionists, however, regard these fears as exaggerated, and believe that any such potential problems are far less serious than the consequences of an insufficiency of iodine, and may be easily resolved by the use of the low sodium salt alternatives available.

Iodine, however, cannot in any case be regarded as a luxury. Its essential function lies in the production of the vital thyroid hormones; thyroxine, sometimes known as T4, and tri-iodothyronine, or T3. And as is well known, these hormones are crucially important in ensuring a healthy metabolic rate and the release of energy from food; so an underactive thyroid gland is commonly the villain in cases of excessive weight gain, particularly where this of sudden onset, and in cases of difficulty in losing weight even when following a sensible reducing programme. A healthy thyroid gland is also crucial for the optimal functioning of the immune system.

But perhaps even more importantly, iodine deficiency is also known as a major cause of avoidable brain damage; a problem which the World Health Organisation has estimated to affect an astonishing 50 million people worldwide. Sadly, many of these cases occur in children whose mothers were iodine deficient in pregnancy, resulting in a condition of severely retarded brain development known as congenital hypothyroidism, or "cretinism". Even where such catastrophic consequences are avoided, iodine deficiency in childhood may also have serious effects on the developing brain, leading to low energy and motivation for learning, and measurable impairment of IQ scores.

Since 2001 the Food and Nutrition Board of the US Institute of Medicine (FNB) has prescribed a Recommended Dietary Allowance for iodine of 150 mcg for all individuals over 14, rising to 220 mcg for pregnant women and 290 mcg for those breastfeeding. Somewhat confusingly, however, an excessive consumption of iodine is also associated with a malfunctioning or enlargement of the thyroid gland, as well as mouth ulcers, headaches and gastric upsets, and the FNB therefore advises an upper safe limit for daily iodine consumption of 1,100 mcg for adults. Most people eating a conventional Western diet are unlikely to exceed this level.

With the possible exception of pregnant and breastfeeding women, people in the West who use liberal quantities of iodised salt as a regular seasoning are unlikely to need further supplements. But many commercial multi-mineral preparations contain iodine in reasonable quantities, usually in the form of potassium iodide, and whilst not perhaps strictly necessary, such supplementary doses will do no harm and may be regarded as a useful insurance policy given that, like all minerals needed by the body, iodine functions best in the presence of adequate supplies of all the others. And it should be particularly noted in this context that the effects of any deficiency of iodine may be intensified by any deficiency of selenium, iron or vitamin A.

About The Author
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter and journalist with a particular interest in health and wellness. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Iodine.htm

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Luckily in South Africa our health department ordered sea salt to be the only legal salt sold by retailers. That goes a long way in helping us not be deficient. Just check that you don't get to much of the nutrient, because that is equally bad.

To make sure you get all your necessary nutrients in your diet perhaps you should order a good supplement from http://www.herbalstore.co.za .

Friday, July 25, 2008

Medical Aids in South Africa

I found this very good article on the need for a medical aid in south africa.

Check it out: http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-2002-2019,36103.asp

Getting optimal nutrition is a great way to help keep medical costs down. Take a look at http://www.herbalstore.co.za

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Is Your Busy Life Making You Age More Quickly?

by Marcus Ryan

You know you should eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly if you want to look and feel as young as possible, but sometimes your schedule seems to make either of those things impossible.

If you think that you are simply too busy to take proper care of yourself, then take heart, because this article will give you some hints on how you can both exercise regularly and eat properly without cutting even further into your valuable time.

Exercise

You may be operating, as many of us are, under the impression that any exercise session of less than thirty minutes will do nothing either to improve your fitness or to fight aging. But more recent research has indicated otherwise.

If you can find three ten minute breaks during your day which you can devote to physical exercise, you'll achieve the same results as if you had a single half-hour session. Getting your heart into your target zone for then minutes three times a day will be just as beneficial as getting there for thirty minutes, and you can achieve your target heart rate simply by power walking for ten minutes.

If you eat lunch at work, take ten minutes from your lunch break and climb some stairs, or walk around the block or the grounds of your building. If you have a couple of coffee breaks in the course of a work day, use one of them as a walking break. You'll get in another exercise session, and will be as energized as if you had gulped down that caffeinated coffee, Pay Attention To Your Diet

At the same time you begin to incorporate mini-exercise sessions into your life, you can begin to make the dietary changes which will ensure that you get all the antioxidants and nutrients to keep your skin rejuvenated and elastic, regardless of your age. These dietary changes need not involve much extra time, as long as you prepare in advance.

Sticking with a healthy eating plan can actually be very easy if you use your free weekend time to prepare and store the vegetables you intend to eat throughout the week. Wash the veggies and put them in plastic baggies, and if you slice them squeeze some fresh lemon juice on their exposed surfaces to keep them from turning brown. They'll be all ready for the salad bowl, steamer, or grill whenever you need them.

Keep your meals interesting but simple. Have a spice rack with herbs ready to sprinkle on freshly grilled veggies and fish, and keep skinned and boned white meat chicken on hand as another healthy time-saver.

On those nights when cooking simply is not practical, pay a visit to the local deli and pick up fresh vegetable salad and grilled chicken or fish. With a little effort, you can find everything you need for a healthy meal at the deli, and you wont have to spend time cleaning up afterwards!

While you are at the supermarket, look for pre-cut veggies and fresh fruit salad to eat as snacks, instead of those sugary and salty processed ones. You can even find bags of almonds and dried fruits in single portion packs. Taking them along to work will give you healthy pick-me-ups to keep you away from the vending machines and donut table during work hours.

If you really want look and feel young for as long as possible, you will have to make a commitment to regular exercise and healthy eating. Being too busy for either is simply cheating yourself, and if you use a bit of creative scheduling, there is no reason at all why you can not eat properly and get adequate exercise!

About the Author
Want the best anti wrinkle creams? Then see these anti wrinkle cream reviews of latest creams that gives results in under 7 minutes, at www.wrinklecreamsreview.com and get the anti wrinkle cream that gets rid of skin wrinkles in minutes.

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