Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Nutrition 101 - Be Ready To Take Notes

Today, it is a well known fact that a well balanced and nutritious diet is the key to maintaining optimal health but with the numerous fad diets around these days it becomes very difficult to choose what food is good and what isn't.

Though there are many controversial studies, one thing that is clear is that a healthy diet requires all the four basic food groups in the appropriate amounts. On an average, adult men need between 2000-2500 calories while the range is a little lower for women and those seeking rapid weight loss. However, most people aren't aware that 50% of these calories should come from Carbohydrates, while 30% should be supplied in the form of fats and only 20% comes from protein.

Carbohydrates are essential to produce energy in the body. Simple sugars such as fructose and glucose are broken down rapidly by the intestine and absorbed. One the other hand complex carbohydrates such as starches especially those found in potatoes take longer to break down but are also healthy if consumed in moderation.

The chemical constitution of fats are similar to carbohydrates in the sense that they contain fatty acids that are essential to health. Proteins are broken down to form amino acids that in turn recombine to form proteins used in muscles and other structures.

Since meat is a good source of protein, consuming about 3 ounces of meat per meal is enough for an average sized person. A cup of pasta has just the right amount of carbohydrates while two cups of green leafy vegetables supply the body with adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Thus, a balanced meal can ideally consist of one serving of meat or other protein source,starchy carbs like pasta,rice,corn or potatoes and fruit to provide the required fiber. Try and avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar such as butter and sauces.

While trying to lose weight and maintain a balanced diet at the same time, one should be aware of what sources are high in which food group.

For example one gram of fat contains 9 calories which is almost double compared to other energy sources so one should try and avoid consuming too many foods that are rich in fat. This in the long run will also help lower cholesterol levels.

All carbohydrate sources contain only 4 calories per gram. But some healthy sources even contain fiber,vitamins and minerals.Some examples of such sources are fruits (especially apples,pears and peaches), nuts(walnuts are generally lower in fat as compared to peanuts and cashews) and grains .

The main reason why eating excessive amounts of candy is considered bad is because it is extremely high in fat and sugar and very low in helpful nutrients. An adequate amount of fat and sugar is in fact essential to optimal health but when consumed in excess quantities they contain a lot of empty calories that is unhealthy for the body.

For example a single snickers bar contains almost 63g of fat, 53g of sugar and only 2g of fiber. In contrast a cup of broccoli contains only 6g total of which 2.5g are fiber and only 1.5g are sugars which is a lot healthier.

The key to weight loss is to monitor your diet.Make a list of items that you include in your diet and the number of calories they contain. This will help you keep track of the helpful nutrients you're consuming and will also prevent you from consuming foods that are very rich in fat and sugars.

Tired of reading outdated fitness and health articles on the web? Well, wait no longer, check out http://www.1-stop-fitness.com for up-to-date information on living healthy.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Anti-aging Supplements For Youth

The quest of eternal youth is never ending and as we age, there
is a thirst to look younger. This is a general scenario of the
present society, where aging is seen as a threat and we all tend
to join the bandwagon. This brings us to have awareness of
products that are meant to slow down aging. Not all, but a few
of these products and supplements are really effective against
aging and can slow it down or at least make you look young and
stay healthy.

For the purpose of staying healthy and look young we need to
supplement our body with the nutrients and antioxidants that
help to slow down the aging process. As we age, our body
produces less of what it needs to be young and healthy, and
therefore we see it aging. Supplementing it with vitamins and
antioxidants can help bring the hormones and other vital
elements that the body cease producing with age.

Antioxidants play a key role in the anti-aging process.
Antioxidants attack the free radicals, which in turn attack the
body to create a stable bond and in the process end up robbing
us of our healthy cells that can age us prematurely.
Antioxidants combat these free radicals and transfer them into
waste. Thus antioxidants help us to remain healthy by
eliminating unhealthy cells from the body.

One can have a daily intake of anti-aging antioxidants from
several healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, white lean
meat such as chicken, turkey or fish. In case you don't get the
necessary antioxidants from such diet, you can very well consult
your dietitian for added antioxidants supplements.

Apart from regular intake of antioxidants, there several other
anti-aging supplements that can be purchased for those of us who
wish to delay the aging process. While considering the
anti-aging antioxidants, it is always better to stick to the
natural resources than to switch over to other supplements. Out
of the several benefits that the natural antioxidants offer to
body include minimal or absolutely no side effects, easy to
acquire and use.

These supplements include natural elements that are rich in
antioxidants and other nutrients. We have short listed some of
the supplements below:

Vitamin C: serves well as an anti-aging supplement, Vitamin C
has confirmed potential results in keeping away free radicals.

Vitamin C is abundant and can be obtained from fruits and
vegetables.

Vitamin E: is also an effective antioxidant, which is easily
available. Including vitamin E in your diet helps to protect
certain cell membranes within the body that are attacked by free
radicals. A good amount of vitamin E can also be found in
anti-aging supplements that protect the skin from the aging
process. A vital part of creams and lotions, vitamin E helps to
provide a younger looking skin.

Green Tea: is another promising antioxidant that has produced
encouraging results as an anti-aging supplement. Like the
aforesaid, it also has the capabilities to fight free radicals
and provide the necessary supplements to the body. Apart from
that, green tea has also revealed its capability to protect
cells from cancer, and also protects the heart and the possible
resistance to other illnesses that could weaken the body.

About The Author: for more information visit our website
http://antiaging-cosmetics.net

Friday, January 18, 2008

Do You Really Need Vitamin Supplements

It seems that everyone these days are taking some form of vitamin, whether a multivitamin or a particular supplement. Every day we hear people promising that some vitamin is going to be the cure all pill. But is this really the case?

Most nutritionists will agree that most Americans get more than enough vitamins through their diet. If you are eating a proper diet of fruits, veggies, carbs and protein then chances are you are fine. Taking any additional supplements would probably be over kill.

But for those women that may be complete vegans, lactose intolerant, or pregnant then it might actually be beneficial to be placed on a vitamin supplement.

The most important thing about being on any form of supplement is to do research.
Do no be on something because it promises great life changing benefits, chances are it is a lie. There has been no evidence recorded that any particular vitamin will prevent cancer or make you live to be 100.

Did you know that most supplements are not FDA regulated? That means you are probably not going to be getting all the information on the label that you should be getting.

For example, vitamin E is one of the most popular vitamin trends right now, but it is also a blood thinner, making it harder for your blood to clot if you cut yourself. This is the same for fish oil. Additional studies show that vitamin E may also increase risk of heart attacks.

Another one, vitamin C has been researched with no data showing it has any help in curing the common cold or any other disease. Those who take the supplement and are getting enough in their diet or just secreting the extra vitamin C out in their urine. You are literally peeing your money away.

While many vitamins will get washed out of the body others will be absorbed by the organs and buildup. This collection of unnecessary vitamins can have huge health consequences.

Now I am not saying I am against supplements, they have their pros too. For example during pregnancy a ton of nutrients and vitamins get stripped from the mom to be and it will be recommended to get on a vitamin supplement regiment, The same is true for lactating moms.

And think about those that are lactose intolerant, many just do not get enough dairy so chances are they may need a calcium and or vitamin D pill.

When it comes to minerals, women with strong periods or pregnant may develop an iron deficiency. Anemia can be serious and needs to be taken care of under the care of a doctor.

If you are an avid vitamin taker make sure to consult your doctor to make sure you understand what you are taking and why. Like anything else there is such a thing as too much. Make sure you are taking safe levels of particular vitamins too.

Before I put anything in my mouth, I do my research! I do take a multivitamin but I actually talked about it with my doctor first.

Taylor Ryan is a personal trainer dedicated to educating women to get the best body they can get. Her company TotalTonedWomensClub stresses the importance of weight training as a method to get the toned and strong body they want. Check out http://www.totaltonedwomensclub.com for more.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Children Need Vitamins

We all want our children to grow healthy and to as much as
possible be protected from acquiring diseases and infections.
As much as adults need a well balanced diet to obtain the
essential vitamins needed by the body so much more is the need
for children who are still growing and in a development stage.
You have to admit that no matter how hard we may try or what
extra effort we put in there are hindrances to giving our
children the needed daily requirements of vitamins.

One of the factors that has affected this problem is that most
parents nowadays are career oriented. Many working moms do not
have ample time to prepare well balanced meals because of time
constraints and because quite too often they may be too stressed
at work and feel tired when they get home. Most of families
like these usually order take out or eat at restaurants and fast
foods. Many kids are also influenced by advertising to eat at
these fast food chains that do not serve healthy foods but
instead serve "junk foods." Talk about enticing them with kid
meals that feature different toys almost every week.

Most of the foods we find in groceries have already gone
through some process and most contain preservatives. You cannot
also assure yourselves already with regards to the grown fruits
and vegetables for they may have been grown with techniques in
farming or agriculture that has reduced its mineral and vitamin
content.

Another factor that has also caused children to not get the
needed nutrition while growing up despite the fact that the
parents ensure to prepare a well balanced diet for them is their
ever changing taste and being picky when it comes to eating.
Majority of kids worldwide irregardless of race dislike eating
vegetables and it is hard to force them to eat these. These
tastes though change as they grow and as they get older they
begin to eat balanced meals and tend to be less picky.

It is for these reasons that it is imperative for you to let
your children take supplemental vitamins. Usually your
pediatrician would recommend for your child to take vitamins
especially when he or she starts to eat solid foods, usually at
the age of one.
At least while they are still young, they still have enough
time to correct their deficiencies. Giving your children
multivitamins would give them the needed vitamins and nutrients
to grow into healthy and strong individuals.

About The Author: Mary Lorainne writes about
http://www.buyvitaminsmart.com

Monday, January 7, 2008

Looking for Good Nutrition Advice?

There is certainly a huge amount of information in
circulation these days; on the web, in magazines, on the
television. Trying to separate out fact from fiction can be
quite the daunting task. Let me just give you a few
pointers to help you at least figure out who can
legitimately call themselves an expert on nutrition
information, which may help you decide which articles you
can trust.

First of all, you should know that ANYONE could call
himself or herself a nutritionist. There are no laws or
guidelines determining who can give out nutrition advice. I
will never forget when I was visiting my parents one
weekend while going to graduate school. While in the gym
at our local Jewish Community Center, one of their friends
asked me what I was studying at college. "Nutrition
science" I replied. And I'll never forget what this woman
said: "oh, my daughter has read so many books on nutrition
that I'm sure she can call herself a nutritionist just like
you." I was astounded! I'm sure my parents would have
appreciated knowing all the money they spent on my
education could have easily been spent on a few diet
books…with the same results.

I don't think so.

However, I did finish my degree and I have learned a few
things about finding good nutrition information, which I
want to share with you. First and foremost, I recommend
you look for people who have the initials RD after their
name. RD stands for Registered Dietitian. Registered
dietitians have at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition.
Most have Master's Degrees and PhDs in nutrition science or
a related science area. In addition to these degrees, RD's
also have passed a standardized national exam and must
continue to keep up their expertise by taking education
courses every year.

You will also get truthful nutrition information from
individuals who have received their Master's Degrees and/or
PhDs in Nutrition Science, even if they don't have the RD
after their name. These are people who spent several years
studying the science of Nutrition, and have not simply read
a few books. They understand research methods and how to
analyze claims made in the media, as well as in the
research.

With a Master's Degree in Nutrition Science, I am also an
RD, but I like to call myself a nutritionist. I like to
think of myself as being concerned with total nutrition,
not just diets, which may be how some people interpret the
RD. Most people with degrees in Nutrition Science do know
about treating the whole person, not just individual
conditions require specialized diets. There is a
misconception that dietitians try to overwhelm people with
information they don't want or need. That is simply not
true. Most of us are skilled in the sciences, and are
trained to be nutrition counselors as well. We realize
nutrition is not a "one size fits all" and work to
individualize programs to meet your specific needs. We will
also work to answer all the questions you have about
nutrition that don't necessarily relate to your own
personal needs.

You will always see my credentials along with the word
"Nutritionist" next to my name, because while I may have
read many diet books, with my background, I possess the
scientific knowledge to tell fact from fiction.

About the Author:

For free tips to becoming At Peace With Food, articles, and
links to nutritional resource websites, visit
=>http://www.AtPeaceWithFood.com/freetips.html

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Diet And Nutrition Explained

When the words diet and nutrition are mentioned people often
think of all the harsh diets they have heard about which means
cutting out favourite foods. When it comes to nutrition they
think of going to a dietician. However dieting and nutrition is
a lot easier than this and it does not mean having to go on a
strict unbearable diet, it just means using common sense.

Anyone can eat a healthy diet and get the nutrition which the
body needs. A healthy diet means just adding different foods to
the diet and being aware of the foods which carry the essential
nutrients. You do not have to make drastic changes just use
common sense and cut down on the foods which contain salt, fatty
foods and sugar.

There is nothing mysterious about a healthy diet and nutrition.
The nutrition essentials include eating plenty of fresh fruit
and veg per day, including foods which have starch in them and
including foods which are rich in protein in your diet. Just as
important is making sure you drink enough water throughout the
day with the recommended minimum being 1.2 litres.

When it comes to fruit and veg then experts recommend eating at
the very least 5 portions per day. Of course a mixture of fruit
and veg is recommended to make sure that you are getting a good
mix of vitamins and nutrients. Fruit and veg should preferably
be fresh but tinned, frozen and even the extracted juice can
count towards your daily allowance. Where possible eat
vegetables raw or if you must cook them then lightly steam them
as valuable vitamins are lost if you overcook. Also do not store
them for long periods of time but eat them as soon as possible.
If you are boiling veg then use the minimum amount of water and
consider using the water as a stock base to make a soup.

A diet and nutrition plan is easy to follow with a little
knowledge about food and including starchy foods in your diet is
essential. Starchy food groups such as potatoes, rice, pasta and
cereals should be eaten daily and again a mixture is essential.
The wholegrain breads, grains and rice are preferable and should
account for about a third of your daily diet. Including starchy
foods in your daily diet is needed to keep your energy levels up
and is one of the main sources of the nutrients we need on a
daily basis. This is also a great way to get the iron, B
vitamins, fibre and calcium that the body needs to remain fit
and healthy.

When diet and nutrition is explained it takes away the
confusion many people have regarding a healthy diet. There is no
need to follow a crazy restrictive diet or to limit yourself to
just eating certain types of foods as many "fad" diets insist.
If you want to change your lifestyle and your diet and start
eating a healthier diet then just think about the different
foods that make up a healthy diet and start including them in
your diet.

About The Author: Jason Hulott is Director at UK Diets Online
(http://www.uk-diets-online.co.uk), a service that provides
information about all the major diet systems available, healthy
eating and diet information. Visit now and take advantage of our
special deals with Weightwatchers.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Alzheimer's: Prevent It With Nutrition?

September 21 was “World Alzheimer’s Day.”
I didn’t hear anything about it in the press, but
it’s just as well. What would celebration
accomplish? Awareness? Walk-athons, and more money pumped
into the same type of research that’s been done for
years that hasn’t produced anything?

In honor of the day, a press release,
“Neutraceuticals offer hope on World
Alzheimer’s Day” suggested it’s worth
reflecting on the potential of research into food and
dietary ingredients to stave off the disease. Could this be
good news?

Research into dietary supplements to prevent Alzheimer
’s disease has been going on for a long time with
some very promising results. But that’s where it
ends: “Promising results.” Research that
produces truly promising results usually dies for lack of
funding and lack of support by advocacy organizations.

It is of interest that the supplements and food mentioned
in the press release as of possible benefit – vitamin
E and the Mediterranean Diet are nothing new. What is also
of interest in the release is there is no mention of the
most promising of all supplements – the anti-oxidants
alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine,
and others.

There is very encouraging research that indicates these
anti-oxidants, taken well before cognitive decline begins
can be brain savers.

Dr. Julian Whitaker discusses the Alzheimer’s
situation in his September 2007 “Health and
Healing” newsletter and he doesn’t paint a
pretty picture. According to Whitaker, nearly 1 in 8 of
those over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 already have
Alzheimer’s. By mid century, up to 16 million people
will be afflicted. That’s more than the total
population of New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago
combined.

Now while you still have your cognitive health is the time
to take steps to save your brain. There are supplements you
can take, if taken in adequate amounts that may save you
and your family a lot of grief down the road. Dr. Whitaker
suggests a daily supplement regimen:

DHA, 50 mg (3-4 fish oil capsules); Curcumin, 900-1,800 mg;
Natural vitamin E,800-1,600 IU; Vitamin C,3,000 mg; Natural
beta-carotene, 15,000-20,000 IU; N-acetyl cysteine NAC),
500-1,500 mg; Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), 200-400 mg; CoQ10,
200-400 mg; Acetyl l carnitine (ALC), 1,000-2,000 mg;
Phosphatidylcholine, 250 mg; Phosphatidylserine, 100 mg;
and a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.

For many, if not most people, the above list of
anti-oxidants is forbidding. “I can’t swallow
that much” and “I can’t afford it”
are common objections. If we can eat a mouthful of food,
we can swallow a handful of supplements a couple at a time.
If we have enough money to spend on trinkets and
entertainment, perhaps reorganization of spending
priorities is in order.

You can fall prey to conflicting reports about the safety
and usefulness of supplements or you can educate yourself
and do what you have to do to maintain your cognitive
ability. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?

About the Author:

Barbara Morris is a pharmacist and author of Put Old on
Hold. Visit her web site, http://www.PutOldonHold.com and
sign up for her free content-rich newsletter and receive a
complimentary copy of special report, "Thirteen Diva Tested
Tips for Fabulous Skin."