Category: nutrition

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nutrition

#getfit All About Spirulina Health Benefits

Spirulina is a blue-green alga which is believed to be the first kind of plant life on earth (nearly 3.5 billion years old).

Since its rediscovery in the 1960’s, Spirulina has been altogether and extensively tested by scientists around the globe. And has proved to be the most potent and well-balanced source of nutrition on the planet.

Upon testing it, NASA discovered it to be a brilliant, compact space food for astronauts (1 kg. of Spirulina is equivalent to 1000 kgs. of assorted vegetables). International health organisations have hailed Spirulina as one of the “Greatest Superfoods on Earth”.

An ideal food supplement, Sunova Spirulina brings the body with all the vital nutrients required every day, leaving you fresh, active and energetic by means of out the day.

100 times more Vitamin A than carrots !
Spirulina is the world’s richest natural source of Beta-Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), which contributes to improve eye sight.

6 times more protein than eggs !
Spirulina has a extremely high natural protein content (upto 70%). This protein is a called complete since it has 18 of the 22 amino acids that the body requires and being organic in form, has extremely high digestibility ( upto 97% ). This ensures proper utilisation & assimilation of the food any person eats.

50 times more Iron than Spinach !
Anaemia or iron deficiency is one of the most common health issues of our country. Spirulina’s wealthy content of natural Iron & folic acid helps not only to vastly improve haemoglobin levels in the blood, but being organic, is 60 times more absorbable than synthetic iron present on many of the haematinics.

7 times more Calcium than milk !
Spirulina is one of the World’s richest known sources of natural Calcium which helps build potent bones.

ten times more Potassium than veggies ! Its Potassium content (upto ten times more than usual vegetables) helps prevent hypertension.

One stop shop for ‘Anti Oxidants’ !
Unstable molecules called “Free Radicals” are made in every human body as a result of usual metabolic phases. These can conduct to ailments like cancer, arthritis, cataracts, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and untimely ageing. To fight these free radicals you require ‘Anti-Oxidants’ like supplements A,C & E, Zinc, Selenium, Super Oxide Dismutase. Spirulina is the world’s richest and only natural source of all these ‘Anti-Oxidants’.

Fat deposits in blood vessels called cholesterol are the factor behind a majority of heart troubles. Spirulina has Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), which dissolves these fat deposits, thus preventing heart troubles.

Spirulina is the only known vegetarian source of Vitamin B12 which helps combat stress and calm your nerves.

Unique ‘Biliproteins’ & ‘Carotenoids’ in Spirulina strengthen the body’s immune system against probable infections.

Research suggests when Spirulina is taken with anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics and pain killing drugs, toxic side effects to the kidney might be significantly came down and shorter recovery times may be probable.

Extensive analysis studies have been carried out around the globe. a couple of of the related findings listed here are based on scientific findings:
A one year feeding program with 5000 pre-school children showing a manifestation of Vit.A deficiency, Bitot’s spot, diminished from 80% to 10% after intake of 1 gm Spirulina a day for at least 150 days.
Another study with 400 school children suggests Spirulina as an alternate to pure Vitamin A therapy.
In a 1991 study in Belarus, 11 49 undernourished and radiation poisoned children were fed with Spirulina. Within 45 days, physicians found T-cell suppressors and favourable hormones rising, and in 83% of the children radioactivity of the urine diminished.
In 1989, the National Cancer Institute (NCA-USA) announced that chemicals called glycolipids or sulfolipids from blue-green algae were “remarkably active” contrary the AIDS virus. Recent Japanese analysis revealed a high level of sulfolipids in Spirulina, 1.12%

Food Safety analysis

No harmful effects because of the usage of Spiurlina powder have been reported. The alga is consumed as a food and it seems absolutely secure for long-term utilization, even in the course of pregnancy and lactation. In studies carried out on rats in Japan, no negative effects were discovered for acute or chronic toxicity or reproduction. furthermore in a comprehensive animal study by the UNIDO in 1980. Rarely have there been any reports of allergies or sensitivities. Toxicology analysis through the 80s and 90s showed Spirulina has no pre and post natal toxicity in rats, no harmful effects on reproduction, this includes male and female fertility and duration of gestation, and no boost in number of abnormal offspring.

References
Sassby, A. 1988 : In Algae & Human romances, Ed. Lembi & Waaland, Cambridge Univ. Press, UK
Tokai et at. 1987 : Chiba Hygience Coll, Bull. V.5 (2)
Johnson & Shubert 1986 : Nutrit. Res. USA V.6
Takeuchi et al. 1978: Clinical Experiences of administration of Spirulina, Tokyo Med. & Dent. Univ.
Galvan, R.R. 1973: Clinical Experimentation with Spirulina, National Institute of Nutrition, Maxico.
Fox R.D. 1986 : Algoculture, Aix-en-Provence France
Fica et al. 1984: Clinica II Medicala, Spitalui Clinic, Bucuresti, Med. Intern. 36 (3) Romania
Miao Jian Ren 1987 : Soc. Appl Algal., Lille, France
Bucallie, P. 1990: Univ. Paul Sabatier Tolouse Oct.90
Annapurna, V. et al. 1991: Ind. J. Bioch. Nutrit. ten
Henrikson R. 1990: Health World Sep/Oct 1990
Sheshadri C.V. 1993: AICPS, MCRC Chennai
Belookaya T. 1991: Children of Chernobyl, Corres.
Custafsan et. Al. 1989: J. Nat. Cancer. Int. Aug16
Altman L.K.: Anti AIDS Chemicals in Algae
Kataoka et. al. 1983 Algric. Biol. Chem. 47 (10)
Chamorro-Cevallos, G. 1980: UNIDO, 24, Oct. 80

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nutrition

#getfit Combat Free Radical Damage With Antioxidants

foods to fight free radicals

Antioxidants are a class of nutrients that safeguard the body from hurt caused by different circumstances, most importantly oxidative damage a cause of substances called free radicals.

Free radicals are referred as “reactive oxygen species”, or ROS. They are generated when your body uses oxygen for energy. Just as fire emits smoke as a by-product, ROS are emitted from the conversion of oxygen to energy in the human body, eventually provoking oxidative hurt to body systems.

Free radicals are in addition created when the body is exposed to pollution, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust and other dangerous environmental toxins.

There are different sorts of antioxidants, and most work better when paired with other antioxidants. This is called synergism. Vitamins could be antioxidants, such as supplements C and E.

The tripeptide glutathione, loosely classified as an amino acid, acts as an antioxidant, together with other true amino acids such as methionine. The raw herbs and veggies we eat contain natural antioxidants called bioflavonoids and carotenoids, which are efficient antioxidants on their own, but are more efficient when synergistically combined with other antioxidants.

Together these nutrients safeguard your cells from electron robbery at the hands of larcenous free radicals, defending the body from disease and slowing the inevitable signs of aging.

Antioxidants are important vitamins for everyone, but specifically for those who exercise on a regular basis. The rational is that exercise is a notably oxidative process and, as a end result, makes free radicals from aerobic metabolism. Antioxidant compounds help alleviate this process.

Benefits
• minimizes the hurt from free radicals
• protects contrary cell damage
• may assist with prevention of debilitating diseases

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nutrition

#getfit Eating The Australian Way

weight loss tips

Australians are often divided into the haves, and the have-nots.

But they’re not continually talking about cash.

These days, it’s often the haves (too much body fat), versus the have-nots (not overweight).

australian diet

We cannot seem to make up our minds whether to consume at McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, and All-You-Can-Eat rapid food restaurants, or whether to grab a protein snack, a freshly-squeezed fruit juice with wheatgrass and go straight to the gym.

Women’s Magazines have the same trouble. A sample magazine from this month featured diet and exercise behaviors from 3 TV celebrities and movie personalities. Yet the back section of the magazine featured recipes such as luscious mocha fudge cake.

The incidence of obesity in Australia rose dramatically in the 90s – 80% for women. And through 20% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Our eating behaviors are often unbalanced.

Yet a trip to the local beach shows a large number of exceedingly fit bodies, often accompanied by personal trainers. maybe the rebellion has begun.

Australian authors are now liable for several internationally-known health and fitness books, such as the Sandra Cabot’s Liver Cleansing Diet, the CSIRO WellBeing Diet, and Jennie Brand-Miller’s New Glucose Revolution.

So let’s assume you’ve resolved to improve your health and fitness, upped your intake of raw fruit and vegies (for Liver Cleansing), are monitoring your intake of white breads and potatoes (for Glucose Revolution), and preparing a BBQ based around lean meat for dinner tonight (CSIRO diet).

A November 2005 announcement from Jennie Brand-Miller is good news for the traditional Ocker picture of throwing a shrimp on the barbie, while drinking a cold beer.

Apparently moderate alcohol intake has been relevant to a diminished risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The new study looked at the affect of beer, white wine and gin on a carbohydrate-based meal. The result was that the alcoholic drinks, in special the white wine, assisted to reduce the glucose and insulin response after the meal.

So if somebody criticises you for that pre-dinner drink this summer, just tell that you’re making an effort to stay away from diabetes. They may just pay for you another drink for being so thoughtful.

Cheers.

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nutrition

#getfit #f4f Food Companies and the Obesity Crisis

food companies and obesity

It is said that the bigger you are the better you are – well maybe not in this case.

The world’s 25 biggest food companies are failing to take the global crisis in obesity seriously and often only change their practices when faced with adverse publicity that could damage their sales, a new study claims.

From Wal-Mart to McDonald’s to Coca-Cola to Cadbury, the world leaders of the food industry are accused of a “pathetic” performance on meeting targets set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2004 to take basic action to improve diet that will in turn tackle obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The study judged each company on responsible marketing, in particular to children; reductions in fat, sugar and salt; portion size; and developing healthier new products. Just four of 25 said they were taking action to reduce the total fat content of their products. Only five said they were cutting sugar and 10 said they were reducing salt.

The comprehensive review of the policies and practices of the companies, including four British conglomerates, found that their global reach meant they were largely unaccountable for how they addressed the epidemic of diet-related disease. Researchers at City University in London said the only factor which seemed to produce action on issues such as salt and fat content was public discontent.

If the best way to get companies to take health seriously is to have critics give them a wake up call, do these companies care? Many don’t even have the correct policies in place to deal with the crisis.

This lack of commitment to health paints a poor overall picture. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease and obesity currently account for 60 per cent of global deaths- that figure is predicted to rise to 73 per cent by 2020.

Does this epidemic have to rise to this level before these corporations accept some kind of accountability?

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nutrition

#getfit About Nutrition And BMI

increase protein intake

One of the first steps to realizing if you are leading a healthy lifestyle or not is determining if you are overweight.

Calculating your Body Mass Index or BMI is an excellent first step. Once you’ve determined what your BMI you can use a combination of exercise and nutrition to help you reach your desire weight goal.

If you are trying to lose weight or just maintain a healthy weight, you should understand the connection between the energy your body takes in and the energy your body uses. Energy is taken in through food you eat and beverages you drink. Energy is used by activities performed. To lose weight you have to use more calories than you take in. To maintain, you have to match the calories you take in with those that you use. Eating a healthy diet and being physically active can help you reach either goal.

The number of calories you need each day depends on your age, activity level and whether you are trying to lose, gain or maintain your weight. Your diet should include the most nutritious foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat free or low fat milk and dairy products. Foods should be rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.

You also must be physically active. Regular physical activity is important to your overall health and fitness. It can help you control your body weight. Aim to be physically active at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes a day. Increase the intensity or amount of time you exercise to have greater health benefits. Children and teenagers should be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day.

To see if you are at a healthy weight you can measure your BMI (Body Mass index). To calculate your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 704, and then divide by the square of your height in inches. For example: if you weigh 162 pounds and are 69 inches tall, your BMI is (162 x 704) divided by (69 x 69)= 23.9 which is normal.

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nutrition

Does Your Diet Contain Enough Fiber

Fiber is one of the simplest ways to improve your health, yet most people do not get enough. It supports regular digestion, helps control cholesterol and blood sugar, and can make it easier to manage your weight by increasing fullness.

Many traditional meal patterns are heavy on refined grains and light on fiber rich foods. White bread, white rice, most pastries, and many snack foods contribute calories but very little fiber. Swapping even a few of these for whole grain or plant based options can significantly boost your intake.

To get more fiber, try:

  • Choosing whole grain bread, pasta, and cereals
  • Adding beans or lentils to soups, salads, and stews
  • Snacking on fruits, nuts, and seeds instead of candy or chips
  • Including vegetables at lunch and dinner most days

Remember to increase fiber slowly and drink plenty of water. This gives your digestive system time to adapt and reduces the chance of discomfort. If you have a digestive condition or have been advised to follow a special diet, ask your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Over the long term, a fiber rich diet is like daily maintenance for your gut and cardiovascular system, helping keep things running smoothly in the background while you get on with your life.

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nutrition

Healthy Eating for Life

Healthy eating doesn’t require perfection — it simply asks for consistency. Many of us grew up around fast food, quick snacks, and meals that were more about convenience than nourishment. While changing long-held habits can feel overwhelming, the bigger truth is this: every small shift you make toward whole foods pays you back for years to come.

What if we helped the next generation begin life with healthier default habits instead of repairing damage later? Kids mirror what they see. When fresh fruit replaces sugary snacks at home, and balanced meals become normal, they naturally grow up with a different relationship to food. These small, everyday choices shape long-term health far more than any “quick fix” diet ever could.

One of the biggest barriers for parents is time — or at least, the feeling that healthy meals require too much of it. While you may not be able to prepare elaborate dinners every night, you can prioritize simple, nutrient-dense swaps. A change as small as choosing whole-grain bread, low-fat dairy, or cereals without added sugar makes a real difference.

Healthy eating isn’t about cutting out everything you enjoy. It’s about making thoughtful choices more often than not. When your kids ask for fast food, look for better menu options such as grilled chicken or salads rather than fried picks. At home, stock snacks that boost energy rather than spike it — whole fruit, yogurt, nuts, whole-grain crackers, and simple homemade meals go a long way.

Ultimately, the responsibility sits with us as adults to model the habits we hope our children will have. There’s no perfect time to start — the best moment is now. The benefits stack up quickly, and one day, your kids will thank you for helping them build a relationship with food that supports them for life.

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nutrition

Healthy Foods To Take On A Trip

When you hit the road for a cross-town drive or weekend jaunt, chances are you’ll forget to pack one of the most important things of all: your lunch!

That’s why stopping for food along the way often means loading up on sodas, sugary snacks and high-fat meals. On your next road trip, don’t let nutrition fly out the window. You can eat well while on the go; just think before you eat.

quick weight loss

When selecting snacks at the convenience store, forgo the bag of chips, candy bar or sweetened soda and look for healthier choices. Grab some pretzels or whole-wheat crackers. At home, pack a baggie of cereal along with small amounts of nuts and dried fruits. Wash it down with water, 100 percent juice, or nonfat or low-fat milk.

To limit the times you stop for meals, plan ahead. Pack a small cooler with foods that are easy to eat in the car. You also can stop at a roadside park and enjoy them picnic-style. Here are some ideas:

* Peanut butter or almond butter and jelly sandwiches made with whole-wheat bread.

* Sliced apples, peaches, baby carrots and cucumbers.

* Raisins.

* Fat-free or reduced fat yogurts.

* Reduced fat string cheese.

* Hummus-filled pita bread.

* Peeled hard-boiled eggs.

* Turkey and tomato sandwiches.

Can’t resist stopping at those roadside diners or fast food restaurants? Follow these tips for ordering food that is quick and good for you, too:

* Skip “value-sized meals.” Opt for a grilled chicken sandwich or a plain, small burger and order the smallest size offered.

* Use mustard, ketchup or hot sauce instead of mayonnaise.

* Avoid fried foods or remove breading from fried chicken, which can cut half the fat.

* Order garden or grilled chicken salads with light or reduced calorie dressings.

* Choose water, nonfat or low-fat milk, or a small glass of 100 percent juice instead of soda.

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nutrition

Simple Guide to the Food Pyramid

The recommended food pyramid provides some basic guidelines to establishing healthy eating habits.

The food pyramid was originally established in the 1960s in response to the increase in heart disease, and to help people understand what it takes to stay healthy. There are several facets of the food pyramid, which help you to analyze what you are eating and what you need to change in order to maintain your healthy eating habits.

The base of the pyramid is the bread & grains group. There are a variety of different types of foods that fall into this category. According to this pyramid, a healthy diet contains six to eleven servings of a breads & grains per day. An example of a single serving would be half of a cup of rice, cereal or pasta or one slice of bread. Another thing to consider is the type of grain. The pyramid recommends at least half of the bread & grains you consume are whole grain, such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, or oatmeal.

From here, various versions of the pyramid split. Some versions pyramids include fruit and vegetables in a single group, others split them into two groups. For the vegetable category, it is important to add two to three servings of vegetables to your daily diet. A serving generally consists of a cup of vegetables or vegetable juice. It is also key to eat a variety of different types of vegetables over the course of a week. The typical food pyramid groups vegetables into five groups:

* Dark green: such as broccoli and spinach.

* Orange: pumpkin and sweet potatoes

* Dry beans and peas: navy beans, kidney beans, lentils, tofu

* Starchy vegetables: corn, potatoes, green peas

* Other vegetables: cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes

(Note: While we have given examples of the members of each group, it is certainly not an exhaustive list)

With fruits, a cup of fruit or fruit juice, or a half-cup of dried fruit counts as a serving. Recommendations are one to two servings of fruit each day.

The next part of the food pyramid is the milk and dairy section. This group includes milk (including lactose-free), yogurt, cheese and other variations of this type of product. About three servings per day is the recommended amount. A typical serving of dairy would be a cup of milk or yogurt, 1½ ounces of natural cheese or two ounces of processed cheese.

Next to last is the meat and beans group. This group contains meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and dried beans. Choosing low-fat cuts of meat and poultry are key to a healthy diet. Five to six ounces of mean and beans each day is the recommended daily intake for this group.

The highest level of the food pyramid is the oils and fats level. While there are different types of oils and fats, this food group should be the smallest portion of a healthy diet. General recommendations are five to seven teaspoons of fats or oils per day; not very much. An ounce of nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, contains three teaspoons of oil. A tablespoon of mayonnaise contains about two and a half teaspoons.

The food pyramid can provide excellent guidlines to ensure that your meals will be more balanced and nutritious. Though the number of servings in each group will vary based on your age, body type, activity level and other individual needs, the food pyramid can help you on your way to developing a pattern of healthy eating.

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Improve the Function of Every Cell in Your Body

weight loss tips

Everyone wants to live a long healthy life, but few of us know how to go about doing so. Most people think that as they age, getting some type of health problem or disease is inevitable.

This is simply not true! All of the major causes of death–cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and injury–can be prevented by the things you do. The major change that you need to make is in your eating habits. The problem is that no matter how health conscience of an eater you are, your body will still lack most of the daily nutrients you need to live a long healthy life.

Everywhere you look you will find evidence supporting the fact that it is impractical and virtually impossible to obtain the amounts of nutrients needed for optimal health from food alone. People that take dietary supplements know and understand this.

They know that the most needed dietary supplement to take is a multivitamin so that their body can receive a variety of much needed vitamins and minerals. What they don’t know is the differences between multivitamins and which ones have the highest potency, balances of nutrients, and the best absorption.

Many cheap, low quality grocery-store brands (and many brands available through supplement stores) fail at obtaining high quality ingredients for absorption and potency. With most of these brands, there is a high probability that the vitamin simply passes through your system undigested, or with a low percentage of the nutrients absorbed.

First let’s get one thing straight: If you are taking vitamins in pill form, then you definitely have not found the most beneficial supplement on the market.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against pill form supplements, it’s just that I know that your body will not get all of the nutrients contained in that supplement. Even If you were to buy the highest quality vitamin on the market, the fact remains that your body has to break down that pill to liquid form before it can be digested properly.

When your body breaks the pill down, the pill loses its potency and if the pill is of low quality, your body might not break it down at all (in other words the pill goes right through your system without being digested). Even If your body is able to break down the pill you are still only going to receive 10%-20% of the nutrients.

That means for every $100 you are spending on nutrients, you are literally flushing about 90% of it down the toilet. Why take your system through the extra step of breaking down a pill when you can purchase a vitamin that is already in liquid form that will bypass the digestive process and go directly into the bloodstream and into the cells within a matter of minutes?

I have tried several dietary supplements in liquid form and the Himalayan Goji Juice  is the only all natural liquid vitamin that I can drink without having to chew some gum to get the nasty taste out of my mouth. This Goji Juice has a delicious taste and comes from goji berries with the highest nutrient density.

Himalayan Goji Juice is the only liquid on earth that contains all the nutrients you need to increase your energy and strength naturally while treating high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, heart disease kidney disease, and a long list of other health problems. This juice contains four active polysaccharides (phytonutrient compounds) unique to the goji berry that come together to control many of of the body’s most important biochemical defense systems, and are of great importance to the smooth functioning of every cell in your entire body.

The juice also contains 19 amino acids (including all of the essential ones); More protein than whole wheat; 21 trace minerals including germanium (an anti-cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods); Vitamin C at higher levels than even those found oranges; Vitamin E (rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds); B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy; Essential fatty acids (EFA’s), which are required for the body’s production of hormones and for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system; Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent (Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement); and a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source then even carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods.

If you care about your health and well being, then you want to consume food and nutritional supplements with the highest level of nutrients. Himalayan Goji Juice will give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy and disease free.