View full news here Yahoo! Health News

View full news here NYT > Weight

Why should you care about all this talk about antioxidants and nutrition? I’m glad you asked. Here are 10 excellent reasons why you should care about the acai berry:

10. Helps Maintain Good Cholesterol & Fight Heart Disease
Essential fatty acids and antioxidants in the acai berry help fight bad cholesterol (LDL) while at the same time maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) and fighting heart disease. The essential fatty acids also aid in the absorbency of necessary vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, and K.

9. Improved Vision
The acai berry contains a specific type of antioxidant called “anthocyanins” which are known to improve vision. During World War II, British pilots ate large amounts of bilberry (which also contains anthocyanins) as they said it improved their night vision.

8. Saves the Rainforest
The recent popularity of the acai berry actually helps save the Rainforest. You see, before the large demand for acai berries, local farmers harvested the entire acai tree for palm hearts. Palm hearts are used in expensive salads.
Fortunately, now that the acai berry is becoming more and more sought after, the natives are paid more to harvest acai berries. This means that they actually want to protect the trees instead of cutting them down.

7. Better Sleep
The acai berry contains amino acids that relax your muscles and allow for a more restful sleep. It also contains Vitamin B which helps to regulate the dopamine and serotonin (both neurotransmitters that impact sleep) production in the brain.

6. Fights Diseases and Boosts Immune System
The Amazon rain forest contains some of the richest soil in the world. As a result, the acai berry is packed with natural minerals and nutrients that fight disease and increase energy by boosting the immune system. In Brazil the acai berry is also commonly known as an effective anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent.

5. Increase in Energy & Stamina
Natives of Brazil are some of the most active people in the entire world. It’s understandable considering that they have access to one of the most perfect foods available. Aside from being a perfect source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry lead to a huge boost in energy levels and stamina. Locals will often mix acai pulp and Guarana (another amazing fruit with natural stimulants) for a healthy burst of natural energy.

4. Helps Fight Weight Gain
The acai berry’s natural combination of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and amino acids work together to help your body function better, process food easier, and burn fat more efficiently.

3. Better Sex
When NBC’s Matt Laurer took a recent trip to the Amazon, he was amused to find that the acai drink he had just finished is commonly referred to as “Amazon Rainforest Viagra”. Locals swear it has libido enhancing qualities. Combine those qualities with the increase in energy, stamina, and better overall body function and you can see why the acai berry is compared to that famous little blue pill.

2. May Help Fight Cancer
The University of Florida published a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that found that acai berries triggered a self destruct response in up to 86% of human cancer cells. Yes, you read that right, it caused cancer cells to self destruct! This study was only on the cellular level and wasn’t in the human body, but it perfectly illustrates the antioxidant capability and healing qualities of the acai berry. The University is currently studying the effect of acai in the human body.

1. Fights the Aging Process
The most exciting benefit of regularly consuming the acai berry may just be its effect on the aging process. Free radicals are molecules that attack the cells in the body and damage our DNA. In simple terms, free radicals are the cause of aging ailments such as cancer, arthritis, inflammation, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. The acai berry is recognized as one of the best foods for aging because it’s absolutely jam-packed with free radical fighting antioxidants.

The views in above article are solely of the author. Weightlossecretstore.com doesn’t endorse these views.

Secrets to Skyrocket Your Weight Loss …cherish your body
Weight Loss That Works For Everyone Weight Loss Control And Maintenance Weight Loss Success And Your Happiness

Firstly, the rationale behind the diet usually involves a short-lived goal such as fitting into a wedding dress or losing weight for an upcoming vacation or special occasion. Because of the harsh time restrictions on the weight loss, and usually a fair amount of pressure, the diet often falters. With the lack of immediate weight loss, the individual is discouraged and the enthusiasm to continue losing weight plummets.

When weight loss is required, the individual should not implement strict time limits and should be of the mindset that the weight will be lost indefinitely rather than for a one off occasion. Instead of planning a diet that involves dramatically reducing calorie intake, a healthy and moderate calorie reduction is far more effective in creating a realistic and achievable aim and to avoid risking the metabolic rate converting to starvation mode.

So what is an achievable aim and how do we plan a healthy and moderate calorie reduction? Well, the average female requires around 1950 calories per day and males around 2500. In order to achieve a steady but healthy weight loss of around 1-2 Lbs per week , the daily calorie intake should be reduced by 500 calories.

With this calorie deficit, the body is more likely to lose fat rather than fat and muscle and become leaner. It is important to retain muscle tissue as the cells within the muscle have a higher metabolic rate and keep the overall energy requirement of the body high. This also helps to reduce the risk of weight gain following completion of the diet.

The diet should include a balance of all the food groups with carbohydrate comprising roughly 50% of the diet, fat 25-30% and protein around 20-25%. The fat aspect should be primarily mono and poly-unsaturated fats which can be found in vegetable oils. High levels of fruit, vegetables and grains will ensure that the diet has plenty of bulk and is nutritionally complete.

To optimize weight loss and maintain general health, exercise should be implemented into the daily routine. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as a brisk walk. However, this could also be in the form of any type of aerobic exercise and for increased levels of fitness and weight loss, the daily exercise may be increased to 45 – 60 minutes per day, over and above normal activity.

It is easy to be hypnotized by the hype and lucrative promises of vast weight loss that faddy diets proclaim, however, the only way to lose weight and keep it off, is by following a method that will provide slow but steady fat loss.

Elizabeth Newton

View full news here NYT > Weight

View full news here NYT > Weight

Sometimes the road to fitness is a difficult path when you are attempting to initiate and exercise program and eat healthier alone. Attempting to exercise daily, watching your nutrition, and making healthy lifestyle changes are often overshadowed by boredom or a too busy lifestyle. At one time or another, most women have had trouble starting or sticking with a fitness or exercise program.

Being a fit woman does not have to mean a solo journey. If you have ever had trouble initiating a fitness program or sticking with the exercise program you have started, a fitness partner may be the solution. A fitness partner is a powerful motivator. Being accountable to a fitness partner can help you start a new exercise program or stick with the exercise program over time as you continue on your road to fitness.

The right fitness partner can motivate you to achieve your fitness goals. Your fitness partner should be positive and supportive as she encourages and supports you. In choosing a fitness partner, look for someone whose fitness level is close to yours. As you become fit together, you can progress at a similar pace, and encourage each other to climb to new levels of fitness. Having similar fitness goals will allow you and your fitness partner to share triumphs and encourage you to accomplish individual fitness goals.

Keep lines of communication open with your fitness partner. A good fitness partner is honest and sensitive. Cheer each other on in your fitness successes and avoid being critical.

In addition to a fitness partner, the right fitness program is also important to achieve health. Sisters in Sneakers provides a complete home fitness program and exercise program designed especially for the fitness needs of women. Sisters in Sneakers includes color coded exercise cards for flexibility, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises so you can vary your exercise routine day to day. Since exercise alone is not enough for a healthy lifestyle, Sisters in Sneakers includes nutritional information including fat and calorie awareness to get your eating on the right track.

Motivation is important for fitness, and Sisters in Sneakers includes inspirations and nutrition tips as well. An exercise band is a great tool for resistance exercise and is also a part of the Sisters in Sneakers complete fitness program.

Look no further for your new fitness partner. Sisters in Sneakers will connect you with a fitness partner just for asking. You and your new Sisters in Sneakers fitness partner can motivate each other on the way to fitness and health, as you work out in the privacy of your own home.

It is time to get serious about starting to exercise and becoming involved in a fitness program. Your health is important. You do not need to be an athlete to be fit. The first step is the hardest.

Grab your sneakers, your new Sisters in Sneakers Home Fitness Program, connect with your Sisters in Sneakers fitness partner, and start on the path to better health with Sisters in Sneakers today.To begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle with a complete women’s home fitness and exercise program visit www.sistersinsneakers.com

The U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition
Developed for Navy SEAL trainees to help them meet the rigorous demands of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, th… More >>

P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program – 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
Developed for Navy SEAL trainees to help them meet the rigorous demands of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, th… More >>

Office Fitness: On-your-computer exercise reminder, specific exercises
Stay fit while you work at your computer, no “desk-potatoes”! Exercise reminder pops up at your chosen scheduled times, with specific exercises for the office, your choice of exercises, even enter your own. Get up and move, stay healthy, fit, and happy!

Antioxidants are thought to neutralize and stabilize these free radicals.

So, which antioxidants are naturally found in which foods?

Vitamin E: a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Some of the foods containing the highest amounts of vitamin E are wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, kiwi and mango. Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin involved in the metabolism of all cells. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues.

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, cabbage, green peppers, broccoli, spinach, tomato, kale, guava, cantaloupe, kiwi, papaya, and strawberries. It is important in forming collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron, and helps maintain capillaries, bones, and teeth.
Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. It is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomato, cantaloupe, peaches, and grains. Studies have been done on beta-carotene’s effectiveness against heart disease, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, male infertility, and psoriasis.

Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10 boosts energy, enhances the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. A growing body of research suggests that coenzyme Q10 may help prevent or treat some health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and others. Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish, organ meats such as liver, spinach, broccoli, peanuts, wheat germ and whole grains.
Selenium: Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. It helps synthesize antibodies, helps synthesize co-enzyme Q10 and helps transport ions across cell membranes. The best sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, wheat germ, molasses, sunflower seeds, whole wheat bread and dairy foods.

There are many other antioxidants naturally found in foods. The best way to take antioxidants is naturally- through fresh, vibrant food.

Article source: www.universalhealthtips.com

View full news here Yahoo! Health News

View full news here “Make it Tonight” – EatingWell’s Daily Healthy Recipe Feed