Tag: Vitamins Minerals

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Weight Loss Exercise

Acai Berry For Weight Loss


Now that the hype seems to have gone out of Acai Berry let’s take a look at what it is really good for. We are bombarded constantly with the next greatest weight loss miracle pill, powder or supplement. While most of these miracle pills do nothing, some of these items actually may provide some of the benefits they promise to. The ones that seem to work the best are those that are natural. Two of the natural ingredients that have gained recent popularity are Omega-3 and Acai Berry. While both of these promise to have medicinal values and the ability to assist with weight control, acia for weight loss seems to have the greatest potential.

What is Acai Berry?

Acai Berry For Weight Loss

Acai Berry

Acai berry has been promoted as a miracle natural ingredient. This berry that is native to Brazil. This berry appears similar to a grapes and grows in bunches on vines. These dark purple berries have been marketed as a superfood because they are loaded with antioxidants that provide a host of health benefits to your body as well as aid in weight loss.

In Brazil Acai berries are traditionally eaten with several meals, particularly at breakfast. In addition to a high amount of antioxidants, these berries are believed to contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein and fiber.

Antioxidants and Acai Berry

It is the high concentration of antioxidants that are a large part of the reason for the bold claims of the acia berries medicinal value. Antioxidants fight ‘free radicals’ that are in our bodies as a result of exposure to the sun, chemicals found in our food and pollution. Free radicals are said to be the major cause of most illness and disease.

These high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry could contribute to the belief of Brazilians that this fruit can help cure numerous conditions. The juice of the acai berry has been used by Brazilians as a medicine to treat many different illnesses and diseases. The marketers of acia berry promote the fact that this fruit has the same healing abilities of wine, but it does not contain any if the negative risks associated with alcohol.

The marketers of acai berry cite the fact that it is rich in omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids. These fatty acids are believed to have the ability to assist with weight loss and it is also believed that they may help to control cholesterol.

Acai Berry Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Acai berry supplements make many claims as to the berries health and weight loss abilities. The fact that the berries also contain vitamin A and small amounts of calcium, iron and protein support the fact that there may be some validity to these claims. It is important to note that the USFDA has not supported these claims and that presently there is no scientific proof that acai berries can aid in weight loss, however the USFDA has yet to conduct tests to either support or denounce these claims.

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Weight Loss Exercise

Energy Bars – What to look for in Energy Bars

Many of us eat energy bars, protein bars or the like, I found this short article at  eVitamins  and though I would throw it in. The mighty energy bar is a great thing to eat and makes a really good meal replacement.

Energy Bars What to look for in Energy Bars

Meal Replacement Bar

Energy bars are fortified foods containing a blend of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The primary source of protein in energy bars is usually soy or milk, with fiber provided from grains, oats, apple pectin, or other sources.

Some bars also contain additional herbs or nutrients thought to enhance energy, promote weight loss, or increase endurance. Energy bars can be consumed before, during, and after athletic events to ensure sufficient energy and replace expended nutrients. They may also be used as a snack or meal replacement.

Varieties of Energy Bars

Energy bars come in a wide variety of flavors and textures. They may be high in protein, high in carbohydrates, low in fat, or contain a balanced ratio of these nutrients. They may have a taffy-like texture, or may be baked for a cookie-like consistency. Many are coated with chocolate, carob, vanilla yogurt, or other flavors. Natural energy bars with natural sugars, flavors, and colors are also available.

Buying and storing tips
Look for energy bars in the snack foods or supplement section of health food stores, or in the specialty foods section of most supermarkets. Store energy bars in a cool, dark location for 6 to 12 months. of course being a perishable product you need to follow the labels and the expiry date for the energy meal replacement bar.

Preparation, uses, and tips
Combine natural energy bars and a handful of grapes or cherries for a fast breakfast or healthful mid-day snack. Energy bars are easy to transport, so if youre going for a long bike ride or hike, pack some energy bars to satisfy your snack attacks.

Energy Bars and Hunger Study Results

There was a study a couple of years ago that compared the value of eating energy bars compared to drinking a meal replacement for breakfast. Apparently these bars will help you avoid getting hungry quicker.

Hunger ratings and desire to eat remained significantly below baseline for 5 hours following consumption. Stomach fullness scores were significantly above baseline for 5 hours. Thirst scores were significantly below baseline for 3 hours. In conclusion, although the meal replacement diet bars contained only 30 additional calories than liquids, they provided an additional 2 hours of hunger suppression from baseline that may have an impact on overall weightloss success. These results support superior short-term hunger control with solid meal replacements.

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Blueberry Power


Read a great review of the Fat Loss for Idiots program. See if you can lose 9 pounds in 11 days and what Cycled Eating is

The health benefits of blueberries have made the news in recent years. Some of the reported benefits of eating blueberries include improved vision, cleared arteries, strengthened blood vessels, enhanced memory, stopped urinary tract infections and reversed age-related physical and mental declines.

Nutrients in Blueberries

Blueberry Power

Blueberry Power

According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames, blueberries and other brightly colored berries contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and phytochemicals that help protect against disease, including certain cancers and heart disease.

 

Phytochemicals are nonnutritive substances in plants that promote health and prevent chronic disease. Antioxidants are phytochemicals that help neutralize harmful byproducts of metabolism called free radicals that contribute to heart disease and other diseases.
Blueberries are nature’s number one source of antioxidants among fresh fruits and vegetables according to the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. Anthocyanins, the pigments giving blueberries their deep blue hue, act as antioxidants, which may provide many health benefits.

Blueberries are Low Cal and healthy

Blueberries also are a low-calorie food – only 40 calories per 1/2 cup. Blueberries are low in fat, sodium-free and a source of fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium.

Blueberries contain compounds that may help to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), The compounds, called condensed tannins, can keep the bacteria responsible for UTIs from attaching to the linings of the urinary and digestive tracts.

Reames says to look for berries that are dark blue, with a frosty bloom. Store fresh blueberries in your refrigerator for up to two weeks, and wash them just before you use them; washing and then storing makes them mushy. Loose-pack frozen blueberries are available year-round, and you can use them in any recipe that calls for fresh blueberries. Since they are washed, they can be used right from the package.

How to Choose Blueberries

Fresh blueberries should be plump and firm with a dark blue color and waxy, silvery “bloom.” Sweetness varies by variety. Blueberries do not ripen after harvest, so as soon as you buy them, you can eat them. One pint of berries will provide four to five servings of fresh uncooked fruit.

Just like any other fruit we know that fruit is better fresher then frozen so go out and pick some fruit if you are in a place where that is possible

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