Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Lose Weight and Feel Great With the Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The anti-inflammatory diet can make you feel great! "How," you ask. By cutting out or significantly reducing your consumption of pro-inflammatory foods. When these foods are cut from your diet, inflammation in the body reduces taking stress and strain from the joints and organs.


While following this diet your chance of weight loss also goes up. "How does this happen," by reducing your consumption of grain and wheat products, sodas, and other simple sugars that cause excess weight.


I'll start this discussion by telling you what extra inflammation in the body causes; chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, acne, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, cancer, hypertension, depression, and diabetes. However, this is a shortened list there are many other conditions out there caused by inflammation.


In short summary, the fewer inflammatory foods we eat, the less inflammation we have in the body.


Background Information on Pro-Inflammatory Foods:


Grains, refined sugars, partial-hydrogenated oils, vegetable and seed oils are from modern man. These foods have been around a short time; hence, obesity and disease are on the rise. Humans are genetically adapted to eat fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meats, and fish, foods not related to chronic diseases.


Why Do Grains Inflame?
Grains contain a protein called gluten. Gluten is the main cause of many digestive diseases, such as celiac disease, also contributor to frequent headaches. They also have a sugar protein called lectins which has been shown to cause inflammation in the digestive system. Grains also contain phytic acid which is known to reduce the body's absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.


Lastly, grains contain high amounts of fatty acid biochemicals called omega-6 fatty acids which do cause inflammation. Fatty acid biochemicals known as omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and found in fresh fish and green vegetables.


What Should I Eat?


Anti inflammatory foods


- All fruits and vegetables (raw or lightly cooked)


- Red and sweet potatoes


- Anti-inflammatory omega-3 eggs


- Raw nuts


- Spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic


- Organic butter, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil


- Fresh fish, avoid farm raised


- Meat, chicken, eggs from grass-fed animals


- Wild game such as deer, elk, etc.


- Water, organic green tea, red wine, stout beer


 


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Friday, January 27, 2012

Apple Cider Vinegar - The Simplest Answer to Perfect Health

Apple cider vinegar is perhaps the number one natural remedy chronicled throughout human history. The use of vinegar as a tonic has been documented as far back as 5000 BC by the Babylonians who were using the date palm to make wine and vinegar. They used it as a food and for a pickling agent. Vinegar residues have been found in ancient Egyptian urns dated 3000 BC. Chinese historical documents from 1200 BC tout the glories of vinegar benefits as well.


The reasons for it's popular medicinal use and as an energizing drink are scientifically well founded by modern science also. Apple cider vinegar benefits are a result of it's source - the noble apple - famous for the saying An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples contain not only vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but also dietary fiber. In addition they contain virtually no fat or sodium.


All of the apples goodness is miraculously transferred to apple cider vinegar especially when it's left untouched or in other words unprocessed. Apple cider vinegar made from whole apples and not pasteurized or filtered contains not only all of the apples nutrients but also many additional enzymes and organic acids produced during the two fermentations required to turn apples into vinegar. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar is the most popular brand that meets all of the requirements needed to reap the treasured benefits of ACV.


The long list of apple cider benefits range from an antiseptic to an antioxidant while providing a host of absorbable minerals such as potassium and magnesium including pectin, and a water soluble fiber, which is one of the many reasons for the success of the cider vinegar diet.


The recommended method of using apple cider vinegar is to make it into a tonic by mixing 2 or 3 teaspoons of ACV in an 8 ounce glass of water and drinking it before or during each meal. One point to remember when taking apple cider vinegar between meals or before going to bed is to always rinse your mouth to avoid any prolonged vinegar contact with the enamel on your teeth.


My favorite way of dealing with this minor setback is to mix a tsp. of baking soda in the vinegar before you add water. It is always fun to watch it fizz up! Besides the added alkalinity provided by the baking soda is a definite health plus.


As far as ACV remedies are concerned the list literally ranges from A to Z. It starts at acne and asthma and runs to warts and weight loss ending with yeast infections including such ailments as cancer, eczema, fatigue, fungus, headaches, heartburn, insomnia, sore throat, ulcers, and varicose veins in between - to list just a few.


In short, apple cider vinegar lives up to it's reputation of being the simplest answer to perfect health and a timeless cure all as well. A prize in any persons natural remedy medicine chest and a powerful preventative to whatever ails ya, not to forget its age old popularity as a world class tonic. Make sure you always use pure unprocessed organic apple cider vinegar with the mother still in it, and you can rely on it's amazing properties to help provide you and your family with a long and healthy life.


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Sunday, January 22, 2012

Coconut Oil - Oil From the Tree of Life

Introduction


The coconut palm tree is a remarkable and valuable plant. The coconut palm tree has probably a thousand uses. The nut of the coconut palm plant is used as a source of food to sustain life. It is an important ingredient in medicine. Other parts of the plant are used as materials to build shelter, make clothing, charcoal, and various tools. The purpose of the plant is numerous. The coconut palm tree has the scientific name: Cocos nucifera, but it has other well meaning names that seem to suit it just as well. In India it is referred to as "Kalpa vriksha" or the "tree which provides all the necessities of life". In the Philippines it is called the "tree of life".


The coconut palm grows abundantly in the tropics and it gives the islands the feeling of paradise and romance, especially along its coastlines. It typically grows to 60 to 70 feet tall and has a life span of up to 70 years. The fruit of the coconut tree is considered botanically a seed, but in the tropics it is mostly considered a nut. It bears year round in bunches of 5 to 12 nuts every month.


The coconut palm takes 14 months to fully mature. A young coconut is completely filled with liquid (referred to as coconut water) and has little meat. The meat is soft and jelly-like in texture and can be eaten with a spoon. A fully mature coconut has less liquid and more meat. Its meat is thick and hard and less sweet than the meat of the young coconut.


The content of meat and liquid varies as the nut matures. Fresh mature coconut meat is also used to make make coconut milk, but fresh coconut meat can spoil quickly and so it is often dried to last for many weeks and longer if sealed in an airtight container and kept cool. However, it is the meat of the coconut that is used to make coconut oil that has captured the most controversy within the last two decades and encourage a number of nutritional fallacies.


The controversy


Coconut oil has been around for thousand of years. Evidence of its early use is seen in Ayurveda literature. In India, the oil was used in food, lotion, pomades, baths, and medicines. It was also used in Asia, The Pacific islands, Africa, and Central America. It was introduced to the Europeans as far back in the 15th century.


By the 1800's, coconut oil was a main form of trade for many of these islands and countries that had an abundance of the coconut palms. It was not only an edible oil; it was used to make soap, candles, lamps, pomades, and many cosmetics. In order to produce a quart of oil, 10 coconuts were needed. An increased demand in coconut would obviously mean higher prices. The leading country producers of coconut oil were Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. It was also produced in Latin America and South America. These are the producers that were mostly affected by the biggest propaganda ever hatched in the field of nutrition.


In the 1970s, studies indicated that saturated fat increase blood cholesterol which could increase the risk factor in the development of heart disease. In the USA, coconut oil was already used in a number of baking products. Even in a number of old American recipe books, the oil was included. But soon a number of consumer groups and special interest organization began to lobby the removal of coconut oil from most of its foods.


Consequently, coconut oil, because of its high content of saturated fat and its new stigma as an "artery-clogging fat", became an undesirable and an "unhealthy" choice in cooking. This perpetuated a perfect environment for other types of oil producers to take advantage of this growing consumer fear. And that is just what they did to push their cheaper hydrogenated oils.


By the 1980's, more effort was place to encourage the use of soybean oils. The anti-tropical oil smear campaign promoters were very vocal and were soon successful in decreasing the overall consumption of the tropical oil, including coconut oil, in the American diet to about 2%. Food manufacturers even went as far as stating in their labels that their products "contains no tropical oil".


The scientific and political propaganda was successful in getting the interest of the public to replace tropical oils with cheaper polyunsaturated soybean oil from American farmers. The general public and commercial food industry supported the idea that polyunsaturated vegetable oil, such as soybean, safflower, and corn oils, were good in reducing total cholesterol, better than coconut oil. (One important fact to note is that this method of reducing total cholesterol was not sufficient to determine a healthy cholesterol. A person with a total cholesterol reading of 200 mg/dl could still have heart problems. The best way to measure cholesterol is by the use of the cholesterol ratio that takes into account the amount of HDL and LDL. A cholesterol ratio of 5.0 is normal, and above this value indicates an increasing risk of heart disease). By the 1990's, competition in the edible oil market was practically eliminated. Tropical oil exporters from Malaysia and the Philippines responded to what they termed as "vicious scare tactics" used against their products.


The fallacies are exposed


The coconut oil manufacturers stood up to disputed the common misconceptions promoted throughout the years. They sought to clarify that coconut oil contains absolutely no cholesterol because it is derived from a plant and that it could not raise blood cholesterol or contribute to heart disease. Also, the saturated fat in this oil (Medium-chain fatty acid or MCFA) is different from the saturated fat in meat. They explained that the MCFA in coconut oil is heart friendly, helps protect against heart disease, and does not have a harmful effect on cholesterol levels. Their claim propelled a number of studies to find support for this information.


A number of interesting facts came out of these studies as they observed the use of coconut oil in some populations that had a high consumption of it. In these populations, such as the populations of the Polynesian islands, showed the lowest level of cholesterol and low levels of mortality from heart disease, despite the fact that the consumption of coconut oil was quite high. The oil was part of the staple diets of all Polynesian, Melanesian, and Asian peoples. They had much better health than those in north America and Europe who didn't use coconut oil. These people were relatively free from the the degenerative disease that plagued those under the American or western diet.


However, when these people substituted their traditional diet and adopted the western diet they found an increase in many diseases that was almost unheard of, such as gout, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer, and arthritis. Other studies showed that these alternative vegetable oils increased the fat content of foods fried in it. The food therefore absorbed more fat and could cause an increase fat consumption, and worse its hydrogenated fat had a negative effect on blood cholesterol.


It would seem that replacing coconut oil (even palm oil) with hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as soybeans, is only beneficial to these edible oil industries and not its consumers. Unfortunately, coconut oil still continues to get a lot of criticism from alternative vegetable oil supporters despite the fact that these hydrogenated oils are not easily digested and is composed of toxic trans fatty acids. Today, almost all the foods we buy in the supermarket contains alternative hydrogenated vegetable oil.


So the health benefits of coconut oil remains unheard of in many areas of western society still. Fortunately, it is still used in many countries and its benefits are being revealed. In India, Panama, and even Jamaica, the coconut is seen as a health tonic for the heart and is consumed like a normal liquid supplement. In these countries the coconut oil is known for its health-giving properties and therapeutic benefits.


The properties and benefits of coconut oil


Coconut oil is a stable oil with a chemical composition of 92% saturated fat, 6% monounsaturated fat, and 2% polyunsaturated fat. The medium-chain fatty acid or medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil makes it a healthier choice than fat that contains mostly long-chain fatty acids. This is because the MCFA is easily absorbed directly into the blood, and carried to the liver or converted to immediate energy.


Its fat is not stored like long-chain fatty acids which are converted into triglycerides in the intestine. Therefore, the MCFA from this oil is easily metabolized and poses no risk to clogging the arteries, because it does not require lipoproteins or special enzymes to utilize the fat by the body. The fatty acid composition of coconut oil is mostly capric acid, caprylic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, linoleic acid, and mainly lauric acid.


Lauric acid is a unique fat that is also found only in mother's milk. The fatty acids found in coconut oil has no harmful effects and can promote better health because it has antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil is stable and has a long shelf life; it could last up to three years. Also, at temperatures lower than 24.5 degrees C, it can convert to a white solid form. Therefore, coconut oil can stay fresher longer than any other polyunsaturated oils.


Here are some of the benefits of cooking with coconut oil: it can treat digestive or mal absorption problems; it can be used in commercial infant formulas; it reduces fat consumption and stimulates metabolism which can lead to weight loss; it helps regulate thyroid function, balance blood sugar level, increase energy, and promote overall heath. Therefore, coconut oil can help lower LDL cholesterol and prevent high cholesterol, arthritis, fibromyalgia, candida, herpes, allergies, psoriasis, influenza, diabetes, etc. It is an antibiotic, an immuno-enhancer and an immunoregulator.


The quality of the copra in a coconut used to make coconut oil varies. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between (unrefined) virgin coconut oil (VCO) from the refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil if you are interested in using it as an edible oil. VCO is the pure, unadulterated, form of the coconut oil. It is the healthiest form of coconut oil because it is made with the least possible processing from fresh coconut meat and with absolutely no chemicals. VCO is colourless, it has a mild coconut aroma, and a mild pleasant flavor. It retains most of the phytonutrients and chemical properties already mentioned. RBD coconut oil lacks most or all of these phytonutrients and is therefore of a lower quality than VCO.


The RBD coconut oil is a hydrogenated coconut oil. They are made from older coconuts (damaged or undamaged). The dried copra is generally exposed to the sun before processing and gather an appreciable amount of bacteria and mold. It is refined and sterilized to remove much of the contaminants. Sometimes chemicals are used to extract the greatest amount of oil from the copra. As a result, much of the needed phytonutrients are removed. A less refined or lower grade RBD oil may have a slight yellow color because of the unremoved traces of contaminants. RBD coconut oil may have a mild musty or chemical taste. Poor quality oil or rancid coconut oil can irritate the throat.


Conclusion


The health benefits derived from coconut oil, particularly VCO, is remarkable and is certainly a necessary tree of life. The evidence is before us. We have part of the reason for the increasing epidemic of obesity, heart problems and diabetes that is short changing the longevity of many people in the west. Perhaps, it is time for society to start going back to basics if they wish to see a drastic improvement in the overall health of all populations.



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Thursday, January 19, 2012

How the Ancient Herb Saw Palmetto has Become the Leading Natural Hair Loss Treatment

Although hair loss is in no way a chronic disease, it nonetheless has life-changing effects especially with one's self-esteem. Thankfully, there are many treatments and medications in the marketplace that seek to cure the problem. Saw palmetto is one of the options available to you if you're looking for a more affordable remedy.


Saw Palmetto and Hair Loss


Saw palmetto is a herbal ingredient that has been extensively used in Europe for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition wherein a person's prostate is unnaturally large. While it is not part of the standard treatment used for treating BPH, it has still become the most commonly used herbal treatment for this particular illness.


Saw palmetto is known by other names such as palmetto scrub, American dwarf palm tree, and saw palmetto berry. Its scientific names include Serona repens and Serenoa serrulata. Even in the old days, saw palmetto had been already used as a herbal remedy. The Seminoles had taken its berries and used them as ingredients for making an antiseptic and expectorant while the Mayans had utilized saw palmetto as a tonic.


In the early 20th century, saw palmetto was included in the list of the National Formulary and the United States Pharmacopeia. In Europe, however, several countries had already made saw palmetto extract as a licensed product.


Hair loss or baldness is a state of lacking hair, especially in the scalp area. Androgenic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia also affects females however and it is why the condition is also referred to as female patterned baldness.


The nature and severity of hair loss varies from case to case. With alopecia areata, baldness is characterized by patches of hair loss in the scalp area while alopecia totalis involves generalized loss of hair also in the scalp area. Alopecia universalis, on the other hand, affects hair on the head and body.


The use of saw palmetto for hair loss is often marketed as a more affordable cure and one with fewer side effects. It is said to be effective since saw palmetto can prevent certain testosterone derived chemicals from restricting hair growth. This is similar to the method of action used by finasteride, one of the two approved hair loss treatments by the FDA.


Children and Saw Palmetto


It is possible for children to experience hair loss early on. Unfortunately, saw palmetto is presently not a safe remedy to use for children as there is insufficient information available to prove its efficacy and more importantly its safety.


Saw Palmetto and the US Food and Drug Administration


Herbal medications and treatments, which include those using saw palmetto, are not regulated strictly by the US Food and Drug Administration. As such, consumers must find a way to validate the safety and effectiveness of saw palmetto products for their personal use.It is very important to consult your doctor prior to taking any medication. Read and follow labels and instructions carefully.



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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Why You Should Consider Shaolin Kung Fu As An Alternative to Tai Chi

Shaolin Kung Fu - An Alternative to Tai Chi


In the region of the Song Mountain, Dengfeng City in the Henan province lays the Shaolin Temple. Claimed to be the birthplace of martial arts the temple is also referred to as 'the number one temple under heaven' and it is here where students, monks and practitioners of various styles of martial arts gather to practise Kung Fu and Buddhism. The Shaolin monks have been practising and refining their Kung Fu for over 1,500 years, originally stemming from an Indian monk called Dharma who taught the monks various methods to improve their health, and to stop them from falling asleep while meditating. Those initial forms of exercise have been developed and single handily transformed the Shaolin Temple, and created one of the greatest/ oldest martial art systems in the world.


Bodhidaharma (Dharma) was a buddhist monk from South India who travelled to the Shaolin Monastery. He meditated near the temple, facing a wall for nine years. He left behind an iron chest containing two books "Marrow Cleansing Classic" and "Muscle Tendon Change Classic" known as Yi Jin Jing. The second book was used by the Shaolin Monks to develop their bodies and skill.


There are tens of thousands of Kung Fu styles in the world associated to Shaolin Kung Fu but most common traditional forms (Tao Lu) taught within the temple are Xiao Hong Quan, Da Hong Quan, Tong Bei Quan and Yin Shou Gun to name a few. Forms such as Wu Bu Quan and Lian Huan Quan have been developed for the West to learn the basics of the traditional forms. There is a list of 72 Shaolin Arts Training Methods within the temple that can produce extraordinary skills and abilities. A few of these methods are 'Iron body' also known as 'steel jacket' 'pressure point' and 'nerve manipulation' even 'jumping'.


One Shaolin form Xiao hong quan (mandarin pronunciation) is known under various translations as; small 'Hong' fist, small 'red' fist and small 'flooding' fist, and in its original form is well over one thousand years old. It is one of the most traditional and oldest forms presently taught at the temple and around the world due to the popularity and spread of Shaolin Kung Fu. The name 'Hong' originates from Hongwu part of the Hong clan, this was the title of the reign of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Xiao hong quan consists of approximately 64 steps and there are internal and external versions for all techniques. The most beautiful part of learning xiao hong quan is that it embodies all the reason why martial artists practise tao lu (forms) by letting the individual express themselves through the movements, embracing 'active meditation'.


Shaolin Kung Fu is not just a martial art, it is not something you practise two hours a week. Its not for fighting, it's for peace. Shaolin Kung fu is a life long commitment, a way of life. Kung fu can be transferred into any activity from making a cup of tea to most famously putting on your jacket. It can be practised by any age young and old alike.


The current Shaolin abbot Shi Yong Xin has decided to embrace modern day culture and promote Shaolin. The official first branch in the UK was the Shaolin Temple UK set up by Shifu Shi Yanzi who continues to teach today endorsed by the abbot himself. Similar Shaolin schools have been set up all over the world to help preserve and expand the system/ Buddhist influence.


Qi Gong is a type of Kung Fu Training for health, martial arts and awakening to ones true nature. Chi (pronounced chee and also spelled qi) is your internal energy. Life giving energy within the body, mind and spirit. Everyone and everything has Chi. Chi is the life force found in all living things and when you die, your chi is no longer there. It cantake a lifetime of study to understand and develop Chi. You can improve your chi flow through breathing exercises and simple movements. With more Chi you can live a more balanced healthy life through the natural flow of your energy. Good health and strong, balanced Chi are almost one and the same. Even though your Chi is located in your whole body your dantian is the best home for your Chi. Your dantien is just below your navel and several inches in toward your spine.


Without Chi there is no life, there is no Kung Fu.


'Gong' is that of achievement or results. The word Qi Gong is a system of 'energy cultivation' within your body. This is what makes some impressive Shaolin feats possible.


Shaolin Kung Fu can be practised anywhere. Wu Shu (translation 'martial arts') shoes have been developed especially for strenuous training sessions and it's advised for Kung Fu practitioners to wear the correct shoes to train in. Wearing the incorrect shoes can restrict movement, damage your joints and support bad technique. Robes are worn by Monks and Disciples, although it's perfectly fine for students to wear robes with their teacher consent to connect to the Shaolin way of life. Lightweight satin trousers and t-shirts should also be worn for unrestricted movement, specifically designed for strenuous and flexible techniques. Some students wear Chinese Buddhist pendants for protection or beads on the left wrist.



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Friday, January 6, 2012

Improve Anxiety, ADD and Boost Your Brain Power With Qi Gong

Did you know that qi gong is a powerful tool for increasing circulation to the brain and changing brain chemistry to reduce states of anxiety or challenges with attention?


Researchers at the University of CA at Irvine found that when subjects with attention deficit disorder received qi emissions by a qi gong master, the subjects brain scans following qi emission showed a higher perfusion of blood to certain brain regions compared to scans prior to qi emission.


When blood circulation to the brain increases, increased attention and mental clarity occur, along with less atrophy of brain tissue.


Yet, you don't have to work with a qi gong master to gain benefits. Simply engaging in a regular practice of qi gong movements and meditations can also positively impact your attention levels and protect the brain against premature aging.


Qi Gong also increases alpha brain waves (associated with deep states of relaxation and also with focused concentration as in the states of meditation) and activates the visual cortex and thamalus in away that can reduce anxiety levels.


Researchers reported in "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" (October 1, 2007, 13(8): 831-840) that because of "its potential therapeutic effects, that qigong can be considered as an alternative therapy to help meet the increasing demand of nonpharmacologic modalities in achieving biopsychosocial health for those suffering from anxiety in the general population."


The gentle flowing movements of qi gong also helps the brain by challenging coordination between movements and breath work which nourishes the neurological system to reduce dementia in elderly people.


Thus, qi gong and tai chi are often used as therapies to prevent neurological atrophy and challenge the brain to stay vibrant and healthy throughout all phases of our lives.



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