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Blue whales are kings of the seas. What do they have to do with human health? Well, what would you say if I told you that this king of the seas’ diet was solely dependent on phytoplankton’s? Yes, this big guys move around and survive through such small organisms such as phytoplankton’s. Amazing, right? The story just keeps on getting better too. Read on to find out why.

Just how big are blue whales? Well, they measure up to 33.6 meters in length and 181 metric tons or more in weight. Blue whales are the largest whales and also the largest living animal. It is even believed to be the largest animal ever to have existed. Yes, they are. The largest known dinosaur, the Argentinosaurus was estimated to weigh in 90 tons and up to 27m in length, slightly smaller than the blue whale. The extinct fish Leedsichthys may also approached that size but still is considered to be smaller than the blue whale. That’s how big these guys are.

A Blue Whale’s tongue weighs around 2.7 tons. Its mouth when fully expanded is large enough to hold 90 tonnes of food and water. Its heart weighs 600 kg and is the largest to be known in any other animal. A new born blue-whale weights up to 2,700 kg, the same weight as a fully grown hippopotamus. On its seventh month, a baby blue whale can drink an approximately 400 liters of milk everyday.

With their size blue whales can travel hundreds of miles without rest and consume up to 1.5 million calories a day in order to restore its massive energy requirements. They can reach speeds of 30 mph over short bursts while 12 mph is their more typical traveling speed.

And guess what? Blue Whales feed on marine phytoplankton. And you know what else is amazing? Scientists and nutritionists have created a raw organic superfood that uses phytoplankton. It is called Marine Phytoplankton.

Marine Phytoplankton is known as the greatest superfood. It has unique super nutrients that come from the ocean and provides the body with residual energy. Residual energy that when ingested on a daily basis builds up significantly. And with its abundance of natural vitamins, minerals and an original life force, such substance can give anyone a deepening inner strength.

Then there is more. It is a substance, which benefits the body by making the skin vibrant and younger. It assists in regulating blood sugar naturally, increase strength, improves eyesight, speeds the recovery from illness and disease, strengthens the immune, nervous and endocrine system, helps cells defend against radiation and help calms the mind.

Then there is much more. Marine phytoplankton relieves symptoms of heartburn, improves memory, it is antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, improves circulation and heart function, relieves allergy, has powerful antioxidant qualities and essential fatty acids Omega 3,6,7 and 9. It is not called the greatest raw organic superfood for nothing.

Now have the energy of the Blue Whale in you, through Marine Phytoplankton, that is - the greatest raw organic superfood in the planet.

Come learn about the greatest selection of Superfoods on The Planet. Please visit our site at Superfood living and learn about Raw Chocolate CocaoNoni, Goji Berries, Maca, phytoplankton, Sacred Chocolate, and more.

It may be inconceivable to think that “metal” could ever be a significant source for health benefits. But, as you may find out by reading the rest of this article, you may be surprised that some metals are essential to a healthy diet. You would be surprised to know that the standard “gold” goes beyond jewelry or as a status symbol. In this article, metals are our dietary heroes our superfoods.

Let’s start with magnesium. It is an alkaline earth metal, the 9th most abundant element in the universe by mass, and constitutes 2% of the Earth’s crust by mass; thus making it the eighth most abundant element in the crust. It is also the third most abundant element that is dissolved in seawater.

Magnesium is also the 11th most abundant element by mass that is found in the human body. Its ions are essential to all cells of all known living organisms. Plants have used for magnesium because chlorophylls are magnesium-centered porphyrins.

For us humans, magnesium is an important part of a healthy human diet as it plays a part in over 300 enzymes. Spices, nuts, cereals, coffee, cocoa, tea and vegetables are just some of the foods that are rich in such element.

Another example of a beneficial element considered to be an organic superfood is gold. Yes, gold right now, because of its rare trace elements, is being studied for its ability to nutritionally support higher potentials of emotional, mental and physical well-being.

Gold is very much broad-spectrum and can effect the entire mind-body complex in positive ways. But chunks of metallic gold would be difficult to absorb at the cellular level. That is why gold, in order to be easily absorbed by the cells, has to be in its colloidal form.

Colloidal gold is made up of pure gold but is small enough to be absorbed by the cells in our bodies. Its micro-clusters of 99.99% pure gold are suspended in distilled water. The micro-clusters form a natural ruby-pink colored fluid that has unique properties and is now recognized to be a super-nutrient that can support the body and mind for a optimum human functioning.

And like any other raw organic superfood, the benefits of Colloidal Gold is very much loaded. Colloidal Gold, as a dietary supplement, increases a sense of optimism and motivation and over all sense of well-being. It also increases a sense of focus, concentration, memory, creativity, imagination, mental clarity and acuity. It also gives mood support through the “winter blues,” helps give a deeper more rejuvenating sleep and greater dream recall and a sens of energized yet calm Zen-like awareness. Colloidal Gold also supports better resistance to food cravings and can significantly increase one’s ability to cope with stress.

So are you ready to take in gold for your health? You better be.

Come learn about the greatest selection of Superfoods on The Planet. Please visit our site at Superfood living and learn about Raw Chocolate CocaoNoni, Goji Berries, Maca, Phytoplankton, Sacred Chocolate, and more….

Our children and grandchildren are precious to us and are priceless. Their lives have just begun, and the future is bright. Health is their most valuable asset–especially with so much more life to live. Patterns developed at a young age can be carried forward to a longer future. Positive or negative behaviors have many years to compound their benefits, or health-destroying effects.

Children’s Risk Factors for Disease

Today, almost nine million American children age six years and above are obese. Because of the decrease in physical activity and the replacement of nutritious food with junk food, our children are developing risk factors for many adult diseases by their late teens and early twenties. Namely diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and even cancer.

6 Tips to Help Your Children Get More Physical Activity

Here are some specific tips to help kids be more active:

1. Be a role model for your children. If they see you are physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active throughout their lives.

2. Involve the whole family in activities like hiking, biking, dancing, basketball, or roller skating.

3. Focus on fun. You can do a lot of walking during trips to the zoo, park, or miniature-golf course.

4. Include children in household activities like dog-walking, car-washing, or lawn-mowing.

5. Limit your children’s TV and computer time. Offer them active options, like joining a local recreation center or after-school program, or taking lessons in a sport they enjoy. A great new concept along these lines is “Exergaming,” exercise for kids involving active video games.

6. Encourage your child to be physically active every day and participate with them.

10 Ways to Help Your Children Eat Better Foods

1. Offer your child a wide variety of foods, such as grains, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products, and lean meat or beans.

2. Give your child a snack or two in addition to his or her three daily meals. Serve snacks like dried fruit, low-fat yogurt, and air-popped popcorn. Another healthy snack I recommend for kids is called Juice Plus+ Gummies(R), which contain the whole food-based nutrition of 15 different fruit and vegetable juice powders and sweeteners from all-natural sources.

3. Let your child decide whether and how much to eat. Keep serving new foods even if your child does not eat them at first.

4. Cook with less fat–bake, roast, or poach foods instead of frying.

5. Limit the amount of added sugar in your child’s diet. Choose cereals with low or no added sugar. Serve water, low-fat milk, and 100% fruit juices more often than sugar-sweetened sodas and fruit-flavored drinks.

6. Choose and prepare foods with less salt. Keep the salt shaker off the table. Have fruits and vegetables on hand for snacks instead of salty snack foods.

7. Involve your child in planning and preparing meals. Children may be more willing to eat the dishes they help prepare.

8. Have family meals together and serve everyone the same thing.

9. Do not be too strict. In small amounts, sweets or food from fast-food restaurants can still have a place in a healthy diet.

10. Make sure your child eats breakfast. Breakfast provides children with the energy they need to listen and learn in school. Cereal with milk is a great combination for complete protein and a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other valuable nutrients.

(Adapted from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease info.)

In my practice I’ve developed a system to rate foods based on nutrient density. A computer analysis of 26 key nutrients is done on every food. The more positive nutrients (like vitamins and minerals) and the least negative nutrients (like cholesterol, fat, sugar) PER CALORIE, the better the score.

For kids, I call the highest-rated foods “NutriHeroes,” and the lowest rated foods “NutriZeroes.” The kids love this fun way to look at foods. Here are the top 18 NutriHeroes and the worst NutriZeroes:

NutriHeroes

Spinach
Broccoli
Romaine Lettuce
Cantaloupe
Guava
Papaya
Wheat Bran
Wheat Germ
Whole Wheat Bread
Bean Sprouts
Green Peas
Minestrone Soup
Skim Milk
Nonfat Yogurt
Egg Whites
Tuna
Salmon
Halibut

NutriZeroes

Dill Pickles
Potato Chips
Deep Fried Vegetables
Jelly
Cherry Pie
Jello (w/sugar)
Cupcake w/frosting
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brownie w/frosting
Peanut Butter Cup
Peanut Brittle
Chocolate-covered Nuts
Scrambled/Fried Eggs
Heavy Cream
Cheese Quiche
Pepperoni
Pork Hot Dog
Pork Bologna

Making it fun for kids is always important. Then be a good role model for them–you can make all the difference!

Dr. Roy Vartabedian is a specialist in disease prevention/health promotion and holds a Doctor of Public Health degree. His New York Times Best-Seller, Nutripoints, has been used in 13 countries in 10 languages worldwide. Check out his nutritional Placemat/Chart for Kids.

All of us have thought about good dieting at some point of time. Some of us just want to start eating healthier - others might be conscious about their appearance and want to lose a few pounds. The bottom line is that opting for healthy weight loss is a good idea for everyone. The problem is that it’s not always an easy thing to do. When you’re used to snacking on chips and donuts, it can be really hard to make the switch to raw carrots. The good news is that there are ways to make dieting easier.

Step By Step

Diving headfirst into a regimental diet isn’t part of good dieting - in fact, you should start slowly, so that your mind and body can adjust to this lifestyle change. Let’s take a look at breakfast first - this is the one meal that people often skip because they are in a hurry. If they don’t skip it, they usually have something on the run like a pastry or something equally unhealthy. If you just can’t help rushing out of the door with breakfast in one hand, make sure it’s something healthy. Opt for hard boiled eggs, bran muffins or fresh fruit to get you started in the morning.

Lunch is another thing which people skip when they are on a diet. If you’re really concerned about dieting weight, make it a point to bring a bagged lunch to work at least twice a week. This is not only a healthy option; it will save you money too! Make sure you include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your lunch - if you’re bringing along a sandwich, go easy on condiments like mayonnaise, butter and cheese. It’s also a good idea to avoid snacking on junk food during the day - dive into a pack of nuts, popcorn or fresh veggies whenever you feel a little hungry. Avoid things like chips and chocolate bars.

Extras

You don’t need to go to diet centers to make your diet really work for you. In fact, some dieting tips don’t have anything to do with eating at all! For example, if you’re hungry, then don’t go out and buy groceries! You’ll be far more tempted to not only buy the wrong things, but to also indulge yourself in a snack while you’re there! Good dieting also means drinking the right things. Sugary drinks and sodas can pack on the pounds just as much as junk food can. The best drink is water - fresh fruit juices made with real fruit and with no sugar are another great beverage option.

It’s also important to be smart and disciplined about your diet as well. If you simply can’t avoid eating at a fast food restaurant, don’t give into temptation and order the biggest, greasiest burger they have. Buy things like salad or grilled sandwiches - avoid deep fried foods like French fries. If you love snacking on chips and simply can’t do without them, buy baked chips instead of fried ones. It’s also a good idea to opt for chips that are low in salt and artificial flavorings. These are just some of the many good dieting tips you can follow.

For healthy lifestyle choices and dieting advice that is both easy and beneficial, visit us at DietSense.net

Hundreds of studies done over the last few decades have shown the benefits of eating whole fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Scientists have studied these foods to determine what is in them that provides these positive results in lower cancer rates, less heart disease, strokes, diabetes and many other chronic diseases. One common factor in all of these are the “antioxidants” vitamins A (in the form of beta-carotene), C and E.

An antioxidant is a molecule which can slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a natural process in the body that can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. This damage is thought to be the root cause many of the chronic diseases common today.

Because of the known benefits of these antioxidants in foods, and the fact that many people–for whatever reason–do not eat enough of these foods; supplement manufacturers have created antioxidant supplements to make it easy for people to add them to their diet.

The question is, do these supplements provide the same health-enhancing benefits as getting these antioxidants naturally in foods? The answer, from recent studies, seems to be “NO.”

The most recent study published in the January 7, 2009 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, followed two other important studies that also did not show that various antioxidant supplements could prevent cancer.

“Although a healthful dietary pattern rich in fruits and vegetables may lower cancer risk, such benefits cannot be mimicked by simply popping a few vitamin supplements,” Dr. JoAnn Manson of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston said in a statement.

Dr. Manson and colleagues tracked 7,627 women with an average age of 60, who took supplements for about 9-1/2 years.

Some took 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily, 600 IU (international units) of vitamin E every other day or 50 milligrams of beta carotene every other day–or different combinations of the three supplements. Others were given placebos.

Results showed that women who took the supplements had similar rates of cancer and cancer death compared to those who took a placebo. The study suggested that vitamin E supplements might reduce colon cancer risk and that beta carotene supplements might actually modestly raise lung cancer risk.

“Simply taking antioxidant supplements is insufficient to prevent cancer. People should take more natural plant foods which are rich with many nutrients including but not limited to antioxidants,” Lin said.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in these vitamins, and it has been shown that people who eat plenty of these foods have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and other conditions.

In a separate study released in November, 2008 involving about 15,000 male doctors, vitamin E and C supplements did not lower cancer risk. Another study released in October, 2008 found no cancer reduction in 35,000 men taking vitamin E and selenium supplements.

Previous to these, two major studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute in 1994 and 1996 showed that the incidence of lung cancer was 12-28 percent higher among participants who took beta-carotene supplements than among those who took a placebo. The rate of death from all causes was 8-17 percent higher in those who received the beta-carotene supplements. The two studies involved 29,000 and 18,000 participants respectively over a period of 4-6 years.

Summary

1. There are still some unknown factors in whole foods which provide health-enhancing benefits besides the major vitamin antioxidants that we know of.

2. It is difficult, if not impossible to duplicate the complexity and balance of nutrients in foods created in nature.

3. It can actually be harmful to separate and eat isolated parts of foods and remove the natural balance of nutrients in they contain.

In regard to #1 above, we actually do know what some of these other factors are. They are called “phytonutrients” and have many positive functions in the body including–but not limited to–antioxidation. There are dozens, sometimes hundreds, or even thousands of these in the best foods. They all need to work together in synergy–not each separately.

The bottom line: there are no shortcuts to eating the best foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas, nuts and seeds), low-fat dairy, and lean meats.

So focus on eating the best foods in their most unprocessed whole-food form, rather than counting on supplements to make up the difference in your diet. If you do supplement, make sure it is based on whole-food concentrates as foundational nutrition, rather than isolated vitamins and minerals–so you get the natural balance they provide. If you have a specific need for more of a certain vitamin or mineral due to a deficiency–add those to your diet as prescribed by your health professional. Healthy eating!

Dr. Roy Vartabedian is a specialist in disease prevention/health promotion and holds a Doctor of Public Health degree. His New York Times Best-Seller, Nutripoints, has been used in 13 countries in 10 languages worldwide. Try the free Nutripoints QuickCheck at www.Nutripoints.com

A short time ago, I received a promotional booklet in the mail from a very well-known and “credible” company (they have an extensive scientific advisory board) that publishes a monthly magazine on health and prevention, as well as many books on various health topics.

It was shocking to read through it and count the many outrageous promises and claims made about their diet and health program. Here are some quotes:

“DROP 30 lbs. Fast!”

“INCHES OFF YOUR BELLY in 10 minutes a day!”

“Shrink Your Waist with a Vitamin!”

“Do You Have a Few Minutes to Lose 25 Pounds?”

“6 Hours of Exercise in 6 Minutes”

“Just 30 Seconds per Exercise Session!”

“See How You Can Reverse Your Sluggish Metabolism–Burn More Fat Without Exercising!”

“Top-Secret Fat Scorcher Burns Nine Times More Fat with Less Exercise!”

“See How to Knock Down High Blood Pressure by Doing Practically Nothing!”

“Get Younger Every Day!”

We Believe What We Want to Believe

As tempting as it is to believe these headlines, we need to engage our brains when reading these and filter out the noise and mis-truths. To help you do this, I will outline “5 Diet Red Flags” that you can use to help you filter out 98% of the advertisements on diet and weight-loss you see today.

5 Diet Red Flags

When you hear about these types of diets–run!

1. Diets that promise drastic, quick weight loss.

We all know by now that you can only lose 1-2 lbs. per week if it is FAT loss. That’s because there are 3500 calories per pound of fat. Between diet and exercise, the most FAT you can lose in one week is 1-2 lbs. So why do we want to lose more than this, faster than this? The only way it can be done is to lose water (which has no calories) or muscle (which has about 600 calories per lb.). Water just comes back later, and muscle lost just lowers your calorie-burning engine and metabolism–which is self-defeating.

2. Diets that claim no exercise is required.

Claims are made that a certain pill, cream, potion, or food combination will increase your metabolic rate so you don’t need to exercise. While it may be true that a tiny metabolic rate increase is possible with some of these methods, there are usually negative side effects to using them. But the big downside is that when you compare these methods to the actual increases in metabolism that exercise provides–their effectiveness pales in comparison. And exercise has dozens of positive effects on health and function of the body as well.

3. Diets that are less than 1000 calories per day.

It’s difficult to get all your nutrients on less than 1000 calories per day. And we all have heard by now that when you do this, your body goes into “survival” mode and lowers your metabolic calorie-burn rate. So it is self-defeating in many ways. You may have a moderate initial weight loss, but the rate will slow as your body adjusts.

4. Diets that differ drastically from the way you are eating now.

It’s true that if your diet needs improving, you need to make some changes. But if it is too drastic a change, or a way of eating that most people cannot possibly continue long-term, then it will most likely be abandoned after the weight is lost. That’s one more “yo” to the “yo-yo”.

5. Diets that claim to be effortless.

OK, on this one we need to really kick ourselves for believing. “It was as easy as falling off a log!” Oh, really? Obviously, true weight and fat loss that can be maintained and is healthy cannot be achieved any other way than by good old “lifestyle change.” Anything easier is either not truly effective, or has negative side effects from using long-term, and possibly even in the short-term.

Healthy Eating Made Simple–But Not Effortless!

How do you eat healthier AND reduce calories at the same time? By eating the MOST NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS. Foods that have the most nutrition in the least calories will provide you with the most “nutritional bang for the buck.” They are the best foods for the human body overall. Fresh raw or steamed green leafy vegetables and vegetables in general score the highest in this category. Whole raw fruits come in second place. Then come whole grains, legumes (beans, peas, nuts and seeds), low fat dairy, and lastly–lean meats.

Another way to make healthy eating simple is to pick the foods that have the MOST VOLUME PER CALORIE. This way your stomach is filled up before you overeat on calories. The list of these foods is in just about the same order as the one above for the most nutrient-dense foods. Fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy, then lean meats. In general, foods which have a high water content usually are very filling. If the calories are less than 50 per cup–this is excellent. If 50-100 calories, good. If 100-200+, fair. Over 200-300+, be careful.

Combine these eating patterns with a moderate exercise program such as walking, swimming, bicycling for 30-45 minutes 5-6 times per week, and you have everything you need to do it right, and do it safely and effectively. The important thing with exercise is to do something YOU ENJOY. So you may want to walk or bicycle along the beach, or try a dance-type of class that will be enjoyable while the time passes quickly.

Research has shown that people who track what they are eating daily are twice as successful as those who “wing it.” Those who have a support group or buddy to go through the program with together, are twice as successful again. So increase your chances for success by putting it all together. Here’s to your future success!

Dr. Roy Vartabedian, specialist in disease prevention/health promotion, holds a Doctor of Public Health degree. His New York Times Best-Seller, Nutripoints, has been used in 13 countries in 10 languages worldwide. Check out your diet with his free Nutripoints QuickCheck at http://www.Nutripoints.com

Foods and supplements that are rich in antioxidant compounds are important elements of a healthy diet and of good health. Luckily it is not difficult to include foods rich in antioxidants in our daily diet because many of our favourite vegetables, fruits, nuts, and juices contain a healthy amount of antioxidant compounds.

Cells and Oxidation

During the metabolism process inside our body’s cells, nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates combine with oxygen to produce the important compound ATP. The ATP is used by our cells as energy so that our muscles can do work. The oxidation process that produces the ATP also results in the formation of free radicals.

Our daily environment is also a source of free radicals. Air pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides, among many examples, contain oxidized particles that enter our cells after being inhaled into our lungs.

Free radicals are oxygen-based molecules that have unpaired electrons, which make them very prone to react with other molecules. Some free radicals are important in the body’s defences against bacteria, for example, but an overabundance of free radicals in the cells can lead to disease.

Because they have unpaired electrons, free radicals can cause a chain reaction in the cells that can lead to damage of cell membranes. Part of the natural process of aging is due to free radical damage. Further, as many as 50 diseases are caused in part by the damage created by free radicals. Arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are among such diseases.

Antioxidant Protection

There are many compounds that can neutralize the harmful effects of oxidation and the production of free radicals. An antioxidant compound can bond with the free radical, creating a stable molecule, and prevent further damage from occurring.

Among the most effective antioxidants are the nutrients, vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium. Several other vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are also antioxidants. Many of these compounds cannot be produced by our cells and must be ingested through the foods in our diet or through supplements.

A recent study in London indicated that when subjects consumed 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily that the risk of suffering a stroke was reduced by 25 percent. Other studies have also shown that a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods can help to reduce the risk of many degenerative and inflammatory diseases. Further, such foods also seem to help to enhance the immune defence system and thereby lower the risk of contracting disease.

Vitamin A and carotenoids are found in such foods as carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, and apricots. Vitamin C is easily found in citrus fruits such as oranges and limes, and in vegetables such as broccoli and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is abundant in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. Selenium is found in fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, and chicken.

Fortunately, it is usually easy to include foods that are rich in antioxidant protection in our daily diets. Not only will such foods help to control the overabundance of free radicals in our cells, but meals rich in antioxidant compounds are delicious and easy to prepare.

The author studied Herbal Medicine for three years in the German Paracelsus School in Germany.
Antioxidants

It has been common knowledge for quite a while that tobacco smoke depletes blood serum levels of vitamin C in people who smoke. A recent investigative health study funded by the ‘National Institutes of Health’, and carried out by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, have clearly shown that supplementing with vitamin C works at reversing vitamin E depletion and disappearance in people who smoke.

According to Maret Traber, a professor at OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute and a nationally known expert on vitamin E says, “tobacco smoke is an oxidative stress carcinogen that creates free radicals. Free radicals increase oxidative stress by causing cell mutation damage. This, of course, may lead to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Smokers face special challenges, as they are more susceptible to a higher loss of protective antioxidant nutrients”.

It is estimated that there are nearly 50 million smokers in the U.S., and previous studies have indicated that smokers are more likely to be heavy meat eaters. They also tend to have a lower intake of fresh fruits and vegetables that provide known antioxidant protection against free radical damage.

In lung tissue, vitamin E is one of the best lines of defense in lessening oxidative stress damage generated by tobacco smoke. In theory, researchers believe vitamin E helps prevent internal cell membranes from becoming oxidized, but in the process can become a free radical itself. If enough vitamin C is present, it helps keep vitamin E from turning rancid and attacking organ tissues.

Current research has also shown that as a result of the low-fat diet that has swept this nation for several generations, only about 8 percent of men and 2.4 percent of women in the U.S., regardless of smoking status, have an adequate intake of vitamin E. Some of the best sources of vitamin E in the American diet are found in food sources such as nuts, seeds, and certain types of cooking oils. Most people have headed the medical communities recommendations of scaling back on these types of foods for better health. Other sources of vitamin E can be found in foods such as blueberries, olives, and papayas.

In the OSU research study, all participants were asked to reduce their daily intake of fruits and vegetables for 3 months before the study. Low levels of vitamin C was predetermined to be the basic foundation for implementing vitamin C supplements at 1,000 mg. per day for some, and a placebo for others. Those who received the vitamin C supplements had up to a 45 percent reduced incidence of vitamin E disappearance, about the same as a non-smoker.

But the smokers who received the placebo were not only still deficient in vitamin C, but lost gamma vitamin E 25 percent faster than a non-smoker, and alpha-vitamin E about 45 percent faster.

In practice most nutritional experts tend to agree that they believe that these nutrients need to be present long-term, and consistently, before they can be successful. They believe they are less successful, and of little or no benefit when studied in isolation or in individuals with an existing health condition.

Tarber states, “there may be circumstances where a smoker may be at risk of losing the benefits of these two nutrients with a normally healthy diet”.

Both vitamin C and E are just pieces to a larger nutrient puzzle that may have many interactive roles with other nutrients as well. Vitamin C is a water soluble substance and vitamin E is fat soluble. Vitamin C is found outside cell membranes, vitamin E is found inside cell membranes.

Research is providing us with some valuable clues as to how smoking, lack of sleep, poor diets, relationship interactions, and other lifestyle habits can affect our loss of nutrients. Our feelings about these things may play more of an important role in developing disease and illnesses than anything else. Despite conclusive evidence which supports the facts that a healthy diet plays a pivotal role in achieving a healthier body, people by and large still choose to eat and drink what they like and tastes good to them. And, we often adopt several other lifestyle habits that may, or may not, serve us very well too.

Whether some of these lifestyle choices all we have ever known, or have been taught was socially acceptable, all of these different experiences may just revolve around how each of us internally feels about the things we are doing that count the most.

Are we feeling good, or bad, about nutritional information that has been kept suppressed for years?

The implications of this poorly misunderstood mind/body/spiritual connection to health and happiness has many experts on both sides of the prescription drug and natural treatment entrenchment camps rather stumped.

Brenda Skidmore has spent over the last five years actively researching natural health care alternatives. It is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your health today visit
mywater4life.com

He is one of China’s legendary coaches. He coached Wang Junxia in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where she won gold in the women’s 5,000 meter race and silver in the women’s 10,000 meter event.

Wang Junxia also became the first Chinese Olympic champion in long distance running. Before that in August 1993 at the Stuttgart IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Wang with her teammates Qu Yunxia and Liu Dong won the gold medals in the women’s 10,000-meter, 3,000 meter and 1,500 runs. This achievement was called China’s “breakthrough in the world championship for middle and long -distance running.

In September of the same year, this legendary coach was at the same time leading the Liaoning women’s Middle-and Long Distance Running Team and broke the world records for the women’s 1,500 meter, 3,000 meter and 10,000 meter events at the 7th National Games. This achievement was called by the foreign news agencies as a ” miracle in the world of track and field”.

And at an earlier time on the year 1986. He also coached a team that swept the four top places in the World High School Students 3,000 meter Cross-country Race. Then two years after that he became the professional coach for Liaoning’s Women’s Middle-and Long-Distance Running team and had three world records.

This legendary coach of China is no other than the “miracle-maker” himself Ma Junren. His secret? He studied bionics intensively, optimized his athletes actions by copying animals’ running postures in order to discover a running posture that will be fast and labor-saving.

He also had a thorough understanding of acupuncture, massage and traditional Chinese medicine. He even became an image representative for a health food enterprise after achieving fame in 1993.

He also had one other secret. He gave his athletes China’s own organic raw superfood called cordyceps. And now this superfood is not only limited for china’s consumption. It is now available to all of us.

Cordyceps strengthens the immune system, increases libido and promotes peak sexual performance, assists in a healthy strong heart and cardiovascular system, reduces fatigue, increases stamina, endurance and cellular energy, makes the lungs and respiratory system healthy, build resistance to stress, improves memory, protects against free radical damage, promotes longevity, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, increases nutrient absorption and promotes a restful productive sleep.

You don’t need to be a runner going for the gold to take cordyceps, you don’t need to travel great lengths to China to take this organic raw superfood. You can be just be some plain ordinary working individual just to trying to get healthy and feel super. But then again if you want to run and win the gold, then go ahead and dream big.

Come learn about the greatest selection of Superfoods on The Planet. Please visit our site at Superfood living and learn about Raw Chocolate Cocao
Noni, Goji Berries, Maca, Phytoplankton,
Sacred Chocolate, and more….

All of the cells in our body require the proper pH balance to function at an optimal level. If our body is acidic or too alkaline, chemical reactions including enzyme activity, cellular repair, and cellular reproduction are inhibited.

Raymond Francis writes, “On the pH scale, 7 is neutral; 0 to 7 is acidic, and 7 to 14 is alkaline. The normal pH inside a cell is 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. Maintaining normal pH in the fluid inside the cell as well as the other body fluids is crucial for keeping the body systems functioning normally.”

While most of the body can still operate, however poorly, outside of the optimum pH zone, blood cannot. Dr. Shillington writes, “Your blood operates between 7.3 and 7.5 on the alkaline side of this pH scale. If it goes out of this range, you’re dead!”

Fast foods and processed foods are highly acidic. So how do we survive eating a Big Mac and a Coke? Our bodies pull alkalizing minerals–calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium from soft tissues, organs, glands, and bones to neutralize the acid and return our blood to the proper pH balance.

If we continually eat a diet high in acidic foods, chronic acidosis will result. “Eventually, as time goes by, your body will leech your teeth and bones of their much needed calcium to balance this out-of-whack situation,” writes Dr. Shillington.

“This is the ’cause’ behind arthritis, bone loss, tooth decay, liver and kidney failure, and a multitude of other diseases too numerous to mention. According to my up-to-date research, every disease has some connection to an acid/alkaline imbalance.”

The typical American diet is very high in protein. Most meat eaten is not organic and the animals are not fed their natural foods. Cows’ main diet staple is grass, but we proudly hail the “best choice meat” as “grain fed.”

Grains are not the natural diet of cows. When they eat grains, their bodies become acidic and they are more likely to become ill. They are then shot full of antibiotics (in addition to hormones) and we eat meat which is more acidic than nature intended.

In addition, our industrial society pollutes water, feeds us chemical laden foods sprayed with poisons, wraps and stores foods in toxic plastic and Styrofoam, and encourages us to eat fast foods and processed foods. Is it any wonder chronic illnesses and devastating disease has reached epidemic proportions?

Though the belief that chronic acidosis is the cause of chronic illness or the basis for much of our disease today is not upheld by mainstream conventional medicine, conventional medicine does agree that acid diets pull calcium from bones and that alkaline diets help prevent osteoporosis, kidney stones, and age-related waste of muscle mass.

When you think about acidity of foods, you may immediately think of citric acid in oranges, lemons, and limes. Citrus fruits are acidic, but they turn alkaline when digested. The same is true for tomatoes. It doesn’t matter whether a food is acidic or alkaline.

What matters is how it is chemically metabolized in the body. You may search through books on the subject and through sites on the Internet to find lists ranking foods on the pH scale. Unfortunately, the lists are not comprehensive nor are they in agreement, but they all do say to increase fruits and vegetables.

So how do you use this new information? How can you find out if your body is acidic? You can test your pH using the same test strips you might have used in high school chemistry class or to test the pH in your aquarium. Some recommend testing both saliva and urine.

Raymond Francis recommends measuring your first morning urine before you eat. “This test offers an indicator of your cellular pH and can be used to monitor changes as you work to normalize your pH. First morning urine should be in the range of 6.5 to 7.5.

If readings fall below 6.5, you are too acidic. Occasional readings above 7.5 are normal, but consistent readings above 7.5 are an indication of tissue breakdown, and a pH over 8.0 is a serious matter.”

What’s the easy way to make sure your body is not too acidic or alkaline? How do you make sure your body has the right amount of omega 3s and omega 6s? How do you make sure your food has just the right amount of vitamins and minerals? How do you decrease the number of toxins you ingest? How do you rid your body of all virtually all disease and illness? Does it seem overwhelming? It’s not. It’s simple. Eat more raw, fresh, organic foods!

Michael Edwards is the chief editor of Organic Lifestyle Magazine, a free online magazine. Subscribe for free at www.greenmagazines.com.