The truth about 6 cholesterol myths:

6 Cholesterol Myths

Whey protein powders are quite popular as a supplement in the diets of athletes and bodybuilders. Proteins are an essential factor in the repair and building of muscle. A supplement of protein in your diet is important – not only to protect you from injury but especially for those who are looking to build more muscle.

The most common form found is whey protein. It’s a product derived from milk used during the cheese-making process whey protein is collected and separated from the cheese. It is quite easy to frequently find fantastic deals on this already inexpensive product.

While searching for whey protein powders, you will see just how many different types are out there. Whey protein concentrates (the least expensive) and whey protein isolates are the most common. The purity of the protein powder in the concentrated form is approximately 75% protein by weight.

Although types containing a higher quality by weight will be of higher quality and have better absorption rates into your body but they will carry a heavier price tag as well.

Our bodies need amino acids in order to be used as fuel for the rebuilding of muscles. Whey protein happens to contain these amino acids at the appropriate level for rapid intake and usage. This helps to increase the response from both hormones and cells, but it must be consumed immediately following a workout. Not only will this assist in building muscle – it will also enhance muscle endurance while reducing any deterioration. These amino acids will have the ability to be metabolized directly into the muscle tissue rather than the liver as with other amino acids.

It’s not to be assumed, however, that you will become bigger with larger amounts of protein consumed – no matter what your lifestyle is. Leading a sedentary lifestyle isn’t going to make the whey protein achieve anything miraculous. The more exercise you do, the more protein you need. It is recommended that strength athletes consume an approximate 0.7 to 0.8 grams of protein for each pound of body weight. However, going over this amount will only lead to extra fat to burn, no matter how much strength training you intend on doing.

Hello guys!

Summer is around the corner, and for the next week Healthful Goddes is going to dedicate a segment “For The Body” with information about: Tai-Chi, Judo, Akido and Kickboxing!

The first article of “For the Body” is about Tai-Chi, the martial art considered to be a form of meditation. People practicing Tai Chi, also known as “players” learn to emphasize not only slow, deep breathing but rhythmic movements as well. This assists development of a focused and calm mind.

Tai Chi is an enjoyable activity for those of all ages and fitness levels. Each individual can practice the postures and movements in a manner relative to their own level of fitness, energy and state of mind. Each individual starts where they are, and learns at their own pace. It can be beneficial to the fittest athlete, the teenager and everyone in between. You may even find those in wheelchairs as part of a group practicing Tai Chi in the park near your home. You could take part even if you don’t think you could be coordinated or agile enough. These are all aspects you can learn at your own pace.

Traditional Chinese Medicine states that disease results from weak and impaired flow of qi (pronounced chee) through the meridians. There are fourteen main energy meridians which link internal organs and the entire physical body with the mind and emotional systems. These meridians arenít visible; however, you can detect them by the energy which moves through them. With the gentle movements of Tai Chi these energy channels are opened, thereby allowing the rhythm of the movements of the muscles, spine and joint to release energy through the body. This flushes out any stagnant qi, replacing it with fresh qi that is newly oxygenated.

The slow pace of Tai Chi provides the effect of performing a body scan to clear any place where there may be tension building up or stored. By releasing the grip of debris in both mind and body, we allow more space for positive aspects such as love and light to enter our lives. Aside from the meridians Tai Chi uses to work the internal organs, it also clears the joints of any potential debris in those areas, such as calcium deposits. This benefit is a result of the different movements requiring the body to rotate to about 95% of its ability. Tai Chiís health benefits are being quickly discovered in western medicine.
Health and life are simple reflections of our mind state. Body and breath move along with the mind. This encourages cleaning out any roadblocks which normally would keep us from moving forward. These roadblocks keep us locked in emotional and psychological patterns that arenít always healthy. The empowerment of “meditation in motion” can keep us in the train of thought that change itself is a constant in our lives, and new beginnings always follow closures.

Whenever stress and tension start taking their toll on health and well-being, it would be wise to look to those who have attained that level of harmony within the body.  Whether one is seeking to find that silence, relaxation and focus of thought, or if what is wanted is a gentle fitness program to increase flexibility and overall general health, Tai Chi would be an excellent place to start.

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Low-carb diets like Atkins, Zone, Sonoma and South Beach suppress appetite better than traditional diets because high protein levels decrease hunger better than carbohydrates or fats. Restricting carbohydrates eliminates often-indulged foods such as bread, cereal, soft drinks, French fries and pizza.† By simply excluding carbohydrate foods, patients following low carb/high protein diets typically reduce their caloric intake by approximately 500 calories a day. Water loss accounts for a large amount of the early rapid decreases in bodyweight and uses up carbohydrate stores in your muscles and liver.

Unfortunately, high-protein diets can cause a number of health problems. These include, but arenít limited to:

1 – Kidney failure. Protein-rich diets put added strain on the kidneys, which makes them susceptible to kidney disease.

2 – High cholesterol. Diets high in protein are directly linked to high cholesterol. Studies have linked high cholesterol levels to an elevated risk of developing heart disease, stroke and cancer.

3 – Osteoporosis and kidney stones. High protein diets can cause people to eliminate more calcium than normal through their urine. Over extended periods of time, this can increase a person’s risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones.

4 – Cancer. Foods containing carbohydrates also contain vitamins, minerals, fiber as well as antioxidants. By avoiding carbs, you are depriving your body of these essential elements. Itís very important to obtain protein from a variety of foods. Eating whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables will ensure your need for protein is met, but will also help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

5 – Unhealthy metabolic state (ketosis). Low carb diets can cause ketosis, where your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. This could result in potential organ failure or other problems such as gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Ketones can dull a person’s appetite, and cause nausea and bad breath. Ketosis can be prevented by eating at least 100 grams of carbohydrates a day.

Before starting this or any diet, be sure to talk with your doctor to determine what approach is right for you. They may prescribe a low-carb/high protein diet, but will likely require you to come in periodically for check-ups. This type of diet may be popular, but your doctor may recommend another one; following their advice could save your life.

The Benefits of Allium Vegetables 1

We’ve all heard about the importance of eating our vegetables. They are good sources of many of the vitamins and minerals we need. But there’s a certain group of vegetables that provide special health benefits called allium vegetables. Studies have shown that allium vegetables have some pretty remarkable effects upon health and well-being.

Allium vegetables are members of the of the plant genus Allium. They include strongly scented and distinctively flavored veggies such as:

* garlic
* onions
* leeks
* shallots
* chives

These are popular ingredients in traditional and vegetarian meals, and in stews and pastas, as well as stirfry.  They are common enough, and very inexpensive, but few people realize just how much these vegetables have to offer.
Allium vegetables are amongst the oldest cultivated plants in the world. They have been used medicinally and in cooking for centuries. They are high in sulfur compounds, which have been used to prevent and help treat a variety of ailments. These include:

* Cancer (particularly stomach and colon cancer)

* Coronary heart disease

* Obesity

* Type 2 diabetes

* Hypertension

* Cataracts

* Gastrointestinal disturbances

Herbalists often use garlic against infection. It is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent, and is believed to even be effective against viruses. It has been used against parasites in the intestinal tract, and as an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots.

Garlic is truly a multi-purpose herb.  While a link with heart health has yet to be proven, you will find many garlic supplements on the market which make these claims.

Garlic pills have an advantage in that you will tend not to have bad breath after having consumed them, but there is nothing better than getting the whole vegetable into your diet

Nutrition is an essential part of health. In this area we will be publishing information on nutrition, and giving you links to invaluable resources to help you save time and stay healthy.

Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 (6 oz) bag dried mixed tropical fruit
3 cups regular oats
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup roasted sunflower kernels
1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut
2 tbsp non-fat dry milk
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a bowl, combine water, sugar, cranberries and tropical fruit, mix well and let stand for about 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine oats and other ingredients and mix together with the dried fruit mixture. Spread out evenly on a baking pan and bake for an hour. Give the mixture a quick stir every 15 minutes. Let the granola cool off and place in an airtight container.