Phytosterols: The Natural Cholesterol Lowering Substance

Phytosterols are sterol molecules in grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables that have demonstrated the ability to support healthy cholesterol metabolism.  In attempt to increase the amount of sterols consumed by Americans, you may have seen phytosterols added to your margarine or orange juice. CholestePure is our new favorite natural cholesterol supplement because it is a convenient phytosterol source without the calories and fat from juices, margarines or other fats.  For more information you can view CholestePure at http://www.purecapspro.com/home.asp

IS ORGANIC OVERRATED?

Not for some fruits and vegetables! Pesticides have been found in greater quantities on certain types of fruits and vegetables than others. We know buying organic can sometimes mean spending double on produce, so here is a list to help you determine which fruits and vegetables are worth the splurge; apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes and spinach. Fruits and vegetables that have the lowest levels of pesticides include asparagus, avocado, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn (sweet), kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapple and sweet peas.

DIGESTIVE ENZYME SUPPLEMENTS

Digestive enzymes are proteins that aid in digestion involved in digestion and work optimally at specific temperature and pH. There are three classes of digestive enzymes; protein enzymes needed to digest protein, lipase enzymes needed to digest fat, and carbohydrate enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates. Digestive enzyme supplements aid in this process and have been shown to help with celiac disease, pancreatitis,indigestion, heart burn, low stomach acidity, osteoarthritis, allergies, sensitivities and food allergies, acne rosacea, chrones and chronic candidiasis.

Green Tea

Green Tea has many benefits!

EGC is one of green teas polypeoics ingredients that as been shown to inhibit the growth of cancers cells, as well as levitates infection, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol levels. ECG is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps kill cancer most of all, without harming healthy tissue. Green tea is one of the only drinks that have these positive effects on the body, so drink up!

Vitamin D

Get your Vitamin D Levels Checked!

Many Americans today are deficient in Vitamin D without even realizing. Vitamin D deficiency can occur when usual intake is lower than recommended levels over time, or exposure to sunlight is limited. When this happens, the kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form, or absorption of vitamin D from the digestive tract is inadequate. So, make sure you don’t fall under the deficient category and get your levels checked today!

Benefits of Probiotics

There are many benefits of Probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms in which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures; such as in yogurt or dietary supplements. Probiotics are anti-cancer potential, and potential as a biotherapeutic agent in cases diarrhea. Probiotics are usually recommended when a patient is on antibiotics. So, ask your doctor and take advantage of getting healthy through probiotics.

Grocery Store Shopping…Trust the "Smart Choices"?

Grocery shopping can be overwhelming with all the colors, products, labeling, marketing, and sales. Often, the very purpose of grocery shopping is completely lost…if we are trying to buy nourishment, shouldn’t nutrition be our number one priority? Concerned, The Center of Science in the Public Interest has called upon the FDA to develop a universal labeling system to help consumers healthfully navigate the grocery store. The problem is,the Smart Choices Program receives money from Kellogs and Kraft to be a part of their labeling process, while healthier options such as Grape-Nuts are left behind because they are not paying to be a part of the program. Until better methods of unbiased and honest labeling are widespread across the country, the best way to ensure proper nutrition is to turn the box around and read the ingredients. And do not go to the grocery store hungry.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102602178.html?wpisrc=newsletter

-Caitlin O’Neill

Stretch Your Regime’s Flexibility Range

Don’t know how to strength train while traveling? Exercise bands offer portability, fun, and strength training all in one. Don’t let business trips, lack of space, or money get in your way of exercise again. Resistance bands are as effective as weights and machines, making them a perfect addition to a home gym or hotel room. Be sure to choose the correct band for your fitness level, ensuring that the last few repetitions of the set are challenging.

Christine Haas (Northern VA magazine)

Foam Roll Your Way to Relief

Could you use a massage after every workout? Save your money because for $10 you can purchase a foam roller at your local fitness store. Foam rolling can be performed on the lower body, upper back and chest to relax the muscles. It is said to be more effective than stretching; however, it also serves as the perfect supplement, as well. Foam rolling before workouts can improve your range of motion, as well as help muscles recover post-workout. Like stretching, foam rolling lengthens muscles, breaking down scarring and soft tissue, similar to massage. For proper use, be sure to buy a guide for foam rolling technique at your local fitness store.

Christine Haas (Northern VA magazine)

Get Ready to Zumba

A new surge of fitness classes combining latin dance, international dance moves, aerobics, flexibility, endurance and strength has hit gyms all over the Northern Virginia area…Zumba! Zumba is a group exercise class founded by a celebrity fitness trainer to get you motivated, having fun, and getting in shape. Zumba will bew sure to give you the intense and ubbeat workout you are looking for, while also toning your muscles. For locations in your area visit www.zumba.com/about.cfm.

Christine Haas (Northern VA magazine)