Archive for March, 2012

Herbal supplements for Memory

Herbal supplements for Memory ImageWith the advent of the information superhighway and the need for knowledge higher than ever, it can be difficult to cope with life when you have a bad memory. Luckily, people around the world have been using herbal supplements for memory for thousands of years, and many of them that have been proven effective are available today.

Here are a couple of herbal supplements for memory that can help you get your thought process back on track:

Fish Oil:
Harvested from the bodies of fish, fish oil is purified through a scientific process and turned into supplement form. Containing Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can have numerous effects on your body for the better. For one, fish oil can aid in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been associated with better memory, clearer thinking, and health of the heart. One of the best nutrients for brain health, this supplement’s effect on your body can be vast.

Be sure to only purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oil, however, since this is the process which removes the heavy metals found in fish due to pollutants. If your fish oil is not pharmaceutical grade, you run the risk of consuming such dangerous materials as mercury. In addition to being a great one of the herbal supplements for memory, the other numerous effects it has on your health are wide-spanning and helpful.

Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba is another one of the herbal supplements for memory on the market that promises to aid your depression in addition to a host of other features. Ginkgo is the oldest known tree in the world, and its primary effect on the human body is improving cerebral circulation. Ginkgo Biloba is also known to increase oxygenation of brain tissues.

Due to these two features, Gingko has been linked to better brain health and is used for memory loss, depression, and even headaches. Another sound fact to know is that ginkgo has no known side effects.

These herbal supplements for memory can definitely change your life for the better.

The Oil : Secret to Healthy Eating

The Oil : Secret to Healthy Eating ImageWhether you want to add a healthy flair to your cooking style or maintain your ideal weight for bathing-suit season, something as simple as preparing food with the right cooking oil can be a positive step toward good health.

It’s a common misconception that all fats and oils are bad for you. In fact, the right fats and oils provide an effective energy source for the body, as well as enhance the texture, taste and aroma of many foods.

While olive and canola oils have long been heralded as two of the healthiest cooking oils, a new alternative is available to cooks who have health at the forefront of their minds.

After becoming hugely popular in Japan, diacylglycerol (DAG) oil is now available in the United States under the Enova brand name and is clinically shown to help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle when used as part of a sensible diet. DAG oil tastes much like other conventional cooking oils but when consumed, less is stored in the body as fat.

“Enova is made from all natural soy and canola oil, and since it is not a fat substitute, digestive disturbances are not expected,” said Mary Lee Chin, a registered dietitian. “More importantly, the oil has a light, mild taste and can be substituted for conventional cooking or salad oil in any cooking routine.”

Whatever oil you choose, follow these important tips.

  • Choose oil with the greatest health benefits, such as the new DAG oil, canola, soy or olive oil. These oils are versatile and can be used for all types of recipes. Use these oils instead of butter or shortening for your recipes.
  • A little oil goes a long way. One teaspoon of oil per person is adequate.

Strength Training Benefits

Strength Training Benefits ImageThe benefits of a good strength training program are almost endless. Less disease, happiness and most importantly, showing off your muscles at the beach.

Strength training should be part of everyone’s routine. Even if you are low on time, strength training, according to the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), only needs to be done 2-3 times per week with each session lasting no more than one hour. For 2-3 hours per week, huge benefits can be realized.

Regular strength training will:

  • help you in day to day activities around the house and in your yard. It will keep you independent which is especially important in the older population. Imagine not being able to lift a 5 pound bag of flour or take the garbage out by yourself.
  • lower the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension and diabetes.
  • help you avoid lower back pain.
  • increase bone density which is important for post menopausal women.
  • increase muscle mass which burns more calories throughout the day than an equal amount of fat.

Even with all these benefits, many people are reluctant to start training with weights. Concerns include injury, incorrect form and for women; not wanting to grow muscles and look like a man.

When beginning your strength training program, the risk of getting hurt can be greatly reduced by starting out with machines rather than free weights. As you become more comfortable with the machines, slowly learn to use free weights. If you want to stick with the machines, know that they will give you the same benifits as free weights. As for the concern that women will look like men, it won’t happen without the help of steroids, which you shouldn’t even consider using.

Sometimes when we think of being healthy, we think of eating and running. While these are important, strength training should never be left out. Strength training provides benefits to your health that cannot be found with any other mode of exercise and shouldn’t be forgotten.