Spirulina, The Natural Nutrition That Benefits Your Health

Spirulina is a single-celled, spiral-shaped blue green microalgae grown in tropical salt lakes. This microalgae is discovered by Dr. Clement of France in 1962. Dr. Clement found that the Ganimou people living around Lake Chades in Africa had stronger bodies than other civilized people at that time, despite poor living conditions and few resources. Upon further studies, he observed that the Ganimou eats a particular blue green algae found floating on the lake's surface. This algae is spirulina. Such simple one-celled organism already exist when life first appeared on earth. They are the earliest forms of life and is the source of all life in the oceans.

Nutritional Values of Spirulina

So how nutritious is spirulina to the human body?
This algae is a highly digestible food, containing 60 to 70% of protein, and provides all the essential amino acids, which is a rarity among plant foods. It is so nutritionally balanced that it is 5 times easier to digest than meat. Besides protein, spirulina is a rich natural source of Vitamin E and B12, iron, calcium, anti-oxidants,  minerals, carbohydrates and enzymes. Its rich phytochemical composition are carotenoids, chlorophyll (known as a blood purifier),  and phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment found only in blue green algae.  Experiments have shown that this particular protein can increase the survival rate of mice with liver cancer.  That means it can inhbits cancerous cells growth. It can also inhibit viral replication, and strengthen the humoral and cellular
arms of the immune system.

Anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells and/or hemoglobin, responds well to vitamin B12, folic acid and chlorophyll found  in spirulina. In fact, spirulina is the richest natural source of vitamin B12, once thought to be available only in animal products.  Not only that, a test have shown that stomach ulcers can be cured with 2 grams of spirulina intake per day, by coating chlorophyll onto the stomach lining.  Other diseases known to improve with the help of spirulina include liver disorders, such as chronic hepatitis, and diabetes. Another important compound in this superfood is the Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).  This essential fatty acid cannot be produced by our body, yet is important for
healthy bones, normal brain function, growth and development, stimulation of skin and hair growth and regulation of metabolism such as lipid. Furthermore, GLA in vivo changes easily to arachidonic acid, and then to prostaglandin E2. The end product can be  developed as a blood pressure regulating agent in our body.

An article written by Christopher Hills, Ph.D, D.Sc., titled "Spirulina as nutrition for the brain" says that
"the interesting part... is the remarkable effects of this vegetable plankton on our state of consciousness particularly
while fasting on nothing else... most people feel increased energy and clarity of mind after taking the Spirulina as a
vitamin supplement."

Other effects and uses of spirulina includes rejuvenation, increase of energy level, reduction of cholesterol, reducing body acidity,
cardiovascular support and detoxification. The soft cell walls of spirulina allows it to be digested easily and assimilated, making
it ideal for detoxifying.

Safe for Consumption

Spirulina is very safe for human consumption. In fact, it is not a new health supplement. The Africans have consumed it decades ago and Mexicans now uses it to replenish the inadequate nutrients in a mother's milk.
More than 70 countries have approved the super food as safe for consumption by their respective health agencies. In an evaluation of spirulina by WHO in 1992, the organization states that: Spirulina is a high quality food product. It is rich in iron and protein. It is safe to consume and is an excellent nutrient supplement for children.By Alvin Ng

Risks and Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

There are health benefits of cod liver oil and there are drawbacks. Cod liver oil benefits may not outweigh the risks. The primary benefit of cod liver oil is related to its omega-3 content, but fish oils derived from the flesh of fish, rather than the liver, provide that benefit without the risks.

The health benefits of cod liver oil are related, primarily to omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for the healthy function of the brain, the heart, the joints, the digestive system and many other systems of the body. Another benefit of cod liver oil is related to its vitamin E content, which helps the body process the fatty acids, is an essential antioxidant and promotes the health of the skin and the hair.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Omega-3s are essential to human health, cannot be produced inside the body, and so, must be obtained from food or through supplementation. The best know source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish. Some fish contain more omega 3s than others.

There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids that have been identified as essential for human health. They are Docosahexaenoic Acid or DHA and Eicosapentaenoic Acid or EPA. These are found primarily in fish. The body can convert another omega-3 fatty acid, known as Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, to DHA and EPA, but the process is relatively inefficient. It is believed that one would have to consume a great deal of ALA in order to get the health benefits provided by DHA and EPA.

The omega-3 found in flax seed oil is ALA. And some believe that flax seed oil can provide cod liver oil benefits, without the risks, but this is debatable. Although there are no risks associated with flax seed oil, it is unknown if ALA provides the same health benefits as DHA and EPA.

The Risks

Cod liver oil contains large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D and may contain contaminants such as mercury and pesticides. The body needs adequate amounts of vitamin A, but large amounts can be toxic. Vitamin D is not commonly found in natural foods, but many processed foods are fortified with vitamin D to ensure good nutrition.

At one time the benefits of cod liver oil were believed to be associated with its vitamin A and D content. This was before omega-3 fatty acids had been identified and before food fortification was a common practice. It was also before taking daily multi-vitamins became a common practice and before industrial pollutants had contaminated our oceans.

Vitamin D

While no tolerable upper limit for vitamin D consumption has been established, adequate intake for adults, under the age of 50, and children is believed to be around 200 units per day. Adults over 50 should increase consumption to 400 units per day for men and 600 units per day for women. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to process calcium and is therefore a factor in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health. However, one of the popular cod liver oil products contains 4000 to 5000 units of vitamin D per teaspoon, more than anyone needs on a daily basis.

Vitamin A

A tolerable upper limit for vitamin A has been established. The maximum amount of vitamin A that a 25 year old man should consumer per day is 10,000 IU. Women should consume less than half that amount. Women who are pregnant should avoid dietary supplements that contain vitamin A because of the risk of birth defects. While vitamin A is necessary for fetal development and overall good health, it is stored in the fat cells and there is a great risk of over supplementation. Excess consumption of vitamin A is also believed to contribute to osteoporosis.

One of the popular cod liver oil products contains 4000-5000 IU of vitamin A, per teaspoon. When added to the amount that may be present in other dietary supplements, as well as the food that a person consumes per day, it will put most people over the safe upper limit for vitamin A. While the benefit of cod liver oil for supplying essential omega 3s is known, it is unknown if excess consumption of vitamin A will counteract those effects.

A better choice for vitamin A supplementation is beta carotene and other carotenoids. Present in the better daily dietary supplements, carotenoids are converted by the body to vitamin A on an as-needed basis and are not associated with the negative effects of "pre-formed" vitamin A. The only known side effect of excess consumption of carotenoids is a yellowing of the skin, called carotenosis, which is not dangerous, but may be undesirable.

Alternatives

Fish oil derived from the flesh of fish does not contain the vitamins A and D. Those vitamins are usually present in adequate amounts in daily multi-vitamins and fortified foods. Though extra vitamin D supplementation is often recommended for persons over the age of 50, it is not a benefit of cod liver oil and there are better choices for vitamin D supplementation.

From an environmental standpoint, over harvesting of the cod fish has led to the depletion of many populations. Farms affect the health of wild fish. The equipment used for harvesting damages the habitat of other water dwelling life forms. Although there are cod liver oil benefits, these health benefits can be obtained from other sources that do not cause damage to our environment.By Patsy Hamilton

Lipozene: Can you Really Lose Weight Fast With Lipozene?

One of the more recent "stars" of the diet supplement world, Lipozene has been touted as a fast, easy route, to substantial weight loss. But does it really work?

The Lipozene diet pill is manufactured by Obesity Research Institute. You may have heard of them - they previously marketed similar products under the names Fiberslim and Propolene.

The central ingredient in Lipozene, is a substance called glucomannan. And this is the same substance that was used in Obesity Research Institute's prior diet products. So first, you need to take a good look at what exactly is glucomannan.

Without getting too technical, (I don't want to put you to sleep with a bunch of terminology from my Chemistry lab manuals!), glucomannan is basically a fiber supplement, derived from a plant. It is a substance that your body cannot absorb, so it just passes through your system, while providing fiber to help move everything else through. (Trying hard, not to get disgusting here!)

Now, there are clinical studies which confirm that glucomannan lowers blood-fat levels, and levels of the "bad" cholesterol (LDL). There is also some confirmation that consuming glucomannan with water before a meal, will give you a full feeling (the idea being that you will then eat less).

But before you run to your computer, to order a year's supply of Lipozene, I'm going to give you the honest truth. There are very serious problems with this product!

Yes I realize, you may have heard lots of stories about successful weight loss using Lipozene - from people trying to sell it to you! Well, fortunately for you, I refuse to sell people something that I wouldn't use myself. So I am going to reveal to you, the whole true story, about Lipozene and weight loss.

First, you need to clearly understand the problems:

#1: Diet pills are still drugs. And ALL drugs cause associated side effects. And sometimes, these side effects can even be dangerous.

#2: Glucomannan is a fiber product. And all fiber products can cause certain vitamins and minerals to bind with them - thus preventing your body from using those essential vitamins and minerals. Thus, it is advisable to take a quality multi-vitamin supplement, if you decide to use this type of diet pill.

#3: Since Lipozene is essentially a fiber product, this brings up the question: Why not just buy one of the commonly available fiber supplements, at a cost that is far less than Lipozene?

#4: There are many claims of success floating around the Internet, purportedly from Lipozene users. However, even these people state that they were following nutritional diet plans, and engaging in regular exercise, while on Lipozene. This means that we have no way of knowing whether they would have succeeded equally, merely by using a diet plan and exercise alone.

None of the problems above, however, addresses the most serious concern with Lipozene: Consumer Fraud.

The company that makes the product (Obesity Research Institute), has been cited numerous times for billing customers under false pretenses, and for refusing to provide refunds under conditions where a refund was promised. Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission has charged the company with making "false and unsubstantiated claims" in the past. As a result, the company has been forced to pay $1.5 million in "customer redress"!

So as we can see, rather than living up to its promises of "easy weight loss", Lipozene comes with a list of concerns, and even questionable results. Plus, it is sold by a company with a history of criminal actions! Fortunately for you, there are other alternatives to Lipozene, which WILL help you to lose weight quickly. But you need to have a Complete Diet Plan - one that uses SAFE supplements to accelerate your weight loss! And I will layout all the details for you, (plus show you for Free, the step-by-step way to put together your own Weight Loss Plan), in my next article in this series.

Author: Ron R