Health and Fitness Oasis

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are running rampant these days. Some experts believe this is because so many people are overweight, and carrying extra pounds can increase your chances of developing these and other chronic conditions. To reduce the likelihood of developing a weight-related disease, many people are trying to shed extra pounds.

People trying to lose weight are constantly looking for foods they can enjoy but that are also good for them. If they can find something to eat that will aid in their weight-loss efforts they think that’s even better. To that end, some experts say you should eat more beans. But why are beans good for losing weight? Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone wants to grow old gracefully.  Some go under the knife to get that youthful look while others opt for a more natural way to maintain that healthful glow.  The way to make peace with age can be found in the types of foods that we eat and the miracle ingredient they contain.

This hidden “miracle” is called antioxidants.  They have graced the pages of magazines, medical journals and every product from hand cream to supplement pills.  But what are antioxidants and what can they do to keep you looking your best?

Antioxidants are substances that fight the aging process that goes on in your body.  They are not produced by the body so to get the benefit of these power-packed substances you must ingest them.  A variety of foods contain antioxidants.

Fight the aging process

 Let’s go back to the beginning.  The body continually replenishes its cells.  Through a process called cellular metabolism, the body produces energy, more cells and repairs any damage.  One by-product of cellular metabolism is unstable molecules called free radicals. Read the rest of this entry »

The Acai berry is making an appearance everywhere these days. Oprah has talked about it on her show. Rachel Ray has praised the Acai berry. You can find Acai berry products all over the Internet.

The Acai Berry is a fruit that is found in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil. This fruit grows on the Acai palm tree and is harvested by the natives of the Amazon rain forest.

The Acai berry is approximately the size of a grape, and it is dark purple in color. Ten percent of this berry is skin and pulp and the other ninety percent of the berry is seed. The skin and the pulp are edible and the seed is not.

This berry is rich in nutrients and is considered one of nature’s best super foods. If you were to eat the Acai berry straight from the tree it would taste like a mix between berries and chocolate.
Amazon natives have used this berry for centuries to maintain good health and to provide needed energy. The berry is now available in the United States. Researchers have been preforming studies on the acai berry and the results have been incredible.

Can Acai Berry help me reduce fat?

Acai berry helps with weight loss due to its high concentration of omega fatty acids and fibers. These help to suppress appetite and reduce the accumulation of body fat.
Another theory about the Acai berry and weight loss is that since the Acai berry contains fiber it will help you to feel full on less food and therefore, reduce the number of calories you take in.

This is a good theory because studies have shown that if a person eats a high fiber food before a meal, they will feel full and eat less.  Simply take acai berry supplements before breakfast and before you eat lunch. You will notice a reduction in your appetite and an increase  in metabolism.

The Acai berry promoters also claim that it will increase your energy levels. In fact, professional soccer teams in Brazil will take Acai before they have a match because it increases their stamina and energy levels. So in essence if you have more energy and are able to exercise longer you will notice weight loss.

If you combine Acai berry supplements with a great diet and exercise program you are going to lose weight quicker. The Acai berry can help you drop the pounds easier and  faster.

Acai Berry Research

The acai berry contains high levels of antioxidants and enough vitamins and nutrients to classify it as one of natures best super foods.

Studies have shown that acai pulp contains a remarkable amount of antioxidants that will help to fight  premature aging. In fact, the acai berry contains ten times more antioxidants than red grapes and ten to thirty times the anthocyanins of red wine. That is why it  promotes  healthier looking skin.

Research has also proven that the acai berry contains healthy fats and dietary fiber. These two components are very important when it comes to good cardiovascular health and a healthy digestive system.

The acai berry contains a blend of essential amino acids and vitamins and minerals that will help to maintain proper muscle contraction and regeneration. This is great for those that suffer from painful joints or inflammation.

The fatty acids found in the acai berry help the cell membranes to stay supple. When the cell membranes remain supple this allow for hormones, neurotransmitters and insulin receptors to function at maximum capacity.

The most amazing acai berry research has got to be the studies that took place at the University of Florida a few years ago. The effects of the acai berry were tested against cancer cells.

Research proved that extract from the acai berry triggered a self-destruct response in eighty-six percent of the leukemia cells that were tested. This study seems promising as new uses for the acai berry are coming to light. Does this mean that acai berries are the cure for cancer? No, it just means they can have an impact on cancer cells because of their high levels of antioxidants. But as research continues more uses for the acai berry may come to light. Read the rest of this entry »