Category: NUTRITION

Bikram Yoga

Yoga is at least about 5,000 years old. The Hindus of the Indus valley civilization developed yoga as a practical device to unite the individual self with the Brahman, the universal self. It was codified about 2,000 years back into a system by Patanjali in his work ‘Yoga Sutra.’

His yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga (or eight-limbed yoga) came to be the authority on yogic practice. These eight limbs are to be practiced in sequence to achieve its spiritual end. In the modern age yoga came to be understood as ‘Hatha Yoga,’ which practices the third and fourth limbs of Ashtanga Yoga – Asanas and Pranayama.

Hatha Yoga, meaning sun-moon yoga, aims to unite the active and passing energies of the human beings. It harmonizes the body-mind relationship, and achieves a balance. The body becomes supple and strong. The mind relaxes and the stress eases. The internal systems, such as blood circulation, nervous system, digestive system and the endocrine system, are improved.

There are many systems of ‘Hatha Yoga,’ such as Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Vini Yoga, Integral Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Bikram Yoga. Basically they hold postures that exercise the system. It is formulated by different teachers, giving importance to different aspects of Hatha Yoga.

Bikram Choudhry, the founder of Bikram Yoga, was born in Kolkatta in 1946. He became a disciple of Bishnu Gosh, the brother of Paramahamsa Yogananda, at the age of four. His mastery of the Hatha Yoga technique was so good that he continuously won the Indian Yoga championship, and retired undefeated at a very young age. Bikram started many training centers for yoga, on the direction of his master Bishnu Gosh. Later, he founded his own system of yoga known as Bikram Yoga.

Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures, done inside a heated room. The temperature is maintained at about 90 – 100o. This warms the body naturally, and the postures are easily accomplished. The series starts with standing postures, backward bends, forward bends and twists. Each posture is repeated twice. The full routine takes about 90 minutes.

Bikram has a school in Los Angeles where teachers impart yoga practice. He also travels throughout America organizing workshops and seminars.

Beware of Noni Fruit Scams

Multi-level marketing companies came under a lot of fire in the 1990’s and early 2000’s for allowing its distributors to claim cure-all properties for noni. Governmental organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, the National Food Administration in Finland, and others have issued warnings to those distributors, forcing them to publish disclaimers about their products. Since then, the market for noni fruit products has shaped up as more people become educated about the truths and falsehoods surrounding the fruit.

Some marketers have claimed that the only real noni fruit, in all of its health benefit glory, is that which comes form the Polynesian Islands. In fact, all noni fruit is the same, wherever in the world it grows. Noni is the Polynesian name for the tree. Its scientific name is Morinda citrifolia, but it is also widely known as Indian mulberry, among other names.

Another noni fruit scam, still in use by various private promoters, is to pollute Internet search engines by directing such phrases as “noni fruit scam” to unrelated websites. Various “warning” sites have cropped up as a result, exposing the scams to consumers.

Unfortunately, the backlash against the noni fruit scam has been too extreme. Many people are going out of their way to prove that noni fruit is actually bad for you. While there are some potential side effects, including diarrhea, noni fruit is a generally nutritious and valuable food overall.

Best Weight Loss Programs

The following are the various weight loss programs available today to a person interested in losing weight – low fat diets, high protein diets, fixed menus, pre-packaged meals and formula diets. Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and E-diets also offer these programs online. These weight loss programs also might involve meeting with the counselors either once a week or once a month as per the schedule advised. The pros and cons of each of these are discussed below.

Low fat diets are the most effective in dealing with weight loss. They provide long-term respite from excess weight but need to be administered well for them to be effective and healthy. However, if the menus arenx92t optimized for health, they may reduce the rate of fat loss.

High protein diets cause rapid weight loss but are not effective in the long run. They maintain blood sugar levels but can increase heart risk due to encouragement of intake of saturated fats .The low carbohydrate intake involved in the same can also cause kidney damage in some people.

Fixed menus are initially successful but can’t be followed for a long time due to lack of flexibility. Pre-packaged meals cause rapid loss of 10 to15 pounds but work along the same lines as fad diets, in terms of success. They are also very expensive. Formula diets (liquid balanced meals) are initially successful, but fail in the long run. Weight is regained again if the diet is stopped. From the above-mentioned programs the low fat one is the most effective if administered properly. When choosing a diet plan, the most important thing to keep in mind is the long-term results.

Best Treadmills

Treadmills are personalized equipment – a treadmill that works well for one may turn out to be a back breaker for another. While buying a treadmill, it is good to go through the manual and see whether it has the features you desire. It is even better if you try out the treadmill for a while before zeroing in on the purchase.

Among treadmills, the most expensive is not necessarily the best. It all depends on what exercises you are looking to do. If you want to walk, then a belt with a lesser width and length would do just fine. For exercises such as jogging and sprinting, wider and longer belts are required. While buying treadmills, the most important parts to be considered are the deck and the belt. The belt must be free to rotate without jagging or sagging, and must not tilt to one side as it runs along. The deck must be heavy enough to remain unmoved on the floor, without getting the leveling disturbed again and again.

Safety features must also be considered, especially if there are children. Certain treadmills require keys to operate. Also check that the handrails are within reach while working out. Gripping the handrail must not create undue pressure.

Consider how many people at home are going to use the treadmill before using it. If there is more than one person, then it is better to go for one which has customized controls for each person. In features such as heartbeat and blood pressure counter, identification with passwords at the computer console enables you to keep track of your personal information without confusing it with others’. Also, if multiple people are going to work out on the treadmill, it is better to purchase a sturdier one, even though it may be more expensive. Maintenance should also be undertaken more often.

Judging by the opinions of treadmill users, Landice and Smooth remain favorites. Landice is an old hand in the business, and has changed very little. Landish treadmills are still quite conservative when it comes to features, though now they are putting in several appealing modifications. Landice treadmills are also quite expensive. Smooth treadmills remain preferable for home users. They are sleek and can also work for a fairly good amount of time. Weslo is a good brand, and its treadmills are often priced at the lower end of the spectrum, making them economically viable buys.

It is important to check out what warranties are provided by treadmill manufacturers before purchasing. Treadmills contain moving parts, such as the motor, deck and belt, which makes them more susceptible to malfunction.

Best Tanning Lotion

The best tanning lotion for one person is not necessarily the best for the next person. Everybody has her personal preference as to what results she expects from tanning lotions. Also, the skin types (oily, dry, normal, or combination), tanning experiences, the type of tanning bed bulbs, and the tanning bed equipment used, etc. are all factors involved in determining the ‘best’ tanning lotion.

Best tanning lotions maintain skin care and increase the skin’s absorption of ultraviolet light. The best tanning lotions are those that help protect and moisturize the skin quickly and efficiently so that any dry skin problems are ruled out. These tanning lotions protect the body from the sun.

The best tanning lotions are available for all skin types. Best tanning lotions are a lot healthier than the others. The best tanning lotions now come in light, medium, and dark tones. Dry skin lotions contain humectants or emollients, added for softness and moisture, and oily skin tanning lotions are generally alcohol-based.

People who prefer dark, natural tans should look for lotions that come with a low SPF formula. The best tanning lotion is the one that gets the tanning process going, while giving full protection from the sun.

Best tanning lotions are available in a variety of shades. These lotions give an incredible, sunny glow to the skin. These lotions can reduce the risk of rash skin aging, sun-related harmful effects, and skin cancer. The best tanning lotions go a long way in preventing skin damage.

The sunless tanning lotion is considered to be the best tanning lotion for the skin. The use of sunless tanning lotions rules out the exposure of the skin to potentially harmful UV rays in the attempt to get some color. Just rub on the lotion and instantly a tan is obtained. It is very simple and effective.

Recommendations for the best tanning lotion for a particular skin type, or the best sunless tanning lotion, can be obtained from various sources. It is advisable to always choose the product that best suits the person.

Best Skin Care Products

A person’s skin usually reflects his/her self. And, therefore, it is imperative that you keep your skin in good shape. For that, you will need to use a daily cleansing, toning, and moisturizing regimen. Having such a regimen in place will reward your skin richly. It will look young and fresh.

There are plenty of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing products available on the market today. A good example would be products from The Body Shop. The Body Shop has a host of wonderful skincare products such as scrubs, moisturizers, cleansers, and the like.

Also, the best skincare product around is drinking water. Drink plenty of water and your skin is automatically rejuvenated and hydrated. Maintaining enough water in your body system also helps your body to get rid of harmful toxins and other abnormalities in your blood that can affect your skin. It also prevents acne and pimple formations.

There is a company known as H2O+, which has an array of wonderful skincare products that are based on water. They also have sea-derived skincare products. Some of their products have been recommended by some top beauty and lifestyle magazines. Their products included a healthy range of hydrating creams, exfoliating creams, and antioxidant creams.

Many of these branded products cost slightly more, but they are all worth the extra cost. And moreover, it’s all good for your skin and makes you look good and feel good as well.

There are many more skincare products from other brands such as Olay, Nivea, Neutrogena, and Garnier, among others. You can purchase skincare products manufactured by these companies at several different stores or online.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.

Best Exercise Equipment Companies

There are a variety of exercise machines that range from weight loss equipment to weight gain or weight measuring machines. Many gymnasiums and clubs in and around the town are equipped with the latest and reputed brands of exercise machines. Exercise plays an important in role in shaping an individuals body and mind.

These best exercise equipment companies, such as Szultka Sports and Fitness Equipment, provide their customers with remarkable quality and sustainability. They offer wide range of exclusive designs and features that tones the thighs, legs and other parts of the body. They provide equipment for gyms as well as for home use. It is advisable to insure that individuals are comfortable with the equipment and do not go for the commercials that are frequently shown on televisions.

Iron company was established in 1998 and since then has been committed to providing excellent quality home fitness equipment and commercial fitness equipment. Along with that, they also offer outstanding customer service and are leading GSA contract suppliers.

Tunturi products are considered well recognized throughout the world for their originality of features and designs. The fitness equipment manufacturing was first started in Finland during 1969. Tunturi’s products incorporate a range of exercise bikes, rowing machines, and treadmills. It is always wise to go for their fold treadmills as they will then occupy less space and individuals can store more equipment.

Keys Fitness, based in Dallas, Texas, is considered the finest company that manufacturers exercise equipment. It is widely recognized and offers a range of award-winning equipment. Their products are available in 3,000 stores throughout the United States and are distributed globally.

Some companies also offer their equipment for rent or on a lease basis. However, there are strict conditions, rules, and formalities that the individuals have to comply with to procure the benefits of such a lease arrangement. Reputed companies that offer exercise equipment also provide warranty and guarantee for the same. It is significant to first conduct researches on the type of equipment required and then go about searching the market for the same.

Best Breast Pumps

A comprehensive breast pump comparison table is available on the web so as to help breastfeeding moms compare the differences between the available manufacturers and make informed decisions about their purchases.

Some all time favorite breast pumps seem to be the Ameda Purely Yours because of the high quality, low price, and great features. Since it is also FDA approved, it provides an added advantage. Also, unlike other models, milk will not back up into the pump. The prices for the Ameda products can be found online.

Ameda also provides Purely Yours backpack and a Purely Yours carryall models that are also FDA approved and also has anti-backup system.

Another popular model is the Medela Pump In Style (advanced) model. Medela pumps have an excellent reputation since many years and have a strong, reliable motor. They provide the breast pumps in backpack and shoulder bag models.

The other model from Medela is the Medela Breast Pump (original). Medela pumps have been the most popular home breast pumps for many years. It is highly reliable and comfortable for use.

Medela also has another model, the Medela Symphony. However, since it is priced at $1200, it is considered to be very expensive.

One other model on the market is the Whittlestone Breast Expressor. Though it’s revolutionary pumping system made it very popular, it has a weak vacuum that is hard to use unless women are used to it.

Whisper Wear is another popular model on the market. However, studies show that this pump does not seem to have the same strength as the above-mentioned pumps. One advantage is that it can be very discreet as it fits under the shirt and bra and can go unnoticed unless being stared at directly by the people.

Each of these models has unique features that breastfeeding mothers will find useful.

Benefits Of Vitamin E

Oxygen is one of the primary components of nature that supports life. The same oxygen, when inside the body, through certain molecules, becomes overly reactive and starts causing damage through the formation of free radicals. This is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, helps prevent oxidative stress, thereby preventing cell damage and aging of the cells.

The body absorbs cholesterol, a fatty substance in foods, and this is transferred from the liver to different tissues to be stored as fats. They are carried in the bloodstream by a molecule called Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL). When LDL gets oxidized, they react with cholesterol and a waxy fat substance called plaque is deposited on the walls of the arteries, which results in the stopping of blood flow, high blood pressure and cardio-vascular diseases.

Vitamin E helps prevent the conversion of cholesterol into plaque, and this is done by alpha-tocopherol, not any other form of vitamin E, because liver places it preferentially in the bloodstream through a protein called alpha-tocopherol transfer protein.

The effect of vitamin E in preventing cancer has not conclusively been established. According to a study by The American Association of Cancer Research, reduced risk of cancer is associated with an intake of vitamin E-rich foods. Contradictorily, a study done by Iowa Women’s Health Study finds little evidence that vitamin E has protective effect against breast cancer in women after menopause. Hence, researchers have noted that not just vitamin E alone, but foods rich in antioxidants may be able to protect from cancer.

Numerous studies have established the effect of vitamin E in protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation, whose harmful effects include photodermatitis, an allergic type reaction to the UV rays of the sun. Vitamin E, whether taken through foods or applied topically, has been shown to protect skin cell membranes.

Besides these benefits, vitamin E may protect from Alzheimer’s, cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eyes), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Also, vitamin E may be beneficial in healing wounds and burns, reducing scars. The property of combating oxidative stress may be useful for athletes, as their oxygen utilization rate is higher than those not doing exercise, which results in increased generation of free radicals.

Without proper conclusions from studies, it would be premature to opt for supplements without the advice of medical practitioner. However, it is generally recommended to take several servings of vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants.