Acai berry fruit has a very powerful antioxidant which could fight the damaging effects of free radicals that cause cell damage or decreased function of body cells and increase the risk of premature aging.

The fruit which comes from Central and South America is a favorite for the health and diet programs in the United States in recent years.

Acai berry is a natural source of antosianin. which is one type of very strong antioxidant, a pigment that can be found in the fruit berries, red wine, and other healthy foods. Antosianin also helps eye function vision especially at night.

In addition to a strong antioxidant, acai berries also contain essential fatty acids, amino acids and plant sterols which are compounds that resemble cholesterol. Sterols help to maintain a safe level of cholesterol in the normal range. Some compounds are also useful to help maintain prostate health and strengthen the immune system.

Dr. Perriconne Nicholas, one of the herbal health experts who frequently appear in the Oprah Winfrey Show, include acai berries in a list of 10 great foods that can make you look younger, healthier, and prolong life.

He says that the acai berry juice contains an extraordinary antioxidant concentrations that can help fight premature aging, with 10 times the antioxidant power than red grapes and 10-30 times the antosianin level of red wine. Also contain unsaturated fats, diet food, fiber and Phytosterol that can help keep your cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal health.

Have you ever heard of Li Qing Yuen? He’s the person who lived up to a ripe old age of 252 years. No kidding. The life (and longevity) of Prof. Li Qing Yuen, who lived between 1678-1930, is one of the best documented. And you know what? He’s reported to have consumed Goji berries daily!

Goji berry is a member of the wolfberry family and is known by the scientific name of Lycium barbarum. It’s credited with increasing the life span and having several health improving properties. It is one of the richest natural nutrients available on earth. It is said that the Chinese have been using Goji berry, as a food and a medicine, for more than five thousand years.

Nutritional value of Goji Berries

Goji berry is a rich source of nutrients and amino acids. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals and several vitamins and minerals. It has six times more amino acids than bee pollen, 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more Beta carotene than carrots. Goji berry contains minerals like Calcium and Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, normally found in grains and seeds and rarely in fruits. In addition, these berries contain many complex compounds and phytonutrients. High levels of protein content (13% of these berries are protein – higher than whole wheat), and antioxidants are other nutrient highlights. In addition, Goji berries contain Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, and essential fatty acids. With all this nutrition packed into it, it is small wonder that these berries have a great medicinal and health value.

Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various conditions like anemia, cough and inflammation. It has also been used for improving the immune system, protection of the liver, and improving eyesight. Apart from the curative properties, Goji berry is believed to have a positive effect on the health and wellness of those consuming it, and benefits the user with longevity, increased vitality and sexual prowess.

Elderly patients, who were given Goji berries thrice a week, reported several benefits, including improved sleep, better appetite and recovery of sexual function in some cases.

Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and aiding the ageing process. The high level of antioxidants in Goji berries ensures that the ageing process is slowed down. It is believed that Goji berries have contributed to the freedom from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease in the people of Asia who have been consuming this fruit.

About the plant

Goji berry grows in protected valleys with vines reaching up to heights of 4 m. The plant grows in sandy or clay soil conditions under semi shade or no shade. The fruits are never plucked by hand since they are very sensitive and can be spoilt if they are touched by hand at this stage. Instead the fruits are shaken on to a mat and then dried in the shade.

Dosage and consumption details

Goji berries taste somewhat like raisins. They can be taken alone or mixed with other ingredients. Daily dosage could be about 10-30 grams.

The best way to take dried Goji berries is to wash them in water and soak them for a short while, before consuming. You can get it at reasonable prices at most Chinese stores.

Protein has been garnering extra attention as the health conscious realize the benefits of including protein in their diets. Protein is needed to help rebuild the body’s tissue, which is important to athletes and bodybuilders. In fact, the body is in need of a continual supply of protein in order to repair and rebuild its tissue. Protein is also essential for producing antibodies, hormones, new muscle tissue, and blood hemoglobin. All protein that is lost within the body must be replaced and protein must be present in order to construct the new tissue.

While athletes swear by the ability of animal protein to build muscles, researchers are concerned about the potential effects of animal protein on the liver and the kidneys, as well as the link between animal protein and osteoporosis. As a result, many are turning toward soy protein and whey protein instead. But, what are the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between these different forms of protein? And, how much should you include in your diet in order to garner the benefits you are looking for?

Soy Protein
Soybeans contain high quantities of protein (considered to be of equal quality as animal protein) and also contain substantial amounts of amino acids. In addition, soy has been observed to lower cholesterol. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Soy protein has also been found to reduce the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, and to help prevent a number of diseases related to hormonal issues. These include endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Soy protein has also been shown to speed up the metabolism of the thyroid, which can help with obtaining a leaner body. If you are intolerant to soy, however, its specific protein can actually have the opposite effect.

A number of soy protein products can be found at health food stores, including food bars, soy burgers, and even soy-based beverages. Those products containing soy protein isolate generally have the highest saturation. Other products containing soy protein include soy flour, whole soybeans, and tofu. Be sure to check the product label in order to determine the amount of soy protein the product contains.

Remember, however, soy isoflavones, which are sold as supplements in health food stores, are not the same substance as pure soy protein. Nonetheless, soy isoflavones possess a number of beneficial effects, such as improving kidney function and preventing bone loss.

If you are not allergic to soy, there are very few side effects to including soy in your diet. In some people, however, consuming soy on a routine basis can lead to an upset stomach and may even cause diarrhea or constipation.

Whey Protein
Like soy protein, whey protein has been shown to provide a number of benefits. For example, clinical studies have shown whey protein can:

* Act as a natural antibacterial or anti-viral
* Assist in maintaining the proper weight
* Reduce the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Reduce liver damage
* Improve the function of the immune system
* Improve blood pressure
* Improve athletic performance
* Improve the function of the digestive system
* Reduce gastric mucosal injury

Whey protein is very high in biological value (BV), which is highly sought by athletes. In short, BV is the amount of protein your body can replace with 100 grams of consumed diet. The only other foods containing high levels of BV are whole eggs and egg whites. Unlike eggs, however, whey protein does not contain high levels of fat.

While soy protein is derived from soybeans, whey protein is derived from milk as a diluted byproduct of the cheese-making process. Fresh liquid whey protein contains only about 1% protein because it is mostly comprised of lactose and water. For this reason, it takes about 229 liters of milk to produce just one kilogram of high quality whey protein isolate.

While in its original form, whey protein affects the digestive tract in much the same way as yogurt. Therefore, it is considered to be a natural remedy for many intestinal issues. In fact, it is often used in Sweden to help prevent bowel problems, gas, and constipation. Nonetheless, it can have the opposite effect and actually lead to constipation for some individuals.

The amount of whey protein recommended in a person’s diet depends on his or her weight, gender, age, level of activity, and overall health. Including both soy and whey protein in your diet can be very beneficial to your health; but, since both can lead to constipation, be sure to follow a high fiber diet to help keep your bowel movements regular. Try one or both of these all-natural health supplements and discover the results for yourself!

L-Arginine is one of the non-essential amino acids which mean, it can be created by the body. L Arginine is also well known as a precursor to nitric oxide, a key component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor. Amino acids are very important for our health and well being and are the basic components in all cells. You can get the high l-arginine from the foods such as chocolate, carob, peanuts, coconut, almond, soybeans, dairy products, white flour, meat, oats, walnuts, and wheat.

Benefits of l-arginine include enhancing the function of the immune system, helping to detoxify the liver, and helping men fertility. It’s a very important during growth periods, since experts believe it may stimulate secretion of human growth hormone. L-Arginine helps make nitric oxide, which dilates or relaxes arteries, making blood flow more freely and thus lowering blood pressure.

L Arginine benefits

L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide and other metabolites, a component of collagen, enzymes and hormones ejaculate, skin and connective tissues. It plays important roles in the synthesis of various protein molecules. The effect that you can get is better blood circulation in the body and especially in the extremities. For this reason L-arginine helps in stimulating and maintaining erection. L-arginine benefits include maintenance of nitrogen balance, removal of excess ammonia, liver detoxification, and reduction of alcohol toxicity effects, wound healing, and treatment of sterility in men.

Main benefits of the L Arginine

* Immune Enhancer
* Arginine-nitric oxide relation
* Arginine-Weight loss and bodybuilding
* Infertility

L Arginine Side Effects

* Breathing problems
* Swelling in the legs
* Headaches
* Low blood pressure
* Diarrhea
* Chest pain
* Nausea, bloating
* Taking arginine may also increase the amount of Herpes simples (cold sore) outbreaks

Pickles are a famous snack, side dish, and condiment. But did you notice that pickles are also a healthy part of your diet? There are many different pickle recipes out there, but each version has its own healthy benefits depending on the ingredients that went into the pickle and the method used for pickling, whether fermented or packed with vinegar. Pickles are great for most diets because not only are they low in calories, and low in fat or fat-free, many versions are also low in sugar.

Pickles are also a healthy edition to your diet for other reasons. Pickles, being made from cucumbers or other vegetables, which are high in fiber and is necessary for digestive health and fighting cancer. The cucumbers and other vegetables also contain antioxidants, which fight free-radicals, and depending on the veggie, can be a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. The recommendation by most health professionals is to eat five servings of vegetables and fruit each day. Eating pickles is a great way to get a daily serving or two of your five-a-day!

The spices with which pickles are made are also healthy. For example, dill and garlic, both of which are popular in pickles, both have the ability to regulate bacterial growth. Dill and other spices also contain flavonoids, which is a healing addition to your diet. Mustard seeds are known to be good for digesting foods and even turmeric powder has medicinal properties and is believed to lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease.

Fermented pickles also have good bacteria that can control harmful intestinal microbes. When pickles are fermented, lactic acid is created. This acid helps to lower fat in the bloodstream, improve circulation, and lower high blood pressure. It also helps to support a healthy digestive system, reintroduces good bacteria into the intestines, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, and is beneficial for diabetics. In fact, one study even found that eating fermented products regularly contributed to lower rates of skin problems, asthma, and auto-immune disorders.

Many pickles are made with vinegars. This healthy liquid has several positive properties in addition to its tangy taste. Vinegar is known to boost the immune system, ease digestive disorders, and can break down calcium deposits in a person’s joints. In addition, vinegar is known to decrease high blood pressure, and help treat urinary infections. It is even said to re-mineralize your bones, balance your blood pH, and fight infection. Vinegar is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It inhibits the growth of the E.coli bacteria, and when used in conjunction with salt, which is common in pickling, the anti-bacterial properties are amplified.

Another common item used for pickling is apple cider vinegar. It has several additional health benefits as well. Not only does it contain several minerals, thirty-plus nutrients, and pectin, which is good for your heart, it also contains several essential amino acids, all of which are a great addition to your diet.

Pickles can be a tasty snack eaten with the confidence that you’re having something healthy at the same time – what could be better? Hey, even Aristotle, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon, and Cleopatra believed in the health benefits of the pickle, and Hippocrates utilized it for one of the first medicines! So if you ever needed a reason to eat more pickles, now you have it.