Loose 10 Pounds Fast

Posts Tagged ‘Bloodstream’

Any food that contains high levels of antioxidants is always a good thing, but that does not mean that the antioxidants are the very property that makes the food a good tool for dieting. That is the most common misconception surrounding acai berry and all acai berry based products. As many people already know, this small, innocuous-looking, dark purple berry has been praised by the western world as the super food to top all super foods. It seems that the acai berry has 12 times the antioxidants as compared to the blueberry. Antioxidants help preserve the cells of the body by encouraging faster cell renewal. This helps keep the skin clear and young looking. This also contributes to the overall feeling on youth and stamina. However, antioxidants do not directly help in shedding off those unwanted pounds.

So why is the acai berry (and all other products based on the fruit) being hailed as the best tool for dieting? The answer lies in its two lesser known properties. To be more precise, acai berry contains high levels of fiber and omega fatty acids.

High levels of fiber in itself can be used as a tool for dieting since it flushes out the toxins and most other unwanted materials from the body. Fiber is especially helpful in binding to the fat deposits in some food. In which case, the fats gets expelled out of the body with the fiber. This lessens the incidence of the body actually absorbing such fats.

On the other hand, omega fatty acids almost have the same toxin flushing property. These essential acids help increase blood flow by keeping the bad cholesterol and glycerine at a comfortable level. If a person has high levels of bad cholesterol and glycerine in his or her bloodstream, chances are the vessels of the carotid arteries will constrict. So much so that the constriction will make the blood move in a more sluggish manner. This will make digestion (among all bodily functions) slow down as well. If digestion is slowed down, then the process of eliminating waste from the body is likewise stalled. So high levels of omega fatty acids ensure that the body keeps bad cholesterol at bay; in turn, this speed up the digestive process considerably, making waste expelling relatively faster and easier.

Fiber is also known to be a natural appetite suppressant. Fiber rich foods tend to keep the body satiated from hunger for longer periods of time. It allows the stomach to feel like it is always “full” even when there are less calories being taken in by the person. This tends to curb most unwanted tendencies to binge or eat beyond the scope of the recommended diet.

Likewise, omega fatty acids lower down the glycerine or blood sugar level in the lymphatic system. If a person has very high levels of blood sugar, the body feels the need to eat and eat some more. The bad news to this scenario is that once a person eats, the blood sugar increases as well, making the person’s need to eat more food even more urgent. This cycle does not stop, even several hours after digestion. By helping control the levels of glycerine in the system, omega fatty acids also help curb the appetite, making the person less prone to seek calorie rich foods particularly carbohydrate-based sweets.

Joseph Long
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/acai-berry-as-a-source-of-fiber-and-omega-fatty-acids-754559.html

Technorati Tags: Acai Berry, Antioxidants, Bad Cholesterol, Blood Flow, Bloodstream, Blueberry, Bodily Functions, Carotid Arteries, Cells Of The Body, Cholesterol, Common Misconception, Constriction, Fats, Glycerine, High Cholesterol, Omega Fatty Acids, Stamina, Toxin, Unwanted Materials, Unwanted Pounds

Seems these day you can’t turn on the TV or open up a magazine without seeing an ad touting the latest health product that is “rich in antioxidants.” It is a long word, sometimes difficult to comprehend, but it certainly reads as though it can be beneficial to the body, correct? Indeed, antioxidants are found in a number of dietary supplements designed not necessarily for weight loss, but for overall good health. Yet, before you decide to go head first into a daily antioxidant regimen, it is suggested to know exactly what antioxidants do, where they are found, and whether they truly are helpful to the body.

Antioxidants are generally defined as those products which, naturally, prevent or lessen the body’s oxidation. Oxidation refers to the addition of oxygen, and consequent lessening of hydrogen, from an element – be it the body or something else. Consider silver, for example. When silver or other precious metals are exposed to too much oxygen, they can tarnish and lose their original beauty. Now imagine something similar happening to your body. We need oxygen to survive, yes, but the air we breathe is not one hundred percent pure. An intake of too much pure oxygen can actually cause toxicity.

Antioxidants, therefore, apply a balance by guarding the body from damaging elements. With regards to alternative health, antioxidants are believed to purify the blood. Human blood contains a certain amount of iron, which is broken down by oxygen. Getting back to our metals analogy, metal exposed to too much oxygen can rust. If you can imagine this rust in your bloodstream as the iron is broken down, you will better understand the presence of free radicals in your body that can cause damage. Antioxidants work to get rid of these free radicals and keep you healthy and active.

Where to find antioxidants

Unfortunately, it is believed that antioxidants do not occur enough naturally in our bodies, hence the recent explosion of supplements and products claiming to be high in antioxidants. Many foods, however, are naturally rich in antioxidants and make good additions to a healthful diet. Just a few foods include:

Acai – This exotic purple berry is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, and used in drinks, energy bars, powders and shakes. Brazilians have used acai for years as a healthful supplement for foods.

Blueberries – These tart little berries are good for more than garnishing cereals and filling pies. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and provide a good source of vitamins.

Dark Cocoa – The darker the chocolate, the higher the health properties. While it isn’t recommended to eat too much of it, an occasional bite can boost your antioxidant level.

For a balanced diet with antioxidants to assist well-being, consult a physician or diet professional to see what you need to eat, and how much you need daily. By knowing what is good for your body can you improve your overall well-being.

Kathryn Lively
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-power-of-antioxidants-118992.html

Technorati Tags: Alternative Health, Analogy, Antioxidants, Bloodstream, Dietary Supplements, Element, Explosion, Free Radicals, Good Health, Health Product, Human Blood, Hydrogen, Latest Health, Oxidation, Oxygen, Precious Metals, Presence, Regimen, Toxicity, Weight Loss