Clinical Research Concerning Drug Interaction Incomplete

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 26, 2011

While Phytopharm has not completed the clinical research, there are no known side effects associated with hoodia gordonii at this time. Subsequent phases of their clinical research should include warnings about possible interactions with drugs or health problems. This research should address issues like taking hoodia and antidepressants or other commonly used prescription medications. This research should also address hoodia and high blood pressure concerns. Regretfully, clinical research does not always cover every medication of medical condition. This is why an individual’s doctor is the most important person to consult whenever beginning to use any new supplement, particularly when there is an existing medical problem.

Hoodia supplement labeling indicates that only those who are in reasonably good health should use hoodia gordonii. This does not mean that there is any known reaction between hoodia and antidepressants or any other prescription medication. It is only intended to impress dieters with the importance of consulting their doctors before they use any new supplement, not just hoodia gordonii.

There is a history of hoodia and high blood pressure that exists among the indigenous people of southern Africa. Hoodia gordonii was used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure among other conditions by these people, but they had no access to modern day medications. There are no studies concerning the effects of hoodia gordonii on high blood pressure. Anyone who is being treated for high blood pressure should consult their physician before using hoodia gordonii as an appetite suppressant. There are studies concerning the effects of stimulants on high blood pressure. Anyone being treated for high blood pressure should not use hoodia herb combos, because all of them contain some form of natural stimulant.

Points to remember:

People should be in reasonably good health before taking hoodia gordonii.
Consumers should consult their physician before using any new supplement, whether they are currently using a prescription medication or not.

Questions concerning hoodia and antidepressants should be addressed to one’s physician.

Questions concerning hoodia and high blood pressure should be addressed to one’s physician.

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Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 19, 2011

It shouldn’t come as a surprise the health benefits of pomegranate juice. Despite pomegranates not having loads of nutrients compared to other fruits, pomegranate juice has antioxidants (and lots of them) and a good amount of health benefits.

Growing up there would be no shortage of this fruit in my household. It seemed as though week after week my mother would break open this big fruit, fill up a bowl of the edible seeds and I’d be eating them by the spoonful. This fruit is commonly used in Persian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Whole fruit Version vs. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranates take a good amount of time in order to get to the edible red “bulbs” on the inside. And considering the fast-paced, busy lifestyle these days I completely understand why most wouldn’t bother with the whole fruit version. Come to think of it, the only times I ate the fruit version is when it’s already been extracted for me. (Thanks mom!)

But does that mean that pomegranate juice is not as beneficial as the fruit version? Absolutely not!

Pomegranate has gotten its reputation as a superfood based almost entirely from the health benefits of pomegranate juice and from some of the pomegranate extract products.

70+ years of research has gone into discovering the pomegranate juice benefits. A good majority of this research has been done in the last 10 years as a result of pomegranate’s increase in popularity. In short, there’s a lot of research supporting the health benefits of pomegranate juice.

One study which stuck out to me was done at UCLA that showed pomegranate juice having the highest antioxidant capacity when compared to red wine, tea and other commercial juices.

Research at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology also confirmed that pomegranates contain a higher amount of flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) than those found in grapes.

What To Expect…

Let’s go over the nutritional profile before we go into the health benefits of the juice.
It is a good source of Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Folate, Potassium and Vitamin K.

But their real claim to fame are the antioxidants it has! Both the whole fruit and juice version are loaded with antioxidant polyphenols similar to those found in wine and tea.

They also have some other interesting antioxidants… punicalagins & anthocyanins to be exact.

Anthocyanins are found in blueberries & acai. Studies have shown it may be effective against cardiovascular disease, aging/neurological disorders, bacterial infections & inflammation.

Punicalagins so far have only been found in pomegranate and has been under the scientific community’s spotlight for its anti-disease and anti-cancer benefits.

Benefits

Some of the health benefits of pomegranate juice include:
• Promotes Heart Health

• Great for Men’s Health – There are 2 parts… protects against prostate cancer & fights off erectile dysfunction.

• May help to slow down the aging process and beneficial in maintaining the elasticity/health of your skin

Other health benefits include its anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial/antiviral benefits, and the ability to control diabetes.

Detective’s Verdict

Pomegranate is definitely a great addition to your diet.

If time permits and if you feel like trying something different then go for the whole fruit version. If that’s the case then you’re going to have to know how to eat the fruit version. But the juice version of pomegranate is just as beneficial.

The big issue I have is that most POM juice is flash pasteurized and it’s usually found in a clear container. Both these factors result in some of the nutrients getting lost along the way. So who knows how much of the pomegranate juice health benefits you’re getting by the time you drink it.

But the amount benefits you’ll be getting definitely outweighs the drawbacks so for the most part you’re good to go in adding pomegranate juice to your diet.

The juice is available in many supermarkets so be sure to read the label to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Make sure it’s 100% pure juice, or 100% pure juice from concentrate at the very least. Also make sure that no sugars are added.

Another thing to look for is there should be a little bit of this thick, cloudy stuff at the bottom of the container. This is a good thing so just shake it up and you’ll be good to go.

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Fuel Your Body Right With Paleo Meal

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 19, 2011

People are always looking for ways to improve their diets. They might want to lose weight so they will look better, but they also might have health concerns.

Improving their diet is one of the best ways to make positive health changes and make a significant lifestyle difference.

There are numerous different diets people can choose from, but some are more effective than others. If you are looking for a way to add whole, natural foods to your diet to improve your health, you might want to try this diet. The diet features meals filled with foods that have been eaten since the paleolithic era. These meals include eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats, and seafood.

In addition to health improvements and weight loss benefits, the Paleo diet also offers simple meal options. The easier food is to prepare, the quicker you can prepare meals. If you love to cook, you can still make sophisticated gourmet meals on this plan. If your concern is preparing food quickly for your busy family, that is an option, as well. Many of the meals even freeze well and can be defrosted at a later time and enjoyed with little effort.

Menus include whole, healthy foods like flax seeds, walnuts, fish that is high in Omega 3 acids like salmon, scallops and shrimp, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Basically, if it exists in nature, you are able to eat it. It focuses on keeping people healthy and providing foods that are high in vitamins and minerals. The diet is not a fad diet requiring dieters to count calories and restrict foods. Paleo meals are filled with quality foods and most people on the diet are not hungry. The difference is it lacks the saturated fat, preservatives, additives, and high sugar foods found in the Standard American Diet.

This diet offers the variety many people need to stick to a healthy eating plan. You are able to enjoy ethnic foods, foods that are sufficiently spiced, and meals that include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Your appetite is satisfied and you feel energetic and healthy. The cravings for the foods you once had are gone because you are nourishing your body.

There are plenty of resources for those who want to enjoy Paleo meals. Cookbooks offer advice on preparing meals, choosing the healthiest options, and feeding your family affordably. Many times the toughest part of committing to a new lifestyle is understanding what to do. You might want to eat healthier, but without a little guidance, you feel overwhelmed. There are plenty of people who shop for a supple of Paleo foods, but know nothing about how to prepare them. Using a cookbook is a great way to help you navigate the unfamiliar territory of a new eating plan.

If you are struggling for a way to lose weight or you have been diagnosed with a disease or condition that is affected by your diet, you might feel confused and frustrated. Eliminating processed foods and chemicals is a great place to start. You might need to exercise or make additional changes, but your body will be healthier just eating whole, natural foods.

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