Diet craze leaves Norwegians begging for butter

OSLO — The soaring popularity of a fat-rich fad diet has depleted stocks of butter in Norway creating a looming Christmas culinary crisis.

"Sales all of a sudden just soared, 20 percent in October then 30 percent in November," said Lars Galtung, the head of communications at TINE, the country's biggest farmer-owned cooperative.Norwegians have eaten up the country's entire stockpile of butter, partly as the result of a "low-carb" diet sweeping the Nordic nation which emphasizes a higher intake of fats.

A wet summer which reduced the quality of animal feed and cut milk output by 25 million litres had already limited supplies and the shortage has led some pundits to suggest the world's eighth-largest oil exporter offer some of its plentiful fuel supply in exchange for butter.

"Norwegians are not afraid of natural fats, they love their butter and cream," Galtung told Reuters.

Butter is now selling on Norway's top auction website, with a 250-gram piece starting at around $13, roughly four times its normal price.

Just weeks before Norwegians will be expecting to eat plenty of buttery traditional biscuits and other homemade Christmas treats made with love and the liberal inclusion of dairy products, residents of the world's second-richest per-capita country can't even hope for help from a friendly neighbour who is rolling in butter.

Top dairy producer Denmark lies just across a narrow sea channel, but its stores of creamy butter will be kept out of the country by the high import duties of Norway, the only Nordic nation that does not belong to the European Union.

Still, the problem has certainly provided the Danes with a good laugh over their richly buttered breakfast toast.

Morning TV show Go' Morgen Danmark amid much hilarity offered a paltry 1,000 packets of butter on Wednesday to help ease the pain.

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Supplements for depression: What the research reveals

What science shows about omega-3 fatty acids, folate, SAM-e and St. John's wort.

Struggling with the black dog of depression? The supplement aisle abounds with options for people seeking a non-medicinal remedy — but figuring out what works and what doesn't can be a challenge for consumers and experts alike.

That's because the data are generally poor, says Dr. Charles Raison, associate professor of psychiatry in the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

There are some exceptions. Hundreds of studies have investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and St. John's wort. Researchers have been studying a compound known as SAM-e for decades. And, more recently, evidence on the effectiveness of folate compounds has been piling up.

Even though all of these compounds are available over the counter in one form or another, there are precautions you should take if you choose to self-medicate, to avoid potential drug interactions and make sure you're getting adequate mental health care.

"We always recommend that patients take these natural supplements under the care of a doctor and not independently," says Dr. George Papakostas, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Here's a look at what the latest studies have shown.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3s already have a solid reputation as heart-healthy supplements. Researchers are now trying to figure whether the fatty acids, particularly the ones found in seaweed and oily fish such as salmon, might have a role in treating depression.

For more than a decade, studies have pointed to an association between fish consumption and depression: Across the globe, rates of depression are lower in populations that eat more fish, particularly omega-3 rich fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. Studies have also shown that omega-3 levels are lower in people with depression than in people without.

These findings, in turn, have prompted hundreds of studies to determine whether omega-3 supplements can help treat depression. Two recent reviews analyzed the data from dozens of the most well-designed of these studies, and they came to a similar conclusion: Omega-3s appear most likely to help people with severe depression but are unlikely to help those with minor depression or who are simply in a bad mood.

One of the reviews, published in the journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2009, found that there may be important differences depending on the type of omega-3 supplement. Fish oil contains two types: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Studies that used pure DHA or more than 50% DHA reported no effect on depression. Studies using pure EPA or more than 50% EPA found that symptoms improved.

But the authors of both reviews agreed that drawing conclusions from the existing body of evidence was a challenge. Even the most well-designed studies were small and brief. Many included patients with a wide range of symptoms and different types and severity of depression. And few used the same treatment regimens: Some gave participants omega-3s alone, some gave omega-3s along with other drugs, and doses varied widely.

Though the usefulness of omega-3s in depression is still fuzzy, one thing is clear: Studies haven't turned up evidence of harmful side effects, just "fishy, burpy breath," says Mary Fristad, professor of psychiatry, psychology and human nutrition at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

Because they're so safe, researchers are now beginning to study whether omega-3s might help treat depression in children. A couple of recent, small studies — one in Israel, one in Australia — showed a 40% to 50% improvement of depressive symptoms in children given omega-3s. (This is a new area of investigation, and the findings are very preliminary, stresses Fristad, who is doing research in this area.)

Other scientists are looking at whether omega-3s might help conditions related to depression, such asanxiety. In a study published earlier this year, medical students who took a daily omega-3 supplement containing 2,085 milligrams of EPA and 348 mg DHA for 12 weeks had a 20% reduction in anxiety compared with students who took a placebo.

Despite such findings, "it's too soon to say omega-3s can combat stress," says study lead author Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University College of Medicine. But in terms of general health, it's a good idea to make sure you're getting enough of them in your diet, she says.

Folate

Folate, a B vitamin found in leafy greens, beans and eggs, is a nutrient that's essential for good health. Though its effects on depression haven't been studied as extensively as omega-3s, existing studies have shown consistently positive results, says Dr. David Mischoulon, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, who has researched the vitamin.

As with omega-3s, the first clue that folate might help treat depression came from population studies showing an association between folate deficiencies and depression. Scientists began to ask whether administering the vitamin to patients would help treat the condition.

Studies have focused on three forms of the vitamin: folic acid, the synthetic version used in supplements and fortified foods; 5-methylene tetrahydrofolate, also known as 5-MTHF, methylfolate or L-methylfolate, which is a breakdown product of folic acid and folate; and folinic acid, a synthetic compound that gets broken down into 5-MTHF.

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Hugh Jackman's miracle workout routine...he loses three to four pounds a night!

Although most people put on weight around the holidays, Hugh Jackman won't be among them. 

In fact, the 43-year-old actor has been working out so vigorously that he's even losing three to four pounds a night. 

In addition to his frequent workouts, he's dancing up a storm in the play Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway. 

Ready to run: Hugh Jackman has been losing up to four pounds a night while appearing in a Broadway show

The fit king: The Australian actor stays in shape and never forgets to hit the gym

'We started a week ago. Already they've taken my pants in three times,' the Real Steel star recently told NPR.

The show's director, Warren Carlyle, explained why he has Hugh dancing so vigorously. 

'He dances like Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire. He's in that kind of category,' the choreographer/ director explained. 

'He's just like this great leading man who has rhythm and who can really, really move.' 

The Australian star also has the ability to rake in massive numbers at the Broadway box office. 

After just two weeks of performing at the Broadhurst Theare in New York City, he broke the house record for amount of money made. 

Additionally, the show is sold out every weekend through it's ten-week run. 

After he wows Broadway yet again, the handsome can be seen in the upcoming 2012 film, Butter. 

Town residents' true colours come out when they're forced to vie for the best butter-making title. 

The film co-stars Jennifer Garner, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Ty Burrell and Olivia Wilde.

Weight loss supplements are designed to assist and and improve the body's physical and metabolic systems. This function of increased efficiency encourages the use of undesirable fat reserves for energy and subsequently resulting in weight loss and a leaner physique.
A balanced healthy diet and regular exercise is the ideal solution for those looking to lose weight and burn body fat. However, there are additional supplements that can aid this process.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2066901/Hugh-Jackmans-miracle-workout-routine--loses-pounds-night.html#ixzz1fBkI8MYD

Dukan diving: Celebrity diet out of flavour

A DIET said to have been followed by Kate Middleton and her mother Carole has been branded by health experts as the worst celebrity weight-loss plan.

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) said the Dukan Diet had no scientific basis and could leave adherents with constipation and bad breath.

The four-phase diet, which is also reported to be followed by actress Jennifer Lopez and supermodel Gisele Bundchen, starts with 72 high-protein foods for quick weight loss, followed by “pure protein” days alternating with proteins accompanied by vegetables.

The third, “consolidation” phase involves a gradual increase of other food types, leading on to a final “stabilisation” phase.

However, the BDA said the diet had “absolutely no solid science behind it at all” and advised against cutting out food groups.

It said: “This diet is so confusing, very rigid, full of very French foods that most Brits would run a mile from, like rabbit and offal, and even Dr Dukan himself warns of the associated problems like lack of energy, constipation and bad breath.”

The BDA said the diet topped a list of “dodgy” celebrity diets to avoid in the New Year, based on the volume of calls it had received enquiring about it.

Fife-based registered nutritionist Dr Carina Norris said the Dukan Diet was impractical and potentially dangerous.

She said: “This is an extremely restrictive diet, and incredibly complex to stick to.

“During the first stages it relies solely on protein foods, with other foods being introduced gradually and on a very intricate time line with days ‘on’ and ‘off’ certain foods. The weight loss it promises is faster than is generally accepted as safe.”

The BDA said the second worst celebrity diet to follow was the Alcorexia or Drunkorexia Diet. It is a type of a very low-calorie diet (VLC) which involves eating very little, then “saving” all the calories to binge drink alcohol.

The Blood Group Diet – said to be followed by Cheryl Cole, Sir Cliff Richard and Courteney Cox-Arquette – is also one to avoid, according to the BDA, which said it is “completely based on pseudo-science”.

Also on the BDA list is the Raw Food Diet, said to be followed by Hollywood stars Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson, which involves eating raw uncooked food and non-pasteurised or non- homogenised dairy products.

The list to avoid is completed by the Baby Food Diet, said to be followed by Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston.

One version of the diet involves eating up to 14 jars of pureed or baby food a day.

BDA spokeswoman and consultant dietician Sian Porter said: “There is no wonder diet you can follow without some nutritional or health risk, and most are offering a short-term fix to a long-term problem. If you want to lose weight you need to eat a nutritionally-balanced and varied diet with appropriately sized portions and burn off more calories than you consume.”

A statement issued by the Dukan Diet said: “It is interesting that the BDA are criticising Dr Dukan’s diet for lacking scientific basis when the BDA’s own analysis has been ‘based on telephone call volume and other contributing factors’. If indeed a thorough scientific evaluation had been undertaken by the BDA, they would have recognised that many of their claims are wholly inaccurate.”

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Get A Body Like Beckham

David Beckham is possibly the most famous sportsman on the planet whose diet and exercise regime are perfectly measured and synchronised so he is able to perform at an exceptionally high level.  However, not only his skills on the pitch are revered, but also his exceptionally toned torso and overall fitness.

All athletes, regardless of sport, will require a balanced, nutritional and hydrated diet not only to maintain good health but to promote peak performance.  Football requires a combination of speed, energy and endurance in order to perform effectively under all conditions for the duration of the entire match and possibly further play.

Beckham will need to incorporate a balance diet into his training regime to not only improve their physical performance but to also ensure mental focus is maintained as to be able to react quickly to a given situation as the game unfolds. Muscle recovery is also an important factor when looking to reduce the possible risk of injury and alleviating fatigue.

Carbohydrates will play a key role in the his energy requirements and will make up approximately 60-65% of his daily calorie intake.  Protein consumption is often overlooked and should make up approximately 15-20% of daily calorie intake.
This ratio of protein and carbohydrates can be consumed through diet alone, however, the most efficient route is a combination of diet and sports supplements.

Athletes such as Beckham will also benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements such as calcium, vitamin C, iron, sodium and other electrolytes.

David Beckham’s exercise regime will combine cardio/endurance alongside compound weight training to compliment his diet and subsequently produce his well toned physique and overall fitness.

Fitness levels, outside of playing, will be maintained through general practice but also through vigourous circuit training and plyometic exercises.  These exercises are designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in sports.

Beckham will also engage in high repetition and low weight compound weighting training which will not only improve overall functional strength but muscular endurance also.
Compound exercises include bench press, dead-lift, squats, bent-over rows, shoulder presses and standing barbell curls.

All of these simple elements combined produce a well toned body which has been selected for numerous modelling campaigns and product advertising.
David Beckham’s approach to diet and fitness clearly outlines the results of a healthy balanced diet and a complimenting regular exercise regime.

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Probiotic Supplements: Should You Be Popping Bacteria Pills?

Gut bacteria: Those are two nasty words. But the one quadrillion microorganisms in your intestines are a beautiful thing, when they're kept in healthy balance.

Together, they can work just like another organ in the digestive system, breaking down unused food particles, fending off or thwarting growth of harmful microorganisms, and synthesizing essential vitamins.

When they're out of whack, though, your guts can become a feeding and breeding ground for a schmorgasboard of harmful little critters.

Taking antibiotics and eating a poor diet are among the chief causes of what's calleddysbiosis or dysbacteriosis of the gut, where "bad" colonies of bacteria overgrow, stifling growth of "good" flora. These "bad" bugs, like yeasts and staphylococci, produce an inordinate amount of waste, the removal of which creates an energy drain on the body. Digestion and absorption of certain nutrients is impaired or halted, and immunity compromised. Some sources credit dysbacteriosis with promoting pancreatic malfunction, eczema, bronchial asthma, endocrine diseases, and a belly full of other maladies.

This widespread problem is the reason for the rising popularity of probiotic supplements. These supplements promise to restore balance to disturbed bacterial congregations in your guts. But do they work? And are there alternatives to popping pills to get guts back in check?


​We asked Dr. Jose Sandoval, a Miami board certified holistic health counselor certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, what he thought was the best solution to this simultaneously microscopic and very big problem.

He said that there are many food sources people can reach for in order to promote the restoration of gut health, but that many of his clients aren't dedicated enough to incorporate those foods in their diets.

"For the most part, because I think a lot of Americans are really busy and don't have time for those sorts of things, I usually do recommend a supplement form of probiotics," he said. "If a client is interested, though I will gladly show them all kinds of recipes [that contain probiotic food sources]."

He said there are limited effective probiotic foods out on the market for easy consumption.

"Sauerkraut contains live and active cultures. The stuff you find in the jar usually has preservatives added to it, though," he said. "There are some exceptions to that. But there's a brand in particular, Bubbies, that has no sugar, no additives. It's just water, the cabbage, and salt. As far as processed, ready-made products, that's probably the one that I would recommend."

He says miso and natto, which are both Japanese fermented soy foods, are also excellent sources of healthy probiotics. He said that foreign cuisines often feature fermented vegetables that help to round out the gut's repertoire of healthy bacteria and that unfiltered vinegars were another great way to reintroduce some healthy strains to your gut garden.

He thinks regularly eating a sampling of these fermented foods is ideal, but for most of his busy clients, a supplement is more practical.

"I like Ultimate Flora. I think that's a good company. And I really like those because they coated the capsule, so the official cultures actually get into your intestines where they can do good, instead of being destroyed by your stomach acids," he says.

So are probiotic foods or supplements a better fit for your lifestyle? You'll have to go with your gut on this one.



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'Health supplements' turn blood dark green

The China Post news staff-After a patient's kidneys were severely damaged from taking chlorella tablets manufactured by an unknown overseas company, doctors reminded the public that maintaining a balanced diet everyday is more beneficial than relying on health supplements, especially those of dubious origin.

Physicians at the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) revealed yesterday a medical case they treated involving a patient over 60, who had a brush with death when kidney failure forced him to seek emergency care.

The unnamed patient, who according to his medical history is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, regularly took chlorella tablets given by friends who purchased the health supplements from abroad.

Instead of improving his physical condition, the product gave him a malfunctioning liver along and kidney failure.

The patient was rescued in time, although doctors at the NTUH discovered that the long-term consumption of green chlorella tablets made of single-celled algae had turned the patient's blood into a deep green color.


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Carbohydrates – Fueling The Body

Along with protein and fats, adequate carbohydrate intake is essential for fueling the body for performance and growth.

Carbohydrates in our diet are categorised as either simple or complex carbohydrates.
Simple carbohydrates are absorbed quickly and easily by the body to be converted into a rapid source of energy. Foods such as fruit or those containing sugar will be examples of this.
Complex carbohydrates take far longer to breakdown to be absorbed in the body and therefore provide a slower release of energy. Staple foods such as bread, rice and pasta will provide this far more beneficial source of carbohydrate.

Starch is also recognised as an important energy source as it is broken down and stored as glycogen. Foods high in starch include whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, and grains.
Carbohydrate stored as glycogen is an easily accessible and most common source of energy for exercise. These glycogen stores will need to be replenished regularly especially if taking part in frequent exercise.
Complex carbohydrates can also be consumed easily as a sports supplement. These supplements can provide a simple solution to gaining sufficient carbohydrates.

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MAINTAINING HEALTHY EYES

MAINTAINING HEALTHY EYES

Eyesight degradation will affect almost everyone during the process of ageing. However, the process of eye detriment can be slowed down with the help of certain techniques such as refocusing your eyes often, avoiding unnecessarily straining your eyes and wearing sunglasses in the sunlight especially in summer.

Moreover, you can also prevent sight loss by consuming vitamins and minerals on a regular basis. Fruits, vegetables and fortified cereals make a good source of Vitamins A, C and E. These three vitamins are important for maintaining good eyesight and they should be consumed on a daily basis.

Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids are important for your retinal health and you should consume fish oils in order to provide your body with the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is one particular omega-3 fatty acid that has been found to improve your colour perception.
You can incorporate fish oils into your regular dietary routine by consuming fish or taking fish oil supplements.
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is an important nutrient that is vital to the health of your eyes. It helps produce rodopsin that is necessary for dark adaptation. It helps maintain the natural structural integrity of the cornea, retina and other eye tissues. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to numerous ophthalmological disorders especially xerophthalmia and night blindness.

Xerophthalmia is a serious condition of eye that might lead to blindness. This disease affects the cells of cornea and tear ducts. Night blindness makes it nearly impossible to see in relatively low light. This condition occurs due to inability of retina to respond to the light due to vitamin A deficiency.

The rich dietary sources of vitamin A are fish, fish oils, liver, nuts, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. These food items contain carotenoids which are converted into retinol by your body.

The dryness of eyes is caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye. Eyes contain special glands that produce tears. Tears are a combination of special proteins, antibodies, mucus, oil and water. Antibodies in tears help protect eyes against infections, oil helps in lubrication and water gives a moist sensation to your eyes.

The symptoms of dry eyes include itching, redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision and gritty sensation. There are numerous factors that may lead to dry eyes. They include aging, menopause, diseases that affect the ability to make tears, eye diseases, structural problems with eyelids, side effects of certain medications, collagen vascular diseases and environmental conditions such as heat.

Dry eyes can be treated with artificial tear drops, permanent punctal occlusion and surgery. There are numerous prescription eye-drops available on the market, which help your eyes increase their own tear production. Other medications such as tropical steroids and ointments can also be used to keep dry eyes lubricated. You can also use a supplement that helps maintain the health of your eyes.

It is also advised therefore to consume an effective broad spectrum, antioxidant and one-a-day multinutrient tablet that contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E minerals. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of your eyes and skin. B vitamins help release energy from food and boost your immune system. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants and help destroy free radicals in your body. Vitamin D strengthens your bones and helps absorb calcium.

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Evening Primrose Oil & Premenstrual Syndrome

Evening primrose is a wildflower that belongs to the Onagraceae family of plants. Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the flower which is then purified and then encapsulated ready for consumption by swallowing.

The essential fatty acids in the oil are found to be beneficial to the growth and development to the body. Evening primrose oil has also shown to significantly ease the symptoms associated, the menopause and arthritic pain.

However, this supplement is better known for the relieving the stomach cramps, bloating and general discomfort that can often be apparent in differing degrees for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women at some stage during their lives will experience discomfort from PMS ranging from lower abdominal pain to breast pain or general fatigue and lethargy. EPO has often been recommended against more conventional or prescription medications due to being a natural product.

Approximately 85% of women will experience symptoms such as bloating or breast tenderness during the days prior to and shortly after the menstrual cycle. A small percentage of women will suffer from significant symptoms other than those normally experienced by most women during menstruation

Evening primrose oil supplements help to maintain hormonal balance and healthier skin from its rich source of omega -6 GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and its precursor to prostaglandins which regulates these functions.

GLA or Gamma-Linolenic Acid is an omega 6 fatty acid that is predominately found in plant based oils such as the evening primrose flower. The supplementation of omega oils is essential given that it plays a crucial role in brain function and overall development but also that can only derived from consumption as it is not produced in the human body.

Evening primrose supplementation is effective in relieving the symptoms of numerous conditions, disorders and syndromes. Women commonly use EPO during pregnancy for preventing high blood pressure and also to combat premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, breast pain and for symptoms associated with the menopause.

It is also evident, although not conclusively proven, that EPO may also be effective with chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Raynaud’s syndrome, dyspraxia and many more.

The British Medical Control Agency removed the official license for EPO as an approved prescription for treating eczema and breast pain after concluding there was insufficient evidence that it was entirely effective. However, many will disagree with not only the physical benefits of its consumption but also the psychological effects which can also help relieve certain physical discomforts.

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Pre-Workout and Post Work-Out Nutrition

The Benefits Of A Pre-Workout Meal
The goal of any pre-workout meal is to prepare the body for the vigorous and demanding assault it will be undertaking. This meal should be consumed approximately 60-90 minutes before exercise so all nutrients are absorbed into the body before you begin. To aid digestion, this meal should be relatively low and fat and fibre with a light source of protein such as fish or chicken or a protein supplement.

During intense exercise, once your stored energy (glycogen) has been used, the body turns to fat stores and ultimately muscle for energy. For this reason it is very important to consume a source of complex carbohydrates and protein before working out so the necessary energy is available to the body so it can perform optimally.

Other than a complete meal, an all-in-one sports supplement which contains an easily digestible source of carbohydrates and protein, will be a sufficient substitute instead.

All-In-One supplements are ideal for anyone looking for essential supplements and sports nutrition in a single shake or bar.

These innovative products provide a unique combination of whey protein, creatine, glutamine and other vital nutrients needed by your body to support muscle growth, strength and recovery.
All-In-One supplements allow anyone participating in a weight training or athletic regime to improve performance, growth and overall physical well-being without the need of numerous individual products.

The Importance Of A Post Workout Meal

The post workout meal is often regarded as the most important for anyone taking part in a intensive workout/training regime.
In order to mobilize the body’s anabolic or repair process, a meal combining protein, carbohydrates and good fats is needed to begin rebuilding glycogen reserves and to repair damaged tissue.

Most athletes will consume protein supplements after exercise and an easily digestible meal shortly after.
It is also paramount that the body’s hydration levels are replenished to aid all bodily functions and repair in this essential period of recovery.

It is important that you drink 2-3 glasses of water, 1.5-2 hours before beginning a physical activity. Drink water, milk or other fluids regardless of whether or not you are thirsty. Make sure that you drink water every 20-30 minutes during exercise.

Remember that you might suffer from dehydration within 20 minutes of starting a physical activity in hot, humid conditions. It is also recommended that you should drink water after exercise to avoid heat exhaustion, dehydration and even heart stroke. Make sure that you avoid the consumption of caffeine drinks. Caffeine is a diuretic and its consumption might lead to muscle cramps and dehydration.

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Weight Loss Supplements and The Key To Reducing Body Fat

Weight Loss Supplements

Weight loss supplements are designed to assist and improve the body’s physical and metabolic systems. This function of increased efficiency encourages the use of undesirable fat reserves for energy and subsequently results in weight loss and a leaner physique.
A balanced healthy diet and regular exercise is the ideal solution for those looking to lose weight and burn body fat. However, there are additional supplements that can aid this process.

There is a substantial array of weight loss products available to consumers each with varying ingredients and nutritional content.
Aside from conventional products, supplements containing ingredients such as Sida Cordifilia, commonly known as bala, have been subjected to scientific research studies regarding their fat burning qualities and their positive effect on the central nervous system and the heart.

Sida Cordifolia contains small amounts of both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine with many nutritional companies including it as a weight loss product.
Research studies have shown that Sida Cordifolia possesses a significant blood-sugar lowering activity and therefore may help to reduce the storage of fat within fat cells.

The Key To Reducing Body Fat

The key to reducing body fat is to ensure that your energy intake is lower than your energy expenditure. Energy is measured in calories, and whilst the body is in a negative energy balance, weight loss will occur. So to lose weight in the quickest possible manner, energy intake should be reduced, and energy expenditure should be increased. This is achieved in practice by eating a balanced, low calorie diet, and exercising regularly.

Obtaining the right amount of calories can be achieved more easily with the use of sports supplements, giving you greater control of your total calorie intake. Using supplements, you also have more control over the macronutrient profile of your diet. E.g. you can use whey protein powder do give your diet a greater shift towards protein.

The Importance Of Fat

Fat provides the highest concentration of energy of all the essential nutrients the body requires and are found in three categories- Trans Fat, Saturated Fats and Unsaturated Fats.
There is an optimal level of body fat which needs to be carefully monitored but is an important source of fuel for those involved in endurance events. If this dietary fat level is exceeded, then adverse health effects are likely to occur.

Fat is also needed to help the body during high intensity exercise, where carbohydrates are predominately used as fuel, to access glycogen stores. Fat also helps with the efficient distribution of vitamins A,D,E and K around the body.
Consuming dietary fats alongside protein and carbohydrates all in the required ratios is an important part of sports nutrition with which it provides additional health and performance benefits.

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