Benefits of Strawberries - A Natural Fat Burning Food

By Steve O'Connor  

Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of strawberries, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from strawberries - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

The number one berry in the United States, strawberries have been known and enjoyed for many thousands of years all around the globe. Actually, they were eaten in ancient Greece and Rome. This plant has been sown and harvested dating back to the early 17th century. The East Coast is where they were first planted, sometime during the 1800s. Strawberries traveled Westward with our forefathers.

In the West today, strawberries maintain their dominance, with a high concentration of strawberries grown in California (although Florida contributes a lot to the crop as well). At present, over 70 different type of strawberry specimens exist.

Strawberries, which are really part of the rose family, are the earliest fruit to become ripe in the spring.

While they're not technically a berry because they grow from the plant's base rather than from a flower's ovary, they're called a berry for nutritional purposes -- and to please consumers.

The strawberry is a tiny fruit that grows on the ground level. Unlike any other fruit, their seeds are found on the outside of the skin. A single strawberry typically has about 200 seeds.

Try to find berries with a vibrant red shade. Make certain that the berry caps appear fresh and bright green. Green, yellow or pale pink strawberries are insufficiently ripened. Consumed like this, they will be quite tart.

Because they are naturally sweet and a beautiful red color when ripe, strawberries are liked by everyone -- no matter their age. Strawberry fairs and festivals have helped make this yummy fruit even more popular. Nearly every American family eats these berries, and more than half of the kids between 7 and 9 years old pick strawberries when they get to choose from different fruits.

Fat Burning Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries have no fat, are low in calories, and are high in fiber and folic acid. They are also rich in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C boosts metabolic rate and potassium aids in BP regulation. There is more ascorbic acid in strawberries than in any other kind of berry. Moreover, they contain no sodium or cholesterol. Fructose contained in berries give them their sweet flavor and also help suppress appetite.

One serving (approximately 8 medium-sized strawberries or one cup) has a mere 50 calories and absolutely zero grams of fat.

The pectin contained in strawberries provides fiber, which prevents you from overeating, because the fiber makes you feel full.

Strawberries also have phytonutrient anthocyanine, which is responsible for its rich, dark red appearance. Furthermore, your body reaps the benefits of anthocyanine, which assists the liver in breaking down toxins and flushing them out of your system.

Strawberries are rich in phenylalanine, an amino acid that releases cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone people have that helps suppress the appetite. When CCK is released into the system, it curbs cravings for food. Tryptophan, which helps curb cravings for sugar, is also an essential component of strawberries.

Glycine, another important amino acid found in strawberries, assists in the production of bile salts. The body requires these to aid in digestion, particularly digesting fats. Glycine assists insulin in regulating blood glucose in the system.

Isoleucine, leucein and valine (considered the branch chain amino acids or BCAAs) are three more amino acids strawberries have that assist with low blood sugar. In addition, they play a major role in maintaining muscle bulk.

Threonine aids in digestion and prevents digestive problems. Methionine works to regulate fluid levels in our system.

Arginine, an amino acid that helps prevent weight gain, is found in strawberries. Arginine plays an important part in keeping cell energy levels steady.

In addition, strawberries have an abundance of ellagic acid, which provides many benefits, among them -- protecting your cells against cancer.

How To Prepare Strawberries

Serve them just as they are, raw, to get the most nutritional value and fat-burning capabilities. The healthiest ones are those raised organically.

Because they don't last long on the shelf, you should only purchase quantities that you can consume within a few days if you want to enjoy them at their peak of freshness. You can also choose to keep some in the freezer.

Do not rinse them until it's time to eat them. Don't let them sit in the water. Keep the stems on and the berries can be stored for longer periods than strawberries without stems. Start by throwing away the smashed ones and ones with bruises. Put the unwashed berries in a storage container with a paper towel or paper napkin over the top to cover them. Invert the covered container and refrigerate the berries until ready to use. This will keep the strawberries fresh for a number of days. When freezing, use the technique recommended for blueberries.

Strawberries are delicious all by themselves, but for a special treat, you might consider topping your yogurt with them. Prepare a smoothie drink using strawberries blended with soy milk. Put them into a protein shake for an additional jolt of energy. Toss a few berries into your salad recipes for a pleasant flavor surprise!

You can also juice them, bake them in pies, make jellies and jams with them, or even use them to marinate organic meats and poultry. They are good dehydrated, or toss them into granola for a tasty treat.

What Constitutes a Serving?

For strawberries, a portion fills an 8-ounce measuring cup.

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Best Natural Medicines For Arthritis

By Dr. Sudeep K Khurana

Arthritis has become very common nowadays what with the changing lifestyle and fast-pace life with little left in the form of exercise and healthy living. People want to be in charge of their life and look for healthy alternatives or natural remedies for all the ailments so as to not be affected by the many side effects of the drugs used for arthritis. Here, I will sum up some of the best natural treatments for arthritis.

Minerals and vitamins:
Minerals and vitamins are the building blocks of the body and can be obtained from many natural resources such as plants. Other than that, gold, MSM, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Calcium, and silver have always been used for cure of arthritis.

Juices:
Black cherry juice two glasses twice a day helps in relieving pain; however, you should stop this after the attack has subsided. You can include carrot juice, cucumber juice, beetroot juice to your diet to help relieve pain. One or two glasses of pineapple juice daily helps in rheumatoid arthritis. One has to avoid citrus juices as some studies have shown them to precipitate arthritis problems.

Cold and hot compression:
Cooling the joint that is inflamed always helps. You can apply ice packs to the joint to help inflammation but do not overdo it. It is advised to use cold compression for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time and there should be adequate interval between sessions.

Other than cool compression, heat also helps by relaxing body and stimulating blood flowing into the joints. You can use heating pads that are easily available in the market or can make a hot pack at home with warm towels. You can put some rice in a small bag and microwave it and use it as a heating pad also. A hot shower or a hot tub will also help in relaxing muscles and uplifting your mood.

Magnets:
Magnets are also commonly used as an alternative therapy though it is not yet established how they help in arthritis but are easily available in the market for curing the arthritis in elderly.

Relaxation techniques:
Muscle relaxation with exercises as well as mind relaxation with deep breathing techniques helps calm arthritis in the long run. Meditation is now gaining popularity with its properties of stress reduction and relaxation.

Alternative techniques:
Tai chi, acupuncture, and biofeedback are some of the alternative therapies that have now been widely accepted as helping arthritis patients.

Oiling:
Warm mustard oil applied to the joint soothes muscle and relieves the pain. You can also use essential oils mixed with almond oil and massage the painful part.

Herbal supplements:
Certain herbal supplements like Boswelia, Thunder god vine, cherries, Dandelion leaves, and Desert devil have also been highly effective in arthritis patients.

There are numerous natural treatments that one can use for arthritis but always consult your physician first before going ahead with any of the treatments mentioned above. Most of all, a healthy lifestyle always is encouraged to avoid arthritis and live a happy and active life.

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What Is Quinoa and What Should You Do With It?

By H. M. Spencer  

Quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah. It's an ancient plant which originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Columbia and Peru. It was said to be cultivated 3,000-4,000 years ago and maybe even before that. Besides the interesting ancient origin, the plant is a very healthy food. It not only provides a balance of nine amino acids, but it is a complete protein, which is not common of grains. It is also a good source of fiber and iron.

The main kinds of quinoa are red, black and white. While some people think there are definite differences in the way these types taste, many others think they taste the same or similar. As to taste, you will have to be the judge of that. Color on the other hand may play a bigger role in type of quinoa you choose.

The first step in cooking quinoa would be to rinse it. It is optional whether or not you want to rinse your quinoa. While most quinoa in the US is prewashed, it is naturally covered in a coating of saponins which protects it from predators in the wild, but is bitter. To rinse the quinoa coat with water, swish it around and then drain it in a mesh strainer or one with very small holes. Quinoa cooks like most rice- 2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa. Boil the water, add quinoa. When it boils again turn the burner down to a medium heat. Cook about 15-20 minutes stirring once in a while. Fluff it when is done

After making quinoa from scratch there are so many things you can do with it. There any many recipes for quinoa dishes out there. And if you are feeling more adventurous you can experiment and make up your own quinoa dishes. Some ideas for quinoa dishes or dishes you can add quinoa too are salads, soups, oatmeal and other hot cereals. Quinoa can be used like rice and can be pared with anything you would put rice with. If you don't want to make quinoa from scratch there are various quinoa products at supermarkets or health food stores. Some of these are: pasta, cereal, burgers, chips, smoothies, and cookies. There are many rice and bean mixes that have quinoa added. There is also quinoa flour you can use to make bake goods.

Knowing more about the origins and health benefits of quinoa is interesting. The health benefits could help you live a healthier life. Now you have options. Maybe you'll start with a premade dish made with quinoa like quinoa chips or the popular quinoa with oatmeal, or maybe you'll start creating your own quinoa salads filled with colorful vegetables, so much nutrition, and thousands of years of history.

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What's With All The Wheys?

By Frank D Maione  

Whey is quickly digested, which means you get to where you need it fast! Supplements containing whey protein play an important role in nutrition post workout when your body is in a catabolic state and needs a quick dose of protein. In addition to the profit which it has for the muscles, whey protein works as an antioxidant to strengthen your immunity system. Studies have shown that regular supplementation of whey protein promotes a strong immune system.

The effects of whey for your body:
- Helps Build Muscle
- Reduces recovery time and promotes a more rapid muscle recovery
- Increases metabolic rate
- Reduces muscle catabolism that occurs on post-workout

What types of whey are there?
There are 2 main types of whey, concentrated whey protein and whey protein isolate. Concentrate is low in fat, has the highest biological value and contains anywhere from 75% to 80% pure whey protein. Isolate is the purest form available. Isolate is processed to remove lactose and fat and contains about 90% pure protein.

Protein supplements are divided into 3 categories - whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, whey protein blends.Concentrates are the cheapest, but contain the highest levels of lactose and fat, Isolates contain the highest amount of protein per serving and contain no carbohydrates, fats and are more expensive than concentrates. Finally, blends are the most popular protein powders in whey. As their name suggests, these products combine protein isolate with the benefits offered by concentrate to obtain a high-quality product at an affordable price.

How do I choose the best whey supplement?
When it comes to choosing the whey protein supplement that best fits your needs, you need to firstly consider your budget and its quality. As I said earlier, there are 3 types of whey available:
1. Whey isolate - the purest form of whey protein
2. Whey concentrate - not as easily digested and with slightly higher levels of fat & lactose
3. Whey blend - a mixture of the above

Obviously, the more pure a product is, the higher the quality will be. However, price rises exponentially. As thus, protein isolate is the most expensive of all forms of whey protein. In exchange for what you pay, you get the purest form of protein; a strip containing no fat, carbohydrates or lactose. It is the highest quality and will give you the greatest amount of protein per serving with the lowest caloric count. content caloric. Thus, if you have money to spend, you should definitely go for whey isolate.

Pros of whey isolates:
- The purest form of whey protein available
- Contains no fat, carbohydrates and lactose
- An excellent amino acid profile
- More protein per serving
- Ideal for weight loss and muscle development

Cons of whey protein isolates:
- More expensive than concentrates and blends

Whey protein concentrate is not as filtered as isolate, but still remains a high-quality product that's rich in amino acids. Because is not as filtered as insulation you will get less protein per serving and often a higher caloric count. This caloric level work might not interest anyone who wants to gain weight but for a person who wants to lose weight or are preparing for a competition is of top importance. Difference is usually of 2-5g of protein per 30 g serving. A protein isolate may have 25g of protein and 105 calories, while the concentrate may have 21g of protein and 130 calories.

Pros of whey concentrates:
- A good price
- Rich in amino acids
- Great for building muscle mass

Cons of whey concentrates:
- Richer in fats and carbohydrates than protein isolate
- More calories per serving

Up until now you could have thought that the choice was either black or white, the higher the protein quality for a higher price or a lower protein quality for a reduced price. But is there a middle ground? Whey blend, as its name implies, is a mixture of isolate and whey concentrate. Through it manufacturers have found a middle way for price and quality.

But not all blends are made to be equal. Some have less concentrate, others have less isolate and vice versa. The sure way to tell is by looking at the list of ingredients. The protein source that appears first in the list of ingredients is the main source of whey. This is a good thing to know when you research the protein you want to buy. Powders are one of the most popular form of blends available.

Pros of whey blends:
- A good mix of protein isolate & concentrate
- A good value for the price asked
- A very good profile of amino acids
- Less fat / carbs / lactose than protein concentrates
- Plenty of manufacturers to choose from

Cons of whey blends:
- More carbs / fat / lactose than isolates
- Some mixtures contain more protein than necessary

Original article at: Mr Supplement [http://mrsupplement.ca] Best Priced Sports Nutrition and Bodybuilding Supplements Canada has to offer. Free Shipping on orders over $99.

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