Bookmark and Share

HCG Diet Blog

Foods that help you to lose excess flab sans adverse effects

May 17th, 2012

Obesity is a widespread health problem that can happen owing to various reasons. However, there is no one stop solution or miracle cure for treating obesity. Not every obese individual can benefit from a single weight loss method as statistics and researches have shown. However, health experts usually recommend moderate exercise with healthy foods for losing weight in a gradual and effective manner. There are various weight loss diets as well for overweight individuals. However, if you are weary of trying such specialized diets and cannot find enough time for hitting gym either, you can try eating some effective foods for balancing body weight. Eating these foods may not cause any overnight change in your weight but by consuming them regularly in your meals you will feel an increase in energy level and gradual reduction in body mass.

These healthy weight loss foods are available almost everywhere and they can be cooked and eaten without much hassle. These foods are rich with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants and so you can get effective protection from free radicals and your dose of nutrients by eating them.

Oatmeal- This is what diet experts recommend to be included in breakfast for weight loss. Oats contain a generous amount of fiber and can keep you full for long time after you have taken meals. They also provider your body with oodles of energy and therefore you will benefit if you eat oatmeal just an hour before going to gym or doing workouts at home. Health experts recommend that obese individuals should opt for steel cut oats.

Keep in mind that flavored oatmeal packs that you find aplenty in supermarkets may taste great but they are less nutritious. They contain more sugar and will provide you with excess calorie which will not be good for your weight loss mission. Oatmeal also offers various other health benefits than weight loss. Studies have proved that oats help people in having normal blood sugar levels and effectively lower cholesterol level.  You can add some fruits in your oatmeal based breakfast to make it state great and shed excess weight.

Apple- You possibly heard the old proverb about the health benefit offered by Apples. However, Apple not only helps in improving overall health but it is also suited for individuals looking for ways to shed excess weight. Apples contain pectin and this compound prevents accumulation of excess fat in human body. You can have apples in breakfast and it is also okay to have this fruit after meal. It would be better to have an apple when you feel those occasional hunger pangs compared to snacks and myriad of fast foods out there! If you are really careful about health then you can consider buying organic apples instead of the common breeds.

Cauliflower- This is one of the lesser known vegetables that can help you in weight loss. Since it is non starchy by nature, you can eat cauliflowers a lot without bothering about fat deposit.  It contains nutrients like vitamin C and folate. You can also try vegetable like spinach and broccoli which contain nutrients and very low amount of calorie.

Low-fat Yogurt- Contrary to what a majority of people believe, dairy products can help you in staying slim and shedding excess fat. However, you need to buy and eat right kind of dairy products like low fat yogurt and cottage cheese. Recent medical studies have shown that people on a weight loss diet obtain benefit from including low fat dairy products like yogurt in their meals. Yogurt also provides your body with a considerable amount of vital nutrients. However, it would be best if you can resist the temptation of savoring flavored yogurts as they contain sweeteners and artificial flavors.

Grapefruit- There has been some debate on the weight loss benefits of grapefruit diet. However, you can definitely include grapefruits in breakfast and even make fruit salad with them. You can also eat them before meal so that you feel less hungry and end up eating a little less than otherwise. Grapefruit is low calorie and has proven cancer fighting properties.

Various types of nuts- As a matter of fact, almost all raw nuts are good for your health and they help you in shedding body fat fast. You can try nutritious Brazil nuts, for example. They contain selenium which helps your body in keeping a high metabolism. This in turn helps in burning fat effectively. The benefit of eating nuts is that they contain fiber which aids digestion and help in beating hunger pangs. However, for slimming benefits you should ensure that you consume organic and raw nuts and not the salted and flavored varieties sold in stores. Peanuts can be very filling and you can gorge on them instead of snacks to keep excess weight at bay.

Pumpkin- The mention of pumpkin may conjure up images of Halloween and Thanksgiving for a lot of people. However, its weight loss benefits may not be known to many. It is rich in fiber and you can make various dishes with it. Pumpkin also tastes great when cooked in combination with a variety of spices and other vegetables.

Fish- Some species of fish are very nutritious and their consumption will provide your body with numerous health benefits apart from weight loss. You can include sea fish in your diet for acquiring healthy Omega 3 fatty acids and protein. To obtain maximum health and weight loss benefit from fish, you should bake, sauté or grill it rather than deep frying.  You can also add spices like garlic, ginger, pepper and green chili to add taste to cooked fish dishes without compromising on nutrition value.

Sardines are tasty and you can include this fish in your weight loss diet without thinking much. They offer you lots of protein which helps in enhancing metabolism in your body and burning fat. They can be found almost everywhere and do not cost much. Another advantage of eating sardines is that they do not contain excessive amount of contaminants including mercury, which can be the case with some other sea fish species. You can also eat seafish like tuna, mackerel and salmon to enhance body metabolism and burn fat effectively. Wild salmon may cost you more but it contains more protein than the farm raised variety.

Soy based foods- You can try eating various soy based food including cheese to get nutrients and shed extra weight. Soybeans contain antioxidants, protein, and fiber in generous amounts. It is ideal for vegetarian who want to lose weight without depriving them of required nutrition.

Berries- While a lot of fruits are good for nutrition and weight loss, the berries top the list! They are rich in fiber and low in calorie. They also offer you antioxidant benefits. You can have strawberries, blueberries and raspberries with breakfasts and salads. You can also eat them during hunger pangs.

Spices and herbs- Some of the commonplaces herbs and spices used in kitchen may actually help you in losing weight. To increase your body’s inherent fat burning metabolism add spices and herbs like garlic, ginger, and mustard to the foods cooked for meals. These spices can also help your body in toxin elimination, thus preventing excess fat buildup.

Spices and herbs that help you in losing excess weight

May 16th, 2012

Nobody loves to have a protruding belly and shedding excess flab is something every obese person thinks of. However, not all obesity fighting measures tend to bring good and lasting results to the obese lot. People gain excess weight owing to a plethora of reasons and discarding the excess weight can be really difficult at times. A number of overweight people cannot exercise owing to existing ailments and hectic lifestyle. Weight loss diets are there in abundance but some of them can cause serious side effects. In other words, there is no universal miracle cure for obesity. However, you can definitely shed excess weight by incorporating low calorie food and ingredients in your meals everyday. An active lifestyle, coupled with fresh and healthy, low calorie food will help you in getting rid of fat cells in your body. There are some commonplace spices and herbs you can try for fighting obesity effectively. All these spices and herbs are quite cheap and easily available.

The best thing about including these herbs and spices in your meal is that they will not let excess fat accumulate in your body. Apart from that, all of these spices have some beneficial properties for human body. They are good for your immune system and overall health, apart from fat fighting qualities.

Cinnamon- You may be aware of the fact that adding cinnamon to food and beverages make them aromatic and taste good but there are other benefits that you can derive from this well known spice. Cinnamon has proven attributes that help blood sugar modulation in human body. It also aids the body in processing carbohydrates. You can also add cinnamon to several diet foods and drinks including green tea. You need to take less than 1 spoon of cinnamon to lower your cholesterol level, studies have shown.  Apart from its role in speeding up sugar metabolism in human body, Cinnamon can also act as a hunger pang suppressant. Therefore, by taking cinnamon in your meals you can reduce those hunger pangs which tempt you to gorge on snacks and high calorie foods.

Eating cinnamon will help in proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It effectively normalizes digestion and helps in assimilation of essential nutrients. It also speeds up the process of toxin disposal from your body.  Therefore, Cinnamon not only helps in burning fat but it also offers numerous health benefits simultaneously. Cinnamon is widely available in markets and stores. It can be found in solid form and powder formation. To preserve its aromatic quality, it needs to be kept in air tight container.

Cinnamon can be used in conjunction with some low calorie and nutrient rich food. It can be mixed with low calorie yoghurt and you can have the mix in breakfast. You can also use cinnamon with honey for losing weight without risk of side effects. You should use quality cinnamon for getting best results in terms of weight loss and nutrition.  Vietnamese cinnamon tastes great and you can find it bin general stores.

Cardamom- Cardamom is another widely used herb that is used in kitchen frequently for making dishes yummy. It helps in increasing body metabolism and burning fat. Cardamom also plays a pivotal role in easing the digestion process and helps stomach. It can be added to herbal tea to enhance the flavor and taste.

Cayenne Pepper- Cayenne pepper, used in making a number of yummy and spicy dishes, speeds up metabolism in human body. It contains capsaicin which lends it unique spicy taste. It is known for thermogenic effect on human body.  Eating this pepper can make your body temperature escalate which in turn enhances digestion and metabolism.

Cloves- Clove is widely used spice with a number of health benefits to its credit. It is used in dishes that require baking and grilling. Clove is also used to add flavor to meat dishes. It helps in enhancing body metabolism thus aiding in fat burning.

Cumin- Cumin is a popular spice that is used to make spicy Asian delicacies. It is available both on powder and solid form. Eating cumin mixed food raises your body temperature which speeds up metabolic rate. It also tastes great when used in conjunction with other spices like pepper, turmeric and ginger. Cumin also helps improve digestion and absorption of nutrients present in foods. This helps in prevention of excess fat accumulation in your body. On an average, eating cumin made food can shot up your body’s ability to burn fat. It helps in discarding body toxins faster which also helps in fat accumulation prevention. Cumin does not have major side effects and foods made with cumin can be eaten by people from various age groups without problems.

Mustard- Mustard is used in Asian style cooking. It can be used as an excellent condiment and as a substitute of mayonnaise in sandwiches and similar snacks. Mustard is low calorie but contains a liberal amount of sodium. There are some variants of mustard and regular mustard is the one with least amount of calories.  You can also cook and spice up foods with Dijon mustard and yellow mustard. You can make your diet food spicy with mustard without fearing about taking in more calories.

Ginger- Like peppers, ginger is an herb that is known for its thermogenic attributes. It is used widely in Asian cuisine. You can also add ginger to green tea and herbal tea to enhance taste and flavor. You can also add ginger to low calorie soup and broths to enhance their benefits. Ginger is available everywhere and it is really cheap. You can even grow it in your garden without much effort.

Ginger is also good for human digestive system. It rectifies digestive system anomalies and as a result affects cholesterol levels and BMI of individuals positively. High cholesterol level is often blamed for excess weight in adult men and women. Ginger inhibits buildup of bad cholesterol in body. It actually slows down absorption of cholesterol in body and converts it to bile acids.

Garlic- Garlic is a widely used herb that is used in cooking and also for treating certain ailments. It detoxifies human body and helps in checking cholesterol level. Apart from lowering blood pressure, fighting cardiac ailments, garlic also aids in fat burning process. Garlic contains a compound named allicin that is useful for appetite suppression. Therefore, when you consume garlic or food made with this herb you are less likely to suffer from sudden hunger pangs. This reduces your chances of gorging on unhealthy and fatty foods. Apart from this, garlic also helps in enhancing body metabolism. With enhanced metabolism, your body becomes better equipped to burn calorie and shed excess weight.

While these herbs and spices have properties that can help in fat burning, just eating them may not help you in shedding fat. These spices need to be used with right kind of low calorie foods and you need to take them in required amounts. Apart from that, you need to lead an active lifestyle and check your intake of calorie rich and fatty foods. One major benefit of including these spices in your weight loss diet is that you need not worry about any adverse effects.

Eat the right kind of foods to gain from HCG weight loss programs

May 15th, 2012

People resort to a myriad of methods to get rid of excess body weight these days. The obese lot try yoga, exercise, special diets and a combination of all these to get a slender body. However, not all weight loss measures can be effective for overweight men or women. In recent years HCG based weight loss products and supplements have gained popularity. This is a hormone based weight loss measure that can be used to treat obesity in adult male and female candidates.

However, you need to follow the right kind of diet to benefit the most from HCG based weight loss programs. While HCG weight loss measures are quite effective, they work the best when a candidate eats right kind of foods. Ideally, obese people who are adhering to a HCG weight loss program need to combine vegetable, lean protein, fruit in their meals for some weeks. The dishes should be made by boiling, steaming or grilling instead of deep frying. It is okay to add some zing to the food with apple cedar vinegar, salt, lemon juice, pepper and green chili.

During the tenure of a HCG based weight loss program, you need to eat protein enriched food like chicken and lean beef. You will also benefit from including seafood in your meals. For example, you can eat crab, lobster and shrimp. Eating eggs is also beneficial for followers of this weight loss method. Vegetarians can eat diary and soymilk based products for protein.

When you are following a HCG based weight loss regime, it is necessary to eat plenty of dark green vegetables for getting your quota of vital nutrients. You can have lettuce, celery, tomato, spinach, cucumber, cabbage etc. Apart from these you can also have veg dishes made of mushroom, alfalfa sprouts and green beans. During this regime, you should have citrus fruits along with different kind of berries. It is better to have fresh juicy fruits instead of dried ones. Canned foods should be avoided to.

Even when you are on a weight loss regime, your body will require plenty of fluid intakes. It is ideal to drink around 2 liters of water every day. You can also drink green tea and other caffeine free beverages. There are various HCG diet products in markets and you should choose one carefully. You can read about HCG True diet to get better information on this context.

Obesity drug Lorcaserin may be approved by FDA despite some hiccups

May 14th, 2012

The desire to look attractive and slender is universal and this is the reason some drug companies make millions of dollars in revenue from selling obesity solution products. Not all such weight loss products bring equal results though. Some of them can also lead to development of several side effects. Generally, weight loss drugs that come with approval by FDA are considered safe by the users. Pharmaceutical companies try to get their drugs FDA approved for this reason.

In a recent development, government health regulators received recommendation from advisers on approving Lorcaserin. If it gets FDA nod, that will be a first for a prescription weight loss medication in the USA after a long gap. However, the only aspect that could prove to be a roadblock for getting approval for the product is its side effects related to cardiac health. After this, the stock prices of Arena Pharmaceuticals shot up. Arena’s lorcaserin, meant for weight loss got a thumb up from expert advisers who elected it with an 18-4 vote. They said that the drug has some side effects but its benefits for fighting obesity outweigh the potential drawbacks by large.

Jack Lief, the CEO of Arena said in his statement that his company will cooperate with the FDA by all possible means. FDA will let the company know of its decision by the end of June this year, as per the latest updates. The drug is meant for people suffering from obesity and weight-related health issues like high blood pressure levels. While the FDA is under no compulsion to adhere to the recommendations made by its advisory panel, in general it does so. Arena approached FDA last year for approving this drug but that time its plea was rejected. The reason cited by FDA for rejection was potential adverse effects of the product.

The vote of the panel was preceded by a favorable review of lorcaserin by federal health regulators. During the previous trial of the medication, FDA scientists objected to approving the drug as they had found its negative effects on animals that included development of tumors. This time the company has submitted additional data for winning the favor of FDA and getting the drug approved. The new studies suggest that the drug can cause development of tumor only in a handful of cases. However, its detractors are still worried about its capability to cause damage to cardiac valves and make blood pressure shot up, in diabetes patients.

Earlier in 2012, Vivus Inc, arch rival of Arena won approval from the FDA for selling its diet product Qnexa. However, in a later note Vivus said that FDA pushed back the date for final decision on Qnexa to mid of July. It is true that obese people always look for drugs and supplements that will help them to shed weight but these drugs are no magic cure for obesity.

As per the data available from research, Lorcaserin usage results in moderate weight loss in adult individuals. Over 38 percent of test candidates lost 5 percent of their body weight and this in fact is adequate for getting nod from FDA. However, average weight loss result with Qnexa is far better, as studies have shown.

However, Arena is leaving no stone unturned to market the product well and the recommendation from FDA advisory body has only encouraged the company. It said that to market Lorcaserin well it has tied up with Eisai Inc a Japan based company and this will help it in capturing markets outside the USA. Eisai will take up distribution and marketing task once the drug gets final approval from FDA.

HCG weight loss products under scanner

May 14th, 2012

For losing weight obese individuals go to almost any length these days but their efforts are not always fruitful. In their bid to lose excess flab, fat women and men resort to various measures. Some of them fare well while a number of people suffer from adverse effects of weight loss measures at times. This is not to say that as an obese person you should not try a weight loss measure. However, you need to be careful and do some research about the effectiveness of weight loss measures before trying them. This is particularly applicable for those who try several types of weight loss diets.

In a recent development, BBB or Better Business Bureau has issued warnings about the implications of weight loss drugs based on HCG Extreme which are sold in sprays, pellets as well as oral drops. As a matter of fact, HCG and HCG based products do not enjoy approval by FDA. Earlier, doctors resorted to HCG for treating infertility cases and not for treating obesity.

However, manufacturers of HCG products say that these dietary supplements help in fine tuning metabolisms in human body and aid in changing unusual eating patterns over time. They go on to claim that HCG weight loss products help an individual to shed up to 30 pounds in a little more than a month, which sounds impressive. Elizabeth Miller, a FDA certified pharmacist, is a tad skeptical about the effects of HCG based products. According to her, a majority of these weight loss products have unsuitable amounts of calorie.

In what may come as a morbid development to the companies selling and manufacturing HCG based drugs, FDA and Federal Trade Commission shot off some letters last year. These brands were warned by the two watchdogs that their medicines for weight loss do not meet the standards set by the federal entities. A FDA official said on this issue that selling HCG based products as typical OTC drug is outside the ambit of Federal law. He went on to say that if these companies do not pay heed to the notices issued by the FTC and FDA in near future, consequences may not be good. They may get subjected to criminal prosecution.

HCG Extreme has been rated F by BBB. It has as many as 53 complaints against this product. HCG Extreme has got such a low rating owing to delay in action on a patient, advertising issues, inadequate information and failure to react to customer grievances etc. BBB also has issues with the way HCG manufacturers advertise their products and services on leading social networking sites. This has prompted BBB to warn obese individual seeking weight loss solutions.

As per the BBB guidelines, obese individuals should purchase HCG or any other kind of weight loss supplements with attention to some aspects. The customers seeking reliable and effective weight loss products need to do their research well rather than relying on marketing jargons used by companies selling these products. It is important to see what components are used in these products and this holds true for the natural and herbal supplements too! Customers should also try to find out about possibilities of side effects caused by weight loss supplements including HCG products. Products that can lead serious side effects should not be tried. It is important to test how realistic are the claims made by companies that sell HCG weight loss drugs. Not all HCG weight loss products offer money refund assurance. You should opt for packages that are sold with a money back provision. You can check the HCG True diet in this context and see how it differs from conventional weight loss programs.

Fish based diet to lose weight effectively

May 11th, 2012

There are no shortage of methods for losing weight and obese lot try out every available option to shed those ugly pounds from their body. However, a lot of people who are overweight cannot go to gym or try out certain weight loss diets. In some cases, their physical conditions prevent them from trying out a number of weight loss options. A majority of weight loss methods involve a change in diet. There are various specialized diets which are meant for obese people. The list includes fruit based diet, liquid diet, vegetable based diet etc. However, you need to remember that when you switch to a new diet for weight loss, not taking required nutrients is not desired. In your quest to lose weight you may adopt a new diet but if that results in your body not getting its required nutrients, it’s not worth following. The weight loss diet should be adequate for meeting your body’s nutritional requirements.

This is a reason fish is popular among diet experts. Fish is usually low in fat and rich in protein which makes it suitable for people on a diet. You can definitely try a fish based diet for weight loss but it is important to know what kind of fish you should eat and in which form to get nutrition and shake off excess weight.

Eat a variety of fish- When you switch to a diet comprising mostly of fish products, variety in dish will be an advantage. From a practical note, you will not like eating the same fish everyday! Besides, various fish species offer nutrients in different quantities, so you should not stick to only one.  There is no denying that buying and cooking fresh fish from regional market will be good for your health and weight. However, for all obese individuals that may not be possible, at least always. When you cannot get fresh fish, opt for canned fish. When you cook fish, remember that baking and grilling will destroy fewer nutrients than deep frying or making a dish with a lot of spices.

Pregnant women ideally shoddily not try fish based diet because some fish species contain mercury, which can be bad for the fetus. It is also important that you do not eat a lot of carp or catfish. This is because such fish species are known for eating everything and often consume pollutants too.

Whole fish diet will supply you with lots of nutrients you still need to eat some other foods to get your doses of healthy fat and certain vitamins. While following a fish based diet, have fish dishes in both lunch and dinner but in breakfast try taking vegetables and salads. This way you will not get bored of eating too many fish based dishes.

Smoked salmon is good for weight and health management- If you are unsure about which kind of food will be good for losing weight and getting nutrients, try salmon. This fish contains a plethora of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and vitamin E. It tastes great and has rich and moist texture. The nice thing is that you can have more salmon than chicken and still get fewer calories. Its omega-3 fatty acids are needed for optimum health and smoked salmon is less toxic than other sea fish like swordfish. There are some smoked salmon variants that do not contain any carbohydrates and others contain little amount of it.

Tuna is good for losing weight- Tuna fish is ideal for obese lots who want a source of animal protein minus unnecessary fat. It contains very little amount of carbohydrates. It is also low in calorie and so you can gorge on it without fearing about calorie overdose. However, as per FDA guidelines an adult should not eat over 6 ounces of tuna a week. You can eat either light or solid white tuna.  You can add several condiments to tuna dishes like mustard, mayonnaise etc.

Things to remember while adhering to a fish based diet for weight loss-While switching from a regular diet to a fish based diet will be good for weight loss and health overall, you need to keep some aspects in mind. While eating tuna is good, refrain from having tuna sandwich. Of course, it is tasty but it contains ingredients that are high in calorie. A lot of people always deep fry any fish and then dip it in tartar sauce. This is something should avoid if you are on a mission to lose weight. You can surely have some amount of fried fish while dieting, but the majority of fish delicacies that you eat should be either baked or grilled. In fact, canned fish consumption is better than gorging on lots of deep fried fish. However, when you buy canned fish, do not forget to check how fresh it is. Look for the expiry and packaging date.

Resort to fish oil pills- Apart from eating fish delicacies for losing weight, an obese individual can also try popping fish oil pills. Fish oil supplements can also do your health good since they contain omega 3 fatty acids. However, you should talk with your doctor regarding the permissible amount of fish oil supplement you can take per day for battling obesity. Taking fish oil pills or supplements in excess can be counterproductive for your health. If you are unsure about which type of fish oil would be good for shedding excess weight and maintaining health, resort to the resources provided by the American Heart Associations. It suggests consumption of fish oil obtained from fish breeds like tuna, sardines, trout, mackerel and salmon for weight loss seekers. Good quality fish oil helps in lowering of insulin levels in human body, thereby allowing more amounts of fat to be burnt up. However, it would not be prudent for you to start using nay over the counter fish oil pills. Buy fish oil products from a reputed brand and consult your dietician for references on this regard.

To get maximum benefits from fish oil supplements and pill, you can do moderate hands free exercise.  A study carried out by University of South Australia has shown a combination of exercise and consumption of fish oil pills reduces body weight faster than conventional methods. It also reduces possibilities of a number of cardiac and blood related ailments in people.

Sardines are good for losing weight safely- Touted as one of the super foods that obese individuals will benefit from, sardines should be a part of your fish based weight loss diet. Not only they help you to shed excess flab but also lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiac health over time. This small sea fish is neither expensive nor difficult to acquire. It can be found fresh or canned. They are replete with essential nutrients like Calcium, Vitamin D, proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids. Owing to its high protein content, you will feel full for quite some time after meal. This will translate into reduced hunger pangs and lesser chances of gorging on junk food and snacks.  Therefore, by including sardines in your diet you get essential nutrients bit less calorie and fat per day. Sardines are usually devoid of contaminants like mercury which is found in some seafood.

Deficiency of Foods that can cause hair problems

May 10th, 2012

Losing hair is a part of ageing that happens to all woman and man as they step into old age. However, for some of them hair loss becomes a problem. Every day, a grown up man or woman can lose some amounts of hair but when this keeps on growing and lesser new hair is grown, baldness sets in. This can be caused by a number of reasons. Hair loss is often caused by genetics. Some people also lose hair owing to exposure to radiation and certain forms of medication. In women, physical conditions like pregnancy and menopause can also lead to loss of hair. However, for a lot of grown up people, hair loss is caused and aggravated by their diet. Even though few people know and actually think about it, a lot of cases of baldness and hair loss are actually linked to their eating habits. Certain foods and diets can worsen your hair health and lead to baldness in long run. It is better for you to know about such foods and eating habits to resolve hair related problems.

Hair loss caused by Caffeine- There has been considerable amount of debate in medical community about the impact of caffeine on hair loss in men and women.  It is true that excess consumption of tea and coffee enhances level of stress, which can quicken hair loss cycle. While tea, coffee and chocolate contain caffeine, it is also found in a number of other food sources, though in varying amounts. It is also found in some cosmetic products. There are some conflicting claims on the positive fests of caffeine in hair growth.  However, there is lack of any strong scientific evidence that shows caffeine consumption is beneficial on hair. Therefore, you should refrain from consuming caffeine containing foods and drinks in excess as far as possible.

Hair loss triggered by sugary foods- You should not eat foods that are way too sweet or contain excess amounts of sugar if you suffer from hair loss. These foods can aggravate the condition. It can result in protein breakdown. This, in turn, speeds up cellular aging process, resulting in dry scalp and hair loss.

Hair loss caused by alcohol consumption- Alcohol consumption in excess is bad for your health and neither will it help you in maintaining healthy hair. Human body needs its dose of zinc to keep hair growing. When you drink excessive amounts of alcohol it interferes with zinc absorption by the body. This can trigger hair loss. However, if you drink alcohol within limits, that will not cause any problem.

Junk and fatty foods behind hair loss- When you gorge on junk and fatty foods on a daily basis you aggravate your chances of losing hair. Human hair is composed mostly of protein and it is derived from the foods you eat. When you replace healthy protein enriched foods with fatty and junk foods, your protein intake takes a nosedive. In long run, it may spell doom for your hair health.

Relying on animal protein heavily may cause hair problems- While animal meat is a good source of protein, it comes with some drawbacks too. Animal protein is often imbued with unhealthy fats and people who rely heavily on high protein diet may deprive their body of other essential nutrients that are needed for hair growth. You can mix sources of vegetable and animal proteins in your meal.

Excess salt consumption may trigger hair loss- It is true that iodine and sodium are required for hair growth and healthy immune system. However, over consuming these minerals can actually be counterproductive for your health and hair. Excess iodine consumption can interfere with thyroid’s functioning which can lead to hypothyroidism and hair loss. Excess salt consumption also affects your blood pressure negatively. Therefore, if you are in the habit of sprinkling the table salt on fried foods in restaurants, it is time you stop it.

Nutrient deficiency related hair loss- A lot of people are not particular about checking whether their meals offer them the daily dose of nutrients. As long as they take food in certain amount they feel it is good for their health. However, this is actually far from true. If your body is deprived of its daily dose of nutrients it can hamper with your health and hair growth adversely. A number of people suffering from hair loss resort to applying hair damage repair products but the root lie in their diet and choice of foods.

A number of people suffer from hair problems and hair loss owing to lack of vitamins in their diets. Vitamin A is required for healthy hair and its absence or overdose can lead to hair loss in individuals. Other nutrients that you need to have healthy hair are zinc, biotin and vitamin B12. If your diet is devoid of any of these nutrients, you may experience hair loss and it can happen at any age after adulthood. Zinc deficiency results in the scalp healthy getting affected. A lot of women and men suffering from dandruff problem do not take adequate amounts of zinc in their meals. At times, it may so happen that specific foods you eat can interrupt in zinc absorption in body, resulting in scalp damage.

When your diet does not include required amount of Vitamin B12, it can also trigger hair loss. Vitamin B12 aids in forming healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to body parts. This includes the scalp and hair cells.

A lot of people make the mistake of excluding vital nutrients like protein and iron when they are on a weight loss diet. Lack of protein and iron intake can lead to hair loss. If you cannot take adequate protein in your meals, consider taking protein supplements. Many vegetable sources also contain protein including soy based products. Same can be said about impact on iron deficiency on hair. When your body cannot absorb required iron, the hair and scalp suffers the most. Iron supplements can solve the problem. Some ailments like bulimia and Anorexia nervosa can cause the body to discard certain nutrients leading to healthy and hair growth problems.

Silica is another component which is required for healthy and shiny hair. Unfortunately, foods used in western diet contain little amount of silica. Vegetables like asparagus, onion, lettuce, leek and cabbage contain silica. However, your body can get its dosage of silica when you eat vegetables harvested in organic farms. You can also try eating silica rich foods raw, as in salads, to give your hair the benefits.

While certain kinds of foods are required for hair growth and health not all individuals may benefit from them. There are some fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients for healthy scalp and hair some people may be allergic to. This can also happen with some sources of animal proteins. In such situations, an individual can resort to supplements to fulfill particular nutrient deficiency. This needs to be done after consulting with a doctor. You should eat foods containing nutrients needed for healthy hair in unprocessed form to obtain maximum benefits. Processed and overcooked foods are low in nutrients and they cannot give you optimum benefit for hair health.

Top diet plans for weight loss

May 9th, 2012

For losing excess weight people can go to any length nowadays. Obesity troubles a huge number of people and they try various methods to get rid of it for good. Some people try to kick off that ugly flab from their body by exercising. Some others try changing their diet and resort to weight loss supplements. However, not all weight loss methods can work the same way for obese people. A lot of doctors and health experts recommend choosing the right kind of diet and couple it with moderate exercise to lose weight effectively and safely. However, finding the right diet for weight loss can be challenging for you. There are so many weight loss diet pans available and the variety can leave you dazed. Therefore, it is better that you know the details about popular weight loss diets. This way you can understand which weight loss diet is suitable for you and can fit your lifestyle and needs better.

Vegetarian weight loss diet

Switching to a vegetarian diet is not only good for controlling obesity but it can also help you in many other ways. A lot of health complications can be mitigated when you adhere to a vegetarian diet. As a matter of fact, medical studies have shown that people who follow a vegetarian diet end up consuming less calorie and fat than others. However, they do not get fewer nutrients for not consuming animal meant. However, you need to pick the right kind of vegetables to shed weight and get the required nutrition, say diet experts.

A lot of things depend on cooking method as far as weight loss is concerned. Those sticking to a vegetarian diet should eat vegetables that are not cooked too spicily or absorbed in oil. Frying should be avoided as far as possible. You can find some excellent resources on web for making vegetable dishes that ensure you get nutrients and stay away from unnecessary calories.

Vegan weight loss diet

A vegan weight loss diet may resemble a vegetarian diet but in reality it surpasses the latter. It is not uncommon to see some vegetarians taking eggs and dairy products in their meals. However, vegans strictly avoid any animal by product including milk. A vegan weight loss diet is comprised mostly of vegetables and legumes which are low in calorie but offer great nutrition. When you follow a vegan diet for weight loss, your meal is made of fiber rich foods like fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Therefore, you will not flee hunger pangs or suffer from lack of proteins and vitamins while adhering to such a diet for losing excess flab.

One big advantage of a vegan diet is that it helps you avoid taking excess animal fats and cholesterol. Often animal protein sources are imbued with unhealthy fats. This is not the case with soy protein or other vegetarian sources of protein.  To add taste to vegan dishes, you can use spices and herbs that do not have any fat content. Try to use less amounts of oil while cooking vegan dishes.

To get your dose of protein while adhering to a vegan weight loss diet, eat plenty of tofu, soy and nuts. However, you need to check the fat content in meat replacement vegan dishes. Take your meals in small portions instead of eating lot thrice a day as it will help you in staving off weight. To gain from a vegan diet for combating obesity, include organic vegetables, fruits and soy products in your meal. You also need to ensure that your body is getting its dose of healthy fat. For this you can cook foods in sunflower oil and olive oil.

Fruit diet for combating obesity

Among various popular diets for losing weight, fruit based diets deserve a mention. These diets can be helpful for shedding excess weight fast but not every obese individual can try them.  Fruits contain more fiber and fewer calories compared to other foods. The water content as well as fiber in fruits also helps the body to flush out toxins which can otherwise result in fat accumulation. This is why a number of weight loss diet plans include a liberal amount of fruits.

However, you should not stick to a fruit based diet for more than a few days. You can also combine animal protein sources with fruits. For getting the required amount of healthy fats, eat raw almonds and sprinkle olive oil on food. You can eat seasonal fruits and those that are available all round the year. While following a fruit based diet, you should refrain from alcohol, smoking and fatty foods to obtain the maximum benefit. To resist occasional hunger pangs when you are on a fruit only diet, drink plenty of water and fruit juice. This will further aid in throwing away toxins and fats from your body.

Fruit based weight loss diets should not be followed for long time. In any case, it should not be continued for more than two weeks. You should talk with a doctor before starting such a diet. People suffering from specific ailments like diabetes and hypoglycemia should be cautious about resorting to such diet.

Liquid based weight loss diet

To lose excess body fat quickly, a number of obese individuals resort to liquid based diets.  However, these diets cannot be followed for a long time simply because human body needs solid foods. In most instances, such diets should be tried for 1 week to 10/12days. You can drink fruit juices during such diet and mix fruits like oranges, lemon and apple. Apart from fruit juices, drink green tea and plenty of water to supply your body the required nutrition.

You can also eat broth based soups consisting of animal proteins and dairy products. You can use boneless fish portions in the soups as well. To get a wholesome meal, add finely chopped vegetables like celery and spinach to the soups. However, refrain from adding butter, sugar and high fat cheese to the soup while you are on this diet. Those who do not eat animal meat can consider taking multivitamin supplements whole following a liquid based diet for weight loss.

Diet based on milk and dairy products for weight loss

Before low fat and skimmed milk and dairy products were available, weight loss aspirants were particular about cutting off milk related products from their meals. However, the truth is you will benefit from including dairy products like yoghurt, cheese and milk in your meals. These are rich in nutrients and can aid weight loss process when eaten in proper proportions and ways.

You can find out milk and dairy products that are low in calorie and fat content from their packaging. The benefit of these low fat dairy products is that they give you good amount of nutrients like vitamins and calcium but contain less fat. Diet experts think that the calcium found in milk and dairy products actually contribute to weight loss by breaking down fat deposits in human body. You can start incorporating semi-skimmed milk, skimmed milk and yoghurts with low fat content in your meals. It is also prudent to have low fat hard cheddar cheese in your diet for weight loss.

 

Top drinks that can aid in weight loss

May 8th, 2012

Obesity is a major health problem millions of adults suffer from worldwide and there are numerous methods available to fight this problem. However, there is no miracle solution to battle obesity and the same weight loss method does not work for every fat individual. Besides, some weight loss products and measures can lead to adverse effects on people at times. Therefore, it is prudent that you opt for a weight loss solution that is suitable for you. The food that you eat also plays a role in losing and retaining weight and the same is applicable for drinks also. You may be amazed to know how certain drinks can help you in cutting body flab quickly. However, you need to choose the right kind of diet for losing weight at the same time. Doing moderate exercise will help your body in burning extra calories and lose excess flab effectively.

Water – While it may sound a little mundane to some people, drinking water can really help you in getting rid of obesity faster. A number of popular weight loss diets involve drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. A lot of diet experts suggest that people willing to lose weight should drink a glass of water before every big meal. This will help them in eating little less than what they would have eaten otherwise. When you drink cold water, the body works to warm it up and in the process it burns more calories. By taking 8-9 glasses of cold water, an individual can burn up to 250 calories per day.

Milk- Contrary to what many people think, drinking milk will not make you obese. Of course, you need to drink the right kind of milk. You can make smoothies with low fat milk. However, you cannot dink milk if you are lactose intolerant. Same benefit can be derived from low fat yoghurt. You can add yogurt based smoothies in your diet to get more calcium and stay lean at the same time. You can find various types of low fat milk in market these days and for losing weight, it is important to pick the low fat and skimmed varieties. It would be the best if you buy a variant that does not contain artificial flavor nad any sweetening agent.  According to the existing quantity of saturated fat, packaged milk is classified as skim milk, reduced fat milk and whole milk. Drinking low fat milk helps you in getting leaner body and also keeps possibilities of certain ailments at bay.

Contrary to popular perceptions, chocolate milk can actually help you in shedding weight. However, you need to ensure that you drink it in moderation as chocolate contains affair amount of sugar.

Green Tea- Drinking green tea is beneficial for your health and also the waistline! You should not use milk while preparing green tea variants to obtain the health and weight loss benefits. However, you can take it cold and add some ice cubes for that purpose. To shake excess weight, you need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits along with drinking green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, an ingredient that accelerates weight loss process in your body. These burn the triglyceride deposits which may lead to fat accumulation. Studies have indicated that polyphenols contain a substance called EGCG that accelerates human metabolism.  Hence, Green tea can speed up weight loss by hiking the metabolic rate which benefits in turn from exercising. Green tea also boosts the stamina level of an individual which translates into the fact that he or she can work out for longer durations, resulting in more calorie burning and resultant weight loss. However, you need to ensure that you are using quality green tea. Many brands sell aromatic and flavored versions of green tea that may taste great but offer less health advantages to users.

Fruit juice- While some fruits contain fiber which is effective for weight loss, drinking fruit juice can also benefit you in this regard. However, you need to ensure that you are drinking the rigid kind of fruit juice. Drinking artificial fruit flavored drinks and drinks with sweetness will not give you much benefit in this regard. As it has been seen, processed fruit juices do not contain fruit pulp. They also contain excess sugar which can actually be counterproductive for your weight loss goals. You can also try taking vegetable juices instead of fruit juices for attaining a slim figure. You can also drink a glass of vegetable of natural fruit juice half an hour before taking lunch or dinner. This will lessen your appetite to an extent and you will end up eating little less, resulting in less calorie intake per meal. You can use a number of vegetables for making fruit juices including cucumber, carrots, beetroot and asparagus for making juices. Drinking these juices will provide your body with much needed nutrients and at the same time will ensure that your calorie intake stays within limit. You can add spices like garlic powder and pepper to vegetable juices to make them spicier and tastier. Doing so will hasten up the fat dissolution process in body fueled by enhanced metabolism.

Coconut water- Coconut water is a natural gift you can use for getting loads of nutrients and losing weight. Coconut water is rich in nutrients like vitamin B. It also contains a natural variant of glucose. This gets into bloodstream easily and reduces craving for sweet foods to an extent. Coconut water is diuretic and so it aids in flushing out toxins from your body. These toxins, when accumulated can result in unexpected weight gain. Drinking coconut water is far better than consuming soda and sweet juices. Those who suffer from thyroid gland problems and cannot use some weight loss measures because of that, drinking coconut water can help them.

Soy Milk- If you are not comfortable with drinking milk and dairy products, it is time you try soy milk for nutrition and weight loss at the same time. It is ideal for people with lactose intolerance. It does not contain any cholesterol and little amount of fat. The calories in soy milk are derived from fat to an extent but these are healthy unsaturated fats needed by your body. Unsaturated fat intake leads to better weight management and better cardiovascular health in individuals.

Lemonade- Drinking lemonade and lemon juice can help you in shedding weight fast. You can also add maple syrup to lemon juice to make it taste better. It also helps in digestion process.

Wulong Tea- Wulong tea also known as oolong tea has its origins in China.  It has proven fat burning properties. It can be compared to green tea when it comes to number of health benefits. However, owing to the way it is harvested, it has a brown hue. It also has a woodier flavor owing to this oxidation process. Apart from boosting immune system and improving skin texture, Wulong tea is known for its role in weight loss. It has polyphenols that kick start thermogenesis in human body. This, in turn, results in better fat burning in body. It is almost doubly effective in burning calories than conventional green tea, as studies have shown.

Flowers and Herbs that promote hair growth and prevent hair damages

May 7th, 2012

Hair related problems haunt both women and men across the world and they seek remedies in various treatments and products. While hair loss and damage can be caused by many factors, a majority of people suffering from them are not much knowledgeable on suitability of the available solutions. Not all commercially available hair loss prevention products work the same way and they are no miracle cure as such. At times, people with specific medical condition may suffer from effects after using chemical based hair loss solution products. This happens because such hair loss prevention products contain string chemicals which some users may be allergic to.

That is a reason why natural and herbal hair care solutions have become popular. If you are suffering from hair loss and damage related problems, consider applying some herbs that have proven therapeutic properties for hair nourishment and damage repair. In fact, some commonplace flowers and herbs can be used to stop hair loss and promote growth of new hair. They are not much expensive of difficult to procure and so you can give your thinning hairline a boost with this herb and flower extracts.

Hibiscus – Found in abundance in India and many other countries, hibiscus is known for its hair growth promoting properties. It is being used for healthy hair from ancient times. Both the leaves and flowers of haikus contain properties that are beneficial for human scalp and hair, as studies have shown. Hibiscus has a cooling and soothing action on scalp. It has astringent properties which help people with excessive oily scalp and hair follicles. Apart from that, it is also effective in eliminating problems like scalp itching and irritation. To treat hair loss you can boil hibiscus leaves and flowers overnight and apply the strained water on scalp the next day. If you do not like applying oil on your hair, apply hibiscus flower pulp n hair for half an hour prior to rinsing. This helps in combating dandruff problems too.

Arnica – A member of daisy family, this herb is usually applied in topical formulation. It is used for treating a number of health problems apart from hair fall. The anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of Arnica can heal several scalp infections. It helps in rejuvenating the scalp and strengthening hair. It also controls sebum production thus controlling dandruff. Arnica is also useful in prevention of premature graying. Arnica needs to be used diluted and its overdose can be counterproductive.

Calendula –Another widely known herb Calendula has several antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. It can soothe irritated scalp. To get shiny and lustrous hair, you can use calendula flower steeped in warm water in the final rinse.

Rosemary- A popular herb with therapeutic properties, Rosemary has green leaves with sharp edges and light blue flowers. It has a refreshing aroma and helps in rejuvenating scalp.  It was originally grown in Mediterranean areas tough you can find it in other places too. It has properties that stop hair loss and receding hairline. Apart from that, it thwarts premature graying of hair. People who suffer from dandruff and find it difficult to get rid of itching scalp and white flakes will benefit from application of Rosemary. If you cannot find rosemary n your region, try applying rosemary oil on your scalp. You can also make an infusion by boiling it in water and using the strained water as a rinsing solution. It is also possible to use it as a natural hair conditioner. You can mix Rosemary with apple cider vinegar. You can use this mixture after shampooing your hair.

Jojoba oil-Derived from Simmondsia chinensis, a desert plant, jojoba oil is known for its hair damage repair benefits. It is imbued with vitamin E and aids in hair thinning reduction. It is non greasy by nature and therefore helps in breaking up sebum deposit on human scalp. Hence, it is useful for treating hair problems like oily scalp, dandruff, eczema and scalp psoriasis that are caused by excess sebum generation and deposit. Jojoba oil has antioxidant properties and can fight free radicals that cause harm to hair follicles. It also enhances blood circulation which in turn promotes hair growth. Hair becomes stronger and shiner with regular application of jojoba oil.

Lavender- A number of scalp related problems are treated with Lavender oil. It has many other beneficial properties including dandruff prevention and hair regeneration. Its soothing properties provide relief from stress and headache. You can mix lavender oil with coconut oil for application on scalp. To treat lice and dandruff, you can use a mixture of curd and lavender oil. Leave this on your hair for a couple of hours and then rinse off.

Neem- Known for its enormous healing and anti bacterial properties, Neem has been used in ayurveda since ancient ages. It is good for your skin and scalp. Neem’s immune-boosting properties stimulate hair growth and treat infected scalp. Neem oil is a good remedy for treating Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called dandruff. Neem oil also treats parasitic infection and kills lice.

Ginkgo Biloba-This popular herbal remedy has various medicinal uses including hair growth. It helps in increasing flow of blood to scalp and thereby allows your hair follicles to get more nutrients for growth and regeneration.

 

Fenugreek- Fenugreek, a commonly used spice in Indian kitchens, is also ideal for fighting hair loss and several hair related problems effectively. The seeds of Fenugreek promote hair regeneration. Studies have shown that it contains lecithin in large amounts. This is an emollient and makes hair stronger and shiny. Fenugreek also provides hair with necessary moisture.  You can use fenugreeks for improving hair health and combating hair loss in a number of ways.

 

You can soak a spoonful of fenugreek seeds in boiled water every night. The next day, you can filter the water and drink it. This can help you in battling hair loss. You can also boil fenugreek seeds which can be mixed with coconut oil.  This concoction can be applied to your scalp before rinsing. This should be applied on scalp and hair thrice a week for shiny hair. Left over fenugreek seeds can also be used as a good shampoo for your hair. Grind it with cooked black bean and apply this mixture on your scalp twice a week.

 

Sunflower oil- Mention of sunflower oil conjures up imagery of cooking foods but it is also beneficial for your hair. It makes hair lustrous, shiny and soft and this is the reason it is now used in various hair care formulations. The presence of several minerals, Vitamins as well as omega fatty acids in sunflower oil promotes healthy hair. It also helps in controlling frizziness in hair and makes it manageable.

 

Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil is mostly known for its various beneficial properties for skin.  It is also good for hair health. Tea tree oil is a non greasy formulation that does not leave scalp or hair greasy. On the contrary, it thoroughly cleans the scalp and eradicates dandruff. It is sold in market and easily available. You can also blend this in your shampoo to enhance its efficacy.  Tea tree oil also leaves hair well moisturized and it can be used by men and women from various age groups.