Health and Diet Articles

Archive for March, 2009

What Is Nutrigenomics and How Can It Help You to Lose Weight?

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

gmo-cornNutrigenomics is the practice of genetically modifying foods to increase the value of nutrition. It has been cleverly referred to as the DNA diet and is a new attempt at determining how the foods that we eat are transformed into the epidemic of obesity on a molecular level. This is considered to be new science and shows promise of reducing the obesity that we are faced with on a regular basis. 

It seems that the majorities of foods that have become part of our diets are unhealthy and filled with refined sugar and carbohydrates and have undergone high levels of processing. Through the methods that are used to create these foods pump these foods full of preservatives that can cause weight gain.
 
The human genome has been mapped and this can help to determine the causes of weight loss, aside from the foods that we eat and the lifestyle choices that we make. For the first time, scientists are trying to find a correlation  between diet and genetics.

With the introduction of these theories, it has become possible to tailor specific diets based on the DNA which is found. Therefore, simply obtaining a sample of DNA can help to match specific foods to the weight loss program that will cause the individual to have the most success with the weight loss.

Although this trend has yet to catch on to the general public, there are many athletes that are trying to take advantage of the weight loss program – but the cost is one of the major hindrances to the diet not being viable for members of the community. The costs which are associated with the testing and diagnosis can range to several thousand dollars.

There are many internet websites that offer customized diet programs to the general public for the price of about $500.00 to $1,400.00. These prices can make the process affordable and are an effective way to find a weight loss program that works for you. After all, this cost is comparable to other companies that offer diet programs and weight loss aids to those that are struggling through the process of weight loss.

What will the genetic testing discover about the person that is trying to tailor make a diet to their genes? In the case that there are any deficiencies within the body, the diet can determine which foods should be avoided or which foods should be consumed at higher levels in order to minimize the effects and even to correct these deficiencies.

As for weight loss, there is no specific plan that works for every single person. The body type, genetics and heredity are all aspects of determining which diet plan will be successful for you and therefore determining which needs that you have in a weight loss program and which will be the most successful when trying to shed those pounds that seem so hard to lose – especially stubborn belly fat.

There is much work that needs to be completed, as the discovery has only been for minimal genes associated with weight loss. More research must be completed to ensure full effectiveness of this type of diet plan – but it does lead help into the future for weight loss!

Losing Weight With Oolong Tea

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

Oolong tea has been hailed the weight loss tea that is more effective than green tea and can supposedly help the dieter to get rid of the stubborn belly fat that is associated with being impossible to lose. Oolong tea is an effective means of weight loss that has been used by thousands of dieters trying to shed excess pounds through the weight loss process.  

Oolong tea is a dark tea which has been compared to the tastes of coffee.  It has been also referred to as the popular Wu-Yi tea as it is an effective means of weight loss because of the high levels of polyphenols.
Are the claims of Oolong tea being effective for weight loss true? Is it possible to lose weight with a tea supplement and exercise? How does Oolong tea work? All of your questions about Oolong tea can now be answered and the quest for weight loss may be determined through the use of the popular tea.  

All weight loss programs require a combination of diet and exercise. The diet should consist of low fats, whole grains and fruits and vegetables to ensure that weight loss can be achieved. The diet is combined with the effects of the tea to start an effective weight loss program when the tea is consumed through the day.  

The high level of polyphenols that are found in the Oolong tea not only contribute to weight loss, but also contribute to a high level of antioxidants which are found in the body. These polyphenols are also found in lesser amounts, in green tea – another type of tea that has been found beneficial in the process of weight loss. The polyphenols have the ability to reduce the triglycerides which are found in the body and can contribute to the control of weight and the control of obesity in the dieter.  

As well as working to speed the metabolism, the tea can decrease the cravings for sugar that exist when a dieter is beginning a weight loss program. Sugar and carbohydrate cravings are often detrimental to the diet and can be reduced through the diet plan.  

There are many types of the Wu-Yi or Oolong tea that combine unique flavors and robust scents which can determine the price of the tea. There are many varieties of the tea that can be purchased from a variety of retailers. There are many ways that you can determine the type of tea that is being consumed, but the most effective way of determine the uniqueness of the tea is solely by taste. There are many types of flavors that are available of Oolong tea as the fermenting process is used to create unique flavors that can also determine the price range of the tea.  

Oolong tea is one of the very few types of teas that have the ability to control the obesity, which seems to be plaguing the nation. Wu-Yi tea is an effective way to jump-start the diet and ensure that a successful program can be seen from the weight loss.

Tricks to Successfully Beat Cravings

Friday, March 27th, 2009

junk-foodProperly handling cravings can make or break your dieting efforts. Give in to them and you will find yourself frustrated and angry for not being able to stick to your weight loss program. However, if you able to successfully deal with them, you will gain a new respect for yourself and your ability to say no to temptation. One you get on a roll and begin to make good choices when it comes to what you put in your mouth, dieting becomes a bit easier. Generally, as the numbers on the scale go down (as a result of your hard work and sacrifice), it makes it much easier to stick to a diet plan.  Below, we will discuss several tricks to help you curb your cravings so that you can lose the weight that you want.

 

1. Get Enough Rest: Studies have shown that persons that do not get enough sleep experience an increase in a hormone that encourages them to eat. Ghrelin is this hormone and it stimulates the appetite. When individuals do not get enough rest, this hormone increases by nearly 15%, stoking feelings of hunger. Inadequate rest also decreases hormones that suppress the appetite. Leptin production falls by over 15%.

 

As you can see, not getting enough rest will make you eat more and also makes it much more difficult to stop eating, a recipe for major weight gain. Individuals that are concerned about this, need to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

 

2. Try Chromium Picolinate: Note:Before you start taking any new supplement, make sure that you clear it with your doctor first. Chromium Picolinate is a supplement can help lower cravings and suppress the appetite. It works because it helps keep blood sugar leveled which can prevent cravings. Look to take 1,000 mg a day. You can generally find this supplement at your local grocery store or Wal-mart.  

 

3. Chew Gum: Chewing gum can help you deal with your cravings without giving into them. Many times, our cravings will pass if we hold out for long enough. If you are craving sweets, a stick of gum may be able to satisfy your desire and enable you to ride it out. Studies have shown that chewing one stick of gum can lower cravings for a few hours. Dieters may want to stock up on their favorite brands and flavors as an investment in their weight loss efforts.

 

4. Don’t Deprive Your Self: Many times people not only give it to cravings but binge because they have totally cut out a particular food or food group from their diet. This is the quickest way to eventually fail at your weight loss efforts. Allow yourself to eat even those “forbidden” foods, just be sure to consume them in smaller portions. This will satisfy your urges both mentally and physically.

 

Often, people go crazy and eat way too much of a certain food that they have been craving because they have forgone it so long. They have likely been replaying the eventual reunion with this food with fervor and subsequently, eat way too much when they finally get their hands on it. Avoid these scenarios by allowing yourself a little bit of everything but in moderation.