Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Friday, August 28, 2009

How Did Physical Fitness Come About?

By Jesse Regan

The primitive man would have laughed at the idea of you lifting weights or running stationary on a treadmill. Physical fitness as a distinct activity was unthinkable then and even in later times. Nevertheless, its existence nowadays cannot be attributed to anyones gifted mind for it just developed through time alongside mans effort to survive and prosper. The primitive man may snort at the thought but he contributed to it too unconsciously. Physical fitness evolved from the dawn of man and is still evolving even in this very day.

Early human activity would not require them to appropriate time for exercises to keep fit. To survive against the elements of nature and to feed themselves, men had to hunt using very backward instruments. This would entail applying every piece of muscle they have just to have meat for dinner. The women also worked heavily in agriculture. Their kids were also trained early in hunting and, later on, rudimentary agriculture. This definitely was not the time of chemical-based preservatives and bad cholesterol. The food was always fresh and, although they gorge on meat heavily, every piece of fat just melted away with the extreme physical labor they do.

Later on, basic tools were conceived out of mans desire to make their food production stable and to live more comfortably. Planting food crops became the main source of living while hunting diminished. Soon, manufacturing advanced followed by industrialization, which led to the rise of modern machines. Discontented, man stretched industrialization further to computer-driven automation. Today, with computerization, mental work has become ever more dominant. In the US and in most industrial nations, the days of the muscled and rugged worker have long gone. Their idea of an employee is that of a white-collar overweight.

Todays typical food makes matters worse for someone who spends most of his time sitting inside an office. While it lacks the vital nutrients, it is usually rich in bad cholesterol, harmful preservatives and other inorganic ingredients. One can argue though that the primitive diet of raw meat might be just as loaded with fat as the average burger.

However, the primitive diet was also essential for the early mans extremely physical and rugged lifestyle while todays burger fat merely settles in the tummy of an employee who does his work while sitting for eight hours. Worse, bad cholesterol has become ever more domestic widespread with the prevalence of processed meats on every dinner table.

Fortunately, men made steps to avoid the cardio-vascular diseases resulting from inertia and excessive fat intake. They began to put stress into physical activities. The consequence is the development of physical fitness training programs. Measures have been introduced to effectively lose fat as well as the work-related mental stress. Physical fitness has now become a rage everywhere. Balancing mental work and physical activity has become a by-word in office lunchrooms and gyms. These are only some of the basic information on weight loss that you can find online. - 17273

About the Author:

Natural Herbs to Increase Libido: Detoxify Your Body

By Eric Dawson

If you have been sexually active for a time, you may have heard of libido enhancing herbs that can influence your sex life to a certain extent. It has long been established how your everyday diet can control the level of sexual urges you can experience. Herbs contain the needed vitamins and elements that can bring about significant improvements in sexual responses and satisfaction.

When viagra was introduced, it became the best selling drug in history and it continues to be a pharmaceutical best seller to this day despite the high prices of it. Due to high prices and a prescription required to buy viagra, herbal male sexual enhancers have flooded the market with a brilliant reputation of being safe as well as cheap. Experts have gone as far as to recommend a few of these herbal products to certain patients as an extremely effective alternative to viagra.

With the intense research and studies carried out on these herbal products it was discovered that when certain natural herbs were mixed, it created a powerful dietary supplement that boosted the libido to a new level. Having an erection problem such as being unable to get or maintain an erection long enough for satisfying sex, is extremely common. It's also a condition that can be treated.

Although the effect is more on the psychological side, the physical effect happens when more heat is being distributed throughout the body, thereby enhancing sexual urge. Heat is associated with aggressiveness, and spices are known to bring about more interest and spark.

Male enhancements prepared with natural ingredients helps with erection problems without causing any side effects; it improves the blood flow to the penis which helps with better and long lasting erections, natural male enhancement products also help improve the penis size by slowly and gradually stretching the penis and enabling it to contain more amount of blood. Increased amount of blood to the penis helps increase the penis size and girth.

Bananas, which have compounds that increase libido, can be representative of the male organ, penis. The common aphrodisiac, oysters, are believed to resemble the female genitalia or the vagina. Foods that have physical semblances to certain human parts are believed to help individuals attain better sexual lives.

Kava Kava: apart from increasing the male libido this herb can also be used to treat nervousness and depression because it is known to contain compounds called "pyrones". Pyrones contain sedative and tranquilizing effects on its users and because depression is one of the major causes of low sex drive, this herb extract is sure to get you back in the mood for love.

Maca: This herb is used in to increase male testosterone levels especially in elderly men. It can also be used to boost the production of quality semen and sperm naturally. This herb is known as an "organic tuber" which grows in Peru in the high Andean plateaus at an incredible height of about 14,500 feet above sea level. - 17273

About the Author:

Step by Step Guide to Worm Composting

By Rhonda Abrons

Vermiculture is the fancy word for worm excretion which is worm compost. Heres how to do your own worm composting.

Choose the Proper Container

For best results, acquire a container that is eight to twelve inches deep. In addition, wood is an excellent material for your worm compost as it absorbs moisture and insulates the worms. There are some who prefer a rectangular shaped plastic container; however these tend to make the compost soggy.

Have Plenty of Holes in the Bottom

Drill holes at least 2 inches apart all along the container bottom. Plastic containers may need more holes. Raise the bin off the ground with bricks. This provides air flow to the worms and prevents the materials from rotting. Keep a tray underneath the bin to catch excess moisture that can then be used for liquid fertilizer. If your compost comes out too wet, simply drill more holes.

Use Shredded Newspaper to Line the Container

Place newspaper that has been shredded into one inch wide strips and has been dampened with water from a spray bottle into the bottom of the container. Next, simply add about one cup of sand. The sand assists the worms with digestion.

Collect Kitchen Scraps

Just as you would save leftovers for your home composting, you will need to save your kitchen scraps for your worm compost. This should be started at least one week prior to purchasing your worms. The best foods are egg shells, used tea bags, coffee grounds and raw fruit and vegetable leftovers. The foods you want to avoid are meat, bones, cheese, milk or mayonnaise and salad dressings.

Acquire Your Worms

Red worms or red wigglers are best in a compost bin because they thrive off of organic material like rotting vegetables. You will need two pounds of worms for one day each of food waste, this is around 2,000 worms.

Cover the Container

Worms like it dark and moist, so cover with a wooden board when outside. This will also keep away predators. Inside, heavy plastic will do.

Collect Worm Castings

Within four to six weeks from starting your worm compost you will start to notice the bedding becoming darker. Finally, in about two to three months, there will be very little of your original bedding remaining. If you wish to collect all of the compost or castings at once, simply pour the container onto a tarp or old shower curtain liner. The next step is to shine a light over the piles to ensure the worms move to the bottom. Once you are sure they are at the bottom, begin scooping the castings until all that is left are the worms. Place new bedding, the worms and some of the castings back in your container and start all over again. - 17273

About the Author:

Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) - A Native American Miracle Mushroom?

By Dr. Markho Rafael

Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) is one of the largest and longest living mushrooms in the world, some individual specimens known to be as old as 50 years. This needs to be seen in perspective of the fact that Agarikon starts out growing on already mature trees. It requires old growth forests to survive.

The earliest written record of any mushroom used medicinally can be found in the Materia Medica from 65 B.C., where Fomes officinalis was listed by Greek physician Dioscorides as a tuberculosis remedy. [25] Other oral and written traditions from Poland and elsewhere in Europe indicate that Fomes officinalis was the most important medicinal mushroom in ancient Europe.

Unfortunately, Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) is no longer a European folk remedy. It may actually be extinct in Europe today, due to its requirement of old growth forests. In fact, it is mostly extinct in North America as well; except for Washington State's last remaining old growth rain forests. Hopefully this last refuge will be preserved for future generations. If not, at least the precious genetic material of this potentially powerful medicinal mushroom can be saved through cultivation. Two U.S. companies that currently cultivate and sell Fomes officinalis are Mushroom Harvest out of Ohio and Paul Stamets' Washington based business Fungi Perfecti.

There is little modern research on the medicinal use of Agarikon extract but traditional use of this medicinal mushroom included tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and pneumonia (Bacillus pneumoniae and others). It's also been used topically as a poultice to relieve muscle and skeletal pain.

In 2002, an article by K. Grzywnowics was published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms supporting this information. Titled Medicinal mushrooms in Polish folk medicine, it states that Fomes officinalis was indeed used to treat lung conditions, including asthma and coughing, as well as painful skeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Polish healers considered it an elixir for long life. In addition to lung and musculoskeletal conditions, it was also used to treat infected wounds and open bleeding. [147]

Native Americans were also aware of the medicinal properties of Fomes officinalis. Oral traditions among certain tribes hold that it was used as a remedy against diseases brought by the Europeans, including smallpox. One such tribe was the Haida of the American Northwest, who even incorporated Agarikon into their spirituality where it was associated with the female creator spirit Raven, and by extension to female sexuality and fertility.

Although rarely researched by modern medicine, two studies did report a strong immune boosting effect in subjects who were given Fomes officinalis extract. [148, 149]

Finally, a word of caution: Two of the common name synonyms for Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) are "Quinine Conk" and "Quinine Fungus," due to the quinine-like bitter taste of the mushroom. However, Fomes officinalis does not actually contain the compound quinine and is not known to be effective against malaria.

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material. - 17273

About the Author:

Catuaba Bark Extract: Stay Healthy Naturally

By Marcus Harrison

A high libido is what every man desire but only few of them really enjoy the pleasure of full satisfaction during lovemaking. Many men suffer from temporary loss of libido. The good thing is that the temporary loss of libido can be recovered through natural, safe and effective male enhancement supplements.

Shilajit is basically a kind of gum resin formed after decomposition of various plants and vegetable substances, which were trapped and crushed under high pressure during the formation of Himalaya mountain ranges. It is highly rich in number of basic minerals and organic substances.

For a strong libido, you must have a mind that is free of worry and has correct hormonal balance and big passion killers are - stress and anxiety which reduce overall body energy and leave you unable to focus on sex.

Regular intake of Shilajit promotes the movement of various minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium into the bones and tissues. It prevents the release of histamine in the blood that helps in the prevention of various allergies in the body. It also provides iron in the body that is necessary for the making of red blood cells (RBC).

It is also well known for its effectiveness in the treatment of reproductive system related complaints for both, men and women. Its combination with Ashwagandha helps in rejuvenating the reproductive system.

Selenium - Modern farming methods decreases selenium levels in foods so its deficiency is common. Almost half of the selenium in a man is in the testes and seminal ducts and men lose selenium in their semen. Getting enough selenium is therefore important for peak sexual performance.

Zinc - It is required for the production of testosterone and zinc content of the prostate gland and sperm is higher than in any other body tissues. Zinc not only helps produce testosterone, but also helps to maintain semen volume and adequate levels of testosterone; maintaining libido and keeping sperm healthy.

Get them in the Best Herbal Sex Pills: the above herbs will increase women's libido but they will do much more than this they will enhance overall health so you can get more from sex and more from life. The herbs are contained in all the best women's herbal sex pills, so try them and you will be glad you did. - 17273

About the Author:

Foods That Hold the Key To Preventing Obesity

By Dr. Jerimiah Crossderd

Natural Purple Pigments In Fruits, Vegetables And Berries, like the acai berry, could assist in preventing obesity as scientists in Arkansas are reporting new evidence that natural pigments responsible for the beautiful blue,purple, and reddish color qualities of certain fruits and vegetables may help in preventing obesity.

Their animal study however, reports that eating the whole fruit containing these pigments seems to be less effective than eating an extract of the berry.

Dr. Prior who is part of this research team stated that a compound found in these purple fruits known as anthocyanins, prevented obesity when tests were conducted on mice fed a diet high in fat.

the mice also tested well from other health benefits related to their purple food diet. Anthocyanins are found in acai berry, blueberries, black berries, and many more foods that are dark in color.

The study reports that researchers discovered mice that are fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, drinking water, and taking purified anthocyanins from blueberries and the acai berry gained less weight and had lower body fat levels than a control group.

The study found that anthocyanins extract proved to be the only way the effects of weight prevention could be met. When the mice were fed the whole berry, they tended to gain weight.

The article "Whole Berries versus Berry Anthocyanins: Interactions with Dietary Fat Levels in the C57BL/6J Mouse Model of Obesity" can be read in full in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Colorful pigments found in the skin of blueberries, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables may help prevent obesity, according to recent animal studies from the USDA Agricultural Research Service. - 17273

About the Author:

Need The Right Info On Sexual Health?

By Vincent Roumou

Sexual health should be on every person's mind as soon as they start to have sexual relationships. There are so many people in the world who have STD's that they are on the increase and need to be dealt with. Apart from the obvious health risks there is also the risk of pregnancy, which the majority of people will want to avoid.

A large number of younger people don't know where to turn to get the right facts about sexual health. This in itself is a major problem. So here are a variety of ways that a person can go about getting the facts on sexual health.

Websites and forums which are online. Utilizing the Internet is great for getting kind of information you want on any topic. Sexual health is no different and you will find that there are a multitude of different websites dedicated to the topic. So go online and see if you can find one that suits you and your needs.

Your local doctor's surgery. Here you will be able to speak to a doctor or a nurse on any matter relating to your health sexually. You may feel a little nervous about visiting the surgery but there is no need to. You will not be the first person to visit for sexual health advice and you'll certainly not the last. So do the responsible thing and speak to your doctor or nurse.

If you have a local clinic which specializes in family planning visit there. These are places which have booklets and so on about your health sexually and also have trained nurses who you can speak to.

Knowing where to get info on sexual health can put a lot of people's minds at rest. It means that you know where to go if you have any concerns or issues that you once addressing. Getting the right info is vital now you know how to go about doing that. - 17273

About the Author:

What Body Builders Understand About Muscle

By Dr. Dorothy Nevelestein

Whey protein isolate and whey protein powder concentrate is an examination very frequently sought. This question without a doubt is one that has crossed the minds of a lot of hopeful weight lifters when glancing at the shelves of an assortment of kinds of whey protein powder on hand in the health food supermarket.

Which one is right for you; concentrate or isolate?

The most imperative differentiation amid the two is that Isolate is processed at deeper levels so that the fat and lactose are removed. This more involved system provides a higher quality of protein. The fact is that over 90% of whey protein powder isolate is protein calculated by weight.

This is important as lesser levels of fat are a help for the regular daily diet of bodybuilders and when whey is used for the purpose of getting rid of excess weight.

Decreased lactose levels are also a positive for individuals who are lactose intolerant and can also diminish the chance of that bloated feeling that can go along with some protein supplements. There are some side effects to using whey protein isolate nonetheless.

Since it is high in protein ratio, isolate powder requires you to pay a higher retail price. The filtering procedure isolate goes through is significantly more intensive to remove the components that are known as alpha lactoglobulins and lactoferrins which is significant immune boosters.

Whey concentrate has smaller protein available ad this can range from anywhere between 29% all the way up to 89% in some brands. Concentrate is higher in levels of lactose so anyone who suffers from lactose intolerance should to be very cautious.

Concentrate does have an advantage because it cost less so this can be a better alternative depending on what your financial plan is. Whey concentrate protein powder also is small in levels of cholesterol, which is another positive to consider for your diet.

On the whole, dietary and medical circumstances call for action to be taken into consideration when choosing the type of whey protein powder you choose.

Isolate whey powder may have the slight edge in regards to the biological value (BV) and will make available to you with more value for your money if you are needing a higher dosage per serving of whey protein. - 17273

About the Author:

Sit Up Bench Exercise- How To Make The Most Of It

By Sean Luna

To make your muscles strong and sharpen the abdomen, equipment is used, which is known as sit up bench. Weight bench contains erect holders at one end that holds weights and barbell. Bench is created in such a way that man can easily lay or sit on it. This bench can be adjusted in different directions.

There are many types of weight benches, some of them given here. Names of these benches are preacher curl weight bench, dumbbell weight bench, Olympic weight bench and abs weight bench.

The Preacher curl is applied to tone the biceps while keeping your arms stabilized during the complete workout. This type of weight lifting benches is usually applied with Olympic bars or standard curl bars and is comparatively small and easy to move. This is the reason preacher curl bencher is considered best for home gyms.

Olympic Weight Benches: Preacher Curl and Dumbbell Weight Benches does not support a bigger bar that's why they are not suitable for weightlifters. Unlike above two types Olympic weight benches can hold up larger rods. This is the only reason that they are frequently used in gyms and are perfect for weightlifters.

Abs Weight Bench: Abs sit up bench is used to tone abdomen. It provides the platform to do curl-ups. At one end of abs weight lifting benches foot grips are present and are adjustable according to their requirement

While purchasing weight bench, prefer the one which is comfortable and prop up heavy loads. If you are familiar with correct usage of regular standard weight lifting benches, you can build your muscles stronger and firmer with usual bodybuilding exercises. In order to perform exercises of different complexity level, adjust the Olympic weight bench in flat, incline and decline positions.

Carry out dumbbell and barbell bench presses via four sets of 8 to 12 reps, do it for 3 to 5 weeks after this move to 5 sets of 5 reps for some weeks for proper periodization. This whole process will be done by setting the sit up bench into flat position. Now switch the bench to decline position and use dumbbells for bench presses.

At initial stages use low volume approach e.g. 6 sets of 3 reps, then switch to less concentration and advanced reps and improved rate e.g. 4 sets of 15 reps, now again move towards the flat position and do the same thing again. Same procedure will be equally fine for other complex movements like db rows, bench rows, and shoulder presses. - 17273

About the Author:

Caring For Your Eyes - Vitamins And Foods That Nourish Your Eyes

By Amy Nutt

Our eyesight is a precious gift, so no matter what your age, taking care of your vision is essential to good health. The brain is primarily responsible for managing the vision process. The brain processes the light information our eyes collect to create the images that allows us to see. In order to make sure our brains vision process maintains optimal performance, we need to nourish our eyes with healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

All of the vitamins that are good for the eyes are Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Some of the most important vitamins needed to maintain optimal eye health include:

Vitamin C: This vitamin has been associated with the prevention of cataracts, delaying macular degeneration, and reducing eye pressure in glaucoma patients. Our bodies are unable to store Vitamin C; therefore it needs to be replenished regularly.

Vitamin A: This vitamin is essential for eye and vision health. In our bodies, vitamin A is essential for the retina to help it function properly. One of the causes of night blindness is Vitamin A deficiency.

Lutein: Lutein reduces the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Low Lutein levels have been shown to be a risk factor in age-related macular degeneration. Lutein may also help to prevent or slow the rate of atherosclerosis.

Vitamin E: This vitamin helps protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Copper Gluconate: This is an absorbable form of the mineral copper. It is one of the most important blood antioxidants which help the blood carry oxygen and other nutrients to the rest of the body. The eyes are one area that requires oxygen. If there is a decrease in the transport of oxygen to the eyes, eventually vision loss can take place and you may end up needing glasses or contacts. Copper can be found in such foods as seafood, beans, nuts, organ meats, and whole grains.

When you choose foods for promoting and maintaining good eye health, you need to choose leafy and green fruits and vegetables. The brighter and deeper colored produce are full of the highest levels of vitamins and minerals. They are packed full of antioxidants, which are essential for the eye lens, as well as for retinal, conjunctival, and corneal health. These vitamin and mineral rich foods nourish your eyes.

Among the foods that help you strengthen your eyes and see better are carrots, celery, parsley, spinach, bean sprouts, turnip greens, beetroots, cucumber, raw egg yolk and liver. Also recommended are tomatoes, beets and red peppers, apricots, raisins, sunflower seeds, pecan nuts, wheat germ, sweet potatoes, mangoes, cantaloupes, peaches, soy beans and lecithin. Blending the red foods with the dark green foods will give you all of the essential vitamins and nutrients required for good eye health. Dark green foods can include broccoli, kale, spinach, collard greens, and water cress. Avocado, asparagus, and yams are a great source of Vitamin E. Foods rich in Vitamin A includes sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

It may seem difficult to change ones diet. For the health of your eyes, you should adopt a health diet rich in vitamins and minerals. By including eye nourishing foods in your diet, you will not only find your self seeing better, but feeling over all good health. - 17273

About the Author:

How to Choose a Body Building Supplement

By Ricardo d Argence

To build muscle mass and reduce fat weight trainers use bodybuilding supplements. Another reason for taking them is to enhance the user's performance while also facilitating recovery from the duress of exercise and training.

When you are increasing your activity level because of an exercise program, supplements are often needed to make sure that the body has the correct nutrition level. Insufficiency of these will cause you to not have enough required energy to do the strenuous exercises involved in bodybuilding

To grow muscle, you require protein supplements like, for example, creatine and whey protein. Taking vitamin and mineral supplement during training will be sure that your body does not lose them in the process. The food eaten by us is converted into energy by vitamins and minerals. Vitamins also help with muscle building and burning fat.

There are certain protein supplements that can help you build muscle along with a training program you may have, such as creatine, amino acids, testosterone boosters, and whey protein. These proteins sooth muscle soreness and build healthy muscle tissue.

Some things that will assist you in being able to burn extra fat are carb blockers, supplements for fat burning and appetite suppressors. Antioxidants such as green tea are good for a natural energy boost. Boosters and supplements on the market cant help give you more energy and stamina during your training program.

First of all, you have to eat a balanced diet that is good for your health. Supplements are necessary because it is difficult to get sufficient nutrients from our overprocessed, over-cooked food choices. Supplements are necessary because it is difficult to get sufficient nutrients from our overprocessed, over-cooked food choices.

Vitamins and minerals alone will not build muscle. It takes hard work and dedication to build lean hard muscle mass and lose fat. Taking supplements alone without a good diet and training program will not help you build muscle.

Bodybuilders would be wise to avoid the dangerous practice of using steroids for muscle growth. While they facilitate building muscles rapidly, in addition they do extensive damage. Because tendons and ligaments do not increase at the same rate as muscle; harmful injuries can occur when a bodybuilder abuses steroids.

They also cause extreme aggressiveness, affect liver and other essential functions in the body. There is not a magic pill that can make you build muscle and lose weight without a lot of hard work and dedication. These products can also be dangerous.

Always keep in mind that supplements will work only if your diet and workout regimen are ideal. Good habits form the foundation for a successful muscle building program and there are no exotic supplements available that can make up for bad dietary habits or improper training. - 17273

About the Author:

Learn To Fight Free Radicals and Create a New You

By Dr. Jerimiah Crossderd

The acai fruit is a tasteful, fresh, organic fruit that comes with a wealth of antioxidants. In order to prevent damage to the body as well as slow the aging process, antioxidants are needed as part of a regular diet.

When the body's cells consume oxygen, it creates free radicals (or by-products) that can cause a lot of problems to our body. Antioxidants play an important role in preventing, repairing, and removing the damage done by these toxic by-products. Having a daily supplement of antioxidants is the best way known to protect yourself from these harmful free radicals.

The breaking down of the body's DNA and causes of cancer have been linked to Free radicals. They can wreak havoc on the body when left unchecked. The damage can be so severe to the cells that at times free radicals are responsible for them not working at all.

Depending on where the damage was created by these toxic radicals, the range of destruction can lead to neurological damage all the way to hormonal problems. The acai berry produces enough antioxidants that when taken as a regular part of your diet can prevent and fight off these free radicals.

Studies have revealed for years that when antioxidants are taken as part of a regular diet, the body has the ability to repair, and maintain resistance to free radicals as well future attacks.

The acai berry was recently introduced to the mainstream audience by a Doctor by the name of Nicholas Perricone who wrote a book entitled the Perricone Promise. In this book he goes into detail about how the acai berry is what he calls the most perfect food on the planet known today.

When it comes to a food that will make you look and feel young, Dr. Perricone says that the acai berry has all of the ingredients needed to accomplish this. Also, when looking for a diet that will revitalize your health and slow the aging process Dr. Perricone says look no further than the acai fruit berry.

The acai fruit is known as a super food that contains every nutrient your body needs in fighting harmful free radicals. If your goal is to improve your overall health, as well as strengthen and maintain your body, then you should look further into the numerous benefits of the this amazing fruit.

The acai berry is the perfect food to improve overall health, reduce aging, and fighting free radicals and could be just the missing supplement your body needs to creating the new you.

Fruits like the acai berry that have a natural purple pigment, may assist in preventing obesity as these pigments may hold the key to preventing obesity according to a group of scientist in Arkansas.

The scientist concluded through animal studies that the extract of the fruit is more effective than actually eating the fruit when it comes to weight loss.

Ronald L. Prior and colleagues, who conducted the study, found that past research has shown that the pigments,called anthocyanins, prevent obesity in laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet.

Anthocyanins are found in grape skins, blueberries, blackberries, acai berry, and other foods. The mice also had other healthful changes in disease-related substances found in the blood.

The study reports that researchers discovered mice that are fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, drinking water, and taking purified anthocyanins from blueberries and the acai berry gained less weight and had lower body fat levels than a control group.

Feeding the whole berry tended to increase the weight in mice. But, when the mice were fed the anthocyanins extract from the berries, it tended to reduce obesity according to the study.

The article "Whole Berries versus Berry Anthocyanins: Interactions with Dietary Fat Levels in the C57BL/6J Mouse Model of Obesity" can be read in full in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

According to the USDA, Colorful pigments found in the skin of blueberries, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables may help prevent obesity, according to recent animal studies. - 17273

About the Author: