The Health Benefits of Raspberry Ketones

In the 1960’s, Raspberry ketones were originally used for cosmetics and perfumes due to their sweet smell. But recently, it has become a health supplement for weight loss and as a hair enhancing product.

Raspberry Ketone is a naturally occurring compound in raspberries and decades of extensive research have shown raspberry ketones to be beneficial for various health issues.

Skin and Hair Care

A Japanese research group has concluded that raspberry ketones can increase facial skin elasticity by stimulating certain sensory neurons.

In a another study,  applied topical cream containing raspberry ketone extract and applied it to the scalp of people suffering from alopecia, a disease that causes hair to fall out in small patches. If left unchecked, alopecia can cause baldness. Currently, there is no cure for the disease due to its autoimmune properties. The results of the study show that the participants increased their hair growth by 50% in relation to the expression of an insulin growth factor (IGF-1) in the hair follicles.

Weight Loss

In 1995, a study was published in the journal Life Sciences, which reported raspberry ketones as an effective ingredient in weight management. The raspberry ketone extract can increase lipid metabolism in obese patients. It can also provide an energy boost for those who take them, which promotes endurance and strength during exercise.

Raspberry Ketone Supplement

Finding a dependable brand with a high enough concentration of the supplement may not be easy. Many products claim the aforementioned effectivity but fall short of desirable outcomes. However, a product called Raspberry Ketone Supplement provides sufficient results and benefits.  Raspberry Ketone is an ingredient that has been given a GRAS status/rating since the 60’s.

Interested in the Raspberry Ketone supplement? You may click here for more information about the product and how to order the supplement online. There are no delivery charges for complete transactions within Australia. 

Coleus Forskohlii and Forskolin

Coleus Forskohlii is a plant whose medicinal properties has been recognized and widely used in Hindu and Ayurvedic traditional medicine since the ancient times. The plant’s root has been known to contain the active organic compound known as Forskolin.  Forskolin was named after the Finnish botanist, Forskal.  Historically, it has been used to treat the following conditions:

1.      Hypertension

2.      Congestive Heart Failure

3.      Eczema

4.      Colic

5.      Respiratory Disorders

6.      Painful Urination

7.      Insomnia

8.      Convulsions

There have been clinical studies that support the effectivity of the plant as an herbal treatment of the above mentioned conditions. The studies also indicate possible therapeutic benefits of Forskolin for the treatment of asthma, angina, psoriasis and prevention of cancer metastases.

The Plant

Coleus forskohlii is a perennial plant belonging to the mint family or Lamiaceae. The plant grows in the subtropical temperate climates of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It grows to about 1-2 feet with leaves the shape of teardrops of green with a purple center.  A bunch of stalked pale purple or blue flowers branches off a single stem. The plant has golden brown roots, thick, fibrous, and radially spreading which are harvested in the fall, when forskolin is at its most concentrated and the color is the brightest.

Forskolin and its Benefits

The root of the plant contains diterpene forskolin which is the primary source of clinical interest in Coleus Forskohlii. The compound was discovered by western scientists in 1974 and was then referred to as Coleonol. As other coleonols and diterpenoids within the plant have since been identified, the term was revised to forskolin.  Virtually all of the pharmacological uses coming from Coleus Forskolii are attributed to Forskolin while all others contribute to the absorption of Forskolin.

Forskolin’s primary mode of action is to increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP mediated functions, via activation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase.  In the cellular level, people with asthma, cardiovascular disease, eczema, psoriasis, hypertension, angina and obesity have decreased levels of cAMP.  Forskolin’s ability to increase or elevate cAMP levels shows beneficial effects to alleviate the above conditions.

A small clinical study involving six overweight women over a period of eight weeks has shown an average weight loss of ten pounds with an eight percent reduction of body fat.  The women were given 250mg of Coleus Forskohlii standardized to contain 10 per cent Forskolin twice daily. Blood pressure appeared to be lowered and there was no adverse effect reported indicating Coleus forskohlii might be safe and effective for losing weight and body fat. 

Clinical studies have also shown that Forskolin Supplements has little to no side effects although it is strongly suggested that your doctor’s advice should be sought prior to taking the supplements.

Why is the Raspberry Ketone so Popular?

Change is difficult. But change is a necessary requirement for people with diabetes and obesity. Raspberry Ketone Supplement and other supplements like it are meant to make the change a little less tough.

The reason why we do the things we do and why we are a certain way is because of the lifestyle that we have adopted.  For those who are outside the range of the healthy weight, and on the verge of being sickly because of it, the only option is a lifestyle change.  That is difficult, more than words can say.  It is an everyday battle with one’s self.

Health supplements and diet pills are manufactured to help those coping with the difficulties.  We must admit that we are all wired differently, some of us share the same DNA but our life experiences are different from one another. So, a lifestyle change may prove to be a grueling experience for one person but may be something another person will go through with some difficulty but with natural ease. 

Raspberry Ketones is a compound manufactured based on scientific theory.  The fact that more and more people are giving the supplement a chance is because they find that the theory behind it as sound.  Dr. Oz believes and even explained how it works, just proves that it has merit and is worth a try. 

Some people may argue that Raspberry Ketones do not work and that there may induce unfavorable side effects but such arguments go both ways as clinical studies on humans have yet to be accomplished.   But what makes the Raspberry Ketone supplements popular?

1.      Its effect on adiponectin – adiponectin regulates glucose levels and fatty acid oxidation.

2.      It helps individuals cope with the lifestyle changes that they are required to have.

3.      It is a compound naturally found in berries, although supplements are synthesized.

4.      It is considered safe by the FDA and is given a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status.

5.      There is a reasonable number of people who have used it and have benefited from it.

Raspberry Ketones are supplements and as such are meant to aid.  As we slowly try to make a transition from the habit of eating take out, frozen dinners, unhealthy snacks and pretty much stagnant lifestyle to a much healthier one, raspberry ketones gives us a moral boost by losing pounds with less effort.  In the end the choice is ours, it is just nice to have options that help us along.

Raspberry Ketones

The Supplement That Is Worth a Try

There are no published evidence that raspberry ketone has any side effects other than losing weight and gaining self-confidence right after.  So, as Dr. Oz said, it is a fat-burning supplement that is worth a try.  Some health experts and researchers would tell you that it may not have side effects now but there are no clinical studies done in humans that would prove that they would work on us, or that it has no side effects.  But we have to admit that there are people who have been on the raspberry ketonesupplement and the results have been amazing in just six months.  The choice is really yours and if there are doctors who advices you to give it a try, then why not? 

Get your own doctor’s opinion 

We are all wired differently and no one knows our condition better than our doctor.  Ask your doctor whether you are fit enough to experiment on the raspberry ketone supplement and how much exercise you can take.  Letting them know what’s up with you will ensure that you are on the right track.

Buy from a reputable supplier

Raspberry ketones are available online.  Choose one that has the right amount per capsule.  In the studies, the right raspberry ketone intake is between 1 to 2 per cent of daily calorie intake.  The average female consumes about 1,800 to 2,400 calories and the average male consumes up to 3,000.  Those who are overweight consume more.  The recommended dosage is to start with 100mg to 200mg.  It is better to purchase them locally.

Measure your waist too, not just your weight

Some people report that they felt better and lost weight in just a week and they never felt better. Some lost ten pounds and did not lose further than that.  We have to consider that our bodies react differently so the best way to measure our progress is to measure our waistline where the fats usually accumulate.  Weight may appear to be unchanged because we may be growing muscle mass while losing fats especially if you are doing weight training. 

Do not give up

Remember that all of this is for your benefit.  The goal is be a healthier version of yourself.  Reaching a weight loss plateau is common but it is not an indication that you are not progressing.  And skipping a day or two is typical.  You can always start over.  And remember that supplements like raspberry ketones are called supplements because it is meant to augment or complement what is important in a diet plan, which is a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Click here for Australian manufactured Raspberry Ketones.

Health Ideas that Change You

How to be Sugar Free

Before we address the question on how to be sugar free, it is best to answer the question why we should consider a sugar fee diet?  Does this mean you are going on a health craze, jumping on the latest band wagon to lose weight?  If we actually listen to what the medical community is saying, the choice to be sugar free is a matter of life or death.  The fact is, sugar is causing our slow demise.  When you consume an excessive amount of Sugar, you are putting yourself at risk for a number of ailments such as:

·         Insulin Insensitivity - Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

·         Cardiovascular Disease - Clogged Arteries, Heart Attack, Stroke

·         Mental Problems Depression to Alzheimer’s disease

·         Excessive sugar consumption also contributes to Arthritis and Cancer

These are diseases we can avoid by simply cutting down on sugar and paying attention to the sugar content in the food that we purchase in the market.  Incidentally, this is the first few steps on how to be sugar free.  Pay attention to what kinds of foods you are stocking your fridge and cupboard.  Read labels and consult the Glycemic Index chart for fruits and vegetables. Watch out for fructose, maltose, lactose, and glucose, as well as honey and corn syrup.

Next in the “how to be sugar free” plan is to cut down slowly.  Some health specialists consider sugar addictive, and with this particular addiction, its best to slowly wean yourself out of it.  Choose to use sugar substitute on anything you need sweetened. Look for processed food and beverages that has no sugar added or is sugar free such as jams, juices, dressings, desserts and the like. These foods have Isomalt, it is sweet but is not a carbohydrate. The idea is to slowly replace your favorite sweet sugary food with healthy, sweet sugar free food.

            The third step is to never put yourself in a compromising situation.  Bring your own sugar free snack and sugar substitutes all the time.  Giving in to your sugar craving once in a while is not a part of the how to be sugar fee plan. Your quick indulgence may give you a sugar rush you might crave for again and again. 

            It is also a good idea to keep a food diary and a sugar free recipe notebook, it helps us watch what we eat and helps us keep ourselves in check.  Some trainers say that if we forget that we ate, it never existed.  

African Mango – Its Weight Loss Benefits

Irvingia Gabonensis (IG) or more widely known as the African Mango has rapidly gained popularity as an appetite suppressant and a fat burning supplement. Consuming a serving of the African Mango will provide with fat (50 %), carbohydrates (a total of 26.4 %), protein (7.5 %) and fiber (14 %).  The pulp is a healthy food indeed but to be able to get the benefits for weight loss, you need the seed.

African Mango comes in powder, liquid and capsule supplements.  The supplements must be taken 30 – 60 minutes before meals to prep the body. Most often, it is combined with green tea for improved potency. The following are some of the benefits of African Mango Supplements.

- reduces appetite

- lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides

- reduces fat cell growth

- boosts breakdown of fats

- improves blood sugar control

- rids the body of fat and cholesterol

The effectivity of the supplement is due to its soluble fiber content which helps to slow digestion and absorption of dietary sugar. This results in feeling full for a long period of time.  The fiber also binds the bile acids in the small intestines and induces it to leave the body.  This action forces our body to produce more bile acids by converting cholesterol into bile acids, lowering the body’s cholesterol levels.

This effect was proven by a randomized controlled trial for the supplements.  Forty obese individuals were divided in two groups and were given the same diet with normal calorie levels.  The group that was given African Mango Supplements has shown a decrease in their LDL and triglycerides or bad cholesterol and HDL or good cholesterol.

Some may argue that the beneficial effects of African Mango may also be acquired from eating fresh, natural food high in fiber. But the volume of fruits and vegetables you need to consume just to get the effect of one capsule is more than one person can take.

While we are built to eat healthy, our society has changed the way we eat.  We no longer plant, gather or hunt. With that out of the equation, we are left with energy left unburned and stored every day.  Yes, we need to exercise but the reality is, most exercise we get is at the gym or worse, that walk from the house to the bus stop.   Some of us need a little help and African Mango supplements does exactly that.  

How Do You Get Diabetes?

            Diabetes is a disease that demands a lifestyle change, a demand to keep a healthy lifestyle complete with regular exercise in order for it to be manageable.  Otherwise, it would unleash irreversible complications that are dangerously fatal.  But what if you already are living healthy? What are the chances of you being diagnosed with Diabetes? How do you get Diabetes in the first place?

What Is Diabetes?

            Diabetes is a disease in which the sugar or glucose that is consumed can no longer be processed and stays in the blood. This is because the body no longer produces insulin or it is insufficient.  Insulin is produced in the pancreas. If your body has stopped making insulin, you have Type 1 Diabetes.  You have Type 2 Diabetes if there is insufficient insulin in your system.

What Are Type1 And Type 2 Diabetes And How Do You Get It?

            Both types of Diabetes are linked with genetics.  If there is a diabetic person in the family, you are likely to have diabetes as well.  It is believed that Type 1 Diabetes comes from purely genetic causes but how it is passed on or the identity of a single genetic factor is unknown.  Type 2 Diabetes is the more common type, but its causes are less understood. It is believed however be triggered by several factors working together.  So how do you get Diabetes exactly?  The fact is that the scientific community still has not figured it out. But the good news is that if diagnosed, they have figured out ways to manage it.

Risk Factors and How to Manage Diabetes

            Genetics and being overweight are main risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.  Next to that is having high blood pressure, heart disease and if you are over 35. For women, if you had gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.  But do you get Diabetes even if you do not have family members who are Diabetic? The answer is yes, especially if you are over 35 and is obese.

If you have at least 4 of the risk factors, you should consider taking a Blood Glucose Level Test (BGL) and a further Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).  Type 2 Diabetes is easier to manage if diagnosed at the early stages. 

Type 1 Diabetes is purely genetic and is managed by taking insulin shots but both types require a healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Specialized diabetic meal recipes, pre-prepared diabetic food and diabetic pills are also recommended by doctors for proper management of blood glucose levels.