Going Vegetarian
While considered a great dietary lifestyle choice for some, we can't forget the fact that specific food category omission(s) can lead to a deficiency of essential nutrients in the body. According to scientific research we know that vegetarians can lack specific nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D and B-12 so they will definitely benefit, along with the rest of the American population, with daily dietary supplementation.
See this brief article about a study on
iron and bone strength.
(article from "Vegetarian Times")
Also see this article regarding
Vitamin B-12 and the Vegetarian Diet.
Note how dirt is actually a pretty good source of Vitamin B-12. Yup, you heard correctly, 'dirt'. Very interesting read.
(article from "Vibrant Life")
These adaptogenic herbs assortment below are actually found in a low-carb (only 0-2 carbs per can, depending on the flavor), no sugar energy drink called 'XS'.
Panax Quinquefolium
Medicinal uses ranging from cancer fighter to an aphrodisiac for improving ADHD symptoms.
Eleutheroccocus Senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)
Used for stress, nervousness and irritability. Counteracts exhaustion, insomnia and mild depression. Improves endurance and energy metabolism for performance. Improves cerebral cortical functions. Sensory motor reaction times are shortened and there is a decrease in mistakes while distinguishing positive from negative signals. Reduces general sickness. Normalizes the weights of the Thyroid and Adrenal glands (usually shrink under stress) and eliminates any evidence of stress upon the functions of these glands.
Panax Ginseng
Most noted for its anti-aging and anti-fatigue effects. Appears to have some anti-tumor effects. Enhances overall immunity including antibody response, natural killer cell activity, interferon production, and promotes phagocytosis. Has shown some ability to protect the body during radiation therapy.
Echinacea Purpurea
Considered to be antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, depurative, a digestive tonic, an immune stimulant, and vulnerary.
Schisandra
Shown to have a stimulatory effect on the central nervous system without being over stimulating. Is considered a general tonic, a detoxifier of chemical toxicity including chemotherapy. Is an antioxidant and a powerful liver protector.
Astragalus
Has been used in China for thousands of years. Increases the total number of white blood cells. Strengthens the activity of macrophages. Promotes cellular immunity. Currently, Astragalus is being researched in HIV and AIDS related symptoms.
Reishi
A medicinal mushroom used for over 4000 years in China and Japan. Used in the treatment of hepatitis, cancer, hypertension, arthritis, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, and ulcers. Pharmacological effects include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiviral, cardiotonic, expectorant, liver protective, and have been shown to increase production of interleukin 1 and 2, increase white cell count, and enhance natural killer cell activity.
This assortment of body system boosting herbs listed above, along with the concentrations of B-vitamins, a multitude of great tasting flavors (lemon blast, cran-grape, tropical punch, citrus, tea berry, and the newest cherry blast) have been some of the key advantages of this energy drink that has set it apart from the rest. Huge favorite among those watching their weight, fitness buffs, or those looking for a quick energy boost.
See reviews from The Beverage Network.
Is that even a word? Maybe I should have said Herbs or to be more specific, Adaptogenic Herbs. See the great benefits they have in our diets below.
Adaptogenic Herbs have the ability to:
- Enhance the body and mind’s capacity to adapt optimally and accurately to changes in the environment.
- Increase endurance
- Reduce fatigue
- Stimulate the immune system indirectly
- Build the body’s resistance to non-specific stresses such as chemicals in the environment, overwork, poor diet, and emotional factors
- Boost immunity by supporting and balancing the endocrine (glandular) system
- Support adrenal functions
- Help cells to use oxygen more efficiently
- Increase cellular respiration
- Stimulate a specific white blood cell called a macrophage, which eats up or destroys pathogens in the blood, and is our first line of defense. Stimulating this aspect of our immune system protects us from colds, flu, and other types of infections.
As the fall season has come upon us, and everyone's immune system is beginning to feel those effects of the dramatic change in weather, not to mention the lack of the flu vaccine in America so no flu shots for most, take advange of keeping your immune system boosted by adding adaptogeic herbs (or "herbals") to your daily diet.
WHY ADD SUPPLEMENTS TO OUR DIETS?
Aren’t our Western diets good enough?
6 reasons:
1) We’re not eating our recommended daily requirements for optimizing health and staying healthy.
2) Grocery produce isn’t always the most adequate source.
3) Whole food markets can be quite costly.
4) Allows you to decrease calorie intake without compromising nutrient necessities for weight management.
5) Easy to manage and convenient.
6) Supplements are scientifically proven to provide lasting health benefits.
PHYTONUTRIENTS:
Daily nutrition is a necessity in achieving optimal health or improving your current health status which can increase our potential of having a long, healthy life. As nutrition and dietary needs evolve and emerge with new breakthroughs, we see that there’s now a focus on phytonutrients (plant-based chemicals) that plants manufacture to support growth, reproduction, protect itself from insects, bacteria and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Apparently, these phytonutrients seem to also be good for the human body where it plays an active role in our health. This focus on phytonutrients within the nutrition and health arenas have made major headroom and discoveries that a good portion of the American population is just finding out about and enjoying its long-term benefits. Examples include, flavenoids, carotenoids, and isothiocyanates.
Awesome article showing cost savings and benefits on 5 particiular supplements.
Another awesome article showing Isoflavones playing a key role on reducing the risk of breast cancer.
With phytonutrients working along side with vitamins and minerals for optimizing health, click here to find out how you too can get your life back and achieve the health goals you desire.
(password: 4options >> supplements)
