Suplements and Vitamins

Best Ginseng For You

Ginseng is very effective to boost energy as well as improve digestion and resistance to stress. However, if you pick the wrong type for your health needs, you can end up with symptoms you did not have before.

Ginseng comes in several types: American, Siberian, Panax (Chinese) and Korean. Each ginseng has a completely different effect. Panax ginseng is the most commonly used to boost energy. It is used in hundreds of Chinese herbal formulas too improve energy and digestion. It is rarely taken alone. It is usually about 10-20% of the formula. The other herbs in the formula help to balance ginseng. There are other energy tonics such as atractylodes and poria that are usually included with ginseng.

Panax ginseng is not typically used in people under 20 years old. Panax is very strong to boost energy and this is not usually necessary in younger people. Other herbs such as Codonopsis are used in formulas to boost energy without tonifying too much. To tonify is to boost energy in Chinese medicine. You tonify organs that you want to strengthen.

Siberian ginseng is very moderate in its ability to boost energy. It is considered to be an adaptogen. As an adaptogen, it helps the body to cope with stress. It is also considered to be very good for the adrenal glands, which can be weakened by prolonged stress. Siberian ginseng is also known as eleuthero. It is less expensive so it is often the choice of supplement manufacturers to add to energy tonics.

American ginseng is grown in America. It is very popular in China and in fact, China buys most of our ginseng. It is not as strong to boost energy as Panax ginseng. However, it is very appropriate for people over 40 who have become depleted by stress. It is considered to be more cooling and nourishing. As you get older, your body “yin” declines. It is a natural progression that Chinese people use American ginseng to treat. It is a yin tonic that helps rejuvenate what you have lost over time. It is especially good for women over 40 as a yin deficiency in women can cause hot flashes, excess facial hair and “dryness”.

Korean ginseng is actually Panax ginseng that has been treated to be red. When you treat an herb, the energy of that herb can completely change. It can go from being warm to being hot. Korean is often used by men for libido. It is very strong and rarely appropriate for long term use. American ginseng is actually better for libido than Korean. This is not well known in America or perhaps we would run out of it.

Herbs are extracted by either boiling them in water or putting them in alcohol. The liquid resulting from this is called an “extract”. It is typically 3-5 times as strong as taking the raw herb. It is also easier for your body to use because the fiber from the herb does not have to be digested. If you take an herbal extract you do not have to take as many pills and the effect is much stronger.

American ginseng can be taken alone. It is rarely used in formulas. Panax ginseng is almost always used in formulas. When you use a formula, you can address many issues at once. It is better to not take ginseng alone.

Size Zero Pill Review

While it isn’t seen too much today, a few years ago, Size Zero was thought to be the top figure for a female to attain. Size Zero refers to a dress size; the UK equivalent to this US dress size is Size 4. It is typically measured in a waist size of just twenty-three inches, about the same as that of a seven year old.

This appearance was once considered en vogue and was considered necessary for any young woman wanting to get into the fashion industry. At this time, vanity was worth more than sanity and the goal of looking emaciated and thin was in demand as far as the fashion publications were advertising. Within the diet pill market, there are good, bad and ugly products. Size Zero pill is far in the ugly corner.

What It Is

Size Zero was once the most searched for diet pill on the internet. It was viewed as the ultimate product for young women or any aged woman who wanted to rapidly lose weight and have the figure that society marketed. Size Zero isn’t a slimming pill, but actually, a drug for the animal kingdom aimed at preventing breathing difficulties in horses. There is nothing natural about this product and it is chemically produced for an animal at least a few times larger than the average human is.

Ingredients

Supposedly, the Size Zero pill works to assist with weight loss by increasing body temperature and the rate at which blood is pumped throughout the body. It is suggested that those who take the drug see rapid weight loss results in just two weeks. Although any positive effects this product has are greatly outnumbered by the dangerous negative side effects.

Side Effects

Imagine a drug that is designed to increase the heart rate of a large animal and then subjecting your own heart to that same medication. It doesn’t take much to realize that this pill can be fatal to humans. Using the Size Zero pill can be linked to heart attacks, strokes, panic attacks and extreme anxiety. You definitely shouldn’t take your decision to take this pill lightly.

Does It Work

Consumer reports prove that the pill will reduce weight, but you need to consider the cost you are paying. The weight loss from the pill is likely short-term and you will regain the weight the moment the drug leaves your system.

If you want to lose weight then you certainly shouldn’t take this pill. This pill is only approved for animal use by the FDA and is not meant for human consumption.

The Top Pre-Workout Supplements

I have always been a big fan of pre-workout supplements, especially during my college baseball days. They seem to give me the energy I need to get in a great workout, and also seem to be growing in popularity among others as well. Ten months ago I decided that I was going to do a little experiment and test a number of pre-workout supplements to find out which one took the top honors. So far I have used NO-Explode, Black Powder, Jack3d, 1.M.R., and Superpump 250. After using each of these for at least a month, I have formulated accurate reviews, and made my decision on which pre-workout supplement takes the top spot. I’m going to rank each supplement from worst to best, and give my opinion on why I did or did not like it.

(5) MRI’s Black Powder. Sorry Black Powder, but you are the worst pre-workout supplement that I’ve used. For those of you who have tried pre-workout supplements, you judge on whether or not it works by the amount of energy it gives you, the length of time the energy boost lasts, the pumps, and the increase in endurance. Black Powder didn’t give me any of these. Not only didn’t I experience anything positive from this supplement, I also broke out in acne all over my back, chest, and face. As soon as I stopped taking it, the acne disappeared. Because of the lack of everything that Black Powder didn’t provide, it’s ranked #5 out of 5.

(4) Gaspari’s Superpump 250. This is the pre-workout supplement that I’m currently testing out, and so far, it hasn’t lived up to its expectations. I notice an initial increase in energy about 15 minutes after I take it, but it wears off about 30-40 minutes into the workout. I started off taking 2 scoops, but quickly found out that it wasn’t enough, so I increased to 3 scoops, and these aren’t small scoops either. I have to choke it down after using a shaker because it’s too thick to stir. The one thing that really bothers me about Superpump 250 is that it has caused me to experience slight nausea that lasts pretty much the entire workout. With these reasons, and the fact that it doesn’t increase my endurance is why Superpump 250 is ranked #4 on my list.

(3) BSN’s NO-Explode. There is no doubt that this supplement is better than the other two, but still doesn’t take pass the top 2 supplements on my list. After I took NO-Explode, I would experience a rush of energy about 20 minutes afterward, and also became extremely focused. When I started my workout, I was able to get in quite a few extra reps. I also noticed that my recovery time between sets were shorter and that I didn’t get that normal fatigued feeling later on in the workout. In fact, there were many workouts where I felt like I could have just kept going. The only downfall about NO-Explode is that as time went on, I had to take more of it to feel an effect. All in all, NO-Explode is a great product.

(2) USP Labs’ Jack3d. I was debating on whether or not to make this #3 behind NO-Explode, but decided to rank it #2. The one thing I really like about Jack3d is the absolute rush of energy that you experience about 15 minutes after taking it. Not only will you experience a rush in energy, but you also feel a “tingly” feeling all over your face, neck, and hands. This initial boost of energy lasts during most of your workout. You will also experience an increase in endurance and pumps. There are two things that I don’t like about Jack3d: (1) I can’t take it any later than 4 PM in the afternoon or I will never sleep that night. I made the mistake and took it about 6:30 PM one evening, and stared at the ceiling for a good 5 hours before falling asleep. (2) I started to experience a slight nausea after increasing my scoops from 1.5 to 2.5. There were a few workouts that I had to stop because of the nausea, but after I decreased back to 1.5 scoops, the nausea went away. Once you discover your tolerance level and how long it lasts in your system, Jack3d is one of the best pre-workout supplements out there.

(1) BPI Sports’ 1.M.R. 1.M.R. stands for 1 more rep, and it sure does live up to its name! About 15 minutes after you take it, you experience that Jack3d “tingly” feeling and a rush in energy, and that energy lasts during the entire workout. I also experience that focus like I did with NO-Explode, which I really like. Once the workout starts, you are extremely pumped and will notice an increase in reps, endurance, and a decrease in recovery time. Like NO-Explode, I also felt like I could continue working out after I was finished. The only issue with 1.M.R. is the hardcore crash that you experience afterward, but personally, I like that feeling because it makes me feel like I got in an amazing workout, which I did. I have experienced nothing but positive effects from this supplement, and that’s why it’s ranked #1 on my pre-workout supplement list!

I hope this article has helped you make the decision on which pre-workout supplement you should try next. Like I said, I have used each supplement for at least a month so I could formulate an accurate review. I am going to be trying some other pre-workout supplements here in the next few months, and appreciate any recommendations. Who knows, maybe another one will take over the #1 spot!

Top Supplements For Anti-Aging

No one likes to feel as though time is catching up with them, and many people feel this every time they look at themselves in the mirror. As a result many people will look towards anti-aging supplements to help them look and feel much younger. If you are interested in turning back the years using supplements you will want to know which are the top supplements for anti-aging so that you can try them out yourself.

Antioxidants -These are a group of vitamins (A, C and E), carotenoids and a mineral – selenium. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals which are molecules that speed up the aging process. When the body can neutralize these free radicals the aging process will slow down. These antioxidants can be found in certain fruits and in supplements. However, to really get anti-aging benefits of antioxidants they need to be taken in quite high doses, which is why a supplement is so useful.

Herbs -There are a wide range of different herbs that can be taken, all of which have different positive effects on the aging process. The main herbs that work and anti-aging supplements are: Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea, Lycii Berry, MACA, Ashwagandha, Jujube Fruit, Reishi Mushroom, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Hu Zhang and Grapes Seed Extract. As mentioned all of these herbs have different anti-aging properties. Rhodiola Rosea for example is known to break down stored fat which speeds up weight loss. It increases the immune system and fights off toxins. All of these features combined show how powerful herbs can be in the fight against aging.

Vitamins – These are also well-known anti-aging supplements and there are several different vitamins that can be of use to someone looking to look more youthful. Vitamin A for instance is an antioxidant (as mentioned) and can help the skin to repair itself and therefore look younger. Vitamins D not only strengthens the bones but it also helps to prevent damage to the skin caused by exposure to the sun. Due to its beneficial effects many people will take a vitamin D supplement and use a facial cream which also contains it.

Resveratrol -This is an antioxidant supplement which is used by many people to fight the signs of getting older. Taking a supplement like this on a daily basis will give a person a real boost to their immune system and it will also strengthen the cardiovascular system and reduce and counteract cell damage which happens as part of the aging process. Research has also shown that this natural formula will help to slow down the progress of heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer.

As shown there are plenty of top supplements for anti-aging and all of these are very easy to find either in stores or online. Taking supplements will not only help to slow down the aging process but they also promote health and well-being. Studies have also shown that people who are not stressed tend to look younger, so any supplements which can boost health and well-being are also worth trying out.

Natural Antioxidant Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine is a fantastic and little known about supplement. Anyone who is health conscious these days has heard about the wonderful benefits of antioxidants in preventing cancer and maintaining an optimum state of health. The human body contains and uses many different types of antioxidants, and the actual number of examples is almost endless. However, there is one antioxidant in the body which is present in almost every cell, and is essential for life. That anti oxidant is called glutathione. Glutathione is everywhere in the body, and serves multiple functions. It boosts the immune system, protects cell membranes from free radical damage, prevents lipid peroxidation and among other things plays an active role in maintaining and repairing DNA in the body, which is under constant attack. You might still be wondering where acetylcysteine fits into this picture but it will all become clearer soon enough.

The question that people often think about on hearing about glutathione is “how can I get more glutathione in my body?”. Many people have tried to do this by making glutathione supplements and attempting to use these to boost levels of glutathione within the body. If only it was that simple. Glutathione is a peptide, which means it is made of amino acids. Unfortunately this means that it is pointless consuming it as a supplement, because it is broken down in your digestive tract to its component amino acids. The posh way of saying this is that it has almost zero oral bioavailability, and so is useless as a supplement that you can swallow.

There is a way around this however, our little known wonder supplement acetylcysteine is capable of making it into the circulation and boosting the synthesis of glutathione by providing the rate limiting raw material for glutathione synthesis (the amino acid cysteine) in a form readily available to the body. You will also be pleased to know that there is solid scientific information to back this up, unlike with many other supplements. For example, in a paracetamol (tylenol) overdose, the reason that an overdose is lethal is that it destroys the liver. This happens because the liver uses up all its glutathione in attempting to remove the toxins from the body. Once the stores are depleted, those toxins can then destroy liver cells. Guess what is used to treat a paracetamol overdose? Thats right, acetylcysteine! It follows then that if you want to boost your levels of glutathione, then you need to take acetylcysteine.

Resveratrol Dosage

Know the proper Resveratrol dosage you need in order to really get the full benefit of the product. However, the correct dosage for this product is actually still a topic of debate among people. After all, everybody is pretty keen on maximizing the product’s potential and that can only be done if they know just how much they should take. The product contains quite a number of different compounds which were derived from various fruits, red wine, peanuts and berries. Now, all of these are also found in other high quality supplements thus making it hard for regular people to really understand when it is too much or when it is too little.

Studies have shown that in order for a person to get the same amount of anti-oxidants that they can get from Resveratrol they would have to drink excessive amounts of red wine. Only then would they be able to absorb enough of its anti-oxidant properties in order to help them prevent any form of illness, slow down aging and avoid any diseases. This sounds like a pretty sweet deal for some people but truth be told, by the time you achieve that, you’re probably going to be a very drunk person. But you need not go through all that because all you really need to do is figure out the right Resveratrol dosage for you.

But why is it important for you to know the proper Resveratrol dosage? Well, it may be just a supplement but much like the medicines you use to treat illnesses, you would need to take the right amount in order for it to work its magic effectively. Most people believe that there is no standard dosage when it comes to Resveratrol. In other words, it depends upon the person who is taking it. After all, every person has a different need and as such, they would need the right amount of Resveratrol to suffice that.

Is a lower Resveratrol dosage better than a higher one? Well, lower dosages have indeed been found to be better when it comes to maximizing the products anti-aging properties as well as the other benefits that it can provide you with. The only real side effect that consuming high dosages of Resveratrol can have would be the chelation of minerals from our bodies. Needless to say, it would be best to consult your physician regarding this. After all, who better to give you advice on this subject?

Supplements To Lower Bad Cholesterol

Firstly, it is important to realize that whilst cholesterol is needed by our bodies to perform certain functions, if levels increase significantly this could lead to things such as heart disease. So how do you know if you have bad cholesterol? Well with a very simple blood test done by your doctor. Cholesterol problems are fairly common and so most doctors are on the look out for it. If you are diagnosed with this problem, there is no need for panic as there are various supplements to lower bad cholesterol available to you.

Most people these days are trying to avoid medication and are moving towards a more natural route. Cholesterol is one of those things that can be very effectively managed with small changes to your lifestyle and with a few simple herbal remedies.

Before you make the decision to go the natural route it is important to discuss this with your doctor. If your cholesterol levels are too high you may need a more aggressive treatment.

Of course the most important thing to remember is that you are going to have to fit in a certain amount of physical activity into your daily routine. Cholesterol levels can be directly related to weight issues.

When it comes to feeding your body with the right things, there are a few ingredients which could help in lowering your cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon has been seen to reduce cholesterol levels, especially in diabetic patients. This can be consumed normally or it does come in a supplement form which will give you a concentrated dosage.

Garlic, another wonderful thing. Not only an essential ingredient in any dish but can also target bad cholesterol. Garlic also comes in various supplement forms and will contain about 500 milligrams allicin, its useful compound. Studies have shown that about 900 mg/day has the potential to considerably lower bad cholesterol.

Green tea is something else that should be added to your daily consumption list. As good as drinking green tea is for you, supplements are better as they do not contain any caffeine, and one capsule is the equivalent of around five cups.

When it comes to vitamins and minerals you will need to get these through supplements. Make sure you find a good magnesium and Niacin source. Magnesium helps your body absorb cholesterol and avoids it being stored and building up. You will also need Vitamin B-5 and Omega-3 which is found in its best form in fish oil.