What is the secret of youth?

Anti-wrinkle creams, plastic surgery or any magic potion? This may be a question that had crossed your mind at least once in your lifetime, and you may be surprised to find out that the answer is quite simple, actually. Neither one or the other. The secret comes from within, more precisely from the diet. Here you will find a list with some miraculous foods which due to their immunostimulant actions, anti-inflammatory proprieties or the ability to strengthen and protect the heart, bones, muscles, etc. are recommended to be consumed on a daily basis.(1)

Almonds are rich in energy and don’t generate „bad” cholesterol due to its content which in phytosterols. They are also beneficial for people with diabetes, causing low blood sugar. Almonds are rich in amino acids and help the process of muscle growth, thus proving suitable for children and adolescents. The increased content of vitamin E transforms almonds on valuable candidates for preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer and age-related eye damage (especially macular degeneration). Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that keeps arteries healthy by protecting them from free radicals.

Nuts are rich in Omega-3 and polyphenols. They also have a high content of proteins. This composition makes the nuts beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. A handful of walnuts of about 30g (7 nuts) is welcomed anytime but mainly as a snack between meals.(2)

Olive oil – the variety of extra virgin (cold pressed) oil is rich in monounsaturated benefic fats.

Flax seeds are high in proteins and fibers. These small grains provide a significant amount of Omega-3 and fatty acids. Their use has been known to help reduce stains on the skin and the reduction of the wrinkles.

Green tea is a complex antioxidant with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers found that the consumption of 2 to 6 cups per day neutralizes the pathological changes that occur in the skin due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Other studies show that green tea is rich in an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which stimulates the cardiovascular health and reduces the risk for several types of cancer.(3)

Rosemary is rich in carnosic acid. It has been known that that rosemary may protect against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and fights against the general effects of aging.

Dark chocolate (85-90% cocoa) has a high percentage of flavonoids – substances that increase the blood flow to the brain, helping at the improving of the cognitive function. Dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa has in its composition a tannin called procyanidins which helps keep arteries flexible and a low blood pressure.

Ginger contains as main substance gingerol – similar to capsaicin in chili pepper or piperine. Studies have shown that gingerol has an unusually high effect against colon cancer. Ginger can be consumed fresh or added to various sauces.(4)

Cinnamon is best known as a spice for sweet desserts. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that inhibit blood clotting and combats some bacteria including those responsible for causing bad breath (halitosis). Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help stabilize the blood sugar thus reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Whole grains – oatmeal, whole wheat, barley, oats, brown rice, etc. are fiber-rich foods that soothe inflamed tissues while maintaining a healthy heart, colon and also maintain the brain supplied with oxygen. Whole grains, even if they have in their composition carbohydrates in large quantities, are balanced foods, the release of carbohydrates being slow down by fibers. A half cup of whole grains contains 10 grams of protein and provides the energy needed for muscular balance.(5)

Yogurt and kefir – the benefits of probiotic organisms from yogurt cultures are undeniable natural. Those bacteria are beneficial to the body because they keep the digestive tract healthy, strengthen the immune system and protect against cancer.

Hot pepper stimulates the metabolism, the blood circulation and helps to the release of endorphins. Also, peppers are a great way to add flavor to food without increasing the fat content or calories. Hot pepper is also rich in beta-carotene, which is concentrated into vitamin A. The capsaicin from pepper fights against blood infections, inhabit specific peptides (biochemical substances) that inhibit inflammation.

Apples – an apple a day reduces inflammations of any kind due to quercetin, a potent natural antioxidant flavonoid which exists in many vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Quercetin reduces the risk of allergies, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, prostate cancer and also lung cancer.(6)

Pomegranates – the juice in these fruits with many seeds can reduce the risk of most cancers, due to the polyphenols called ellagitannins – the one that gives these fruits the color red.

Pineapple – the broad mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and, in particular, bromelain, is a cocktail of anti-inflammatory. Pineapples also protect against colon cancer, arthritis, and age-related macular degeneration. A half pineapple two r three times per weeks is the ideal portion.

Figs are rich in potassium, manganese, and antioxidants. These fruits adjust the pH levels in the body, making the pathogen invasion more difficult. The fibers in figs can cause low blood sugar, thus reducing the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. For consumption, it is good to pick figs which have a darker color.  They can be eaten mixed with other fibers as such.

The list of foods that are beneficial to our body could continue on and on. There may be no magic potion to help us fight against the aging process, but there are some ailments which can help us slow down the process. It all consists in the attention we pay to what we eat. Before thinking of anti-wrinkle creams or plastic surgery try making changes in your diet and help your body maintain its health through natural ways.

Even if it might seem shallow, society nowadays gives great importance to looks. On TV, magazines, billboards, everywhere around we see slim people with a perfect silhouette. One of the most significant health problems of our century is obesity which affects younger people by the year, and this is more than a simple aesthetics issue, it is a health problem with deadly consequences. When we are young, we feel that nothing can stop us from getting what we want. Eating on the run and enjoying late evening meals are taking the toll on our bodies after a while and once the fat layers are formed, it is difficult to get rid of them, especially after a certain age.

Genetics was generous with some people, and they are born to look good, but achieving that dreamy figure is one of the daily challenges most of us have to face every day. And once the weight goal is reached another fight begins to keep it for as long as possible. Even if some people are very determined to lose weight, not only for aesthetic reasons but health as well, things don’t go as planned. Metabolism no longer works as fast as it used to and some extra help is needed. Dietary supplements are one of the most popular options because they are easy to take and many of them are useful. Unfortunately, the market for nutritional supplements is not controlled yet by strict regulations, and there are manufacturers with the sole interest of making a profit and they are less concerned with the health of the customers. It is essential to make sure you invest in a natural product so you will get the desired results without causing any other problems. CLA represents one of these products.

What Is CLA?

CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid, and it is an essential fatty acid. This substance is a relatively new entry into the market of dietary supplements, but it is becoming more and more popular among those passionate about gym, fitness, bodybuilding or regular people who just want to lose some weight. Studies continue to find scientific proof that CLA plays a crucial role in weight management, so manufacturers of dietary supplements rushed to include it in their products.

Essential fatty acids like CLA are necessary for maintaining and improving the health condition, but unfortunately, the human body can’t produce them on its own, so we must take them from external sources. We can make sure to include in the daily diet foods which are rich in CLA like, dairy products, pork, beef, eggs or mushrooms or merely choose the pills available on the market. As long as the source is high quality the rest, it is a personal choice.

Benefits of CLA for Health

Natural versus supplements is a subject which created a lot of controversy among scientists, doctors, and customers. Both options bring advantages and disadvantages, and it is all about finding the right solution for each. The dietary supplements based on Conjugated Linoleic Acid have the advantage of containing larger quantities of the main active ingredient, so the benefits are noticed faster. In order to obtain the same results one must eat substantial amounts of food, and in some cases it is impossible. On the other hand, going for the natural sources reduces the risk of side effects considerably, because it doesn’t contain any GMO or synthetic ingredients.

Regardless the source of CLA one decides to use the benefits remain the same.

1. Weight management and boosting metabolism

The benefit mostly used for promoting this substance is the weight loss. Even if we have access to a wide variety of dietary supplements which promise to melt the extra weight away, every time a new product enters the market it gets a lot of attention. Unlike other similar supplements which offer more promises than results, CLA actually works, and there is scientific proof for that. Clinical trials concluded that constant consumption of this substance has the potential to reduce the body fat and as a result, the weight also drops due to biochemical chain reactions which boost the basal metabolic rate. This is a critical aspect of managing weight because it represents the lowest amount of energy the body needs to function correctly. A higher BMR rate means that the food is transformed into energy more efficiently. The conjugated linoleic acid is responsible for increasing the energy level so we can burn out fat faster.

There are several decades of medical and scientific studies which back up this benefit for the health. The most noticeable effects of CLA are with overweight and obese people. Studies conducted over the years revealed a decrease of their body fat mass and the most important part is that these values last for a long time. Also, a weight difference was observed in healthy individuals, which means that CLA can help you lose weight in all situations. Of course, to get the best results possible, one must live a healthy life, eat good food and work out regularly.

2. Reduces the values of blood sugar and cholesterol

By reducing the body fat, CLA brings other benefits associated with lower weight. Feeling good is just as important as looking good. Overweight comes with a string of other health issues attached such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, insulin resistance or atherosclerosis. Including Conjugated Linoleic Acid in the daily routine reduces the risk of dealing with diabetes or heart disease considerably. Even medical studies revealed a reduction of LDL and total cholesterol level in the animals who were subjects for the experiment. Studies conducted later on humans confirmed that CLA has the potential to increase the use of stored fat and transform it into energy.

3. Increases the muscle mass

Because CLA can enhance the basal metabolic rate, the percentage of the body fat mass is being reduced through a series of chemical reactions in the body. Unfortunately, this is not enough to notice a significant difference when it comes to the scale because CLA is very useful in increasing the mass of the lean muscle. The result is a more toned up body and a faster burn of the calories without any effort.

4. Strengthens the immune system

Constant pressure on the body for losing weight through exercise and poor diet habits can make it more vulnerable to illness. CLA supplements can boost the immune system and prevent specific health issues. It can even help you fight the common cold during its season.

Side effects of CLA

So far, scientists didn’t find any possible dangerous or severe side effects of CLA. Considering that this substance is naturally found in certain foods the risk of dealing with complications which might endanger your health and life is very low. Knowing that there are still many ongoing studies about this substance and the list of benefits and side effects is still opened it is better for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid taking it in medicinal amounts and only eat foods which contain CLA. Some doctors might recommend children to receive this type of supplement but not for longer than seven months in a row, just to stay on the safe side.

Just like any other supplement taken in overdose, CLA might cause some unpleasant effects like upset stomach, fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea, but nothing severe, and the symptoms can be diminished by merely reducing the amount of CLA you take.

People aware of suffering from various medical conditions must get the doctor’s approval before starting a treatment based on CLA, just to make sure they don’t make things worse. If you are diagnosed with one of the following disorders, you must be precautious with supplementing on CLA:

• Blood clotting issues – the effect of medication for this type of health problems might be canceled by high levels of CLA in the daily diet because this substance slows down the blood clotting and as a result, the risk of bleeding or bruising is enhanced.
• Diabetes – some doctors expressed their concerns that CLA might influence the values of blood sugar so until this problem is officially cut off the list people with this diagnosis must be careful when supplementing on this substance
• Metabolic syndrome – it is believed that conjugated linoleic acid increases the risk of diabetes in people with metabolic syndrome and it is better to get the doctor’s approval before starting treatment.
• Surgery – CLA acts on the blood’s ability to clot, and it might cause excessive bleeding in case of an injury. If you have an operation scheduled it is advisable to stop using it at with two weeks before so there will be no complications.
• Fatigue – is another possible side effect of CLA supplements which have a negative impact on the ability to stay focused during the day and could make you feel the need for more sleep than usual
• Diarrhea – high dosage of CLA might cause intestinal irritation, and an immediate consequence is frequent loose stool due to the urgent movement of the bowel, also known as diarrhea. These episodes are often associated with bloating, stomach pain and cramping. If the problem persists, there is a high risk of becoming dehydrated, and symptoms like a headache, dizziness, thirst and dry skin appear. It is essential to seek medical attention if the problem doesn’t go away when you stop taking CLA
• Stomach discomfort – some people might experience an intense sensation of nausea and loss of appetite. If the symptoms are not temporary or they become more complicated such as vomiting, you need to talk to a doctor.

What are the most popular CLA supplements?

First of all, it is essential to understand that CLA is not a wonder pill, but a supplement. It won’t do magic on your weight and make you lose the body fat over the night. This substance supports the body to burn fat faster and grow the lean muscle. For best results possible any dietary supplement must be backed up by a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. A low-calorie diet and constant physical exercises will boost the effectiveness of CLA.

Here are some of the most popular CLA safflower oil supplements available on the market right now and they received positive reviews and feedback from users determined to improve their looks and health.

• Gen-tec Nutrition CLA – each capsule has 1000 mg of Safflower oil fatty acids which work to enhance the effectiveness of that 800 mg of CLA in the formula. This supplement costs around $60 a bottle, which is a reasonable price for 90 soft gel capsules.
• Vita Direct Premium CLA 800 – is a product with a similar formula, 1000 mg of safflower oil and 800 mg of CLA, only the price is much lower. A bottle with 180 serving costs just $20 plus shipping fees.
• San – PURE CLA 1500 – is promoted as one of the most potent CLA supplement available for purchase. One bottle has 120 soft gel capsules each containing 1.5 g of concentrated safflower oil, 1.2 g of CLA, 120 mg of oleic acid, 79 mg palmitic acid and 29 and stearic acid, along with other ingredients obtained from natural sources as well. This supplement can be purchased online for only $40.
• Muscle Pharm CLA 1000 Soft gels – puts great emphasis on its potential burn fat and support the muscle growth due to its 1000 mg servings. A bottle contains 180 capsules and costs less than $22
• Isatori CLA – is designed for people interested in going to the gym for obtaining a lean definition of their muscles. The formula contains 1000 mg of CLA and 381 mg of a unique metabolism blend of guarana seed extract, yerba mate extract, and other natural ingredients. The price is a little above the average as a bottle with 40 capsules costs around $40, but the product guarantees the high quality of its ingredients.
• CLA 1250 by Sports Research – is another top option among CLA supplements users as it has a high concentration of primary active ingredient, 1250 mg per serving. The price is $27 for a bottle with 180 capsules. These pills are also an excellent choice for vegans who can’t take their CLA from meat and dairy products as most people do.

These are just a small part of the CLA supplements options available for purchasing. It is essential to talk with a doctor before starting any treatment so you make sure you invest in a high-quality product which is suited to your individual health needs and it will help you improve your life and health instead of endangering it. The doctor will recommend you the right daily dosage and will monitor your evolution for best results.

Summing up – CLA and the fight with weight

Conjugated Linoleic Acid, mostly known as CLA is an essential fatty acid that the human body needs to function correctly, but unfortunately, it can’t produce it on its own. That is why finding the best way to supplement is essential for every one of us. Some people prefer to take it from foods and include in their diet certain types of meat like beef or pork, dairy products obtained from whole fat milk, eggs or mushrooms. But in most cases, this is not enough to ensure the body gets the necessary daily amount of CLA the body requires to keep its functions at optimum levels.

Medical studies reveal more and more benefits of including CLA in the daily diet. Not only it is an excellent ally in the fight with excessive weight, and it can help melt away that stubborn belly fat, but it also brings associated health improvements like controlling the blood sugar level, reducing the insulin resistance or regulating the blood pressure.

A simple pill will not change the game entirely overnight. It requires patience and determination. Including CLA in the diet is the first step towards a healthier life but it needs to be supported with physical exercises and a low-calorie diet. The online market presents countless options for CLA supplements with different prices. Even if the average cost is accessible, you must make sure you invest the money, time and energy in a product which will make your life better. The supplements have various concentrations of the main active ingredient, and it is better to get a recommendation from a doctor according to your lifestyle and medical history. As long as you make sure your CLA comes from high-quality sources, your looks and health will change for the better, regardless if you choose between natural sources and dietary supplements or find a balance between both.

Considering the numerous benefits that this oil can bring along, there is no wonder why so many people show this much interest in CBD and what it actually can do for the body. There is a lot to learn about this chemical substance, and the great thing about it is that its whole potential does not end where the presently available scientific studies state. This is because researchers are confident that there are still many more data to be discovered regarding this extraordinary nature’s gift which we all should take advantage of.

Even though it is extracted from a quite controversial plant, cannabis that is, all products containing CBD should be legal through ought the entire states, because it has nothing to do with the psychoactive sensations of THC, the “bad” guy, if we can call it like this. It is only a matter of full acknowledgment until more and more authorities will eventually see the excellent health potential that chemical substance has.

Same source, different working mechanism

Try to see this as an everyday scenario: you can judge a person by its family. We do not get to choose our family members. This is exactly what is going on with THC and CBD. They are brothers, but the fact that they come from the same source, the same mother that is, does not imply that both can be damaging to the body. THC is responsible for making you feel like you are moving in slow motion, your whole system kind of gets slowed down; you do not get to think of your fullest capacity, you feel like eating a lot and so on and so forth.

Of course, these symptoms are not valid for everybody consuming high THC marijuana strains; it is all about the specific way in which each human body reacts to it. However, these could be considered quite common reactions to this cannabinoid.

On the other hand, we have CBD, this peaceful compound that has so many gifts for our health. You just want to take it home with you and never let it go. It has no psychoactive effects, and it is legal in most states. On top of all this, the range of health benefits which this chemical substance is capable of should definitely make you wonder why haven’t you used it before.

CBD is not your ordinary dietary supplement

It is entirely true that we have at our disposal a whole range of products containing this cannabinoid, such as pills, gel capsules, and other similar supplements. However, specialists are strongly advising on turning to oils or tinctures, but better to choose the oils, as the body faster tolerates these and the effects can be noticed more rapid.

So once you decide to act towards your health’s interest, you should buckle up and start this incredible journey in the CBD world. You will get to learn so many interesting things about it and the fact that it still has many more remarkable aspects to be discovered is even more intriguing. It is true that researchers regarding it are still growing, but what we have up until this moment about CBD I firmly believe that it should be enough to make you go deeper into its layers.

So how can this oil be included into daily habits? What is the best method of administering to the body? Are there any aspects of being aware of when taking it? All these are common questions which many curious people about CBD oil are asking. As we truly wish to spread the word on this one, keep on reading because you have a lot to learn about.

How much is too much?

Many newbies in this whole CBD field are continually struggling to find out which should be the right dose for them. Well, the thing is that there is not a standard dose which specialists could recommend because CBD gets to work differently, no matter the race, nationality or gender.

However, there is a sort of new trend being seeded among CBD oil users, and it has to with taking daily a strong concentrated rate of CBD. It is considered that administering to the human system small doses of really condensed CBD oil will have a rapid and strong effect, in terms of improving the way it functions.

In the same context, specialists talk about microdose cannabidiol, which is somewhere between 2.5 and 5 mg each day of average concentrated CBD oil. You can still get the great effects with this amount, as you will immediately get some of its benefits. However, experts frequently talk about the fact that the human body gets to built its tolerance to CBD in time. This means that the longer you use it, the better you will feel, generally speaking.

Should one worry about any side effects?

This is quite the common dilemma rising in many people’s minds, once they decide to give CBD oil a try. It is most natural to consider this aspect, mainly because it is your health we are talking about here. The great news is that CBD oil is believed to bring along no side effects at all, mainly when it is extracted from well-cropped plants, from trustful sources.

In addition to all this, all the real cases of people successfully using CBD oil as part of their health recovery treatment are definite proof that this oil only works towards your best interest, without damaging the body in any way. The fact that it comes from nature and is not processed with all sorts of artificial enhancers or other such substances should make you consider it as a choice for either supporting your health recovery process or for maintaining it in the best shape possible.

A recent study conducted by Harvard University revealed the fact that the Omega 3 deficiency is among top 10 causes of death in the USA. The unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits represent the main reasons for the unbalance in our bodies between the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. In the right amount, the Omega 6 is not bad for health, but in large quantities, it may cause serious health issues like asthma, heart conditions, obesity, type 2 diabetes, or even cancer. Omega 3 can balance the Omega 6 fatty acids and restore the order in our bodies. The primary source of Omega 3 is fish oil.

Most of the health benefits of fish oil are due to the generous quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, especially Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil is one of the dietary supplements with the most benefits for our general health. It was scientifically proven that the Omega 3 acids found in fish oil could help people suffering from:

• Anxiety – It is essential to supplement the diet with fish oil, especially during the periods of brain development. This way children are protected from manifesting depression or anxiety later in
• ADHD – Our brain is mostly composed of fatty acids, and they should be obtained from food. Whenever necessary, the Omega 3 can be supplemented by taking fish oil pills. Medical studies showed that symptoms of ADHD, like the inability to focus, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are improved by increasing on this substance.
• Alzheimer disease – Omega 3 acids found in fish oil are essential for slowing down the symptoms of people diagnosed with Alzheimer.
• Cancer – It was noticed that fish oil fights different types of cancer such as breast, colon or prostate. Not only the Omega 3 from fish oil makes the chemotherapy drugs more useful, but some studies also concluded that it could even stand alone as a therapy.
• Diabetes – Studies showed that fish oil does wonders for people with diabetes by controlling the blood sugar level. It also protects the hippocampus’ cells from destroying and cause the cognitive
• Eye disease – It is known that fish oil can be used as therapy for age-related eye disorders like cataract or it can improve the symptoms of dry eye.
• Skin and hair conditions – The fatty Omega 3 acids found in fish oil prevent wrinkles and avoid the appearance of other skin conditions like dandruff, eczema or age spots. The hair also looks thicker and healthier.
• Obesity – Combined with proper physical exercises, fish oil is very useful in reducing the belly fat
• Osteoporosis – A higher level of Omega 3 fatty acids has a positive influence on the bone density and calcium balance.

The daily dose of fish oil one person should take is influenced by age and mostly by the health problem intended to treat. Still. For most people, 1000 mg per day is enough to improve the health condition. There are many types of fish used in fish oil supplements, and salmon, mackerel, tuna, cod liver, sardines, pollock, halibut, and herring are the most common. More doesn’t necessarily mean better because the amount of Omega 3 must be in ratio with Omega 6. It is a good idea to buy fish oil rich in triglyceride as it is better preserved.