Should You Make the Switch to Egg Protein?

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Tuesday, June 16, 2015

If you train regularly, you probably use a protein supplement. But are you getting everything you want out of it? If you have been thinking of trying something new, keep reading to learn what egg protein has to offer.

It's no secret how important protein is for the body, especially for those who train regularly. Without protein, the muscles wouldn't recover properly after training, making growth a slower process and possibly leading to injury. If you're someone who hits the gym regularly, you probably have a go-to protein supplement in your arsenal to help you get those results you're after.

The most popular protein supplements include soy, whey and casein, but egg protein is another option you may not have considered. 

Why Eggs?
If you're already a fan of eggs, you may already know how much they have to offer. If you're not, listen up.

The average egg provides 6 g of protein per serving. Eggs are also a great source of B vitamins for proper energy metabolism along with vitamin D for bone health and immunity and minerals like iron, zinc and potassium which keep the body hydrated, the blood properly circulating and the immune system on guard to fight off illness. Eggs and athletes go hand in hand, but you don't have to chug the raw stuff or eat a colossal omelette each morning to the get their benefits. 

Researchers are also beginning to take note of the possible advantages of adding egg protein to your daily supplement regimen. In a study published in 2012 in the medical journal Nutrients, researchers found regular consumption of egg white protein helped female athletes increase resistance muscle strength. They called for more studies on a larger sample of participants to look at the effect of egg white protein over time on body composition and overall strength.

How It's Made
Egg protein supplements are most commonly made from egg whites, which reduces the cholesterol content a bit. The dried, powdered egg whites may be combined with additional nutrients or natural flavors. The result is a product high in vitamins, minerals and amino acids that's highly digestible, meaning it's easy for the body to break down and absorb for maximum benefit. And if you're worried egg protein will taste like you're drinking that omelette, not to worry -- there are a variety of flavors on the market and this protein powder can be consumed multiple ways, which we'll get to now.

Suggested Uses for Egg Protein
Egg protein powder is easily added into your diet to up you protein intake. You can mix this protein powder with any liquid you prefer and drink it on its own, or add it to a smoothie or shake with fresh fruits, nut butters or vegetables for a more complete snack or pre-workout supplement. Protein mixes can also be added to your favorite food recipes -- one of our favorites it to sub in protein powder for 1/3 of the flour when making pancakes.

It's important to note protein supplements aren't meant to be consumed in place of meals in the hope of promoting weight loss. A complete meal consists of protein along with fats, carbohydrates and fiber. If you plan to make a shake with egg protein to serve as a meal replacement, be sure it contains the proper balance of nutrients to keep the body properly fueled.

In summation, if you're looking for a protein supplement that delivers a powerful punch of highly digestible protein that's also versatile, we highly recommend making the switch to egg protein. Shop for a variety of workout supplements, including egg protein, at eVitamins and save, every day.

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Choosing the Right ED Treatment

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Saturday, September 10, 2011

Erectile dysfunction is a common and serious problem for men all over the world. Make sure your ED treatment is the right one for you.

Like other body parts that age and deteriorate over time, the penis also weakens in some men faster than in other males. Although the start of weaker erections varies, the average man would initially experience some difficulty in reaching an erection or maintaining one when he reaches his 40s or 50s.

A Flaccid State
A male has an erection when blood enters and is retained in the sponge-like tissues within the penis. Usually an erection is the physical response to a mental or physical stimulus such as the sight or image of a human body or certain body parts, erotic thoughts or other physical acts.

The mental or physical stimuli are transmitted as signals from the brain to the penis, which will result in the male reproductive organ becoming erect, which is generally a basic requirement for the creation of a human life.

The erect penis has a direct role in the propagation and increase of the human race, that the medical community even has specialized studies on ailments affecting erection, known as erectile dysfunction.

However, rising up to the occasion is a problem for a growing number of males around the world. Besides the age factor, other known reasons behind erectile dysfunction are the use of drugs such as anti-depressants and nicotine, psychological causes including performance anxiety, stress and mental disorders, vices such as smoking and drinking.

Among the physiological causes of ED are injuries to the brain and spinal cord, nerve disorders such as Parkinson’s diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke and diabetes. Some surgeries, particularly those of the colon, prostate, bladder or rectum could damage the nerves and blood vessels responsible for achieving and maintaining an erection.

Radiation therapy has also been pinpointed as causes of ED, as well as surgeries for prostate and bladder cancer, which require the removal and tissues and nerves surrounding a tumor in those body parts near the male reproductive organ.

Because of the importance many males place on having an erection as a reflection of his masculinity and the human need for sexual intimacy, men and the science and medical communities searched for cures for ED.

Seeking a Cure
Among the early cures for ED were goat gland implants and mercurochrome injections in attempted to bring back male virility.

The breakthrough came when a major American drug company released an ED pill that became the talk of town. Launched in the market in 1998 under a well-known brand which has almost become synonymous with ED cure, sildenafil citrate was developed by British scientists to treat ED and hypertension.

It works by inhibiting the enzyme cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase which delays degradation of cGMP that regulates blood flow into the penis. Sold in 25, 50 and 100 mg diamond-shaped pills, sildenafil is taken between 30 minutes and 4 hours before sexual intercourse.

As the pioneer ED treatment, the maker of sildenafil earned billions of dollars from its sale in the U.S. and other countries that 2 years after its launch the brand enjoyed a 92 percent global market share for prescribed ED.

However, as competition came from three other major pharmaceutical firms, the global market share of the manufacturer of sildenafil went down to 50 percent in 2007. The new ones which secured regulatory approval as ED treatment were tadalafil, vardenafil and vardenafil HC1.

Among the three newer ED drugs, tadalafil – popularly called Alice in Wonderland because of the brand name’s similarity with the fairy tale character’s name – became a new hit because of its faster and longer effect within 15 minutes of taking and up to 36 hours in some males.

Side Effects
Despite the wonders that the prescribed ED pills have on the male ego and organ, like other drugs, these medications have side effects such as headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and impaired vision.

Other lesser known, but still serious adverse effects of ED drugs are priapism, severe hypotension, heart attacks, ventricular arrythmias, strokes, increased intraocular pressure and sudden hearing loss.

Notwithstanding these risks, many males with erection problems are willing to take the chances and despite the high cost of these ED drugs if only to achieve erection which was not much of a problem during their youth.

Because of the psychological effect of such achieving erection has on the male psyche, the ED pills have been seen as a fountain of youth among males who once lost their ability to rise to the occasion.

Additionally, an increasing amount of males feel that the benefits of these medications don't outweight the risks, and have thus taken their searches elsewhere.

Herbal Alternatives
There are at least five known herbal remedies for ED, namely: L-arginine, Propionyl-L-Carnitine, gingko, zinc and ashwagandha.

L-arginine is an amino acid which the human body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that signals the smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels to relax, which allows enhance blood flow and leads to an erection. It's available as an oral L-arginine supplement, and is made by several different top vitamin manufacturers.

Propionyly-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine were found in one study to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil which resulted in improved erectile function.

Gingko Biloba, also known as Maidenhair tree, Kew tree and Japanese silver apricot, is one of the oldest living tree species. In North America, it is the extract of gingko leaves that is used, while in traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds of the gingko tree are used.

Similar to gingko, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as Indian ginseng because of its similar effect on the human body, particularly on sexual function.

Outside these five, there are other herbal remedies rumored to help men achieve and sustain an erection. However, caution has to be exercised by males because of the lack of scientific studies to prove the claim of their sellers.

What To Do
For men with serious and legitament cases of ED, talking to your doctor is a good place to start. Your doctor will be able to help explain the pros and cons of prescription and herbal remedies for ED, and working together you should be able to come to a solution that suits your needs without causing any long term side effects.

For men who are just looking to spice up their sex life, prescription ED medications may not be your best option. There are reports and horror stories abound from men who've tried these medications without legitament cause that have had long term and irreversable damages happen to them.

Lastly, ordering prescription ED pills - be it brand name or knockoff - from the Internet is dangerous, sketchy and never ever a good idea. Remember that to properly make these medicines, there is a strict routine and recipe required. Taking a pill that was made with lower quality ingredients - or one that was made without notice to the specific procedure - will almost certainly lead to complications, adverse side effects and a plethora of other problems.

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Getting the Most from Your Shampoo

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Friday, September 09, 2011

Selecting a shampoo requires a little more effort than picking out the cheapest option available. Find out here which shampoo is best for your hair type and lifestyle.

How many of you blankly stare at the hair care product shelves when you shop for shampoos? You are not alone. Fifty percent^[1] of people feel overwhelmed when shopping for shampoo because of all the varieties available.

With so many different types of shampoos, it can be nearly impossible to decide on just one. Many of you may do what most people do and just settle on the most attractive label and price. But how do you know if what you’re buying is giving you the best results for your hair type?

How Does Shampoo Clean Your Hair?
As you probably know, shampoo removes the oil, dirt and dead skin that accumulates in your hair. Even though shampoo is mostly used on hair it’s also an ingredient in other formulas such as cosmetics and skincare products such anti-seborrhoeic and keratolytic agents.

The main ingredients found in shampoos are water, surfactant, foaming, sodium citrate, silicone, polyquaternium, panthenol and preservatives. The ingredient that cleans your hair is the surfactant. The moisturizers or conditioners are sodium citrate, silicone, polyquaternium and pathenol. All the other ingredients are mostly the forming ingredients, except the foaming agent, which is just for your pleasure.

Types of Shampoo
Manufacturers, over time, have played around with the ingredients in shampoo to create different types of shampoo. To deep clean your hair, manufacturers have increased the surfactant ingredient and called it clarifying. If you have color-treated, chemically treated or damaged hair that needs a gentler shampooing, manufactures have lessened the surfactant and called it revitalizing. For limp hair, protein has been added to the shampoo that sticks to the strands of the hair, which plumps or volumizes the hair. More pantheol added to shampoo now provides moisturizing shampoo.

Special Shampoos
You may also see some special shampoos hit the market recently. These shampoos may seem like they make promises that can’t be delivered but they really do give you the benefits they claim.

Swimmer’s Shampoo – If you’re a swimmer, you know how chlorine can dry out your hair. Shampooing your hair with this special shampoo can really help with the damaging effects of the pool because it removes the chlorine from your hair as well as other minerals that can cause dryness.

Sunscreen Shampoo – You may have started to see that some shampoos have started to include sunscreen. This is a great product to purchase if you work outside or spend a lot of time outdoors. Your scalp is susceptible to burns as much as other parts of your body, so it’s a good way to protect it. It can also protect color or permed hair from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.

Tips for Shampooing Your Hair

• If you have oily hair, you shouldn’t use conditioner.
• Do not scrub your hair after shampooing. You should pat or gently squeeze your hair.
• If you have chemically treated hair, use oily hair conditioners and only use it on the ends of your hair.
• Use lukewarm water to rinse shampooed hair.
• Soak up excess oil with lemon juice after shampooing and rinse.
• Switch shampoos monthly.
• Try an egg shampoo if you have dry hair.
• You don’t get what you pay for with shampoos. Try different brands and prices to find the best one for your hair type.

Did You Know?
One out of four women^[1] won’t do an activity because of what their hair looks like and 88 percent of women say when their having a good hair day they feel better about themselves. So the next time you go shopping for shampoo, take some time to choose one that complements your hair type. You’ll be amazed at the results and how much better you’ll feel about yourself.

Sources

1. ^[1] - The Science of Shampoo - The Daily Beast, thedailybeast.com

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PGX Fiber Helps Fat Loss

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Thursday, September 08, 2011

PGX fiber helps your body lose weight in several different ways. See how fiber and PGX can help your weight loss regiment.

Weight problems are some of the most well known health and body issues people face today. It’s no secret that almost everyone is seeking the newest ways to lose extra pounds. Some work hard to find something healthy, while others will do just about anything, even sacrifice their health, just to be a few pounds lighter.

Add to this, the fact that almost no one has the time to actually do a lot to lose weight, and even the weight starts coming off it seems like it's only minutes before it's back. There are tons of people looking for stuff that can help them manage their body mass, but not a lot are willing to spend more than ten minutes in doing so.

 

This is where the plethora of weight loss products come into the picture. With a marketplace that allows for several hundred of weight loss products to compete side-by-side, weight loss products, diet pills, energy boosters and fat burners seem to be the answer everyone is looking for.  And people will try just about anything to lose weight. There never seems to be a shortage of new pills, diets or exercise plans that promise to be the end-all cure for obesity.  The only problem, however, is that obesity caused illnesses aren't in decline - they're growing.

 

If you’re looking for the right weight loss product that will help you get the job done, you can cut your search short by trying out stuff that experts recommend. Take PGX for example. 

 

Created by Natural Factors, PGX or PolyGlycopleX, is a weight loss supplement that uses the inner workings of fiber and its grand effects on the digestive system. Some would quickly think that fiber is easily found in a great number of things, especially from food items like vegetables and fruits, so why buy something that can be easily acquired naturally? Well, one specific answer to this is the fact that in order to really shed some pounds off, you need to get about 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Most commonly, the average person only gets around 12 grams daily and that’s it. That problem is clearly solved by this supplement, aiding the process of losing weight.

 

Like many weight products, PGX affects your appetite and eating capacity. Because it uses fiber from konjac root, which is known for being capable of absorbing really high amounts of water, regardless of its weight, it can make you feel fuller in a smaller amount of time. This, in turn, helps in preventing you from eating large portions of food, allowing your body to maintain healthy calorie intake without the feeling like you’re starving yourself.

 

To get better results and even make the process of shedding some pounds even faster, experts recommend that working out and having a healthy diet could further boost the effects of PGX and other similar fiber products. Who wouldn't want to maximize their weight loss program?  Most gyms offer simple cardio classes that can help shrink your waist, but even if going to the gym isn't your schtick you could always dance the weight away.

 

Aside from weight loss, PGX also works wonders for other illnesses and conditions. For example, it's also designed to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels among its takers. Because its main ingredient is a powerful fiber, it can also flush out all the unwanted toxins from the body. This includes the cholesterol-containing bile acids. And as it slows down digestion, it also helps in the gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.

 

The only problem with PGX softgels is its size, though. Some patrons tend to complain about the gels being too big, making it quite difficult to swallow. And since the recommended dosage is six capsules before every meal, things could get really scary and downright uncomfortable for potential buyers.

 

Another issue that some users tend to raise is that it has a specific method about how it works. Since PGX uses a natural approach at losing weight, it’s also very particular, noting regular changes from time to time. This could get confusing for some who don’t want to pay attention to things, but if you’re patient enough to actually follow instructions, you can easily enjoy its great benefits.

 

To really get the best that PGX has to offer, you will need to stop rushing things. The program is admittedly slow paced at first, as you will need to build tolerance. Taking the full dose immediately can leave you feeling bloated or with an upset stomach, so make sure to do what is instructed to avoid discomforts as such. This is the only thing that you’ll need to worry about, though, as there are no diet restrictions or suggested meal plans. You are free to do and eat whatever you want, making it an ideal weight loss supplement for many.

 

PGX is another promising weight loss product that you can go for, that separates itself from the rest because of its formuation. Not many weight loss products avoid stimulants, and even fewer get mentioned by Dr. Oz. Whether it will prove highly effective in your scheme to shed some pounds off, it's all up to you and how you use it. Giving it a try wouldn’t hurt since it's stimulant free and most people are fiber deficient anyways.

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Dancing to Lose Weight

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead on Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Trying to lose weight but don't have the time for cardio classes at the gym? Try dancing the weight away.

After celebrating the vigorous years of your 20s, you are now facing the fact that you are not getting younger anymore. And in several years or so, you will start counting white hairs and wrinkles. Perhaps, one of the fiercest battles that you would soon encounter is keeping your weight and body figure intact at the minimum level that you desire.

This battle of weight loss is a common scenario in life among people who are reaching their late 20s to early 30s. As a result, people who come off this age involve themselves in different kinds of diet, rigid exercises and even taking weight loss supplements, thinking that this will hasten the process.

Well then, if weight loss is really an issue, why not battle it with fun? Instead of doing hard core exercises, you can devote your leisure time with dance exercises. You don't need to be a good dancer to try it because along the way, you will discover yourself learning it without  much effort at all.  Besides, you're not dancing for competition - you're dancing for fun and for weight loss.

What are the Different Kinds of Dance Exercises?
Dance exercises are offered in fitness gym while there are also dance studios that offer dance exercise lessons regularly. But the good thing about dancing is that you don't have to go to the gym or dance studio to exercise, you can actually do this at home with the aid of your music player and an instructional video, if you prefer.

There are different kinds of dance exercise, each one has their own health benefits, though the essence of these various dance exercises is to help you reduce your weight. One of the most common types of dance exercise is aerobic dancing. The shortest possible time you can take aerobic dancing is five minutes. In five minutes, you are guaranteed to burn fats in your body.

Aerobic dancing varies depending upon the style. Today, hip-hop aerobics are popular, and the dance routine exercise is a similar with modern dance. You'll surely enjoy the beat and rhythm while you move around the floor. Funk and jazz aerobics are other kinds of aerobic dance that involve the combination of yoga, jazz and funk routines. But if you want a more intense dance workout, you can try step aerobics. This dance exercise creates more impact on the lower torso of the body because the main movement involves legs and feet. It's similar to the jazz dance workout. You can choose your music, from oldies up to the latest jazz rhythms.

There is also a “Solo Salsa” dance workout, which originated in Cuba. You can do solo salsa in the rhythm of salsa and Latin pop music. It involves fancy footwork and upper body movements.

If you want a more daring and more challenging dance exercise, you can try pole dancing. In some conservative countries, pole dancing is a very explicit dance exercise, more often associated with sensuality. But today in more liberated parts of the world, pole dancing is becoming a dance sport in which many women are curious enough to try one session. This dance exercise involves the movement of whole body plus the intense use of arm and leg muscles.

Other dances such as tap dance, modern and contemporary dance, ballet dancing, ballroom dancing and the like are all forms of dance exercise.

What are the Gains and Losses in Dancing?
You'll be surprised to know how dance exercises can help you lose weight in just one session. Every time you perform any kind of these dance exercises for only 30 minutes, you're burning 200 to 400 calories.

Regular dance exercise also increases the metabolism of your body. Compare two women, one who does not dance and one who does. The former can expect to burn around 1,100 calories at most every day. But the lady who does regular dance exercise can expect to burn as much as 2,700 calories every day!

Now, you can also compare the calories burned when you dance against when you run, swim, play badminton or go cycling. When you perform those five activities for half an hour, you can expect to burn 322 cal, 115 cal, 162 cal, and 150 cal, respectively. In the same longevity of time, you can burn as much as 400 calories by doing nothing more than dancing the YMCA. See the difference? By devoting a little of your time to dancing, weight loss won't be such a tough battle. And besides all of that, it's a fun way to lose weight!

The health benefits of dance exercises don't end with weight loss or maintaining of good body figure. In fact, dancing also enhances your internal organs and body systems. For example, aerobic dancing is, in fact, an exercise primarily for respiratory and circulatory system enhancement. Regular dance exercise can help you lower your blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular condition. Dancing also helps build and maintain stronger muscles and bones, and eventually helps in the prevention of bone diseases like osteoporosis. It improves posture, flexibility and alignment of the body.

What to Do Before and After Dance Exercise?
There are three important things to remember when you decided to engage in any kind of dance exercise – warm-up, gradual pacing and break.

Once you've decided to take dance exercises sessions, don't forget to take at least two to five minutes to warm-up your body in every dance exercise session. It conditions and prepares the muscles of your body for any strenuous movement and activity.  It will help your body to restrain the shock of the dynamic movements and routines of the exercise. At the very least, it will lessen body pains after the first sessions of your dance exercises.

Don't push yourself too hard when doing simple or complex dance routines. Right pacing is important so that your body can adapt to the routines gradually. There's no need to hurry and put undo pressure on yourself. Remember, take it easy and just have fun with what you do.

Take a break when you need to. It's very important to determine your limits. When you feel your body is starting to feel fatigued, lower your movements and slowly end your exercise. Do not stop immediately because your mind and body should also be conditioned to avoid body shock.

Last but no least, smile and have some fun with dance exercising! It takes a certain level of mental preparedness to enroll in a kickboxing cardio class but dancing is enjoyable for people of all ages, in all places of the entire world. So smile and enjoy yourself when you dance for weight loss.

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Wheatgrass as the Wonder Supplement

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Monday, September 05, 2011

Wheatgrass juice and powders have been popular supplements since the 1960s because of their many beneficial qualities. Find out how a wheatgrass supplement can help you live a healthier life.

If you think grass is only for cows to graze on, you 've probably never heard of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is a common wheat plant that grows abundantly in the temperate regions of Europe and North America. In organic health stores and gyms, you see it as a dark green juice or in the form of powder, capsules and gels. The products that are sold are made from the young growing stage of the plant, just after it has sprouted, to ensure its efficacy. Wheatgrass was first discovered as a health supplement in the 1930s when it was used as an experiment on hens. Its popularity rose in the ‘60s when Ann Wigmore began making her studies on the health benefits of wheatgrass available to the public. But what is wheatgrass, what does wheatgrass benefit and how much is ideal for supplementation?

The Characteristics of Wheatgrass
Since the nutrients in wheatgrass are most effective when they are young and fresh, some people take the trouble of planting their own wheatgrass in their homes. However, companies are using advancements in technology to preserve the nutrients in wheatgrass during processing, and they guarantee that their products are just as effective as the raw, natural and homegrown version. As a supplement, it's one of the universal health foods taken by numerous people to maintain healthy body systems. Its key ingredient is chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and keeps them alive. When released into the atmosphere, chlorophyll helps maintain cleaner air and a safer environment. It also has 20 kinds of amino acids, about 90 kinds of minerals and vitamins, enzymes and other important nutrients. One teaspoon contains just about one gram of protein, 10-15 calories and zero fat and cholesterol.

The Health Benefits of Wheatgrass
Reading about the health benefits of wheatgrass and hearing other people talk about it from first-hand experience can be overwhelming. There seem to be so many testamonials out there that it’s no wonder this supplement has been called the miracle medicine. Here are the most popular uses:

Preventive Benefits

• To detoxify the body and lose weight – Wheatgrass opens up the body’s portals, the intestines, skin, kidney, lungs and liver. When wheatgrass penetrates the bloodstream, it starts to eliminate the accumulated toxins including heavy metals that were obtained from free radicals and an unhealthy lifestyle. Obese and overweight people may lose weight as a result of detoxification.
• To boost the immune system – The vitamins and minerals in wheatgrass help strengthen the body’s immune system, giving it the weapons to fight bacteria that cause infections and inflammations.
• To maintain clear, healthy skin, hair and teeth – Wheatgrass works at the cellular level, regenerating new skin, making hair luxuriant and preventing tooth decay with its rich contents of Vitamin A, selenium and calcium.

Curative Benefits

• To treat various acute and chronic diseases – Wheatgrass, known to contain vitamins A, B, C, E and K and the minerals calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron and zinc, among many other nutrients, helps heals the common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, infections of the urinary tract, constipation, chronic diseases - like gout and rheumatic arthritis - and common skin disorders.
• To prevent Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its grave complications – The magnesium in chlorophyll helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and the ensuing complications, such as cardiovascular problems, skin and eye disorders, and delayed wound healing.
• To decrease the risks for cancer or slow down its progress – Wheatgrass is used in alternative medicine to prevent or slow down the progress of certain cancers, like breast cancer and colon cancer. The chlorophyll component acts like the human hemoglobin and increases the oxygenation of cells that help to retard the growth of cancer cells.
• To halt the progress of thalassemia – Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of hemoglobin. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass has the same molecular structure and action as hemoglobin. Giving wheatgrass to thalassemia patients lessens the incidence of blood transfusions and naturally raises their red blood cell levels.

Direct Effects of Wheatgrass on the User
A regular dose of wheatgrass, whether taken as a gel or capsule or in its liquid form, has positive effects on the physical, psychological and mental states of people taking it. Among their claims are:

• An overall sense of well-being, including physical alertness and mood elevation;
• Higher energy levels to participate in activities;
• Better and more restful sleep;
• Improved eyesight;
• Decreased appetite;
• Lessened nervousness; and
• Increased mental ability.

Wheatgrass Dosage
The proper dose for wheatgrass varies from one person to the next. Factors that must be taken into consideration include age, health status, weight, existing disease conditions and other elements that may have a bearing on wheatgrass intake.

The average healthy person may take 3.5 grams in powder or tablet form or a 30 mL dose, once a day. A beginner may have a lesser dose and increase it gradually. For faster healing effects, increase the dosage to double or triple the regular amount and take it one to three times a day. Each product has its own label with directions, so that can serve as a guide for dosage.

Regardless of the form, liquid, capsule or gel, wheatgrass gives its users the same benefits of a better immune system and a healthy body to let them enjoy life to the fullest. Wheatgrass is sold in local drugstores and in online health shops. Compare product quality and prices to get the most out of your purchase, and don't be afraid to try different forms or variations of wheatgrass.  Many people report better results when taking powder or liquid forms of the supplement, mainly because they can tailor their dosage specifically to meet their needs. Mixing wheatgrass powder in with a glass of orange juice is a great way to get the full benefits of this powerful plant without having to deal with its earthy taste.

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Bikram Yoga Heats Up the Yoga World

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead on Friday, September 02, 2011

Bikram Yoga is quickly becoming a popular form of the age-old sport but it's safety and methods are being questioned. Find out if Bikram Yoga is right for you.

Yoga is one of the most popular ways to get into shape nowadays. It's effective, healthy, and chic (as most people would say). It's famous among a lot of folks, mostly for the fact that you will actually get a lot out of it.

However, if you're interested in doing yoga, the very first step is to know the different kinds there are. There are several types and systems of this form of discipline, so before getting involved in one, it's best to know which is the best for you.

One of the most popular systems of yoga today is Bikram Yoga. This discipline started out in the early 1970s and continues to be a highly preferred method nowadays. But exactly what is Bikram Yoga?

Bikram Yoga is basically a hybrid of traditional yoga. It takes a lot of “basic” techniques and uses them in a different light, making the system unique in its own right. It's best known for being a kind of hot yoga, where practitioners do it in a heated room (around 100° F, with a humidity of 40 percent) to get the most out of it. Classes usually run for 90 minutes and are composed of 26 postures and two breathing exercises.

Founded by Bikram Choudhury, where the name comes from, Bikram Yoga is seated on the theory that the heat can help practitioners to stretch deeper. According to the founder, the high temperatures also aid in injury prevention and in reducing stress and tension. Instead of being a distraction, the practice uses the heat to its advantage, as it's believed to increase circulation all throughout the bodily organs, which in turn helps in preventing organ failure and heart disease.

Following the premise that Bikram Yoga affects blood circulation through extension and compression, the practice claims that it allows delivery of fresh blood to every organ, muscle and joint in the body. Through these two processes, the heart is triggered to pump more blood, which results in making the body feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

People are especially attracted to practicing yoga mostly for its health benefits. What it promises is a plethora of great things, from the smallest improvements to big ones. Some of the top examples include the following:

1. Elimination of infection, toxins and bacteria from the body;
2. Weight loss;
3. Improved breathing;
4. Increased flexibility;
5. Improved endocrine and exocrine gland functions;
6. Peace of mind;
7. Mental strength;
8. Prevention of osteoporosis;
9. Muscle toning; and
10. Great overall cardio workout, among other things.

Of course, these are just the most general examples of the benefits of yoga. There’s also the general effect of yoga, which is the clarity of mind, making it a very popular form of exercise among busy professionals and individuals. Some people also do it because it’s quite fashionable, with many celebrities practicing it for its excellent end results.

However, there are also some controversies that surround Bikram Yoga. One of which is its safety. Some people raise concern about its nature. Opponents to Bikram say that performing strenuous activities in high temperatures can be too overwhelming, and the safety of this practice has always been in question. Most experts agree, however, that the sport is generally safe for practitioners who are in good health. Also, taking precautions like hydrating before and after the session is also highly recommended. Bikram is not ideally suited for little kids and people who are over the age of 60.  Children are more vulnerable to heat stroke than adults, while senior citizens are at high risk of high blood pressure. Being mindful of your own body is also very important when practicing this kind of yoga, as you should never force yourself into something that you are not feeling okay about.

Aside from these considerations, potential practitioners are also encouraged to look at their already existing physical conditions before pushing for Bikram Yoga. As Bikram is highly strenuous, people who suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, severe back problems, emphysema or chronic bronchitis should be wary upon getting into it. These conditions tends to limit most people, and it would be safer to just stick with other less taxing forms of yoga first before trying this one at all. This doesn’t mean that Bikram Yoga is only for a select few, but it's always wise to take safety measures rather than get into a big mess later on.

While others practice Bikram Yoga to serve as a form of cardio, others do it merely for the mental benefits it provides. As most people would know, yoga is also a mental and psychological practice, aiming to provide mental relaxation through the physical exertion. Many practitioners find this method highly effective for such purposes, making it an excellent activity to improve your well-being in a holistic manner.

Practicing Bikram Yoga is something that's highly beneficial and there's no doubt about this. It's a great way to get into shape, but always remember never to overexert, as your safety and general well-being is still the most important of all.

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