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Products > Article - Information about Grapefruit, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hoodia, and Green Tea
Information about Grapefruit, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hoodia, and Green Tea
What's in a Grapefruit?
What exactly makes a grapefruit tick? A listing of some of its properties will help us more fully determine how significant it is in helping one to lose weight.
Among other constituents, a typical half medium grapefruit contains 160 milligrams of potassium, 1.3 grams of dietary fiber (including the kind known as pectin), and 10 grams of carbohydrates, as well as 0.8 grams of protein that include several important amino acids (the building blocks of protein), and vitamin A (largely in the form of beta carotene), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and bioflavonoids, not to mention water, all packed into just 37 calories. In fact, as a source of vitamin C, it provides 100% of the daily recommended allowance.
The Importance of Grapefruit
Just how important are these components in regard to weight control? For one thing, grapefruits contain so much water and fiber that they will fill one up quickly. Fiber produces a more filling effect because it contributes texture to the product, while water's ability in this regard is easy enough to understand. This is undoubtedly the most obvious factor where shedding pounds is concerned.
Another ingredient important in the battle for a trimmer figure involves one of the amino acids that make up the protein content. Of the three contained in grapefruit, the one that especially concerns us is tryptophan. Those who are short on tryptophan have a tendency to crave sweets. Therefore, it plays a significant role in helping one to put down the sweet, fatty snacks.
Potassium also turns out to be a notable factor because it reacts in the body the opposite way to that of sodium. Sodium sucks water into the blood. Potassium, on the other hand, helps maintain the fluid balance in the body's cells be transporting water to the kidneys to be excreted.
The carbohydrates, found in healthy foods such as grapefruit, are also important because they break down sugars in the body which release insulin. This insulin manufactures hormones that somewhat step up the metabolic rate. As the metabolism increases, more calories are in turn burned off.
In addition to all of this, because of the grapefruit's capacity to enhance the absorption of all that the human system takes in, the body is able to more efficiently utilize all the food it receives, therefore helping one to remain satisfied longer so he or she does not feel hungry as soon. In other words, it helps to put off the appetite.
Other Health Benefits of the Grapefruit
Grapefruit in not only excellent in helping one lose weight, it is an extremely healthy food in many good ways. The vitamin A is important in maintaining good vision, helping keep the respiratory passages functioning normally, and preventing skin diseases. Vitamin C, among other things, is essential for the production of new cells and tissues and can also lessen the severity of colds and flu.
Some of the bioflavonoids help to prevent the spread of malignant cells within the body. Working in concert with vitamin C, bioflavonoids also have antiviral properties, promote healthy capillaries, and reduce problems such as gum bleeding.
The pectin, the soluble fiber located in the pulpy membranes that separate the individual sections of the grapefruit, can also help lower blood cholesterol levels. Grapefruit pectin, in fact, turns out to be the most effective at this job.
Also, another compound called galacturonic acid is believed to dislodge the accumulation of fatty plaque in arteries and clear it away.
It's easy to see that the grapefruit is not only healthful, but instrumental in helping one to lose weight. Now let's take a closer look at the key ingredient: apple cider vinegar.
Highly Encouraging Words about Apple Cider Vinegar
Fortunately, apple cider vinegar still contains a large amount of the fundamental nutrients of the basic food from which it was produced, i.e., beta carotene, potassium, pectin (a soluble fiber), vitamins, minerals, and the like. Also present are other healthful substances, amino acids and enzymes, which are formed during the fermenting process.
With good reason, apple cider vinegar enjoys an excellent reputation. We're learning to appreciate its properties just as those of ancient times did. It possesses a potent ability to disinfect, yet it's easy on the stomach. It's not only useful in destroying potentially harmful bacteria inside the stomach and intestines, but aids the bladder and kidneys to function at peak efficiency. In other words, it helps the body clean itself of toxins. Among other things, apple cider vinegar also stimulates the immune system, helps cell production, and keeps the metabolism in balance.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Control
Not only does apple cider vinegar help the body rid itself of many ailments, but it too can be very helpful for those who are overweight. As mentioned previously, it has the ability to suppress the appetite. But that's not all. A spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar taken regularly in a glass of water will also diminish your cravings for certain edibles. You will find yourself losing the desire for foods which contain refined sugar, or excess salt and fat.
In addition, apple cider vinegar improves cell respiration which boosts the body's energy level. This process takes place in two ways. (1) The production of protein molecules within the cells is increased. This, in turn, leads to a rise in the metabolic rate which is paramount for the control of weight. (2) The production of red blood cells is also increased, which means the utilization of iron is enhanced. The bottom line: To create this energy, fat must be burned, so it is extracted from the cells of the body known as adipose cells, i.e., fat cells, which are concentrated in the hips, stomach, and rear and upper thighs. In essence, you will find yourself losing weight just in the right spots.
Rescue for Sugar-holics
Some have become so hooked on sugar that they can jokingly be called "sugar-holics". The prospect of giving up sweet foods for them seems hopeless. In their bid to beat the problem, many even resort to artificial sweeteners, which is an unfortunate strategy since a question about their safety exists, and an irony because there is not that much saved in calories. They may skeptically ask, "How can apple cider vinegar curb my cravings?"
The secret lies in the blood sugar level (glucose level) which frequently gets the blame for the development of a sugar addiction. When that level is low, one begins to feel irritated and nervous. If it gets low enough, fatigue or even depression will set in. It's at such times that one is seized by an urgent desire to devour fattening, sugar-laden snacks such as candy bars, cookies, cupcakes, and soda. Every time one begins to consume sweets, the carbohydrates they contain are rapidly dispersed into the blood and transported to the brain and nerve cells. The blood sugar level rises, and he or she begins feeling better, but not without the cost of gaining too many of the wrong kind of calories. Furthermore, this "quick-fix" will last only about twenty minutes, then the blood sugar level falls. Soon, a merciless cycle has begun.
Where does apple cider vinegar come in? It regulates the blood sugar level. Once that level is back in balance, one will no longer be plagued with this wild roller coaster ride of ups and downs. In addition, apple cider vinegar helps one acquire the taste for the natural foods such as fruits and vegetables that raise blood sugar levels more gradually, and of course, which contain little fat.
Hoodia: A Breakthrough for Weight Control
Now you should have a better understanding of how grapefruit and apple cider vinegar can help you to lose weight. But there's more, and it comes in the form of Hoodia.
What is Hoodia?
What exactly is Hoodia? Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii to be specific) is a cactus-like plant, a succulent that has been discovered to substantially reduce one's appetite. This succulent plant, which sprouts approximately 10 spike-clad tentacles similar to a cucumber, is found only in the Kalahari desert of South Africa. It may grow as high as four feet in length, blooming large, strong-smelling, flesh-colored flowers. For centuries, the San bushmen that live nearby have chewed this plant occasionally as a treatment for indigestion or minor infections, but primarily to control hunger in cases of hardship or when embarking on long hunting trips. It requires 5 to 7 years for Hoodia gordonii plants to mature to the point of delivering their appetite-curbing qualities.
Its effects were first observed in 1937 by a Dutch anthropologist who was in the process of studying the San bushmen. Now Hoodia is in high demand and has become a protected plant. Only wild-harvesting is allowed by individuals, or companies that have been granted a license to do so. An attempt has been made to synthesize it, but that venture has proven impractical.
How Hoodia Helps One to Lose Weight
How does it work? When consumed, Hoodia tricks the brain into making one feel full regardless of how much food, if any, has been consumed by releasing a chemical compound similar to glucose, but substantially more powerful. This substance (actually a glycoside that has been named P 57) is received by the hypothalamus, making the nerve cells of the brain react in the same way they do after one has begun eating. As a result, the desire to eat is lessened considerably. And not only will one feel full more quickly, many have reported a delay in the time after eating before their hunger returned, as well as increased energy and a general feeling of well-being.
Significant Facts about Hoodia
Hoodia has been studied extensively by the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) in South Africa. Scientists from CSIR, in fact, were the ones responsible for isolating P 57. Tests began with lab animals such as rats. After being fed the flesh of the plant, they quit eating and lost weight, but suffered no ill effects. Then tests graduated to human beings. In Leicester, England, scientists conducted a clinical trail with a group of obese men and women. Half were given a placebo and the other half Hoodia. After 15 days, the group who had been taking Hoodia had reduced their intake of food by 1000 calories, and there was a decrease in their body fat content. That is not to say such a dramatic result requires that long a time frame. According to a Brown Medical School study it is possible for one's appetite to be reduced with Hoodia by as much as 60% in as little as 24 hours!
Hoodia gordonii is rare, unattractive, and bitter-tasting, but one does not have to travel to South Africa, find the plant, prick the fingers peeling its tentacles and extract the fleshy inside to share in its benefits. Now the active ingredients from this remarkable plant have been incorporated into tablets and made readily available.
Hoodia gordonii is a dietary supplement. It is not a drug and contains no dangerous stimulants. It is a completely natural substance that has no known side effects; i.e., queasy stomach, racing heart, elevated temperature, jitters, sleeplessness, unpleasant effects on behavior, or any of the other adverse consequences associated with weight loss products produced in the last few years. It is safe for anyone unless pregnant or suffering from a pre-existing medical condition. It is effective whether it works right away or requires several weeks to begin its job.
(Note: As with any dietary supplement, it is good practice to consult your health care professional in case a hidden medical condition exists before including Hoodia in the diet.)
The Treasure from the East
For 5,000 years, tea has been the beverage of choice for many Asian countries. In fact, the ancients believed that it was "better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." Green tea, discovered in China during the Song Dynasty, has been used as traditional medicine in India, China, Japan and Thailand. Specialists in Oriental Medicine have used green tea in all sorts of ailments from uncontrolled bleeding, healing wounds, headaches, depression, and regulating body temperature, blood sugar and digestion. But our discussion centers on weight loss. Is it possible that green tea is also a catalyst for increased metabolism and fat-burning capacities?
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published in its January 2005 edition a study which demonstrated that daily consumption of green tea (containing 690 mg catechins) for 12 weeks reduced body fat. The article concluded that "the ingestion of catechins might be useful in the prevention and improvement of lifestyle related diseases, mainly obesity."
Catechins, unique to green tea, are powerful, water soluble polyphenols and antioxidants. You've probably heard the term "flavonoid." A catechin is one of these. The protective, active effects in green tea are due to the catechins: EC, ECg, EGC, and EGCG. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful of these polyphenols and is 25-100 times more potent, as an antioxidant, than vitamins C and E.
Think you need to eat more fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots and strawberries? One cup of green tea provides 10-40 mg of polyphenols, greater antioxidant effects than these fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in green tea reduce the lipids, or fats, in the blood. This has been evidenced profoundly in the "French Paradox." researchers have been scratching their head trying to figure out why the French, who eat diets high in fat, have a lower incidence of heart disease and obesity than Americans.
They finally found the answer in red wine, with its polyphenol called resveratrol, which negates the effects of a fatty diet. A 1997 study completed by researchers from the University of Kansas proved that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol. A November
1999 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed men who were given a supplement featuring green tea extract burned more calories than those given a placebo. Other countries, like Japan, have low incidence of heart disease and obesity - and they don't worry about scientific studies. They just drink several cups of green tea a day. In the United States, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author and anti-aging specialist, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and told viewers that they could lose ten pounds in six weeks trading in their coffee for green tea.
Studies show that green tea may boost metabolism and help burn fat. But how much tea would a dieter have to consume to see results? Up to ten cups a day, it's been reported. If that sounds like a quick way to get water-logged, you'll be thrilled to know that the exact amount of green tea extract necessary to support metabolism and increased fat burn are in our MagniLife diet supplements. Not only do you get the appetite suppression of Hoodia, the metabolism charge of apple cider vinegar and grapefruit extract, but the impressive fat oxidation properties of green tea, plus several other healing and supportive herbs.
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