Monday 17 October 2011

Keeping The Weight Off

5 Easy Ways To Keep The Weight Off:

Weight loss can be put into two categories.

The first is a fully concentrated effort. This is where you dedicate yourself to counting every calorie and slaving away in the gym or go through a strict diet program. The pounds come off, but once you relax the regimen and continue eating unhealthily the way you used to, your weight goes right back to where it was.

The second is a combination of simple lifestyle changes. This is where you change a few key factors about what you eat and how you exercise, without making it a fulltime job. This type of weight loss is gradual and permanent, since you are able to maintain it long term.
The five simple strategies below all fall into the lifestyle change category. These strategies may seem ridiculously simple, but do them over an extended period of time and you will see amazing, permanent results.

Strategy #1: Ditch Your Diet Soda

Studies are coming out that link diet soda to weight gain.Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio concluded that those who drank two or more diet soft drinks a day had the largest waistline increases—about five times more than that of non-drinkers. They stated, "Data from this and other prospective studies suggest that the promotion of diet sodas as healthy alternatives may be ill-advised: they may be free of calories, but not of consequences."

Bottom line: Artificial sweeteners are addictive, lead to waistline increases, and cause you to crave sugary foods. By cutting diet soda out of your daily routine, and replacing it with water, you will lose inches and pounds—effortlessly.

Strategy #2: Swap Sandwich Bread for Lettuce

Move over bread, lettuce is better. It's time to re-define your sandwich. While bread has tradition on its side, lettuce wraps offer you weight loss and increased energy. Try the Tasty Tuna Lettuce Wraps recipe in the blog. You can swap the tuna with your favourite protein be it roast chicken, beef or other seafoods.

Bottom line: Eating bread and other starchy foods always leads to extra pounds, so change your ways. Swap your sandwich bread for lettuce for 30 days and see how much you will effortlessly lose. I bet you'll feel more energetic after lunch too.

Strategy #3: Trade Slow Cardio for Intense Intervals

Doing slow cardio will not give you results.In order to really make your workout effective, you need to turn up the intensity. If you love the treadmill, then do a series of sprints throughout your workout. If you're a swimmer, then push yourself extra hard every other lap.

Bottom line: Doing slow, easy cardio will not give you the streamline body you want. Only intense intervals will do that for you. Pepper your workout with bouts of intense cardio and watch as the fat starts to disappear.

Strategy #4: Avoid Sugar 99% Of The Time, use natural sweetener such as pure Stevia instead if you must sweeten your food and drinks.

Sugar will cause you to gain weight every single time. There's really no way around that simple truth. Sugar is standing between you and your perfect body. If you're serious about looking and feeling great, then understand that sugar has no place in your diet.

Bottom line: If you avoid sugar 99% of the time, then you will be on your way to a lean and energetic body. If it's your birthday or a special holiday, then partake in a small amount of sugar, but make that the exception and not the rule.

Strategy #5: Exercise Regularly

People who work with a personal trainer can get better results than those who attempt to do it on their own simply because with each workout the trainer will push you to your limits, challenge your body and help you achieve the results you're looking for. Consistency and intensity of your exercise are important be it on your own or with a trainer, in long term weight management.

Sunday 16 October 2011

PHASE 3 FOOD GUIDE ; LATEST INFO

Source: Dixie Belle, Sonia - HCG'ers USA.

Latest Guaranteed No Fail-No Correction Days P3 in a nutshell:

This is a VERY very strict P3. That 's why it works ! BUT you must follow it to the letter with NO CHEATING and you will NOT have any correction days.

"My P3 consists of no nuts, no grain breads, no beans/legumes,
no refined sugars, no starches, no breadsticks, no coconut flour,
no almond flour.

NO choco delight. (Some version of the Diet phase 2 & 3 do allow for chocolate delight, you can get the recipe from the net). Triggers cravings & random gains.

Very limited dairy -2 tablespoons of any milk daily,
Cheese- only low moisture skim mozarella is allowed, 1 cup daily
Organic full fat cottage cheese low sodium is allowed, 1 cup daily
Limit salt.

OIL: coconut oil, mct oil and EVOO are allowed but use very sparingly. Place in a spray bottle so you use less.

You may have any protein you wish except use caution with deli meats as they are high in sodium.

Any fruit you wish except use caution with bananas, as they can have up to 40g of carbs each.

Any veggie you would like except corn and yams.

No alcohol.

Note from Jaisya:
The above Phase 3 Food Guide are said to be effective in maintaining a stable weight in P3 as the body adjust to the new weight and higher calories before the introduction of starch and sugar. This is to ensure great stabilization without the need for correction days. Just for sharing of info with everyone. Good luck for healthy maintenance. :)

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Diet-33 Meal Ideas When Eating Out

Not everyone has the time or the benefits of preparing their own meals whilst on this diet. Hence, it is not an easy feat to be "Perfectly On Protocol" (POP) as laid out by Dr Simeons.

I would like to share some of my eating out meals that can be considered should you absolutely need to find fast and easy hcg friendly meals especially during busy days, official business luncheon or travelling or even when you get so bored with your own cooking and needed a break by having a tasty restaurant meals. These suggestions will not be POP but if you are willing to take the risk of either a weight gain or a stall, then it's something that you can perhaps consider. Obviously, everybody will have a different reaction to a slight cheat or not POP meals but from my own experience, I would still get some weight loss with eating out, majority of the time although the rate is not as fantastic as when I am POP.

Be mindful that despite eating out you must adhere to the 100 gm protein limit per meal and not mixing the vegetable choices to be close to protocol.

Some of the possible meals you may want to consider are:-

At Chicken Rice Stalls/Local & Chinese Restaurants:
1. A roasted or steamed chicken breast to be eaten with just fresh salad or cucumber or tomatoes; Without the skin, rice, soy sauce and sweet chillies.

At Mexican/Fusion Restaurants such as Las Carretas, Chillis, HRC etc:
2. A half portion of grilled fajitas either beef or chicken to be eaten with just fresh salad/lettuce; Without the tortillas and accompanying dressings ie cheese, beans, avocados etc. Request them to replace these with extra salad/lettuce. Normally, full meal has to be shared by two persons as the protein portion will exceed 100gm if you eat a full portion by yourselves.

At Thai Stalls/Local Restaurants:
3. A bowl of Tom Yum Prawn or Chicken cooked with just tomatoes and fresh herbs. Request for the cook to omit sugar, MSG and any other vegetables in preparing the broth. Thai food normally has a sweet, sour and salty combination hence will have sugar and MSG.

At Middle Eastern and Indian Restaurants:
4. Chicken breast or Prawn cooked as Kebabs or Tandoori style or Grilled. These normally have some spices which are allowed but do have yogurt as well which is not POP. Request them to serve your protein with either salad or tomatoes or cucumber, do not mix the veges. If they can't accommodate, just pick the vege type that you want to eat.

At Local Food/Ikan Bakar Stalls/Restaurants:
5. Grilled Snapper, Tilapia or other white fish marinated in just tumeric and/or salts. To be eaten with POP vegetable choices such as fresh salad or cucumber or tomato or if you have no other choices, stir fried cabbage or spinach. These stir fried vegetables are preferably to be avoided as these would have been cooked with oil and MSG.

6. If you can't find any Grilled Fish at a local stalls or Restaurants then you may want to consider taking white fish or beef or prawn or chicken cooked in broth such as soup or Asam Pedas/Spicy Sour Soup, curry, rendang, coconut milk, sambal etc and omitting the broth/gravy. You can wipe off the broth/gravy with a clean tissue.

At Japanese Restaurants:
7. Grilled Cod or Beef or Chicken or Prawn with Asparagus or Spinach. Request to have it prepared plain with just salt and pepper, omit the gravy such teriyaki etc. You may want to also consider having Cod Fish cooked in broth Sukiyaki style with chinese cabbage. Request them to omit any other not POP veges and items from the broth. Get just fresh salad if they don't have other protocol friendly veges to go with your protein.

At Western Restaurants and/or Sandwich Outlets such as Subway:
8. Grilled/Roasted Beef Steak or Chicken or Prawn; Without the accompanying potatoes and other not POP veges. Just request for fresh salad or grilled tomato or sauteed spinach as replacement for the side dishes you omitted.

At Speciality Chicken Grilled/Barbecue/Roasted etc. Restaurants & Outlets eg. Ayamas, Kenny Rogers, Nandos.
9. Roasted Chicken breast with fresh salad or tomato or cucumber. Request for them not to mix the accompanying salad with other veges. If they can't accommodate your request, you may want to just pick the vege type that you want to eat that is listed as protocol friendly.

ALRIGHT...I hope that should in some way help you in making intelligent food choices when eating out to ensure that you are as POP as you can possibly be. Of course, it will still be considered as a cheat given that the preparation would not be as POP as when you prepare the meals yourselves. But we all have limitations at certain times so, just do the best you can in staying POP. My best wishes to you!

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Benefits of L-Arginine

Source: www.smart-publications.com. Please refer to this web page for more info. Various publications and articles are also available as additional information on the pros and cons of L-Arginine as a supplement.

L-Arginine, the Prosexual Nutrient with Numerous Health Benefits

It's a disorder no one wants to talk about, yet according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 43% of women and 31% of men suffer from sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is broadly defined as the inability to fully enjoy sexual intercourse. Women generally experience it as loss of libido (sexual drive) and/or the inability or difficulty in achieving an orgasm. Men experience it as impotence, known technically as erectile dysfunction.

Based on hundreds of studies, L-arginine, an essential amino acid and one of the building blocks of proteins in the body, has become known as a safe and effective prosexual nutrient for men and women.

Here's why:
L-Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO) in the human body. In the 1990s, scientists discovered that not only is NO an essential compound that helps blood circulation, but it is important to normal sexual function in both men and women. Without arginine there would be no NO, and without NO, men would not be able to have erections.

How L-Arginine works
Insufficient blood flow is a major cause of incomplete erection in men. L-Arginine has been shown to improve blood flow to the genital area by dilating blood vessels and helping the penis to enlarge to its full capacity, thus increasing the size, hardness, and frequency of erections.

Nutritional expert, Dr. Jonathan Wright, explains the mechanism in men: "Molecules of NO are generated when an enzyme called NO synthase (NOS)—which is abundant in the nerve and muscle cells in and around the penis—strips away a nitrogen atom (N) from a passing molecule of the amino acid L-Arginine … and combines it with an atom of oxygen (O).

In other words, in order to produce nitric oxide in the body, a nitrogen atom must combine with an oxygen molecule in the blood. The enzyme called nitric oxide synthase controls this reaction.

L-Arginine has a similar effect in women
Higher blood flow makes clitoral and vaginal tissues more sensitive and responsive to sexual stimulation and helps increase the possibility of reaching orgasm. Although there haven't been nearly as many studies done on arginine supplementation in women as in men, one study found that postmenopausal women who took a supplement including L-Arginine experienced heightened sexual response.

Another study involving 77 women of all ages found that after four weeks, 73.5% of the women who took a supplement including L-Arginine experienced greater sexual satisfaction, including heightened desire and clitoral sensation, frequency of intercourse and orgasm, and less vaginal dryness.

Stronger libido ... greater endurance
Both men and women report that L-Arginine seems to increase their libido or desire for sex, and some also report that L-Arginine gives them greater endurance and stronger, more powerful orgasms. Reports also suggest that L-Arginine supplements can improve fertility in men who have low sperm counts or poor sperm motility (activity).

Scientific studies
The powerful effect of L-Arginine was illustrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the British Journal of Urology International in which researchers evaluated the nitric oxide levels of 50 men with erectile dysfunction. The men were given either L-Arginine or a placebo for six weeks. Nine of the 29 men (31%) given L-Arginine reported a significant improvement in their sexual performance. These nine men had low nitric oxide levels at the start of the trial, but their levels doubled by the end of the study.

It is important to note, however, that erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, diabetes and other endocrine disorders. L-Arginine may be effective only in those men whose erectile dysfunction is due to low levels of nitric oxide. In fact, in one study in which the participants suffered from impotence for a variety of reasons, L-Arginine was found to be effective in only 17% of the patients. However, optimal nitric oxide production will ensure optimum erectile function, and for many people with sexual dysfunction not related to an underlying disease, arginine supplements will ensure adequate nitric oxide levels.

Animal studies
Studies done on animals provide some evidence for effectiveness as well. In a laboratory study, two groups of rats were given free access to L-Arginine which was dissolved in their drinking water. Both groups had greater serum and penile concentrations of arginine, and exhibited a significant increase in intra-penile pressure or "hardness."

Serum and penile tissue levels of L-Arginine in the treated rats were increased by 64 - 148% compared to control animals. The penile nitric oxide levels also increased nearly 100% in the L-Arginine treated groups compared to the control groups. The researchers concluded that these data support the use of dietary supplements for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The positive benefits of arginine go beyond sexual enhancement
This remarkable amino acid helps build muscle mass, enhance immune function, improve blood pressure, increase memory, and speed wound healing. Arginine-derived nitric oxide has also been found to play a supporting role in the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems and has been validated by hundreds of studies.

L-Arginine is essential to several systems in the body. Among its many roles, L-Arginine:

Is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO)
Promotes circulation resulting in improved blood flow
Stimulates the release of growth hormone
Improves immune function
Reduces healing time of injuries
Plays a role in the formation of bone and tendons
Increases muscle mass, while reducing body fat
Supports male fertility, improving sperm production and motility
Reduces risk of blood clots and stroke
Supports normal blood pressure
Improves vascular function for patients with angina
Helps recovery after heart attack
Helps prevent and treat cardiovascular disease
Helps reduce growth of cancerous tumors

Timing and contraindications
L-Arginine users say they can achieve a prosexual effect by taking it 45 minutes before sex.

There are few reported side effects. The most notable is:
People with herpes - L-Arginine may increase the severity of outbreaks, but some reports indicate that it may also enhance your immune function enough so you are less likely to get herpes outbreaks.

L-Arginine is an excellent supplement for anyone wanting to increase his or her sexual arousal, improve performance, and overall health. The huge advantage this natural and safe supplement has over Viagra is that men and women can take it, it's considerably less expensive (Viagra costs as much as US$10 a pill!), it's been proven to work in numerous double-blind studies, and it has no major known side effects.

Health Benefits Of Neem

Source: www.myhealthyfoods.com

The Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) or locally known as Pokok Semambu is known the world over as the “tree of life.” Its medicinal and healing properties have long been revered while mention of its name and properties dates back thousands of years in ancient texts from the Indian Subcontinent. The medicinal and healing properties of the Neem Tree have garnered much recent scientific clinical investigation. So far, the clinical results seem to be promising. From the leaves, seeds, flowers to the bark, all parts of the Neem Tree are used to treat a multitude of diseases and disorders. In fact, entire villages in rural India depend on the Neem Tree to maintain the health of the village inhabitants. Various components of the Neem Tree have been scientifically shown to possess antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Neem oil and neem powder are commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem is widely used to treat and manage skin conditions. Neem is often applied to external wounds or cuts to promote healing and lower risk of infection. Neem oil is often used to treat acne, skin rashes and burns. Neem has long been used in the natural treatment of eczema. In fact, neem is said to actively reduce the itching and redness caused by eczema. Neem is used to treat mild, moderate and even severe cases of acne. Neem has been shown to reduce the frequency of acne breakouts, and reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne. Neem is added to a variety of cosmetic soaps and lotions to help treat dry skin and prevent wrinkles.

Neem oil is applied to the scalp to prevent the premature greying of hair. Neem oil is believed to reduce hair loss. Neem is often massaged into the scalp to treat and prevent dandruff.

Neem has actively been used for centuries in the treatment of arthritis. According to Ayurvedic medicine, neem effectively treats arthritis and prevents the progression of the disease. Neem oil is applied to the skin to treat muscle aches and joint pain. Lower back pain sufferers may find relief in massaging the affected area with neem oil. Neem is often used to treat the swelling, pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Clinic results suggest that these anti-inflammatory properties are due to the presence of compounds such as nimbidin, limonoids and catechin, which are found primarily in neem seeds.

Neem is commonly used to treat indigestion, acidity and heartburn, stomach pains and
constipation. Neem tea is often prepared to relieve any stomach related concerns. Neem is believed to be a powerful natural cleanser and is said to effectively remove toxins from the blood.

According to the teachings of Ayurveda, the bark of the Neem Tree are said to boost immunity and help build resistance to disease. Neem has long been used to manage and treat diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine. Neem is believed to help controls blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Much clinical evidence is currently being collected to identify the mechanisms involved in neem’s ability to help treat diabetes.

Ayurvedic medicine has long prescribed various neem-centered remedies to help treat and
prevent cancers. Current clinical research is being conducted on neem’s ability to reduce tumour size.

The twigs from the neem tree are commonly used as natural toothbrushes to clean the mouth and to promote oral health. Mouth washes and neem based toothpastes are used to actively treat tooth decay, treat inflamed gums and help prevent cavities. According to Ayurvedic teachings, neem actively stimulates and strengthens gum tissue and helps prevent gum disease and
gingivitis.

Benefits of Apple & Grape Stem Cells and CM Glucan

Apple Stem Cells (PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica)

This is the first plant stem cell active for skin stem cell protection with proven efficacy. Developed by Mibelle Biochemistry of Switzerland, PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica is a liposomal preparation of apple stem cells developed by a novel, patent pending plant cell culture technology. It has been invented to cultivate dedifferentiated callus cells from a rare Swiss apple. These apple stem cells are rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites, assuring the longevity of skin cells. PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica has been shown to protect skin stem cells and delay the senescence of hair follicles. It also provides a revolutionary anti-aging performance for real rejuvenation of human cells.

Claims with PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica
• Protects longevity of skin stem cells
• Delays senescence of essential cells
• Combats chronological aging 
• Patent pending
• Award winner (BSB innovation prize for the best active ingredient 2008)

Grape Stem Cells:

PhytoCellTec™ Solar Vitis is based on stem cells derived from a specific grape cultivar that has been obtained through Mibelle Biochemistry unique PhytoCellTec™ technology.

As we all know UV radiation is responsible for 80% of skin aging. Despite the use of sun protection filters, toxins and free radicals are generated by UV in the skin. This affects sensitive cells such as the epidermal stem cells which are essential and most valuable.

The activity of skin stem cells is the key factor in ensuring the vitality and regeneration capacity of the skin. PhytoCellTec™ Solar Vitis both protects and maintains the activity of epidermal stem cells - even in cases of stress induced by UV.

Claims with PhytoCellTecTM Solar Vitis

• Protects skin stem cells against UV stress 
• Delays senescence of essential cells
• Fights photo-aging
• For a vital and healthy-looking skin

For more information go to www.mibellebiochemistry.com


CM Glucan:

CM-Glucan Granulate is a derivative of ß-(1,3) and ß-(1,6) glucan, a natural yeast polysaccharide with immune-stimulating properties. ß-Glucan isolated from yeast is insoluble in water and therefore not suitable for topical use. Thus, Mibelle Biochemistry has developed a process to offer CM-Glucan Granulate, a biologically active ß-glucan derivative which keeps the same biological activity as ß-glucan, is highly purified and water-soluble.

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of CM-Glucan Granulate on either extremely sensitive skin or skin that is exposed to extreme stress such as esthetic procedures.

Claim Ideas for CM-Glucan Granulate

• Increases the skin's self-protecting capacity 
• Accelerates skin recovery
• Restores the skin's moisture barrier


For more information go to: www.mibelle.biochemistry.com
 

Benefits of Fish/Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is a material derived from the substance found on fish scales. It has been widely used in Japan for many years as a natural supplement. People who use marine collagen claim it has various benefits, which include healthier bones and skin.

The reason why collagen products are so popular is that increased collagen can make the body function more effectively. Collagen production is vital to healthy skin, hair, bones and joints. Reduced levels of collagen are especially noticeable in the skin because the skin loses its elasticity and becomes prone to sagging with age. Some people choose products with collagen in them to assist the skin in becoming firmer and softer. Often, vitamin makers will put collagen in with vitamins as an extra bonus for skin, hair and nails.

Since marine collagen is becoming widely marketed in skin products, more people are turning to this natural substance for its purported anti-aging benefits. While the appearance and texture of skin is partially determined by genetics, certain detrimental factors affect a person’s skin such as environmental toxins, diet and smoking. Some consumers think using marine collagen may help them diminish the signs of aging and decrease the negative effects of toxins.

Fish collagen is also being used in hair products for added shine and thicker hair. Advantages of marine collagen supplements is that the substance is odorless and tasteless. There have not been any reported side effects and it is considered a safe substance. Since the use of this particular collagen is still relatively new, there have not been enough studies conducted to determine the long-term safety of the product. With any new supplement, it is best to use it in cautionary amounts in order to see how the body will react to it.

Even if a skin care product contains all natural ingredients, it can still cause the user to have skin irritation. People who have sensitive skin may need to use a small amount of the collagen cream or lotion to make sure there are not any allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction to any product include redness, bumps and overly dry skin.

Benefits of Acai Berry

Acai Berries and Acai Berry Juice -- What Are the Health Benefits?

Have you heard about the acai berry? Acai berries are highly touted by marketers who say it’s one of the elite superfoods with anti-aging and weight loss properties. Some manufacturers use acai berries in cosmetics and beauty products.

What is the acai berry?

The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. 

Research on the acai berry has focused on its possible antioxidant activity. Theoretically, that activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.

Is the acai berry healthy?

Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids. The word anthocyanin comes from two Greek words meaning “plant” and “blue.” Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Foods that are richest in anthocyanins -- such as blueberries, red grapes, red wine, and acai -- are very strongly colored, ranging from deep purple to black.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life's stressors. They also play a role in the body's cell protection system. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals.

By lessening the destructive power of free radicals, antioxidants may help reduce the risk of some diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Are there known health benefits of acai berries?

Some studies show that acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out. People eat acai berries because of its high antioxidant properties to address various health conditions.

Can acai berries boost weight loss?

Scientists are learning more about the functional power of superfoods, such as the acai berry. Although acai is touted in some weight loss products, few studies have tested the benefit of acai in promoting weight loss.

For now, plenty of research supports eating a diet rich in antioxidants. There’s no doubt that berries and other fruits are a key part of any healthy diet promoting weight loss. The jury’s still out on whether there is something special about acai’s ability to shed excess pounds.

Why are acai berries used in beauty products?

Some cosmetics and beauty products contain acai oil in the ingredient list. That’s because acai oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Studies show that acai oil may be a safe alternative to other tropical oils used in beauty products such as facial and body creams, anti-aging skin therapies, shampoos and conditioners, and other products. When acai oil is processed and stored long-term, the antioxidant levels remain high.

Do acai berries and acai juice have any side effects?

If you have pollen allergies or have a known hypersensitivity to acai or similar berries, you may want to avoid this fruit. When eaten in moderate amounts, though, acai is likely safe.

Benefits of Pine Bark & Grape Seed Extract

Pine Bark and Grape Seed

Substances found in pine bark and grape seed are proving to have powerful health benefits. We’ve read about it in magazines, seen it on TV shows such as 60 Minutes, and heard about it on the radio. The French, who have a high-fat diet and a national cuisine based on butter, who drink wine with meals, and who take pride in smoking non-filtered cigarettes, live longer than the citizens of many other countries. This is known as the French paradox: that despite a lifestyle that would bring out the health police in North America, the French are, well, healthy.

Most experts agree that this health contradiction is due to their habits of drinking red wine as wine contains substances known as flavonoids, which are proving to have many health benefits. And they must be strong; after all, they appear to overcome a lot of bad dietary habits in France!

However, we now know of two other substances that provide the same flavonoid punch. These are grape seed extract and pine bark extract. Both of these contain a type of flavonoid known as oligomers of proanthocyanidins, or OPCs.

Powerful antioxidants

OPCs are powerful antioxidants. They are, thus, a major force in the war against free radicals, which are dangerous molecules linked to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, cataracts, and immune disorders.

In a review of the benefits of the OPCs found in grape seed extract, Bombardelli and Morazzoni (Fitoterapia, 66, no. 4 [1995]) note that OPCs’ antioxidant effects are generally credited for their other benefits. The authors note that these include an antimutagenic effect; that is, they inhibit the mutation of DNA. The authors point out that chronic degenerative diseases are believed to be a result of environmental mutagens (substances that cause mutation). OPCs may be able to counter these mutagens.

The same report notes that OPCs have a positive effect on peripheral venous insufficiency. This is a leg vein problem that causes increasing pain and disability for many thousands of people, the majority of them women. OPCs were shown to reduce pain, cramps, edema (swelling due to fluids), and "pins and needles."

Indeed, OPCs are well-known for their effect on the cardiovascular system. Richard Passwater, Ph.D., in his book, All About Pycnogenol, cites a number of benefits generated from the OPCs found in pine bark. These include fighting cholesterol and protecting against heart disease, protecting against high blood pressure, improving circulation, and strengthening the capillaries. Passwater also notes that OPCs are an immune booster and may protect against cancer through their antioxidant potency, boosting the immune system and reducing metastasis, the process cancer cells use to travel through the blood stream and attach themselves to other organs.

OPCs also have "cosmetic" value. They protect collagen and elastin, which are an important part of the makeup of skin. It is the interlacing of collagen and elastin that gives skin its strength, elasticity, and smoothness. When these two substances are damaged, the skin loses elasticity— the result can be wrinkles. OPCs help restore damaged collagen and elastin and protect them against further damage. You could say that OPCs are an oral cosmetic to keep skin healthy.

Some health practitioners have found OPCs to be beneficial in dealing with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Passwater notes that he has received a number of case histories documenting this. Pamela Sleeth, a chiropractor in Newmarket, Ontario, has used OPCs in her practice with remarkable results. She notes that parents and teachers alike have commented on the increased attentiveness that children have displayed after using OPCs.

So, try grape seed and pine bark extracts.