Composition and Properties

Spirulina contains the following nutrients and chemicals:

* High amount of proteins (between 55 and 77% by dry weight).
* Carbohydrates (among which rhamnose that helps the assimilation of glucose);  fiber.
* Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, inositol, A, D, alpha-tocopherol, K).
* Essential and non essential amino acids (among which methionine, cysteine and lysine).
* Essential fatty acids (such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA)).
* Minerals (Ca, K, P, Na, Mg, S, Cl, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Mo, Cr).
* Photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll-a, xanthophyll, beta-carotene.

Spirulina health benefits

* Nutritional, antianemic, and tonic
* Detoxifying, antioxidant, antiradical. antiviral
* Immune system booster (read my immune system boosters post for additional info on more natural immune system boosters)
* Hypolipemic; hepatoprotective
* Anti-inflammatory
* Vasodilative;  anticoagulant

Nutritional, antianemic and general tonic properties

Spirulina has proven to be particularly useful in low calorie diets, because of its high nutritional values combined with its low calories (390 Cal for each 100 g of dry product). It helps therefore in contributing with important nutrients during weight loss diets. The essential amino acid phenylalanine (3%) is able to reduce hunger and helps people while following low calorie diets as it determines a feeling of satiety. In such cases it is recommended to take the spirulina supplements around 30 minutes before the main meals. The presence of vitamin B12 is precious especially for vegans. Spirulina is also particularly useful as a supplement for persons involved in sport activities, supplying a good amount of ergogenic vitamins and minerals that help the energetic metabolism, complex amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), essential and non essential amino acids, proteins, antioxidants, carnitine and creatine. Furthermore, the presence of iron, in biochelated form, and of the essential amino acids help the synthesis of hemoglobin and of red blood cells, preventing or reducing some anemic forms. The dietary supplements of spirulina are particularly indicated for pregnant women and during convalescence.

Fighting mental and physical stress (antioxidant and antiradical activity)

In case of stress, the system needs to assimilate a high quantity of antioxidants, with radical scavenger properties. In spirulina it is particularly useful the presence of phycocyanin, for which there are studies that show an antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals. The antioxidant properties of spirulina are also due to chlorophyllin, derived from chlorophyl, to carotenes, to xanthophylls, to cysteine, to methionine, and to vitamins A and E, to zinc and manganese.

Immune system boosting and antiviral activities

Spirulina strengthens the immune system and has antiviral effects. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and linoleic acid (LA) activate the production of prostaglandins (PGE1) with immune system boosting, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilative properties. The presence of beta-glucans in spirulina might promote the stimulation of the immune system, thanks to an increase of lymphocytes and macrophages. Immune system boosting effects are also attributed to phycocyanins. Studies on animals have shown a relationship between the consumption of Spirulina platensis and the increase of the activity of macrophages and a higher production of nitric oxide (NO), with an hypothetical immunoprotective role. The nitric oxide (NO) acts as a physiological messenger between cells that helps stimulating the phagocytic activity of the cell. The consumption of aqueous extracts of Spirulina platensis in man activates the immune system in the 50% of the subjects, through an increase in the production of interferon-gamma and in the cytolytic activity of the natural killer cells (NK).

Indications

As we have seen, spirulina has many health benefits and, as a dietary supplement, is particularly indicated in the following cases:

* Sport activities (it integrates the nutritional values needed, preventing losses in the muscular mass).
* Psychic and physical stress, or highly stressful situations.
* Vegetarian and vegan diets.
* Low calorie diets and unbalanced diets.

- Echinacea: According to several scientific studies, echinacea roots are effective in strengthening the immune system, and can decrease the chances of getting a cold by more than 50%. Furthermore, it can shorten the duration of a common cold by 1 or 2 days on average. Besides its antibacterial and antiviral properties, the extract of echinacea can also help the healing of wounds, i.e. treatment of abscesses, folliculitis and herpes.

- Kefir: Kefir is a milk, soya milk, or water based drink which is the result of the fermentation of a mixture of yeasts and bacteria. It originated in the Caucasus region and it’s been used for centuries, also because of its remarkable health benefits. Kefir balances the bacterial flora in the bowel, and this has a very important effect in the overall health, as it boosts the immune system of the whole body. For further information about kefir health benefits, please read my kefir benefits post.

- Royal Jelly: Has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antibiotic effects. Furthermore, it can stimulate and regenerate the nervous system.

- Astragalus Propinquus: Also known as huáng qí, it is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is mainly used to speed healing and to treat diabetes. It strengthens the immune system, it increases the production of interferon, and activates immune cells such as macrophages.

- Jiaogulan: Also known as Gynostemma, is another herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It has adaptogenic and antioxidant effects, and in some scientific studies it has been found to increase the activities of macrophages, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, acting also as a tumor inhibitor. It also helps the body to cope with stress, and one of its reputed effects is that it increases longevity.

- Uncaria Tomentosa: Also known as Cat’s Claw, has recognized anti-inflammatory properties and increases the reactivity of lymphocytes, causing a better response to viral infection. Some substances contained in it seem to have antioxidant and anticancer effects, and it is also used to treat HIV infections.

- Eleutherococcus Senticosus: Also known as Siberian Ginseng, is an adaptogen, anticholesteremic, antioxidant and immune tonic. Taken regularly, it has been found to decrease cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels and inflammatory response, and it improves physical and cognitive performance.

Before taking any of these natural immune system boosters, please consult your local expert.

Kefir is great in balancing the bacterial flora residing in the intestine and acts as a probiotic, stimulating the intestine’s immune system with beneficial effects on the entire body’s immune system. Furthermore, kefiran, the water soluble polysaccharide present in kefir grains, contains substances that also have prebiotic effects.

Kefir enhances the immune system, this is due to the action of its bacteria and yeasts that colonize the intestine, but also because of our body’s reaction to the kefiran dissolved in kefir.

Kefiran inhibits the growth of tumor cells: this has been proven through a series of scientific tests involving feeding kefiran to a batch of laboratory rats. It is not clear yet what has caused the positive results and no tests have been conducted on humans so far. So this kefir benefit is still under investigation.

Kefir is easily digestible also by people affected by a lactose intolerance. A large portion of the population does not digest lactose, the main sugar contained in milk, properly. Kefir’s bacteria allow the enzymes needed to digest lactose to reach the bowel. During the fermentation process, nonetheless, the quantity of lactose present in kefir is reduced.

Kefir has antibiotic properties: The lactobacillus species present in kefir produce several substances that protect our system from yeasts and harmful bacteria, i.e. candida albicans.

Kefir seems to have a positive effect in reducing cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that kefir consumption produces a moderate reduction in the levels of cholesterol, but such studies have not been confirmed yet and other studies suggest that the effect is instead very small.

Finally, one of the most uncommon of kefir benefits, the lactobacillus rhamnosus that can be contained in kefir, reduces the presence of streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria responsible for dental caries.

Many people have never tried meditation and they truly do not know what they are missing. Our world is full of sounds, sights, and other distractions. We are bombarded with these things every day of our lives. Meditation allows you to escape from this for awhile. A chance to truly relax

Through meditation can you truly get to know yourself, organize your thoughts, relax, and even improve your health. That quiet time can give you time to hear your own soul.

It takes practice. We are so used to living in a rush, it’s actually difficult for us to learn to totally relax and release all of the pressure we place on ourselves.

The things that must be considered include the length of time you need to devote to meditation, where you will meditate, your posture and your eye position, and very important, how to control your breathing.

There are many guides and books on proper meditation techniques and I suggest you research this. This one article is much too short to cover all of the proper meditation techniques. Here, I will stay focused on the many types of meditation.

One type of meditation that is definitely designed to help you stay healthy is called HRM, or Heart Rhythm Meditation. This type of meditation is used to coordinate the rhythms of your heart, your breath, and your brainwaves. It is supposed to help you create harmony within yourself. HRM incorporates several types of meditation into one.

Others include what are generally referred to as upward and downward meditation. As an example, HRM above incorporates several types of downward meditation. Other types of downward meditation include reality meditation, active meditation, lover meditation, meditation centered on the heart, in-life meditation, inclusive meditation, and awakening meditation.

Upward forms of meditation include religious meditation, meditation centered on the mind, monastic meditation, denial meditation, dualistic meditation, trance meditation, observer meditation, passive meditation, and fantasy meditation.

Upward meditation is described as drawing energy upwards and consciousness out of the body. That is where the term out-of-body experience is used. Downward meditation invites energy down into the body through the body’s third eye, or heart.

There are types of meditation that utilize both upward and downward meditation, but for the purposes of this article we will focus on those that are more specific.

Reality meditation has an obvious definition. It is based on reality rather than fantasy or imagination, while fantasy meditation relies on your imagination. In fantasy meditation you may imagine you are in another place, have become another person, or maybe even another type of existent or non-existent being.

Another two types of meditation that are the exact opposites of each other are passive and active meditation. In passive meditation, the type most people assume is the right way, the person tries to be absolutely still and do nothing, emptying their mind as much as possible. They may seem or actually even become asleep. If this was the goal, it is a perfect way to achieve sleep.

Active meditation is goal-oriented. The person focuses his or her mind outwardly toward that goal. The person attempts to remain in a state of meditation sending out waves to achieve the goal, usually used to bring peace to an otherwise tumultuous situation.

Denial and dualistic meditation are approximately the same. Many times the person is using this form of meditation to overcome pain or suffering. They focus their mind and tell themselves that they are not really suffering or in pain. Belief can heal, therefore they strive to create a reality where the suffering and pain are gone or it has no effect on them.

Trance meditation is used to diminish sensory capacity. The person uses it to achieve an ultimate calmness. This usually entails rhythmic chanting, suggestions of deep sleep, or submission. Hypnosis is an example of the use of Trance meditation.

The opposite of trance meditation might be alertness meditation or awakening meditation. The person won’t become sleepy as in trance meditation, but their senses will be heightened. The rhythm of the chants are usually faster and the rhythm changes. In a group it may change to keep in harmony with the others in the group.

As I said earlier in the article, this is written just to introduce you to the fact that there are various forms of meditation and each has its own uses. You may want to study the different types and look for the one that is right for you before you start.

Meditation isn’t something you should just do because someone recommended you do it. It isn’t something you should start doing because someone wants you to go to meditation group sessions with him or her. What works for them may not work for you. You need to explore the different forms of meditation that are out there and find one that specifically helps you.

When you are fasting, your digestive system will be in resting mode and this will strengthen its mucosal lining. A healthy mucosal lining is important for the prevention of the leakage of incomplete digested proteins into the bloodstream. There are some scientists who suggest in order to restore our youthfulness and longevity, fasting is the way to do it, as fasting will speed up the destruction of decaying tissues and helps build new tissues.

How do you perform your fasting to lose weight plan? To perform your plan you should eat before you start fasting. Let’s say you want to start fasting at 7 am and break your fast at 12 pm. (For Muslims their fast breaking is at dusk). So you eat your regular meal before 7 am and do not eat anything during your fasting period. Then when it is time for you to break your fast, you also eat regular meal. Start your meal with sweet fruits such as dates. Do not over eat as this will defeat the purpose of your fasting to lose weight plan. Even when you are not fasting, you should not take excessive food. To have the effect of fasting to lose weight, you should start fasting at 7 am and break your fast at 7 pm. Follow this plan on alternate days and you will see your results in just 14 days.

For beginners to fasting to lose weight, this is not an easy plan. To achieve the maximum effect you will need to fast for 12 hours. This can be very tiring. The best method to start the fasting to lose weight plan is to go slow. Start by fasting for 4 hours (less if you find it too hard), then gradually increase it on your next session.

There are people who practice fasting on alternate days even though they have reached their weight loss goals. They are no longer fasting to lose weight but they are fasting for their well being. Besides being able to make you lose weight, fasting also helps to detoxify your body, helps to reduce your blood sugar level and helps the body to repair itself. Fasting also helps to control your desire.

However if you are not fit or healthy to perform this fasting to lose weight plan, it is not advisable for you to do it. Check with your physician about your condition or if you have any health related issues.

Fasting to lose weight is not starvation diet. Each one of us fast in our daily life. We fast during our sleep. It is just that we do not realize that we are fasting because we are sleeping and our mind is somewhere else. In a nutshell every human being is performing fasting to lose weight every single day.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/fasting-to-lose-weight–803752.html

About the Author:

Mohd Hizer Hasan is a health and weight loss enthusiast. For more articles about weight loss and more ideas for best diets go to loseweightin14days.blogspot.com

There are numerous meditation techniques that people who are interested and want to learn to meditate can choose from. While all forms of mediation have some commonalities, the techniques do differ based on what part of the world and what culture the particular practice is rooted in. Zen meditation has developed out of Zen Buddhism. It is also known as Zazen and incorporates various seated positions, special breathing techniques and chakras.

The discipline of Zen meditation is essentially focused on enabling the practitioner to live their daily lives in complete awareness of themselves and their surroundings. Through the practice of this meditation approach, people can escape from the “auto-pilot” existence that is so prevalent and which robs people of experiencing their lives fully.

When people fall into the trap of operating primarily on automatic pilot, they rarely notice all of the things that are happening around them; even within their own minds and hearts. This certainly can interfere with a person’s ability to be enlivened spiritually or to be on the path to spiritual development. Zen meditation can help to break the cycle of automatic living and help a person to engage more fully in their own life.

Through Zen meditations, people experience each moment of a day directly and with awareness and responsiveness. They consciously practice being aware of everything that they encounter and try to enliven their senses by paying attention to everything that they might hear, see, smell, feel and taste.

Another way of expressing this concept is by attempting to be completely and fully aware, while engaged in any activity, at any particular moment. Some people also call this, “living in the moment” or “living consciously.” The idea is to “become at one” with whatever they are currently engaged in doing.

Some examples of this would be: when eating, the practitioner is totally focused on the meal and their actions involved in eating; when they are engaged in a Zen mediation session, they stay concentrated on the reality of that moment and they do not allow their thoughts, their feelings, or their sensations to preoccupy or distract them; when they are engaged in work, they only work; when doing routine tasks such as brushing their teeth, they focus on that task and do not let their minds wander to think about other things.

While the Zen practitioner does not have to be engaged in meditation all day, every day, regular meditation practice helps to calm, center and focus the mind so that the person is able to focus and retain keen awareness. The Zen practice recognizes that all thoughts are a natural and beneficial function of the human mind and that thought should not be ignored, rejected or stopped. Instead, the practice allows wandering thoughts to be acknowledged then set to the side, keeping the mind from being carried away by anxieties, worries, fears and other discursive notions.

This method of meditation practice allows the person to enjoy a sense of liberation from the “pollution” of negative thoughts that can often cloud the mind and confuse thinking. Zen meditation helps to alleviate unnecessary suffering of the mind and allows the person to focus on truth, clarity and spiritual enlightenment.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/zen-meditation-allows-a-person-to-focus-on-truth-566168.html

About the Author:

Mike Selvon portal offers free articles on meditation. Find out more about the zen meditation, and leave a comment at the relaxation technique blog.

Why would you want to increase dream recall? If you can’t think of any reason, let’s just say that increasing your dream recall will enable a better intercommunication between your conscious and subconscious mind. You will be able to increase your problem solving skills, you will be much more creative and you will understand yourself and your daily reality much better.

2. Start writing a dream journal.

Put a notepad and a pen or pencil next to your bed, and if possible, also a subtle source of light in case you need it. Before you go to sleep, make sure to open the pad on a blank page and put the pen within reach to avoid losing precious time when you wake up. When you wake up, even if it’s in the middle of the night, write down anything you can remember about your dreams, even if it’s only a sensation, a feeling, an object, a location, anything. Don’t be discouraged if you realize that especially at the beginning you don’t remember much. If you can’t remember anything, write down the first thing that comes into your mind. It may be related to the dream in some way, and it might trigger recollections. Write down all that you can, and you’ll see that even a couple of fragments may eventually enable you to remember more of the dream. If you can remember any dialogue, try to write it down first, as words in dreams tend to be easily forgotten. When you’re done, assign a title to every dream, date it, and note down what is going on in your life at the time. Write in the present tense, this will help to maintain the vividness of the dream while writing, and also while re-reading what you’ve written in the previous days. After a while the notepad will shape into your own dream journal. Dream recall will improve with exercise and soon enough you’ll be surprised at how many dreams you will have registered in your journal. An alternative to the notepad is to use a voice recorder so you can make verbal recounts of your dreams.

3. Try avoiding the use of the alarm clock.

But if you need one, place your alarm clock within reach. When you wake up, you need to write about your dream(s) as soon as possible, so if the alarm clock fires, you should be able to switch it off without moving or stretching out too much. Anyway, try not to use it, go to bed earlier instead so you’ll be able to wake up automatically at the right time and savor the precious transition between sleeping and waking life.

4. Repeat affirmations before going to sleep.

When you’re in bed and you’re about to fall asleep, repeat to yourself that you’re going to remember tonight’s dreams and that your dreams will help you solve any issue that you wish to address. These affirmations are very important because they enable you to give specific instructions to your subconscious mind at a stage in which it is particularly receptive.

5. When you wake up, try not to move.

Stay in the same position in which you awoke and try to remember as much about your dream as possible before you think about anything else, then write it down in your dream journal as soon as possible. It is likely that at least a couple of times you will tell yourself “I won’t bother to write this down, it’s so vivid, I will remember it anyway.” You won’t, so just write it down.

6. If possible, try to sleep less but a bit more often.

It is beneficial, and not only to increase dream recall, to take one or two naps per day, and since a sleep cycle is composed of 90 minutes, try to sleep a multiple of 90 minutes. 6 or 7.5 hours of sleep per night is enough.

7. Keep a notepad or a voice recorder with you during the day.

You will notice that you’ll start remembering parts or fragments of your dreams during the day. Your memories may be triggered by any object or event of your daily life, so having always at hand something to record the memories on is a very good idea.

8. Take small amounts of coffee or tea just before going to bed when you’re already sleepy.

Coffee and tea can have a beneficial effect in stimulating dream activity and aiding dream recall if taken in small amounts when you’re about to doze off.

–

Put these tips into practice, and if you’re disciplined enough you’ll start noticing the results quite soon!

Let me know about your progress, and of course let me know if you have any other tip! Don’t forget to leave your comments.
In one of my next posts, I’ll be discussing ways of using your increased dream recall abilities with the aim of starting a conscious exploration of your dream universe: Lucid Dreaming. So stay tuned!

Chia, also known as Salvia Hispanica, is rich in proteins,  and one of the most unusual and unique qualities of these seeds is their ability to absorb about nine times of their volume if soaked in water or juice. This enables the body to prolong its level of hydration, making Chia suitable for people involved in sport activities. Furthermore, the gel-forming property of the seeds causes a slowing down of their digestion process and balances the level of blood sugar, which can be useful in preventing or controlling some forms of diabetes.

One of the easiest ways of preparing Chia, is to put one tablespoon of seeds in a glass of water or juice, stir to avoid the formation of any clumps, let them soak for 5 or 10 minutes, stir again and then drink. Otherwise you can let them soak longer and use the resulting gel, adding it to jams, jellies, peanut butter, milkshakes, smoothies, hot or cold cereals, yogurts, barbecue sauces, etc. as a substitute of more fatty ingredients, for energy and endurance, or for added great taste. To prepare the gel:

Fill a sealable plastic or glass container with nine parts of water and slowly pour one part of Chia seeds into the water, then mix with a wire whisk or fork. This process will avoid any clumping of the seeds. Wait a few minutes and stir again to break up any chunks, let stand ten minutes, and stir again. Put the container in the fridge, and store there up to two weeks. Add the gel, between 50 to 70 percent by volume, to any of the above mentioned foods, or any other if you feel like experimenting, then mix well, and taste. You will notice a very smooth texture, that respects the integrity of the flavor, but you have added 50 to 70 percent more volume to your food and have displaced calories and fat by incorporating an ingredient that is ninety percent water!

But what are the benefits of the Chia seeds? Here’s a summary:

• Weight control: mixed with orange or other fruit juice, the gel-like seeds can be a fundamental part of a nutritious breakfast that leaves one feeling full and without hunger until noon.

• Research is being conducted to show how Chia may prevent and/or overcome Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.

• High level of Omega-3 and Omega-6: Chia is the vegetable source with the most Omega-3 content, which along with Omega-6, is highly beneficial for the health of the circulatory system and of the central nervous system.

• High concentration of alpha-linolenic acid: This substance lowers the risk of heart disease, blurred vision, and numbness.

• Native people have used chia gel on wounds, for colds and sore throats, for upset stomachs, body odors, prostate problems, and even constipation.

• High level of B vitamins and calcium: By volume, one ounce of Chia contains two percent B-2 (riboflavin), 13 percent niacin, and 29 percent thiamin, and trace amounts of all B vitamins. In roughly two ounces of Chia (100 grams), there are 600 milligrams of calcium, contrasted with 120 milligrams of calcium in the same amount of milk. That’s five times as much calcium than milk!

• Chia also contains boron, which is needed for bones. Boron is needed to aid the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus in bones and for muscle growth. Boron also can increase the levels of natural estrogen.

• Early results in current cancer research with Chia show promise in this area.

• Chia is an excellent source of fiber – one serving can provide 30% of the daily requirement.

More information about Chia can be found in the excellent book:

Buy Chia Seeds 3 Pound (Chemical Free)

The Chinese have known the great healing powers of drinking green tea for eons. It was not until the 21^st century that the western world began to understand the benefits of green tea. Some of the many great reasons to drink green tea are:

Blood pressure: Consumption of green tea can help you keep your blood pressure under control. It has been shown that people who drink a cup of green tea a day, is half as likely to develop hypertension. The great thing about green tea is that it will help you keep your blood pressure at a steady rate. It helps keep your blood vessels open and blood flowing smoothly.

Cancer risk: Green tea is very high in antioxidants. This property of green tea prevents cancer cells from growing in your body. Many studies have shown drinking green tea will reduce your risk of many forms of cancer. This includes: colon, prostate, breast, stomach and esophagus cancer. This benefit alone is reason enough to drink green tea every day.

Treat skin abrasions: Green tea is a natural skin antiseptic. This property of green tea is not widely known. It makes a great treatment for sunburn or cut and scrapes. Simply soak a rag or cotton ball in some left over green tea and apply to the affected skin area. It can relieve itching and burning very quickly.

More skin treatment: It has also been found to help prevent some skin cancer. You will see many sun block products that now contain green tea.

Memory enhancement: It is believed that the high antioxidant properties of green tea prevent the development of cognitive issues in the elderly. The benefits are seen in all age groups. The tea can help prevent free radicals from damaging the brain. Green tea can actually help your memory.

Weight loss: Green tea can help your body burn calories. This can help you with your diet plan. Green tea increases your body’s metabolism which helps you lose weight.

Heart disease: Green tea can help you fight heart disease. It can help stop the buildup of harmful plaque in your arteries. It has been found that around 10 fluid ounces of green tea a day can help prevent heart disease. It helps keeps your arteries clear and prevents absorption of cholesterol.

Pain relief: It has recently been shown that green tea can help with arthritic pain.

Tooth health: Green tea is a natural fluoride. It is believed to help keep teethe healthy by not allowing decay forming bacteria to form

These are a few of the many reasons to drink green tea. The bottom line is drinking green tea is very good for you. Drinking green tea will make you feel better. Drinking green tea is one easy step you can make to help change your life for the better. Used in conjunction with other life style changes green tea can dramatically change your life.

You should increase your green tea consumption immediately. Drink at minimum two cups a day. You can also make a cold tea brew that you can drink all day. Drinking green tea is a lifestyle change. It is one step in changing the way you think about what you put into your body.

You should endeavor to find green tea that is grown organically without chemicals. You will get the maximum health benefits from an organic green tea. It will also taste better.