South Beach Diet Or Another Fad Diet?
Friday 30 May 2008 @ 2:57 pm

I have thoroughly researched this diet and am giving you every detail of south beach diet for information.

South beach diet book is founded on the premise that switching to good carbs stops insulin resistance and curbs appetite which leads to weight loss. Also, good fats protect the heart and prevent hunger.

But this is hardly true as you will learn after reading this article.

South beach diet book offers a simplistic solution to weight loss. All you need to do is eat good carbs like whole grains, vegetables and beans instead of eating bad carbs like sugar white breads and potatoes.

South beach diet says, fast sugars are worst for dieters and slow sugars are good.

And how are these foods classified as fast or slow? The Glycemic Index.

According to south beach diet, the food having a high Glycemic Index causes the blood sugar to spike (go up) immedietly after having the meal,whereas the food with a lower GI does not drastically shoot up the blood sugar levels.

But this theory is only partially true. Yes, the foods with high GI are good for diabetics in helping them to keep their blood sugar levels in check, but contrary to popular belief, the glycemic index of a certain food is not the same.i.e. it depends on how the food is processed, stored, ripened and cooked.

Further, south beach diet is formulated on the premise that good carbs like whole grains have a low glycemic index and bad carbs like sugars, white flour and refined grains have a higher GI.

BUT THE TRUTH IS….

Bread is high GI whether whole wheat or white because it is made from finely ground flour.

Pasta is low GI, whether whole or white(thin languine has a high GI as compared to the thick one)

“Instant white” rice is low GI whereas “Uncle bens converted white” rice is high GI.

Take the case of sugars…Glucose is high GI, Sucrose is medium GI and fructose is low GI

This illustrates that recommending foods based on GI is confusing as well as misleading. On top of it all, there is no research to support the claim that the rise in blood sugar by eating high GI foods leads to high blood insulin levels, and that this leads people to overeat.

To summarise…there is no evidence to suggest that eating low GI foods leads to weight loss.

Now lets have a look at the south beach diet menu.

South beach diet book claims that you won’t feel hungry while on this diet. This is impossible considering the fact that some of the menus average only 1200 calories, which is too low not to feel hungry.

The diet encourages you to eat seafood, chicken breast, lean meat, vegetables,whole grains, some fruits, beans, low fat cheese, nuts, oils and whole grains. fatty meats, high fat cheese, refined grains, sweets, juice and potatoes.

The choice of foods in this diet plan are somewhat healthy compared to other leading diet plans like ATKINS but restricting the consumption of carrots, bananas, pineapple and watermelon is the worst part of south beach diet.

The meal plan consists of three phases :

Phase 1 of south beach diet :

You are allowed to eat normal size helpings of chicken, meat, turkey, fish and shellfish, vegetables, eggs, cheese and nuts. You can have three meals per day. Desserts, coffee and tea are also allowed.

But for the first 14 days you are not allowed to eat bread,rice,potatoes,pasta or baked goods and even fruits!

Phase 2 of south beach diet :

You can slowly begin to reintroduce carbs into your diet again. The diet advices you to take all the forbidden foods in phase 1 like bread, pasta, fruits etc. in moderate quantities but at the same time not as much as you were having before.

Phase 3 of south beach diet:

This part is the most relaxed. Dr.Agastson says that you can now forget that you are on a diet. He says that now onwards it is just a healthy lifestyle you are used to, and going to adhere for the rest of your life.

All in all, south beach diet is one more money spinning fad diet for the creator of this weight loss program and a phsychological prop(support) for people who are allways hopping from one diet to the other in search of a hollywood like sexy body.

The initial weight loss caused by this diet is on account of calorie restriction and not because of low Glycemic Index or an invisible switch as Dr. Agastson’s marketing language wants you to believe.

Your health could be 100 times better without south beach diet weight loss program,if you choose healthy foods like green vegetables,whole grains,fiber rich foods and vegetables.

And if you are eager to lose those extra pounds,why not do it the most natural way with the weight loss principles of Ayurveda medicinal science?

This is the most effective long term,scientifically proven solution to excess fat.

You can get real cutting edge fat burning secrets of Ayurveda in my Free 5day email ecourse by subscribing to my newsletter at: www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm

Rajesh Shetty

Expert in weight loss principles of Ayurveda Medical Science
and Author of the Best selling book,
“Proven weight loss secrets revealed”.
http://www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm

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Improve Diabetes with Gymnema Sylvestre
Tuesday 27 May 2008 @ 6:00 am

Improve Diabetes with Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre has been used as a treatment for diabetes for
at least two thousand years. Its name is derived from the Hindi
name Gurmar which translates to “sugar destroyer”. It dates back
to a time when the diagnosis of diabetes was literally made by
sweet tasting urine, so called “honey urine”.

Historically, Gymnema has been used in the treatment of various
ailments and conditions from stomach problems and constipation,
to snake bites, and urinary disturbances. Probably the most
exciting use of this herb however, is for use in blood sugar
balancing and glucose metabolism. Not surprising, is that the
major portion of the research has been directed to blood sugar
control, and use with diabetes.

Today, several studies have verified the beneficial effects of
Gymnema sylvestre in helping to control blood sugar levels and
thereby improve diabetic control. An additional benefit seems to
be the ability of this substance to control sugar cravings and
also reduce sugar absorption in the intestine.

Another positive benefit of this natural substance is the
gradual effect it has in improving blood sugar metabolism and
balance, rather that the not so subtle changes that occur with
prescribed drugs. It also appears to be very safe in that the
hypoglycemic effects do not lead to dangerously low blood sugar
levels, but rather act within a normal range.

Fortunately in this day and age there are many companies that
sell preparations containing this valuable herb for diabetics
and pre-diabetics. Gymnema’s ability to stimulate existing cells
in the pancreas to produce more insulin and function more
effectively makes this a natural for those felt to be at risk
for developing diabetes.

Knowing the importance of proper blood sugar control and having
the tools to do it in a natural manner can be extremely helpful
in preventing the various complications known to arise in
uncontrolled diabetes.

For further information regarding diabetes go to
http://www.diabetessites.com

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Master Cleanse: Serenity Weight Loss And Detox Program
Tuesday 20 May 2008 @ 6:08 am

Cola Kidney Stone Cleanse
There are a number of detox programs designed to suit different lifestyles. A few of them are juice fasting, herbal detoxification, detox baths/ saunas and bowel cleansing. Some detox programs may target only the liver and the kidneys, while others are suited for bowel or skin cleansing. For a detox diet with juice fasting people consume fruit and vegetable juice recipes while fasting (or abstaining) from other foods for a short period of time, and diet with Master Cleanse. Also the bowels are where nutrients are absorbed so it is critical to keep it clean and functioning properly so our bodies get the nutrition they need. Master Cleanse program is highly popular with celebrities in Hollywood. Our bodies simply cannot cope with the normal day to day ingestion of chemicals. Most these chemicals come from foods as mentioned before but also have a wide variety of other sources, which is the reason why you must be on the Master Cleanse

Why Use Master Cleanse Program
The premise behind detox diets is that your body is full of toxins, many of which come from the foods you eat. A basic detox diet will have you fast for a certain period of time, which means you will not eat at all. You will then only eat specific foods that are believed to be toxin free, completely refraining from other foods, such as sugar, red meat, wheat, and eggs. Most detox diets also call for a cleansing process during which colonics, or enemas, are used or herbal colon cleansers. Cooked processed or pasteurized fruits and vegetables are devoid of enzymes. Heat kills many vitamins and cooked fruits will make the body more acidic. See more on Master Cleanse at Master Cleanse Review You only need to do your research and there will be lots of detoxification procedures to choose from however it is always advisable to see your physician to be sure of what toxins constitute risk to your health and perhaps the best method to get rid of these.

Master Cleanse Benefits:
Master Cleanse is the world most popular diet program. Some detox diets are vegetarian; others include animal protein such as chicken fish and/or dairy products. When your body is sick in any way the pH is disrupted. Your body does whatever it can to keep up with the extra acid produced. When it can’t keep up, disease happens. Disease is a breakdown of your body’s cells optimal function. Disease happens through poor eating habits, overwork, stuffing your emotions, eating too many cooked foods, too much sugar, salt, caffeine, drugs, vaccines, tension, depression, lack of proper rest, lack of exercise, environmental contamination of the air/water/food and the retention of metabolic wastes (constipation). The only effective way to “cure” disease is to eliminate the causes. So, do start your master cleanse diet today. If you are being advised to have heart surgery be sure to get an alternate opinion on chelation therapy.

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Beauty Basics - Eight Tips For Naturally Beautiful Hair
Wednesday 7 May 2008 @ 4:47 am

Looking for a more natural approach to hair care? Here are some tips to help your hair look and feel its best.

1. Avoid shampoos that contain sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate. These chemicals are synthetic detergents that are used in dishwashing liquid and other cleansers. They are valued because they lather well, but they are very harsh, and can dry out your hair. Instead, look for shampoos made with decyl glucose, or decyl glucoside, which are much gentler.

2. Give yourself a hot oil treatment to deep condition your hair. Warm oil penetrates the hair shaft making the hair more flexible and giving it shine. This can also help to prevent split ends which result from dry hair.

3. Eat right and consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements to encourage healthy hair. Several vitamins and minerals have been shown to help hair growth and condition including biotin, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C and MSM.

4. If you are an African American, or if you have extra curly hair, avoid brushing your hair. Use a wide toothed comb, or your fingers to work with your hair. Brushes can destroy African American or extra curly hair by shearing it out of the scalp.

5. Look for essential oils, herbs and vegetable oils in your hair care products. Essential oils such as rosemary, ylang-ylang and west indian bay help to stimulate hair growth. Lavender and tea tree and naturally antiseptic and help to fight dandruff. Vegetable oils such as soybean oil, safflower oil and corn oil are moisturizing and conditioning to the hair shaft.

6. Avoid sleeping in hair accessories such as barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc. This can lead to hair damage.

7. Massage your scalp to help stimulate hair growth. Massaging helps stimulate hair growth by increasing the blood flow to the scalp. This nourishes the hair roots and helps to stimulate the hair growth process.

8. If your hair ends are damaged, give yourself a trim every so often to remove damage.

About the Author

Ololade Franklin publishes Making Good Scents(TM), a newsletter for people who make their own bath and body care products. For information about Making Good Scents(TM) visit http://www.MakingGoodScents.com

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Saving your babies cord blood - www.stemcellstorage.org.uk
Wednesday 23 April 2008 @ 1:40 am

The method know as three dimensional ultrasound is used when a woman is in early pregnancy, it provides 3d pictures of the fetus. Most of the time these ultrasound images are quickly collected and combined and animated to make a 4d ultrasound scan.

Three dimensional scans works in a similar way to the normal ultrasound scanning methods except that the ultrasound waves can be sent from many directions. The waves can be redirected back and captured and provide information to construct a 3-dimensional image in very much the same way as 3d pictures. 3 dimesional ultrasound was started by stephen smith and olaf von ramm.

It’s important to understand that sonologists worldwide have always pictured three-dimensional images of anatomy or pathology in their minds while doing 2d scans. However, until recently it was not possible to do this type of reconstruction on on data using ultrasound. With the introduction of baby scans for the first time allowed us a view into the thinking of a sonologist and hence letting us see the images on the ultrasound machine.

3d/4d imaging should utilize ultrasound energy following the same limits as conventional 2d ultrasound to create the 3d images. There is no data to suggest harm due to 3d ultasound scanning, its use in none essential situations needs to be undertaken with the understanding of the risks.

Remember, store your unborn childs umbilical cord stem cells by using people like cells4life.

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Power Assisted Liposuction: Faster Recovery With Improved Results
Wednesday 16 April 2008 @ 3:58 pm

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL®) is a new and important technology invented by MicroAire for body sculpting. Research has shown that it is a more effective and safer way to eliminate unwanted deposits of fat that are resistant to dieting and exercise. Because liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure, this technology has important implications to the patient.

The MicroAire Power Assisted Lipoplasty Device uses a 2-mm reciprocating movement at 4000 cycles per minute to facilitate the movement of the cannula in tissue. This vibration loosens the fat cells so that they may be suctioned away gently with less trauma to the surrounding tissues. PAL® is performed using the tumescent technique. This involves infusing large volumes of saline, local anesthesia and adrenaline. This maximizes the effectiveness of the fat removal and patient comfort, and it helps to minimize bruising. Power-Assisted Liposuction has several important advantages over the older techniques of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) and Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL). Some advantages of Power-Assisted Liposuction include:

*Improved safety

*Shorter procedure time

*Less bruising and swelling

*Faster recovery

*Less discomfort

*Smaller incisions

*Greater precision for a smoother contour

*No heat means no risk of burning

Power-Assisted Liposuction for the permanent removal of fat is a major advance for aesthetic surgery. Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks was one of the first plastic surgeons in Southern California to use the devise and has performed hundreds of procedures. He is the Medical Director of the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, CA. The center is a comprehensive plastic surgery practice that delivers experienced, professional care to patients. Dr. Hendricks is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is officially recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as the only Board whose membership is limited to surgeons specifically trained in a rigorous and comprehensive general surgery as well as plastic surgery residency-training program.

Visit http://www.hendricksmd.com or call 949.640-9570 for further information.

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8 CRITICAL COLD SORE STAGES
Thursday 27 March 2008 @ 3:44 pm

Copyright 2005 drbodoh

Let’s look at the 8 distinct cold sore stages, and what you can
do now to lessen the severity, discomfort and length of your
cold sore event.

Cold sore stages 2-8 are the active stages and are very
contagious during this time. Usually 3 to 4 weeks is the average
life-span of a cold sore. Much depends on your health and choice
of treatments for each of your cold sore stages.

COLD SORE STAGES: #1 - LATENT - Here the cold sore herpes
simplex virus is hiding in the nerve ganglia near the back of
the jaw on the same side as your cold sore usually appears. The
cold sore virus may “sleep” for weeks or years without incident.
Your body’s defense “soldiers” keep them in check. When there is
stress in another part of your body, your defenses may drop at
this location. Then the cold sore virus can escape and travel to
the surface to reproduce - beginning the active cold sore stages.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 2 - PRODROME - The cold sore virus
reproductive cycle begins here. The cold sore virus travels down
your nerve fibers to the surface. This movement causes your cold
sore target area to itch or tingle. You may notice a burning or
dryness sensation. This stage could last a few hours to a few
days before entering the more intense cold sore stages.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 3 - INFLAMMATION Your cold sore virus has
now arrived at the surface and begins it’s reproductive cycle by
entering the cells at the end of the nerve. This causes a lot of
swelling and redness at the cold sore site as your cells react
to being invaded by the herpes cold sore virus .

COLD SORE STAGES: # 4 - PRE-SORE - Cold sores at this stage are
defined by the appearance of cold sore vesicles. A full blown
cold sore is not one big blister but a grouping of small
blisters called vesicles. You will notice these vesicles as
tiny, hard pimples or red bumps that are painfully sensitive to
the touch.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 5 - OPEN SORE - Your most painful and
contagious of the cold sore stages. All the vesicles break open
and merge to create one big open, weeping sore. Depending on the
severity, you may develop a fever and swollen lymph glands under
the jaw.

The weeping fluid is teaming with newly born cold sore viruses.
Touching this fluid, you could easily spread the cold sore virus
to another part of your own body or to someone else - either by
direct touch or shared objects such as hand towels, telephones,
and faucets.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 6 - CRUSTING - A cold sore will develop a
yellowish crust or scab as it begins to finally start the
healing process. Your cold sore is still painful at this stage.
More painful, however, is the constant cracking of your cold
sore scab when you move or stretch your lips, as in smiling.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 7- HEALING - Cold sores, once scabbed over,
begin healing from the inside out. As new skin forms under the
crust, you will experience continued itching, irritation and
some pain. Your cold sore virus is now retreating back to the
nerve ganglia area where it will sleep until the next
opportunity.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 8 - POST SCAB - Cold sores at this stage no
longer have a visible cold sore scab and your skin has totally
healed. Under your new skin, healing is still taking place as
the destroyed cells are regenerated. This produces a red spot
that may linger for another 2 to 14 days - depending on your
personal healing speed. You are still contagious until this red
spot disappears. This waiting is the most frustrating of the
cold sore stages.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW -

Cold sore over-the-counter medications, experts agree, are
primarily comfort treatments for the cold sore stages. Some
contain numbing agents that greatly reduce your pain. Some cold
sore medications contain an anti-bacterial to prevent secondary
infections. None of these cold sore medications have been shown
to actually shorten the life-span of any of your cold sore
stages.

Medical science has been working feverishly on a cure for the
herpes virus but have not, as yet, had any real success in
developing an effective cold sore remedy. Prescription
anti-virals, both the oral versions and the topical salves, have
been a dismal failure for the most part. Vaccines are being
tested but are 3-4 years out yet. New breakthroughs could be
just around the corner however.

But you don’t need to wait!

More and more doctors now agree. There are times when natural
science just seems to be the best choice. Often our ONLY choice.
This is certainly true - right now - for herpes cold sores.

Data studies have shown natural science remedies can reduce the
cold sore events by as much as 79%.

Yes! And, in fact, actually prevent your cold sores from taking
place altogether.

The great news - these remedies are available to you today.

If you are a cold sore victim, you would be well advised to look
into these powerful natural remedies without delay for
shortening or preventing your cold sores.

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Influenza Virus
Wednesday 20 February 2008 @ 9:45 am

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

The flu differs in several ways from the common cold, a respiratory infection also caused by viruses. For example, people with cold rarely get fevers or headaches or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that flu viruses can cause. You can get the flu if someone around you who have flu. You can even get the flu simply by touching a surface like a telephone or doorknob that has been contaminated by a touch from someone who has the flu. The viruses can pass through the air and can enter your body through your nose or mouth. Flu virus typically strikes during the winter months.

Typically, the fever begins to decline on the second or third day of the illness. The flu almost never causes symptoms in the stomach and intestines. The illness that some people often call “stomach flu” is not influenza.

Types of Flu

There are two types of vaccines mainly the “flu shot” which is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy peoples and people with chronic medical conditions. The nasal-spray flu vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”).

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop which protect against the influenza virus. Therefore, you should get vaccinated six to eight weeks before flu season begins in order to prevent getting infected or reduce the severity of flu if you do get it.

Symptoms of flu include

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Complications of Flu

Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections as complications from the flu.

Jenifer D’souza is an amateur writer to
http://www.finegenerics.com providing information on all health related topics or on the latest health topics.

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Back in the Saddle
Friday 8 February 2008 @ 10:04 am

The single parents’ guide to dating again.

Going through a divorce is hard. Getting back into the dating scene can seem even harder. You have been out of the scene for a while now and are not sure how to get back in. Let alone, back in with kids in tow.

When I first found myself back in the dating scene after having my daughter and getting divorced, I was excited and scared all at once. I didn’t think that I would be able to find a good man that would be willing to take me on with my daughter in the picture.

Sure, it is harder to date when you have kids. You don’t have as much time to go out to meet people. It takes time with you away from your kids and you have to spend your money to pay for a babysitter. Sure seems like it would be much more rewarding to be shelling out the dough to spend time with someone you already find special than to be out looking for that person.

That is why I turned to online dating and would definitely recommend it to other single parents. With online dating you can get to know people from the comfort of your own home with your children tucked quietly into bed. I spent many a night with my Amarretto Sour on the rocks in hand and my music playing in the background chatting it up with the newest “prospects” that I was meeting through my personal ad or through one I had responded to. My social life was enriched overnight and I loved it.

Then came the time to go out an meet face-to-face the men that I found “worthy” of my time and the hard earned money that I would have to pay the neighborhood babysitter. I followed my 6 Simple Rules for Internet Dating for my safety, but what about the safety of my child?

As parents, we are always protective of our kids. Their emotional and physical health means the world to us. It is even more important that you protect your personal information such as your address and home phone number when you first meet someone. After all, it doesn’t just give them access to you that you may not want them to have, it also gives them access to your children. Don’t give it out until you have met them face-to-face and are certain that you feel comfortable with them. There is no fail safe way of knowing for sure that someone is a good person. Listen to your intuition! It is a powerful tool. You can also have someone checked out at Check My Mate.com if you want to check all their possible criminal or marriage records.

You don’t want to leave your children completely out of it either. If someone is special enough for you to continue spending time with, they should be special enough to spend time with your kids. You shouldn’t be wasting your time with someone who can’t love your children too. After all, when it comes to marriage or any long-term relationship you are a package deal with your children.

Emotionally you have to consider how every one of your actions will affect your child. Are they old enough to understand dating? When I felt that a relationship was ready to move to the next level, I would allow that person to meet my daughter. I would always introduce them as just a friend and affection would be off limits in front of her. When she got older, I was luckily able to explain about dating to her and the fact that every man I dated was not necessarily going to be her “Daddy” (her birth father is a “dead-beat dad” with no contact). You have to be up front with them at whatever maturity level you think they can handle. You also have to listen to them. Believe it or not, your kids may have a better sense of whom is right for you then you have yourself. After all, they are not blinded by the lust or love that you are in the middle of at that moment.

Listen to and respect your childrens’ opinions. That doesn’t mean that you have to instantly dump someone your kids don’t like. After all, your kids may still be hurting from your break-up with their Father and like most children, they are still hoping the two of you will get back together. However, you should keep in mind the feelings of your kids. Do you want to possibly marry a person your child doesn’t like or trust? I dated a man once that my daughter told me she didn’t like. She could never put her finger on exactly why, it was just a feeling. It turned out that feeling was justifiable and he really did turn out to be a jerk. The first time she met my current husband, I tucked her into bed and she whispered in my ear “this is a good one, Mom. You need to try to keep him.” She was 10 years old at the time. Now she is about to turn 13 and that man is about to adopt her. Gotta say…she was right!

So, like I keep saying in other articles before this one…listen to your heart. You will know when it is time for someone to meet your kids. You will also know when your kids are ready to meet them. Just remember: your child’s wellbeing is more important than your busy social life. Keep in mind, though, that when you are happy, they will be happy too.

About the Author

Jennifer Lester is an online dating expert who offers her advice and guidance through the world of online dating at her website: http://www.lovepersonally.com - The tour guide to your online dating experience.

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Aspartame Versus Stevia
Monday 28 January 2008 @ 4:40 pm

~Aspartame Versus Stevia~

Aspartame

Aspartame was approved in the early 1980’s under the brand name Equal, also known as Nutrasweet. It is a combination of the amino acids phenylalanine, aspartic acids and methanol, or wood alcohol. Too much of these components has been linked to brain damage in the fetus. Persons with PKU (phenylkelonuria), as well as pregnant women, and children under the age of seven, must avoid aspartame, and foods containing this ingredient.

Stevia

Stevia is found in the chrysanthemum family and grows in parts of South America as a shrub. It’s been used by Native Indians in Paraguay and Brazil for centuries. Studies show that this plant is completely non-toxic. Although it is marketed in the United States as a food supplement, its primary use is a natural sugar substitute. Stevia has numerous phyto-nutrients in its raw state. The extract is more refined with fewer nutrients, but the overall conclusion is that Stevia is safe, effective and nutritional. Since refined sugars have no nutritional value, Stevia can be used instead. It is at least 10 to 15 times sweeter than ordinary table sugar, so only a small amount is needed. The extract is much more potent than in the raw state and can be at least 200 times sweeter than sugar, and should be used sparingly. It can be added to beverages as well as used in cooking and baking. And, because it does not raise blood sugar levels, may be used safely by diabetics. Although there have been no adverse affects, always check with your health care professional before consuming any product, or if you have any medical problems.

About the Author

Patricia is a Nutrition Consultant in the Los Angeles area, and has been writing articles on herbs, nutritition and alternative health for over ten years. Her articles are featured in several publications.

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