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Organic Products - The Present Scenario
"Going Organic" seems to be the new buzzword. Whether its Hollywood celebrities or The National Geographic, everyone is talking about how to go green and switch to organic products. So, while you are browsing the endless brands of lotions and creams on the supermarket shelf, you choose only the ones that say 'organic' or 'natural.' You go home in peace thinking you did your job, you choose right and you have nothing to worry about. Right? Well, we suggest, think again. Hundreds of organic skin care products are flooding the global skin care market every day. The credibility definitely becomes questionable.
The Organic Catch
Many of us become the target to the shrewd marketing gimmicks of skincare products manufacturing companies that mislead consumers by claiming to be organic, while the truth is harshly far from it. Most skin care products that declare themselves as being Organic, in reality may merely have a few organic ingredients blended with preservatives and chemical agents. Unfortunately, the loophole is in the system, since there is no rule what so ever, restricting companies from labeling their products as 'Natural' or 'Organic.'
Organic Skin Care Products - The Concept
The basic difference between an ordinary skincare product and an organic skincare product is that the organic products are made with organically grown ingredients. Therefore, unlike conventionally cultivated materials, which are exposed to harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organically grown materials are toxin free.
Organic Skin Care Products - Some Facts
When a skin care product is certified as 'Organic,' it generally contains 95% organic ingredients and 5% of inorganic materials, which belong to an approved National List.
When a product is certified as 'Made from Organic Ingredients,' it means it contains only 70% of organic ingredients and the other 30% contains inorganic materials from the approved National List.
Organic Purchase - The Pre-requisites
Taking into consideration all the facts it can be said that 100% pure organic products may not really exist. Still, we can definitely find the next best things for us. A few things to keep in mind before buying any organic products:
Read the Ingredients Carefully - If you cannot even pronounce a chemical's name, it maybe that it should not be there. If you are unsure about the ingredients, browse through the internet to find more information on them. Fact sheets on most chemicals can be found easily, online.
No Additives - True organic products should not contain any artificial colors, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, or preservatives.
Check Certification - Check for USDA (United States Departments of Agriculture) seal or ACO (Australian Certified Organic) logo on the products.
Ultra Violet (UV) Rays are reportedly the leading cause of skin cancer and the biggest source of annoyance for the tan lovers. For people who want that glamorous tan through cosmetic or medical purposes involving prolonged exposure to the UV rays, indoor tanning solutions are the best options. The good news is that these indoor UV free tanning agents, available as creams, sprays, or lotions, produce very similar results as sun tanning, without subjecting your skin to the harmful UV rays of the sun. In addition, these agents achieve the results in much lesser time than the traditional means. Following are the main types of UV free tanning products:
Products with DHA
Dihydroxyacetone or DHA is an active tanning agent, which is used in a broad range of products these days. It is considered a safe ingredient, as it functions by chemically reacting with the amino acids of the 'dead' cells in the epidermal layer of the skin. This also explains why such kind of tanning diminishes with time. The 'tanned' dead cells of the Epidermis are shed off and are replaced by new cells over a period.
Canthaxanthin products
Canthaxanthin finds key use as a synthetic food color, although, now a days it is being used as an oral tanning agent as well. FDA has not approved its latter use, since for tanning purposes, much larger quantity of Canthaxanthin is required than that in its use as a coloring additive in edibles. Moreover, this substance deposits itself below the epidermal layer and is linked to serious medical conditions, such as hepatitis, adverse effect on digestive system, and skin damage.
Melanotan products
A synthetic form of Melanotan hormone has also been found effective in creating a tanned look without exposure to UV rays. The hormone is taken as an injection. The use of Melanotan hormone is still in the stage of clinical trials and is not available commercially.
Bronzers
These are considered the safest tanning option, as they produce an effect, which is totally superficial and washable. However, they suffer from similar disadvantages as cosmetic makeup. Bronzers should be applied very carefully and in an optimum quality, as they carry a risk of being smudged onto the clothing. It is always advisable to test for possible staining before putting on your clothes.
UV free tanning can be done in a spa, tanning booth, or at home. If you are trying the products at home, you need to follow these steps for effective tanning:
Take a bath.
Exfoliate your skin.
Shave for a smoother tan.
Dry your skin completely.
Choose a place, which is cool so that you do not sweat during your tanning session.
Use a convenient form like lotion or spray.
Take someone else help if needed, especially for the hard to reach areas.
Do not take a bath or shower immediately after tanning. Depending upon the type of product, you may have to wait anywhere between 2 hours and 8 hours.
If you want to help the environment and go green, here are some tips to get you started. Why go green at all? What exactly is green? How do you know which items to purchase? There are many people out there looking to cash in on the green fad. How to shop safely.
So, do you really want to do your part? Do you want to help the environment, the economy and future generations? Everyone is going green these days and it's a good thing. It shows that people are becoming more conscious of their impact on the world around them. There are so many things that our society wastes. We waste food, water, building materials such as wood from trees and many many more. It's disgusting when you think about all of that money wasted. Think of the time that's wasted too. If you don't change the way you live and shop - you will be leaving the world in a terrible state for future generations.
Do you want to go green? What exactly is going green? What exactly makes a product a green product? If you check the label or item description from the manufacturer - you should see no harmful chemical. All of the ingredients and materials should be easily found in the earth. They should be made using natural processes. Don't buy products that were made in a lab using all kinds of nasty substances. Going green means saying no to harmful toxins and unsafe chemicals in your home or workplace.
Green products must be made using methods that are environmentally friendly. There's more to going green than just leaving out toxic chemicals. We must use methods to produce our goods and services that are sustainable. Think about some of the factories you have seen. They produce a lot of items. They also produce a lot of waste material. It seems like madness when you really think about it. There is absolutely no reason to be spending more just to produce less. Don't let the big guys at the top play with your future, just so they can make a few quick dollars. Green products are products that are good for the earth, the economy and everyone on it. If this isn't true about a product that a manufacturer is offering - it's not green. Don't buy it!
Go green and do your part for our environment.
A common problem affecting people in the present day sedentary lifestyle is Constipation. It is not therefore surprising to see how hugely popular laxatives are. Laxatives are drugs, food items, or any other lubricant substance, used to stimulate bowel movements, mostly to treat constipation. While Laxatives help remove the undigested food material present in the colon and large intestine, their high dosage can result in diarrhea.
The link between the use of laxatives and birth control pill effectiveness
There is not enough medical evidence on the direct link between the use of laxatives and the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, as a general understanding, if laxatives cause diarrhea, they may hamper the effectiveness of the birth control pill on the body. There is a possibility of getting pregnant then, as the pill may not be absorbed the way it would have, if one did not have laxatives induced diarrhea and vomiting. It has been observed that if there is vomiting within two hours of taking the pill, one should consider it as a missed pill. In addition, if one has three or more loose bowel motions for a couple of days, the efficacy of the pills may decline.
The Castor example: A laxative and birth control measure
Castor seeds are used to produce Castor oil, which while being a strong laxative, also has the ability to induce labor in pregnant women. Given this potential ability of stimulating the uterus, it may also give the effects of a birth control mechanism. Although the effects are not proven, there is a possibility of research in its effectiveness both, as a birth control method and a laxative.
Healthier alternatives
While the exact link between birth control pills and laxatives is not yet proven, it is important to understand that taking laxatives for a long period is not a great idea, and is certainly not good for your intestines. What may start as a cure for mild constipation can turn out to be a vicious cycle of over dependence on laxatives! If constipation is troubling you and you take birth control pills, it may be a better idea to improve your overall lifestyle than relying on laxatives. One can switch to better healthier alternatives. Try out the following:
Exercise: Regular exercise and workout will keep your whole body functioning well and in shape too.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a fiber rich diet with lots of salads and legumes is a great idea to stimulate your intestines and ensure the removal of waste matter.
Drink plenty of water: The ultimate natural body cleanser is and always will be water. It helps flush out toxins from your colon and intestines.
Finally, in case you still have problems with constipation and are on birth control pills, a visit to the doctor would be the best bet!
Thanks to the 'Organic' labels -the consumers can now spare themselves the trouble of going through the list of ingredients on a product's packet in order to decide whether it is organic or not. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a few national standards that need to be met before companies can use the term "organic" for their food items. Any product labeled 'Organic' assures that it is created without the use of artificial hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, bio energy, or irradiation. The farmers involved in the agriculture of organic foods are not only required to abide by certain water and soil conservation mechanisms, but also need to give a benign treatment to animals.
The Definition of Organic
It may be strange yet interesting to note that marking a food item as organic does not necessarily indicate that the food is healthful and nutritive. The USDA does not claim that food produced organically has more salubrious benefits than conventional food, but it does assure that such foods do not contain any pesticides or harmful chemicals. Therefore, the picky consumers, who pay a lot of heed to nutritional values of everything they eat, are still required to read labels attentively in order to decide how nutritious their diet is going to be. Another interpretation conveys that the term 'organic' does not mean 'natural.' All it means is that USDA has approved the food.
USDA's Steps towards Creating Organic Foods
These days, the USDA makes the use of state and private agencies in order to carry out inspections on food companies to certify them to market organic foods. However, all the farmers making less than $5000 through organic sales are exempted from the process of certification. They do however, have to comply with the latest standards of the government and be veracious about their claims for organic label. A fine, as large as $10,000, can be issued upon the companies and individuals, who try to label or sell a product, which does not meet the USDA standards.
The Benefits of Organic Foods over Conventional Foods
The best thing about organic foods is that they comprise of less amounts of minerals. Most of the other foods contain heavy metals, detrimental to our health in the end. These metals include aluminum, which is responsible for Alzheimer's disease; Mercury, which causes neurological damage; and lead, the mental implications of which are known to affect children's IQ adversely.
Therefore, in a world where nothing can be trusted for complete purity, the consumption of foods, certified as organic can certainly define your path towards a healthier lifestyle.
Present day health conscious people are attracted more towards natural living fundamental, which includes organic foods as well. But, why do people prefer organic foods instead of conventional foods? How does organic ingredients affect your body? Organic products actually are specially grown food products, rich in organic ingredients, inculcated deliberately. Diets rich in organic health items give natural and fresh dose to the body, as compared to the pesticide inflicted non-organic foods, generally available in the market. Sometimes, conventional foods contain genetically modified organisms (GMO).
Problems associated with non-organic foods The following problems are commonly associated with non-organic products:
Low energy Levels
Low libido
Low motivation levels
Low metabolism Benefits of organic foods for the body Organic items provide not only mental and emotional benefits, but also the physical ones. Therefore, organic foods are fulfilling mentally, physically, and psychologically. Organic products do not contain toxins such as pesticides, antibiotics, additives, and nitrates that are mostly present in non-organic foods. According to an article in the Journal of Applied Nutrition, organic foods are nearly the best ones in the terms of nutritional quality.
Nutrients content of organic foods
Haves: Some of the rich nutrients, largely available in organic health items are:
Chromium - A micro-nutrient, found less in conventional food. Its deficiency may cause diabetes and atherosclerosis in adults.
Selenium - An antioxidant micro-nutrient, which protects from cancer, heart disease, and environmental chemical
Calcium - A mineral required for strong bones and teethes
Boron - This trace element prevents osteoporosis
Lithium - Good for the treatment of certain level of depression
Magnesium - Decreases the death rate, caused due to heart attacks and eases the symptoms of PMS
Vitamins - They are necessary for the body in limited supply for its proper functions and its protection against toxins. Vitamins A, B, C (antioxidant), and beta carotene (immunity booster & prevents lung cancer) are found well in organic foods
Have Nots: According to the researchers, organic foods contain less level of minerals, especially the following heavy metals:
Aluminum - Is responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease
Lead - Has mental implications and can adversely affect children's IQ
Mercury - It causes neurological damage
Therefore, consuming organic produce is certainly a good idea and promise for good health and long lives, provided you follow the right diet patterns coupled with regular exercising! Organic products have health benefits for you and for the environment that makes long term differences.
The use of indoor tanning lotions is becoming more popular with people these days. An alternate way of saying this would be that indoor tanning lotions are a way to lower the risks associated with other ways of getting a tan. If you compare the do it yourself sunless tanners, lotions are a good way to go.
The Ultra Violet (UV) rays from the sun that penetrate the skin on a daily basis can cause skin cancer due to over exposure. Another issue people face when they spend too much time in the heat without enough water is the risk of heat stroke. Those who lay out in the sun need to watch their skin for spots or other unusual signs, like a blister that doesn't seem to heal.
The same goes for tanning booths which can be very dangerous to someone who does not have experience with them, especially if they are fair skinned and sun sensitive. Some of the settings on the beds will fry you as badly as the sun ever could.
Tanning pills are not very popular and in the past have not worked that well. They have high levels of coloring agents that may color the iris or even cause hepatitis.
Another DIY tanning option is a bronzer which is like a cosmetic. When it is applied it stains your skin and stays on until the next time you shower.
Tanning lotions are a longer lasting alternative that can last close to a week depending on how quickly your replace your dead skin cells.
In many cases, your tan actually looks more natural than laying out in the sun for hours because it can turn out more even and smooth. Also, you don't have to worry about the tan lines of your fancy bathing suit. But the more important benefit of an indoor tanning lotion is the safety from avoiding exposure to harsh light rays.
In the case of a professional tanner like bodybuilders, they are well aware that a good lotion will help their skin keep its youthful vibrant look, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, develop and maintain a world class tan while rehydrating their skin and replenishing the lost moisture.
Some advice for those unsatisfied with that fair skin look, is to realize the health risks of tanning under UV rays, get yourself a good indoor tanning lotion, and enjoy the benefits without the risks.
While many brides would love to have a dramatic wedding dress, there are others who are uncomfortable with too many embellishments and would like to opt for a simple wedding dress. The problem these days is that the styles that are in vogue have too much detailing. They call for a whole lot of embellishments, lace, sequins and flounces, which may not be what you as a bride would want. If this is the case you need to go for the classic, simple and elegant sort of wedding dress.
In the current economic slump it makes sense to keep it simple. Many brides prefer to keep their wedding dress simple, not because of any constraints but simply because they see themselves as simple women. Simple does not mean un-trendy but simple does mean devoid of any kind of fuss. The simple wedding dress need not be unfashionable or dowdy. Of course it will not be having detailing. It will avoid layering, flounces, frills, ribbons, beading, crystal work, embroidery or any other fancy stuff. But then, perhaps you would not like to walk down the aisle wearing something that looks like rolls of lace and sequins wrapped around your body. You can achieve a classic, understated and chic effect with the right cut of the dress and the right fabric.
A simple wedding dress can be classy, feminine and elegant. Modern fashion is all-encompassing. Today's bride can choose from a wide range of styles to select the dress that is perfect for her wedding day. A simple style does not have to be dowdy. It can lay stress on the fabric of the garment, the cut and the fall. It can play with texture and color for the perfect look.
The traditional wedding dress has been white in color. Over the years brides have experimented with the white color and used cream, egg-shell, ecru and pearl. However in the recent years, brides have also started using non-traditional colors like purple, pink, and others for their wedding dress. If you do not want to wear white, you have a range of colors to choose from.
If you do not want to spend too much on your wedding dress, you can get yourself a simple gown (a prom dress would also do) and invest the rest of your money on classy jewelery. After all jewelery is a great investment, and the dress is worn only once. The main point to remember here is that the entire ensemble should be balanced. The dress should be simple yet elegant and the jewelery adds the sparkle. So chose your jewelery for the occasion with care.
Select the style and cut of your simple wedding dress carefully. For a tall slim figure a sheath is wonderful. This also complements a petite figure. Simple Silhouette is a style that accentuates the curves and is very elegant. Select a neckline and other details to emphasize the accessories and jewelery.
If you have a perfect hourglass figure, it can be accentuated with a two piece and corset style of dress. It can be very simple, with clean unbroken line, accentuating the waist. The Empire wasted wedding dress is ideal for a bride who has a fuller waist. Again this style does not need any lace or flounces. Even the layering can be minimized or done away with. This can be worn with heavy jewelery that takes away the attention from the body shape.
For a pear shaped figure, the A-line cut is a wonderful way to camouflage the full hips. It is figure hugging at the waist and bust and flows in simple lines over the lower body. Of course, you can browse the design catalog for the best way to style it. It can be with sleeves or with noodle straps. It could also be backless. You will be the best judge of the design suitable for you.
There is a wide array of fabrics to choose from. Select a fabric that is best suited for the style of your dream dress, keeping in mind the fact that you have chosen not to embellish it in any way. Silk is the traditional choice of brides. It is natural, strong and durable and has a shine. Silk today is woven with other materials to give you a wide variety of fabrics like duchess satin, shantung, Carmelle etc. You could also use velvet, Georgette, taffeta or even chiffon for your simple wedding dress. Keep in mind that the design of the dress is simple so the fabric and cut should be perfect to emphasize your beauty.
We know here at LIVE that exercise is the most effective method for instantly boosting metabolism. When weight loss is desired, combining exercise, proper diet and use of appropriate supplements naturally leads to maximum metabolic efficiency and the greatestg chance of results.
Both are absolutely essential. Effective diet which can include supplement intake should be your No. 1 priority. Here's why: Both your ability to exercise and your exercise results will naturally accelerate in the presence of proper nutrition. We tell the people that we are wokring with the 75% of your success will come from the nutrition side. Without proper diet, you won't be able to effectively access energy stores, nor will you be able replace nutrients lost during exercise. When that happens, metabolism declines. We have wonderful fat loss aids here at LIVE, like Yellow Subs, and we want you to take them when you are giving your body the best opportunity for results!
We deal with a lot of people who go to the gym almost religiously. Often, they spend hours working out, and still, over the course of months, they show little or no progress. Every day, they are there huffing and puffing - but they're still overweight in spite of their efforts. We also know people who work out far less and make amazing progress, and still others who maintain a healthy, lean look without even trying. Again, it can come down to the effective use of good diet with that exercise and the use of supplements that ensure the optimal delivery of nutrients for the goal, like Leukic by Muscletech.
Naturally, genetics are a key factor. But so is metabolism, and metabolism is inherently dependent on how you treat your body. If you attempt to exercise intensively without supporting your body's nutritional needs, you won't get very far.
Rest and relaxation, too, are every bit as important as action. Remember that under chronic stress or exhaustion, your body's nervous system (and thus your metabolism) suffers. Avoid compulsively long daily exercise routines. Instead, vary your workouts, including short, intense training sessions in the mix.
Many popular health gurus recommend moderate exercise, such as walking or gardening, as the best solution. Their reasoning is that moderate exercise puts less pressure on the body and the heart. Certainly, gentle exercise is good for you, and it results in less oxidation and fewer free radicals than intensive exercise, but it also limits the challenges you can approach and the level of fitness you can achieve.
I believe the best way to exercise is by providing your body with intense stimuli to which it will naturally adapt. Our body has the wisdom to adjust to physical strain by getting stronger and tougher. Through this adaptative process, the body improves it's own metabolic state.
Intense and short exercise intervals are also effective in pumping blood and oxygen to the entire body. Maximum oxygenation helps rejuvenate all body tissues and, again, this helps boost overall metabolism. A great Supplement that we sell that is perfect to help with short, intense bursts of energy is Cold fusion EX by LG Sciences.
If you haven't been exercising regularly and strenuously, don't try to force yourself to exercise with maximum intensity straight out of the gate. Instead, follow a constructive exercise routine in which you gradually increase intensity over a period of weeks or months. This is where the use of an online personal trainer comes into play.
Nourish your body, exercise intensely and get enough rest, and you can quickly reach a state of maximum metabolic efficiency. In this state, your body will efficiently burn body fat as fuel. Its base level of energy utilization will accelerate, and gradually, this will cause your body to naturally redesign itself.
When you reach maximum metabolic efficiency, you are literally re-creating yourself - at a cellular level - on an ongoing basis. Just because you weren't born with a super-fast metabolism doesn't mean you can't possess one. And just because you are carting around extra fat right now doesn't mean you have to keep it forever.
If you want to live in a young, vigorous, lean body, just give your body what it needs in order to reach a peak metabolic state: Eat well, exercise intensely, get enough rest. Most importantly, get to know your body from the inside out. Enjoy its power, respect its complexity, and it will repay you richly.
Proteins are very necessary for human's health. The muscles of the body, hair, fingernails and many other body parts are made up of partially or wholly of protein. It is the common belief of the person that that the main source of proteins are only the non-vegetarian food substances. They think that vegetarian food normally lacks in protein. Now the question emerges, is their belief right? Well you can get the answer of this question by your own while reading this article on vegetarian protein food.
It is a fact that vegetarian food stuffs are also best in providing proteins and that too in high quantity. It is even revealed out of several surveys that those who are vegetarian are more healthy and fit as compared to those who are not. The only important thing to keep in mind is that the healthy vegetarian should take care to have adequate amount of protein in his diet for sure. It is worth to state that vegans require having more sensitivity regarding their body's protein requirements.
Here is a list of pure vegetarian protein food stuffs for vegans:
Spirulina:
It is rare and pure vegetarian complete protein that contains all essential amino-acids. It is 85-95 percent digestible and easy for body to assimilate and digest. You can enjoy spirulina in dressing or smoothies.
Bee pollen:
Bee pollen has approximately 40 percent of proteins and packed with vital vitamins and minerals. It is count as nature's super nourishing vegetarian protein food. Bee pollen has more proteins as compared to any other animal sources like beef, eggs, meat etc.
Soy products:
Cooked soybeans (1/2 cup) have 10 grams of proteins and tofu (1/4 cup) also contains same quantity of proteins. Soy products are involved in small quantum in Asian diets while they are completely new for west. Select best quality of organic tofu as well as unsweetened soy milks. Fermented products of soy are very easy to digest.
Legumes and Beans:
Cooked chickpeas (2/3 cup) have 10 grams proteins. Incomplete proteins are present in beans. This means you can make them healthier by cooking them with other protein rich vegetables. Eating grains and beans together is classic combination that provides complete proteins.
Dairy:
Dairy products are very rich in proteins. Raw milk straight from the cow has very high content of proteins. Thus, raw organic as well as fermented milk food products are far better than homogenized and pasteurized milk.
Process of homogenization breaks milk into very smaller particles. These particles cause lactose intolerance. Pasteurization mainly sanitizes milk but also kills its goodness too. The enzymes present in raw milk help in digestion.
However, if you have treated organic-milk as a last option then do not worry. Here are some guidelines to make proteins present in homogenized and pasteurized milk more digestible.
Eat yoghurt.
Warm the milk with some digestive spices like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom.
Cottage cheese would become more digestible when it added with little yoghurt.
Try sheep and goat products.
Protein powder:
Whey protein-powders are processed proteins. However, smoothie protein-powder is very fine to take as occasional snack or in breakfast. Quality is key factor for complete health. So, from above vegetarian protein food stuffs you can get high quality protein. If you require more proteins then switch towards several other things available as well. It is not that the above mentioned are only the protein rich vegetarian food. In addition there are several other sorts of vegetarian foods available that can provide you with right quantity of protein. Some other sorts of choices that are available for you are bee pollen, legumes, spirulina etc. Hence, from the above food stuffs you can have rich protein diet without any non-vegetarian food.
In addition, if you are concerned with the cost aspect, then too you need not to worry at all. It is so because if you would go for such sorts of foods then the best part is that you would get vegetarian food cheaper as compared to the non vegetarian food. So what's the deal in not going for vegetarian protein food? Also you are not required to worry about various problems or diseases than can happen because of eating poor quality non vegetarian food.
Being vegan is itself a special and better choice. Thus, take high protein containing vegetables and fruits in your diet with other vegetarian protein food in order to have protein as per your physical requirements.
