Know about Decaffeinated flavored coffee

To those who may not be aware, caffeine content in coffee acts as s stimulant and it increases our alertness and keeps us awake when consumed in substantial quantities. For those who wish to enjoy good coffee but want to avoid consuming caffeine, decaf of decaffeinated coffee is the obvious choice. Bear in mind that decaf coffee is by no means less flavorful or inferior in quality to the normal coffee. With certain flavor additives, decaf flavored coffee can be extremely delicious. It is possible to extract caffeine from the bean without affecting its flavor, aroma and taste. But using chemical solvents for this purpose can create health problems over a period of time for coffee drinkers. Instead it is safer to remove the compound is by immersing the coffee beans in hot water. But different companies adopt different methods and it is necessary for you to find out the method used to ensure that you are getting correctly processed coffee beans. Proper infusion of flavors and appropriate methods of removal of caffeine will make decaf coffee as a healthy and refreshing beverage to drink. There are four major process methods used to remove caffeine from coffee – •    Conventional decaffeination. •    Natural decaffeination using chemical Ethyl Acetate. •    Water decaffeination. •    Carbon Dioxide decaffeination. Each of these methods removes the caffeine from coffee but there are significant differences in the taste of the decaffeinated coffee. Conventional decaffeination uses the chemical Methylene Chloride – Although Methylene Chloride levels in the coffee bean are reduced to residual levels that are legally safe, many health-conscious consumers still consider these residues unacceptable. Many connoisseurs of coffee complain that the flavor of coffee decaffeinated by Methylene Chloride method is somewhat insipid. Ethyl Acetate decaffeinated coffee is generally referred to as Naturally Decaffeinated coffee because Ethyl Acetate occurs naturally in orange rinds and other fruits. Ethyl Acetate used in decaffeination is a man-made chemical. The decaffeination process is essentially the same as in conventional Methylene Chloride decaffeination, except Ethyl Acetate replaces Methylene Chloride as the solvent. The practice to label the beans naturally decaffeinated makes it a powerful marketing tool. The advantage of the water decaffeination over conventional methods is that no chemicals are used. Most people seem to agree that the water process produces a slightly more flavorful cup of coffee – though water process coffee is more expensive. Water decaffeination is specially favored by those who are sensitive to health and environmental issues. CO2 decaffeination produces the most flavorful decaffeinated coffee. There are no harmful chemicals or by-products of the process. But the fact is the setting up of a CO2 decaffeination plant is quite high and as such this process is primarily used to decaffeinate large volumes of commercial grade coffee. In view of the growing market for a safe and flavorful decaffeinated product, CO2 decaffeinated specialty grade coffees are popular and widely available. In order to retain maximum flavor during the decaffeination process, it is necessary to use green coffee beans. This may mean paying more for the coffee, but the extra cost is worth it. It is a fact that there are many shelf brands of decaffeinated coffee available but genuine coffee lovers will find more satisfaction in the beans that have been carefully processed exclusively for decaf lovers.

Caffeine: Top 16 Signs of Overdose

Caffeine: Top 16 Signs of Overdose

The industry that includes caffeine is a big business, on account of the countless people who have formed a habit of consuming their morning caffeine in the form of coffee or soda. These people consume the caffeine, ignoring the damaging effect it has on the body. Caffeine is present in other products like chocolates, tea etc and pain relief drugs like acetaminophen and aspirin. It used with another drug known as antihistamine, to overcome drowsiness. For caffeine addicts, just going cold turkey from the usual caffeine intakes leads to headaches from a couple of days to a week or more, depending on the level of addiction. This is one of the caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

The addicts experience physical ailments like headaches, tension in the muscles, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, stuffy nose, nausea, tiredness, jitters and irritability. These are a few common caffeine side effects that are faced by most caffeine addicts. Caffeine effects are mainly mental rather than psychological and this is also quoted in a book ? Nutrition in Exercise and Sport? By Irs Wolinsky, Published 1998 CRC Press Consumer Health.

Excess intake of caffeine causes a number of problems like:

1. Severe stomach pain

2. Agitation

3. Confusion

4. Dehydration

5. Heavy breathing

6. Twitching or trembling of muscles

7. Vomiting, at times even blood

8. Fever

9. Ringing sound in the ears

10. Irritability

11. Increased heart rate

12. Frequent urination

13. Seizures

14. Insomnia

15. Fibrocystic breast disease

16. Restlessness

Caffeine triggers the production of unnecessary insulin in the body, which is a potential health risk. It also effects the menstrual cycle making it more painful than normal. Experiencing any of the above caffeine side effects reduce with the caffeine intake and helps to avoid the caffeine withdrawal symptoms. There are two major side effects that caffeine has on the body basically; one is that caffeine is diuretic.

In other words the drinking products that contain caffeine causes the body to lose fluid, causing dehydration that in turn causes fatigue. The other negative side effect is that it acts as a stimulant. Stimulant are ghost reactors that set off chemical changes in the brain and cause the bodies stress response to activate without supplying the body with vitamin, minerals etc.

This causes the body to use up the available nutrients and energy to survive this imaginary threat. The stress caused is similar to any life-threatening situation and indirectly all of this has an effect on the heart, physical health of the body, both internal and external. The external caffeine side effects are weight loss, pale skin, moist eyes, etc.

Caffeine causes the nutrients provided to the various body functions to be redistributed according to a short-term strategy that has a long-term effect on the health of a person. In order to overcome this, a proper nutrition is required so that the body meets these nutrient deficiencies. And the body remains well nourished making it easier to overcome the side effects of caffeine first and then the addiction itself.

Author Biography:

Marina Kushner is the founder of the Caffeine Awareness Alliance, a non-profit organization, which sponsors National Caffeine Awareness Month and is held annually in March across America. Ms. Kushner is an authority on caffeine and the detrimental effects it has on the body and mind. Her latest book called “The Truth About Caffeine” explores the historical and social impact of the drug throughout the ages while offering healthy alternatives to its usage. Blog at www. TruthAboutCaffeine. com

How to Cure Panic Attacks Without Causing One

Have you ever felt the recommended techniques for a panic attacks treatment was just making the panic attacks symptoms worse? Me too! So just relax and breathe. Breathe really deep and …. kidding, I’m kidding. Seriously though, because we both know what a traumatic experience it is to be confronted with this ongoing drama machine titled anxiety disorder, can be.

So lets be practical. First and foremost is to eliminate any and all contributing factors. So hire a hit man to rubout your spouse. Your parents? That teacher? Your boss? No not the kids! Dear God Please, not the kids!?! See, it’s easier than that, so make a list of what needs to go. Panic causes the body to become flooded with it’s natural stimulant hormone, adrenaline.

The last thing you need pumping through your veins at a time like that is more stimulants. Chocolate, coffee, tea, or any drinks containing caffeine, including even energy drinks and green tea should probably be avoided. You have to read labels and think these things through. Black tea is said to be excellent for anxiety disorders so try that instead, or go decaf everything.

Be aware of what you eat or drink and how it affects your anxiety levels. Keep a food diary! Really, until you’ve got this thing figured out. Typically the underlying physical instigator of anxiety and panic disorders is caused by a malfunction of the adrenal glands, or adrenal fatigue. This can also cause low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Yep, I bet you knew that one was coming. You need to go ahead and eliminate all sugars. Also artificial sweeteners full of excito-toxins like Aspartame are poison for the brain, so go ahead and say, “bye-bye. ”

Instead of three meals, eat five or six smaller meals a day to keep your blood sugar on an even keel. They should be healthy snacks that are evenly balanced as far as proteins, complex carbs, and fats are concerned. You will do much better on a high protein diet along with healthy sources of saturated fats such as butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. Still there? Wanted something a little easier and less structured? Hmmm. . . ?

OK, but don’t just throw out everything I just said because it is a good foundation and I didn’t even mention fasting, or cold showers, which are both excellent natural anxiety cures. I didn’t want to mention panic attack damage control because I was trying to focus on prevention, but of the many things you can do if one hits, this always worked for me back in the day.

It goes against all of the natural instincts you feel at that moment, but at the first sign of an outbreak first and foremost, relax. At least sit down if your not where you can lay down. Begin to breath in very slowly through your nose, and exhale the same way. In a seriously calm mood tell yourself, “Everything is alright. ” Don’t freak out, because it just puts fuel on the fire. “Everything is alright. ” You have to believe it.

Also to boost back up your blood sugar, as most panic attacks symptoms are caused by a drop in blood sugar levels, drink a glass of diluted fruit juice or eat a banana. Then eat a snack that is balanced in the area of complex carbs, fats, and proteins. That will hold your levels for the time being.

Of the many physical natural panic disorder treatments you can rely on, herbal cures are very reliable and convenient. For emergencies aromatherapy works great. Carry a bottle of lavender oil and a handkerchief. Sprinkle some on it and breathe it in slowly at the onset of an attack. Go online or to your health food store, and get some appropriate herbal remedies to take all the time. They work, as do homeopathic medicines and flower essences. Much better than those debilitating anti-anxiety prescriptions do, what to speak of the complimentary panic attack you get from having to go through a doctors visit to get them.

Practice emergency treatments before you have an attack, and carry a natural panic attack kit. Didn’t you learn anything from all of that boy scout training? Yeah, be prepared! But don’t obsess over it. That’s the worst thing you can do. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst. An ounce of prevention and all that. Just knowing your prepared, will help to keep you calm. I barely got started on that subject and it’s already time to go. Oh well, another day.

All I can say is, overcoming anxiety, and panic disorder treatment, does not have to be something that follows you for the rest of your days. Can you just see yourself at eighty-three with a grownup grandchild having to hold your hand and say, ”Granny, just breathe!” Get real. Not gonna happen. You will find the cure and soon, I just know it. I did, and once you do, all of this drama becomes nothing more than a faded, “Remember when. . . ?”

Natural Antioxidants – Foods That Everybody Should Eat

We all know that natural antioxidants are essential for you health. They fight cancer, straighten your immune system, and have anti-aging properties. But what exactly do you need to eat, to get all antioxidants your body needs?
Common sense tells us that since most antioxidants are well known vitamins, the best source for them is fruits and vegetables. This is true, even though not all veggies are the same in this respect. So if you want to make sure that your antioxidant intake is enough, you should chose vegetables and fruits that are high in antioxidants.
Natural antioxidants best sources
Usually you can judge how much antioxidants a particular fruit or vegetable has by its color. Brighter the color, more useful vitamins you will get from eating it. Berries are the leaders when it comes to antioxidants – blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry and blueberry are all high in flavonoids. Flavonoids successfully neutralise the damage free radicals can do to your health including effect of peroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen.
Healthy food doesn’t have to be dull; you can make delicious deserts from berries. Adding sugar doesn’t decrease berries antioxidant properties. However, adding milk, cream or any other milk product does. Apparently milk minimizes the effect of natural antioxidants. So keep this in mind when preparing berry deserts.
Oranges, grapefruits and other citruses are another popular source of antioxidant vitamins. If you prefer drinking fruit juice rather than eating oranges, chose freshly squeezed juices.
Where else to look for natural antioxidants
Not all antioxidants are in fruits and vegetables. Green tea is a great source of flavonoids. So if you are a tea lover, chose green varieties.
Another unusual source of antioxidants is coffee. Not only it helps you to wake up on a cold, slow morning, but it provides your body with antioxidants. According to a study by researchers at the University of Scranton, coffee is a leading source of antioxidants for Americans. Decaf coffee just as good antioxidant source as ordinary coffee, but you should remember – no milk.
Dark chocolate also contain antioxidants. So as you can see, sometimes foods we all love anyway, can bring great benefits to your health.
Including antioxidants in your diet
Teach yourself to eat fruits as snacks, instead of common junk snacks. Dry fruits are good natural source of antioxidants, dates and prunes being the leaders. But of course, if you are watching your weight you have to be careful, because all dry fruits are high on sugar as well.
Garnish like parsley, coriander and dill are excellent antioxidant sources. Add them to your meals. Most spices are also high in antioxidants, so not only they give your food rich flavor, but they also supply vitamins.
Stir fry is a preferred method of cooking, to preserve antioxidants in vegetables. Most vitamins are easily destroyed by heat, so less you cook your dish; the better it is for you.
Working antioxidant into you everyday life is not as difficult as you might think. One cup of black coffee in the morning, some fruit for a snack before lunch and a berry desert at dinner and you are all set. The key here is to do it regularly.

Getting in Shape Over 50 – Retired Fitness Leads to Retired Health!

Over the past few years, research has shown that endurance is not as important as strength to improve functional capacity in aging adults. One problem that plagues many elders (particularly females) is osteoporosis. You hear of many seniors falling and breaking bones – they can’t even get up to call for help. Well, the sad reality is that their bones break first and then they fall! Weight-bearing exercise is crucial.

“There is evidence that resistance training brings about functional and metabolic adaptations that aid in the prevention of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and obesity, and increases the functional capacity of elderly individuals. ” (Barbosa et al. , 2002)

If you seek strength, use heavy weights for low reps with plenty of rest between sets. If body composition is your goal and you want to reduce some body fat, stick to a lighter weight for more repetitions but with a shorter rest interval. Don’t overdo it though. Listen to your body. Sarcopenia, a condition where the muscles atrophy or waste at a rate of 6 pounds per decade after the age of 30, is another factor to consider. The following program will help build muscle mass.

A1) Back Squat

A2) Lying Leg Curl

B1) Bent-Over Row

B2) Close-Grip Bench Press

C1) Abdominal Crunch

C2) Standing Calf Raise

Do 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with 60 seconds of rest between sets. Make sure to keep the movements slow and controlled. Perform the routine 3 times a week (every other day. )

Restoration in the form of massage, contrast (hot/cold) showers and baths, or some light cardiovascular exercise (such as walking) and stretching can be useful.

Lifestyle plays a crucial role. It goes without saying that recreational drugs, smoking and alcohol will play havoc on your body no matter what age you are. Sleep is important as well. Try to sleep before midnight (in fact, be in bed no later than 10:00 pm if possible) and wake up at the same time everyday. A short nap or two during the day is also beneficial.

What about nutrition? To start, most people need to clean up their diet by removing the processed and refined junk that fills their cabinets and fridge. That means no more cereal and juice for breakfast, or cold-cut sandwiches and pop for lunch, or pasta and wine for dinner. That also means sticking to the perimeter of the supermarket when shopping for groceries – forget the middle aisles!

Eat 4 or 5 small meals spread throughout the day and make sure you drink plenty of water. Dehydration is part of the process of aging. At birth, 85% of the body is made up of H20 . . . by the time you die, it’s 50%! When water stores are dropping, it indicates that something is wrong. Usually it reflects a breakdown of muscle tissue. So make sure you stay well hydrated by consuming . 5 ounces of water per pound of body weight.

Here’s a sample diet:

Meal 1 – Spinach omelet

Meal 2 – Chicken salad with a vinegarette dressing

Meal 3 – Salmon with green vegetables

Meal 4 – Cottage cheese with mixed berries

You may have a cup of coffee (preferably organic, Swiss-process decaf) in the morning, but favor green tea in the afternoon and chomomile tea at night. Feel free to snack on raw nuts (in moderation, of course. )

As far as supplementation is concerned, the only one that I deem absolutely necessary is fish oil. Other than that a high-quality protein powder, probiotic (or friendly bacteria), and fiber supplement are worthy of consideration particularly following your workout (this would be your fifth meal if you follow the sample diet outlined above. ) Even a multi vitamin/mineral is unnecessary if you are eating fresh, wholesome (again preferably organic) foods everyday.

Don’t let mother nature take a toll on you without a fight. Collect your health with your pension and take action!Getting in shape does not have to be complicated. By following this simple plan, you should be able to reap the benefits of improved health at any age.

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