Hemp—grown by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson long before it was deemed an illegal crop in the U.S. in 1937—is a plant of seemingly endless uses. Grown for thousands of years for its food and fiber value, hemp can be made into cloth, paper (the Declaration of Independence was actually written on paper made from hemp), fiberboard, posts and beams, lubricants, paint, fuel, and many other useful products.

Yet perhaps hemp’s greatest strength lies in its nutritional value. If you were to ask a group of nutritionists which plant has the most value to the health and well-being of humans, the answer would almost undoubtedly be hemp!

Hemp contains every essential amino acid and essential fatty acid (EFA) necessary to achieve and maintain health, and no other plant provides these essential amino and fatty acids in such a highly digestible form. Hemp is also chock-full of B vitamins, iron, vitamin E, and fiber. Sixty-five percent of the protein in hemp seeds is globulin edistin; the remaining 35 percent is albumin protein. This combination makes hemp protein digestible in its raw state, thereby giving it the highest readily accessible protein content of any plant. Read the rest of this entry »

Most of us have been in a situation—perhaps on a hot and humid day—when we wished for extra-strength deodorant. Although it’s commonly believed that the unpleasant odor associated with sweating is the scent of our perspiration, it’s actually not! Instead, it’s the smell of bacteria that live and grow in warm, moist environments. When we sweat, we create the perfect habitat for these bacteria under our arms or behind our knees. Since most of us find this odor unpleasant, we’re always looking for ways to control it.

We usually tackle perspiration odor by applying antiperspirants or deodorants. Many people think these two products are identical, but they’re actually completely different formulas. Though they may both come in the same form—roll-on or solid stick, for example—they perform in two different ways.

Antiperspirant is designed to block and clog the pores, preventing them from releasing perspiration. If you don’t perspire, you don’t produce a sweaty environment in which the bacteria live. Read the rest of this entry »

Have you ever wondered if you can change your mood just from smelling something new? The scent of oranges, fresh flowers, spices, and the positive feelings you get from catching a whiff of cinnamon are just a few examples of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years as a holistic healing method. By making use of essential oils from plants and flowers, aromatherapy can help you get out of a bad mood, get a quick dose of refreshment, or even just help you relax.

History Lesson

Aromatherapy was used extensively throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, helping to fight disease and mental disorders. Physicians’ studies and research were undertaken at apothecaries, special chambers where herbs and fragrances were distilled for different purposes. Today, aromatherapy is commonly used as a natural health alternative to treat disease, illness, and other conditions. From relieving anxiety to helping with depression, different scents can be combined for their uplifting properties.

The use of the “power of scent” continues today with perfumes, fragrances, and natural oils. Combinations of aromatherapeutic essential oils in candles and room sprays can also help you create a refreshing environment. Read the rest of this entry »

Approximately 80 to 95 percent of the entire population suffers from acne during adolescence. And for 12 percent of Americans, acne will persist into adulthood. But despite its ubiquity, both the origin of and cure for this dreaded disorder remain elusive. Acne vulgaris has weathered a constant barrage of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and herbal preparations and seems poised to haunt another generation of victims.

Today’s acne sufferers are eager for a quick solution. In fact, many studies show that individuals with acne usually treat themselves with topical OTC medicines at the first signs of breakout. Herein lies the problem. With so many different medications available, how do you know what will work?

If you’ve suffered from chronic acne or even the occasional breakout, you know that no one guide or treatment will work for everyone. Fighting the environmental and genetic factors that cause acne often proves to be an uphill battle. Effective acne treatment requires a combinational approach—topical medications mixed with alternative therapies such as vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds. The information that follows is meant to end the confusion and uncertainty acne sufferers may face when shopping for a solution. Read the rest of this entry »

Protein supplements run the gamut from shakes, powders, nutrition bars, and other snacks. When you’re already challenging yourself with training and workout goals, finding the right nutrition and diet plan doesn’t have to be stressful. CytoSport’s Muscle Milk offers an effective and efficient way to add a protein supplement to your regimen. One thing that sets it apart from the rest is the wide variety of flavors; you can easily make it a part of your active lifestyle, and you can do it without getting bored with the same old flavors.

Why Muscle Milk?

Your body needs both time and adequate nutrition to recover and gain strength after intense workouts. Replenishing your muscles with quality protein like Muscle Milk can improve performance.

Since protein bars and other supplements can take a long time to digest, your body may lose out on optimal nutritional absorption if you don’t eat the right combination of foods. Eating high-quality protein throughout the day is important for stamina, energy, and muscle fiber recovery. Muscle Milk makes the process much easier; you can simply enjoy a shake before and after a workout so your body can absorb the nutrients immediately. Read the rest of this entry »

We live in a complex society today, and while modern technology is there to help us cope in our daily lives, many of us wonder if we aren’t becoming victims of information overload. Other people search for a solution to their age-related memory problems. Rather than reaching for a prescription drug in these situations, we can turn to some natural remedies that have been used for centuries in successfully treating a variety of illnesses and are now known to enhance memory as well. This article will take a look at some of the most beneficial of these remedies.

Siberian ginseng: Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) is an adoptogen, an element used to help people deal with their physical and emotional stress. It is known to improve concentration and memory and can also help reduce blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.

If you have a history of heart attacks or high blood pressure, be sure to use eleuthero under the supervision of a health-care professional. Diabetics should avoid taking it in large quantities, because this may lead to the development of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It may also interfere with oral drugs and insulin used to treat diabetes, and when it is taken along with drugs that relieve sleeplessness, this combination may result in mental impairment or sedation.

This remedy is produced in a variety of forms, including liquid extracts and capsules with dried root powder. While the dosage varies, taking it for more than eight weeks is usually not recommended. Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve probably experienced the frustration of a bout of constipation, when you find it difficult or impossible to complete a bowel movement. Typically, with constipation comes painful cramping and bloating, as well as the urge to use the bathroom but the inability to do so. The next time this happens to you, don’t despair; follow the guidelines below to make this condition a little easier to deal with:

Use Liquids to Your Benefit

One of the top ways to battle constipation is to drink plenty of water. When you’re constipated, it’s a natural way to help flush the system. Continuing to regularly drink lots of water will help prevent future bouts of constipation. This is not the only type of beverage that can help you deal with constipation, though. Herbal teas (such as chamomile) and coffee both work as laxatives to help get things moving again. Certain types of juice, such as prune, wheatgrass, and apple, also act as a natural laxative. Read the rest of this entry »

Muscle Milk is a sports nutrition supplement designed to enhance the body’s ability to develop and retain muscle mass, making it a favorite among bodybuilders and other health-conscious individuals. As with any nutritional supplement, people with certain specific allergies or medical conditions should do a bit of additional research or consult with their health-care providers when choosing the Muscle Milk product best suited for their health needs and fitness goals.

Inspired by Nature

Human mother’s milk is one of the most easily digested and efficiently utilized foods, able to support the rapid growth and development that occurs during infancy. Because of this, CytoSport developed the nutritional balance and substance of Muscle Milk to follow nature’s guidelines as closely as possible, making Muscle Milk a quality supplement able to be used safely and effectively by most people. Read the rest of this entry »

L-glutamine is an amino acid—one of the building blocks of protein molecules—and is found abundantly in the body. In fact, it is the most common amino acid in the body, existing in the lungs, brain, muscles, and gut. Since the body makes L-glutamine on its own from other amino acids, it is considered “non-essential,” meaning that we don’t need to get it directly from foods. However, under certain conditions, supplements may be useful. For example, L-glutamine is the energy source of white blood cells, so it is an important part of a healthy immune system. When the body is under stress or subject to trauma, it may require L-glutamine in larger amounts to facilitate healing. In fact, studies show that L-glutamine supplements may help to speed healing and recovery after surgery. As fuel for the immune system, L-glutamine may also help the body recover from illness or injury. Read the rest of this entry »

While many people turn to aromatherapy for relaxation and stress reduction, it also offers many ways to increase energy and enjoy some instant refreshment. Orange essence and essential oils have long been used to stimulate circulation, open up the respiratory system, and help clear the mind.

If you’re looking for a way to perk up in the middle of a long afternoon, the scent of real oranges may be just what you need for an instant energizer. Orange oil may also help ease the symptoms of depression, providing a mood-balancing alternative to standard therapy and prescription drugs. Read the rest of this entry »