Reward Program – Bonuses and Benefits 

It’s all pretty much summed up perfectly since all the gyms that are part of the program will offer an iOS and Apple Watch app. This will then promote into a reward program called Earn with Watch which is supports Apple Pay in all of their facilities.
Also, Apple Watch users will be able to experience all sorts of bonuses and benefits via this app. From meeting fitness goals, down to other benefits as well, users will be able to choose. A variety of bonuses await Apple Watch wearers. However, it all depends on the gym participation. 
It’s also important to mention that Apple Watch wearers are not in the obligation to work out exactly at the gym they get rewards. Any kind of exercise will be counted in a program’s fitness goals as long as the Apple Watch wearer do it. 

Not the Only One – Certainly the best One

Furthermore, Apple and its early partners were also launching the program, but on a small scale since they are not that big on the market. For example, Orangetheory is offering something similar in the two most noticeable places in New York City, Astor Place, and SoHo. Next, the YMCA is doing the same but at the St. Paul Midway location in Minnesota. It’s all coming down to a very strong conclusion, Improving Fitness and Health programs is worth it.
We can all agree that Apple is aggressively pushing into the whole fitness and health program. This is a great idea for everyone who is an Apple Watch wearer and loves fitness. This new program will change a lot in this field, it’s a guarantee.

Some people just don’t get it

And that’s okay. But you might just be scolded for it on social media. Shake it off! If you don’t understand the appeal of Pokémon Go you might be tempted to make fun of players who do and if you yourself post about it on social media be prepared for some backlash, plus a whole bunch of support from old fuddy duddies like yourself who can’t seem to grasp those darn kids, crazy whacky ways. Hey kids get off my lawn! Haters gonna hate…

Maybe Jesus’ brand team need to create an app so he’d become more popular with the younger generation. At least this tweet received a lot of buzz.

Some people seriously get it

They get it hard. My weekend was spent at the dog park, with my actual, live dog. There were an unusually large number of people around without dogs. They were running around, at first I thought wow, good on you! Then I realised they were playing Pokémon Go. So I laughed and then thought, good on you! More power to you I say. Or less as the case may be, if you have no time to do anything else.

Is this why so many less people are watching the Olympics these days? Maybe all the workers working on the Olympic Village had to catch ‘em all!

It’s an addiction for some. If you manage to break the addiction I think one of your Twitter followers might give you a chip. And yes, if you hire a driver to drive you around to catch Pokémon, you have a serious problem. Get help.

Some people kinda, almost get it

And then there are people who almost get it. At least they’re trying right? Who hasn’t watched a movie or picked up a new book based on the hype it’s gotten to see what all the fuss is about for themselves? I know I have.

Not completely life evolving for everyone though unfortunately.

Whether you’re a big fan of the life-changing, fitness-driving app that is Pokémon Go, whether you’re an adult or a child, you’ve probably somehow been caught up in all the hype whether through the game itself or within your social feed from players you know or you’ve just been enjoying the incoming Facebook posts and tweets from around the world. If you’re a bit of a curmudgeon about it, look for the silver lining and see the funny side. At least more people are getting exercise and the kids are actually getting outside now.

The BioSport headphones utilize a biometric device built directly into the earbud. The sensors will detect heart rate and other vital stats which will be transferred as data to your smart phone. The biometric buds will function with existing apps that will be able to track other exercise milestones such as distance run and calories burned, depending on the features of the app. The makers of the device also pledge quality sound from the headphones in addition to its other capabilities.

In an official press release, the headphones are promoted as the one-device workout accessory, eliminating the need for cumbersome chest strap or wrist heart monitors. The headphones are powered by a built-in audio jack, also erasing the need for a device with an additional charger. True to SMS’s pledge to combine function with style and technology, the earbuds are waterproof and sweat proof.

Michael Bell, corporate vice president and general manager of the New Devices Group at Intel discussed the partnership in the release saying: “With SMS Audio, we will bring smart headphones to market that eliminate the inconvenience of add-on devices with an integrated, one-device fitness accessory offering high-end style and premier sound quality for an exceptional fitness experience. This is a prime example of Intel driving innovation in wearable devices while being a forerunner in merging lifestyle and technology.”

Merging technology with the exercise experience is something Intel and SMS audio believe will be valuable to everyone from those beginning a fitness routine to the advanced marathon runner.

With the announcement, 50 Cent is hoping to capitalize on the success of other premier headphone lines, most notably Dr. Dre’s Beats brand which was valued at $1 billion in late 2013.

At the time of the press release no price was available. The BioSport headphones are expected to be on store shelves later this year.

Are you really looking to burn your fats and reduce your weight? This is the right place to get your desired results. People seek motivation for exercising or having a proper diet plan that helps decreasing their weight. However, often in our busy life, we don’t find the time for an extensive work out or managing our diet the right way. Android apps will help you get closer to losing weight or maintaining your fitness goals. I would strongly recommend these apps if you’re looking to manage your fitness routine and diet with your phone.

Superfoods

It is quite simple to lose weight if you know which diet suits you and which doesn’t. This Android app provides you with the diet that is preferable to you for burning fats. You can make a proper selection of nutrients that you require in your food and become smart and healthy in short time.
Download Superfoods App Here

Runtastic Pedometer

Do you know the basic health tip for leading slim and active body is walking for at least 10,000 steps in a day? It is very difficult to calculate your steps as you walk all day long and you need something that keeps record of this figure. Thanks to the Android App “Runtastic Pedometer” that counts the number of steps that you take in a day and tells whether you achieved your target of destined steps or not. You can optionally share the results of this APP on your social networks like Facebook and Twitter to motivate others to use this APP.
Download Runtastic Pedometer Here

Diet2Go

Are you looking for a home doctor who could advise you to get smart and active considering your life style? Your search is now over because Android provides you the APP that suggests you for leading healthy and active life depending upon your life style. It will consider your current physique and will suggest list of groceries and other items to be used. It provides tips and tricks to be adopted after a period of every two weeks.
Download Diet2Go here

Instant Heart Rate- Azumio

If you are looking for a cheap alternate to an ECG machine when you are having a stringent work out then this Android APP provides you with the easiest solution. Just place your finger over your smart-phone and this APP will calculate your heart rate and suggest you the normal range depending upon your sex and age.
Download Instant Heart Rate Monitor Here

MyFitnessPal

This great APP helps you in losing weight by providing the information about calories in various foods. It also aids in suggesting exercises that help you in your efforts towards maintaining good body shape.

Download MyFitnessPAL here

When choosing a supplement, getting as much information as possible about your choices will help you get the most out of your hard earned dollars. As we mentioned in the first part of this mini-series of articles, soy is one of the best choices for those who choose not to use animal products like whey. For everyone else, knowing how it rates compared to whey makes it easier to choose.

Soy Versus Whey – Which has a Better Protein Digestibility Percentage?

The protein digestibility percentage (PD%) measures the percentage of protein eaten that is absorbed in the body.

Protein digestibility is the PD component of the PDCAAS mentioned before.

It is interesting to note that, while the FDA is replacing PER as the standard measure of protein quality with PDCAAS due to differences between humans and laboratory rats, the PD% is determined by evaluating laboratory rats.

How do the PD percentages compare in the soy versus whey protein debate?

Round 6 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
PD%

Soy Protein Concentrate
95%

Whey Protein
99%

Round 6 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Whey Protein.

Soy Versus Whey – Which has More Glutamine?

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid. Your body uses glutamine to transport nitrogen to your tissues.

Glutamine also increases muscle cell volume through cellular hydration. Glutamine supplementation also increases growth hormone levels, which leads to the muscle using fatty acids for fuel rather than blood sugar.

Those looking to build muscle should consume 3 to 5 grams of glutamine, 3 times per day.

It is obvious that we may prefer the protein that has the highest concentration of glutamine.

How do our contestants stack up in the soy versus whey protein battle?

Round 7 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
Glutamine per 100g of Protein

Soy Protein Concentrate
10.5g

Whey Protein
4.9g

Round 7 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Soy Protein.

In my previous article in this series we set up an imaginary competition between these two popular protein supplements, using the same methods used by scientists to determine a protein source’s bioavailability.  In the first few rounds, whey dominated all events.  Let’s see if soy can stage a comeback.

Soy Versus Whey – Which has a Better Amino Acid Score?

The amino acid score (AAS) is fast, consistent, and inexpensive. It measures essential amino acids in a protein compared to a reference protein. The AAS rates the protein on the most limiting amino acid found in the protein under consideration.

One limitation of the AAS is that it does not consider the digestibility of the protein.

A value greater than 1 indicates that the protein being considered contains a greater amount of essential amino acids than humans require.

How do the AAS values compare in the soy versus whey protein debate?

Round 4 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
AAS

Soy Protein Concentrate
0.99

Whey Protein
1.14

Round 4 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Whey Protein.

Soy Versus Whey – Which has a Better Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score?

The protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) makes a correction for the limitation of the simple amino acid score described above.

Like the AAS, the PDCAAS measures the It measures essential amino acids in a protein compared to a reference protein. The reference protein meets the essential amino acid requirements of humans, and is given a PDCAAS of 1.0.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) set out to address the concerns about some of the measurements above with the PDCAAS measurement. As a result, many health experts recognize PDCAAS as the standard measure of protein quality.

This method is not without flaws, however. In particular, in 1990, the FAO/WHO decided that proteins having a PDCAAS higher than 1.0 would be rounded down to 1.0 to indicate that it meets or exceeds the requirements of the average human.

These essential amino acid needs of the average human may be significantly lower than the needs of bodybuilders, weight lifters, and other highly active individuals.

Because of the rounding down of proteins that have scores greater than 1.0, there is no way to discern differences between proteins with a PDCAAS score of 1.0 other than to refer back to the other measures that PDCAAS hoped to eliminate.

As indicated below, this lack of clarity is of particular concern in the soy versus whey protein debate.

How do the PDCAAS values compare in the soy versus whey protein debate?

Round 5 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
PDCAAS

Soy Protein Concentrate
1.00

Whey Protein
1.00

Round 5 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Push.

So, in today’s events, though soy made a strong showing in the second event, whey still maintains the lead.

Next time, in the final events, we will see if soy can continue to build on the momentum from the last event.

For years now, the issue over which protein is better has been hotly debated, by both professionals and fitness/nutrition enthusiasts.  Here, instead of giving my personal opinion, I will present some of the facts so that you can make your own decision about which meets your personal needs.  While there are many excellent protein supplement choices, this article will compare whey and soy as sources.  Because of the scope of the argument, I will be dividing the discussion into “rounds”, two or three rounds per posting.

It goes without saying that soy is the best choice if you are a vegetarian or following a vegan lifestyle.  And of course, you should take any food allergies into account.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Quick Note – Protein and Nitrogen

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids consist of four elements – carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen.All three of the macro nutrients contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike carbohydrates and fats,however, protein also contains nitrogen.

This unique nature of proteins allows us to utilize the measures below to make decisions. Additional Facts About Protein

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soy Versus Whey – Which has a Better Biological Value?

The Biological Value (BV) method uses nitrogen retention quantify protein quality. The Biological Value provides a measure of the amount of nitrogen retained from consumption of protein compared to the amount of nitrogen consumed when a person is in a “fasted” state (the stomach is completely empty).

The Biological Value indicates both how digestible the protein is and how available the protein is for use by the body. Biological value began as a percentage – A whole egg rated at 100% nitrogen absorbed.

As time progressed, protein powders became better sources of protein, exposing a flaw in the BV measurement system. Today, the number is on an adjusted scale such that a whole egg is has a BV of 100. This allows some processed proteins to have biological values greater than 100. Obviously, the higher the number, the better.

How do the BV values compare in the soy versus whey protein debate?

Round 1 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
BV

Soy Protein Concentrate
74

Whey Protein
104

Round 1 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Whey Protein.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soy Versus Whey – Which has a Better Net Protein Utilization?

Net Protein Utilization (NPU) is the amount of amino acids converted to protein inside the body versus the amount of amino acids from protein eaten.The NPU measures the ratio of protein consumed through a person’s diet, to the amount of nitrogen emission.

The value varies from 0 to 100 and is often interpreted as a percentage. A value of 100 means that the body uses 100% of the protein provided. Conversely, a value of 0 signifies that none of the nitrogen converts to protein in the body. Therefore, the higher the number, the better the protein.

How do the NPU values compare in the soy versus whey protein debate?

Round 2 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
NPU

Soy Protein Concentrate
61

Whey Protein
92

Round 2 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Whey Protein.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soy Versus Whey – Which has a Better Protein Efficiency Ratio?

The protein efficiency ratio measures the gain in body weight divide by the weight of the protein consumed for infant laboratory rats.The FDA used the protein efficiency ratio to derive the recommended daily allowance of protein seen on food labels.

Some concerns with PER include the fact that rats utilize protein differently than humans, leading into some calculation errors. These errors cause a slight overestimation of animal protein and a slight underestimation of plant protein.

Also, PER measures only growth, and says nothing of maintenance. As a result, it might not be the best measure of the quality of protein for those of us attempting to burn fat.

How do the NPU values compare in the soy versus whey protein debate?

Any protein having greater than a 2.7 PER calculation is considered an excellent source of protein.

Round 3 – Soy vs. Whey Protein

Soy Vs. Whey Protein
PER

Soy Protein Concentrate
2.2

Whey Protein
3.2

Round 3 of the Soy Protein versus Whey Protein debate goes to…

Whey Protein.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

That’s all the time I have for now.  At this point, it might seem that whey has a clear advantage.  Rest assured, soy will be making a comeback in later articles in this series.

We can’t say that drinking the new Stevia Sweetened FRS Energy Drink will help you win the Tour de France along with Lance Armstrong, drive like Raphael Matos at Indy, or be a baseball Rookie of the Year like Andrew McCutchen – but we can say that you’ll feel as if you could.  – even if you don’t sleep at Holiday Inn Express.

FRS has introduced two new Stevia sweetened all natural drinks – Apricot Nectarine and Orange.  Both are rich in B and C vitamins and contain the antioxidant quercetin.  Quercetin is found in fruits and vegetables such as berries, red apples and grapes.  It has been proven in clinical studies to deliver sustained energy, help promote better fitness and support the immune system.

Both drinks are free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.  They join the FRS lineup that includes Wild Berry, Citrus Pomegranate, Peach Mango, and Orange.  The single serving cans can be purchased from GNC, Target, Rite Aid, and Vitamin Shoppe, sports stores, supermarket chains and online at Amazon.com.

The complete line of FRS products includes concentrates, powders, and soft chews

As if you needed one more reason to enjoy chocolate milk.

In a recent study published by the ISSN, the efficacy of chocolate milk  as a recovery beverage following a period of increased training duration was studied in intercollegiate soccer players.

Subjects received either a high-carbohydrate recovery drink or chocolate milk after each day of increased training duration (ITD), and results were obtained through measurements of five factors. 

The conclusion was that chocolate milk provided similar muscle recovery responses to a commercial high-carbohydrate recovery beverage during four days of ITD.  While most of the test factors showed little to no difference between the two, one ( serum creatine kinase ) showed significantly better response for chocolate milk over the commercial product.

With the increase in the popularity of portable drink mixes Kraft Foods has introduced two new products.  The products are in the popular “kid’s” line of Kool-Aid and the “fitness” line of Crystal Light.

The new Kool-Aid product is the Kool-Aid Fun Fizz drink drops that bubble and sparkle into sugar-free, five-calorie, non-carbonated beverages.  Fun Fizz drops are made to fit the top of a standard water bottle, each making about 8 ounces of beverage.

The Crystal Light Pure Fitness mix contains no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, and no artificial flavorings.  Each serving contains approximately 15 calories.

The Crystal Light Pure Fitness – naturally sweetened and containing electrolytes to aid hydration – comes in Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, and Lemon-Lime flavors.

Kraft is aiming to give Gatorade Natural and vitamin-water zero a run for their money with their new product.

Although some old fitness fictions, such as “no pain, no gain” and “spot reducing” are fading fast, plenty of popular exercise misconceptions still exist. Here are some of the most common myths as well as the not-so-common facts based on current exercise research.

1. You Will Burn More Fat If You Exercise Longer at a Lower Intensity.

The most important focus in exercise and fat weight control is not the percentage of exercise energy coming from fat but the total energy cost, or how many calories are burned during the activity. The faster you walk, step or run, for example, the more calories you use per minute. However, high-intensity exercise is difficult to sustain if you are just beginning or returning to exercise, so you may not exercise very long at this level. It is safer, and more practical, to start out at a lower intensity and work your way up gradually.

2. If You’re Not Going to Work Out Hard and Often, Exercise Is a Waste of Time.

This kind of thinking keeps a lot of people from maintaining or even starting an exercise program. Research continues to show that any exercise is better than none. For example, regular walking or gardening for as little as an hour a week has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Yoga Is a Completely Gentle and Safe Exercise.

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise, but some styles are quite rigorous and demanding both physically and mentally. As with any form of exercise, qualified, careful instruction is necessary for a safe, effective workout.

4. If You Exercise Long and Hard Enough, You Will Always Get the Results You Want.

In reality, genetics plays an important role in how people respond to exercise. Studies have shown a wide variation in how different exercisers respond to the same training program. Your development of strength, speed and endurance may be very different from that of other people you know.

5. Exercise Is One Sure Way to Lose All the Weight You Desire.

As with all responses to exercise, weight gain or loss is impacted by many factors, including dietary intake and genetics. All individuals will not lose the same amount of weight on the same exercise program. It is possible to be active and overweight. However, although exercise alone cannot guarantee your ideal weight, regular physical activity is one of the most important factors for successful long-term weight management.

6. If You Want to Lose Weight, Stay Away From Strength Training Because You Will Bulk Up.

Most exercise experts believe that cardiovascular exercise and strength training are both valuable for maintaining a healthy weight. Strength training helps maintain muscle mass and decrease body fat percentage.

7. Water Fitness Programs Are Primarily for Older People or Exercisers With Injuries.

Recent research has shown that water fitness programs can be highly challenging and effective for both improving fitness and losing weight. Even top athletes integrate water fitness workouts into their training programs.

8. The Health and Fitness Benefits of Mind-Body Exercise Like Tai Chi and Yoga Are Questionable.

In fact, research showing the benefits of these exercises continues to grow. Tai chi, for example, has been shown to help treat low-back pain and fibromyalgia. Improved flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, strength and stress management are just some of the potential results of mind-body exercise.

9. Overweight People Are Unlikely to Benefit Much From Exercise.

Studies show that obese people who participate in regular exercise programs have a lower risk of all-cause mortality than sedentary individuals, regardless of weight. Both men and women of all sizes and fitness levels can improve their health with modest increases in activity.

10. Home Workouts Are Fine, But Going to a Gym Is the Best Way to Get Fit.

Research has shown that some people find it easier to stick to a home-based fitness program. In spite of all the hype on trendy exercise programs and facilities, the “best” program for you is the one you will participate in consistently.

Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It is easy to forget how completely we depend on it. Human survival is dependent on water – water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life. The water you drink literally becomes you! Since such a large percentage of our bodies is water, water must obviously figure heavily in how our bodies function. We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. This “body water” also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. Conversely, lack of water (Dehydration) can be the cause of many ailments.

Water and Weight loss

Among it’s other benefits, water plays a major part in weight loss. Since water contains no calories, it can serve as an appetite suppressant, and helps the body metabolize stored fat, it may possibly be one of the most significant factors in losing weight.

Drinking more water helps to reduce water retention by stimulating your kidneys. Studies have recommended that if you are overweight according to average height and weight comparison charts, you should add one glass of water to your daily requirement (of eight glasses) for every 25 pounds over your recommended weight.

Dehydration leads to excess body fat, poor muscle tone & size, decreased digestive efficiency & organ function, increased toxicity, joint & muscle soreness, & water retention. Water works to keep muscles and skin toned.

Digestive Systems

The digestion of solid foods depends on the presence of copious amounts of water. Constipation is a frequent symptom of dehydration. Increased water, along with increased fiber, will usually totally eliminate a problem. Pain from ulcers and heartburn all decrease with increased water intake. Water eliminates toxins and water from the body.

Water Loss

Adults lose nearly 6 pints (12 cups) of water every day. We lose 1/2 cup to 1 cup a day from the soles of our feet. Another 2 to 4 cups is lost from breathing. Perspiration accounts for another 2 cups. Another 3 pints (6 cups) are lost in urine.

Water Retention

If you’re not drinking sufficient water, your body starts retaining water to compensate for this shortage. To eliminate fluid retention, drink more water, not less. If you don’t drink enough water to maintain your body’s fluid balance, you can impair every aspect of your body’s physiological function.

Joints

Water lubricates our joints. The cartilage tissues found at the ends of long bones and between the vertebrae of the spine hold a lot of water, which serves as a lubricant during the movement of the joint. Joint pain frequently decreases with increased water intake and flexing exercises to bring more circulation to the joints.

Back

75% of the upper body weight is supported by the water volume that is stored in the spinal disc core. 25% is supported by the fibrous materials around the disc. Back pain is frequently alleviated with hydration.

How much water should you drink?

A non active person needs a half ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. That is ten 8 ounce glasses a day if your weight is 160 pounds. For every 25 pounds you exceed you ideal weight, increase it by one 8 ounce glass. An active, athletic person needs 2/3 ounce per pound which is 13-14 8 ounce glasses a day if you’re 160 pounds. The more you exercise the more water you need. Spread out your water intake throughout the day. Do not drink more than 4 glasses within any given hour. After a few weeks your bladder calms down and you will urinate less frequently ( though of course in larger amounts ).

 In a study published May 7, 2010, researchers reported that the juice from tart cherries can help alleviate muscle pain caused by exercise.

Endurance sports such as long distance running causes notable muscle damage, which leads to inflammation and fatigue.  Most people involved in such activities use NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) to reduce or prevent pain, but that carries with it the potential for negative side effects.  Tart cherries, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may have a protective effect to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise.

In the study, 54 healthy runners part in a randomized, double-blind, palcebo controlled trial by running an average of 26.3 kilometers in a long distance relay race.  For each of the 7 days prior to the event, as well as the day of the event, the runners took either 355 milliliters of tart cherry juice or the same volume of a cherry flavored placebo drink, twice a day.  Participants were tested to assess their level of pain at baseline, before, and after the race.

Of course, both groups reorted increased pain after the race, but the cherry juice group reported a significantly smaller increase in pain compared to the placebo group, and reported a high satisfaction with the pain reductiona that they attributed to the tart cherry drink, as well as increased interest in using the drink in the future.

The researchers’ conclusion was that:

           “Ingesting tart cherry juice for 7 days prior to and during a strenuous running event can minimize post-run muscle pain.”

Source: Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial. Kuehl, Perrier, Elliot, Chestnutt, in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 05/07/2010.

Many of the phytonutrients present in the muscadine grape have been recognized as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents – the most powerful of these concentrated in the skins and seeds.

Antioxidants are important because they rid the body of free radicals that damage our cells. Free radicals are caused by exposure to radiation, tobacco smoke, pollutants, solvents and even intense exercise. Damage to DNA can also occur which can cause cell mutations resulting in cancer. Free radicals are of interest to the scientific and medical community because there is strong evidence relating them to aging and disease processes, e.g. cancer, atherosclerosis, immune system decline, brain dysfunction, cataracts, birth defects, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Free radical production is controlled by several factors including antioxidants consumed as part of the diet. Some foods and supplements have higher antioxidant capacity than others, as was outlined above. The muscadine grape has over twice the antioxidant power as the blueberry based on the USDA and Tufts University’s Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) standard measurement.

Antioxidants can help prevent the initiation, propagation and termination of free radicals. Muscadine grapes and the antioxidants present in this grape have been studied as powerful antioxidants. Some of the most notable phytonutrients studied as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents found in the muscadine grape include but are not limited to:

These phytonutrients are well-known in the scientific and health care professional community for their beneficial effects. Many have been studied as effective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. While a high ORAC value is important, “many scientists think that the disease-fighting benefits of fruits and berries is not just due to their ability to provide antioxidant protection. It is also very likely that phenolic compounds like resveratrol and quercetin produce specific responses such as reducing inflammation and improving health of the heart and other organs” [3]. Ellagic acid is another phenolic found in the muscadine grape in measurable amounts [4], and has been closely link to anti-aging activities.

Nutrition

Muscadines are technically in the berry family and provide the beneficial phytonutrients associated with the purple to red range of fruits. Nutritionally speaking, muscadine grapes are low in fat and sodium, and have a healthy amount of potassium, fiber and Vitamin C. Dr. Betty Ector complied the following data on the essential nutrients in100g (3.5oz.) serving of muscadine grapes [5]:

Dr. Ector points out that the fiber in muscadine grapes is more than in oats [5]. According to the FDA, a food that has at least 0.6 grams of soluble fiber per serving without fortification can make the following claim: Low fat diets rich in fiber may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, and may reduce the risk of heart disease [6]. One serving of muscadine grapes clearly qualifies for this claim. This is one key reason muscadine based products are thought to lower cholesterol.

The Muscadine Grape is very unique!

Muscadine grapes are scientifically known as Vitis Rotundifolia grapes and are native to the Southeastern United States. They can be found growing wild, and in the back yards of many southern homes.

The muscadine grape differs from other grapes in several ways. First, the most notable difference is the thick skin of the grape. This thick skins give muscadine grapes a natural resistance to disease, fungi, and insects, and is where much of the antioxidant power of the muscadine grape is stored. These thick skins account for 40% or the weight of the grape.

Second, muscadine grapes have an extra set of chromosomes containing genes that allow them to produce a unique balance of phytonutrients that are virtually absent in other grapes.

Third, the muscadine grape has significantly more antioxidant power than other grapes. Based on the ORAC standard measurement, muscadine grapes have been measured as high as 6,800 per 100 grams, compared to 739 for red grapes [1] [2]. The muscadine grape skins alone have about 6-8 times as much antioxidant capacity as whole blueberries [7].

The fourth main difference in muscadine grapes and other grapes is the amount of natural resveratrol and ellagic acid. These phytonutrients have been studied as powerful antioxidants with potent anti-cancer properties.

The Heritage of the Muscadine Grape

The muscadine grape is known as America’s first grape. It is not clear how long muscadine grapes have been growing in the land now known as the United States. What we do know is that they were part of the Native American diet in the Southeastern US. These grapes were sometimes referred to as “possum grapes”, and were used in many Native American recipes such as Cherokee dumplings.

The first known written account of the muscadine grape was by explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524 while exploring the Cape Fear coastal region of what is now known as North Carolina. He wrote that he saw many vines growing naturally that without doubt would yield excellent wines. Of the Native Americans esteem of the muscadine grape, he wrote,

“They must be held in estimation by them, as they carefully remove the shrubbery from around them, wherever they grow, to allow the fruit to ripen better.”

Later, in 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh’s explorers, Captains Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe, wrote that the coast of North Carolina was so full of grapes that the very beating and surge of the sea overflowed them. Barlowe wrote,

“In all the world, a similar abundance was not to be found.”

In 1585, Governor Ralph Lane stated in describing North Carolina to Sir Walter Raleigh that,

“We have discovered … grapes of such greatness, yet wild, as France, Spain, nor Italy hath no greater…”

Sir Walter Raleigh’s colony is credited with discovering the famed “mother-vine” on Roanoke Island. This vine, which still exists today, has a trunk 2 feet thick and covers half an acre.

The muscadine grape has and has had many names over the years. The early settlers simply called them the “Big White Grape.” During the 17th and 18th centuries, cuttings were placed around a small town called Scuppernong in Washington County, North Carolina.

The North Carolina Wine and Grape Council reports that,

“James Blount of the town of Scuppernong took the census of Washington County in 1810 and reported 1,368 gallons of wine made there. A report in the Star newspaper, by Dr. Calvin Jones, dated January 11, 1811 commented on Blount’s report and was the first written record of the grape being referred to as the Scuppernong Grape. Eight years later in 1819, Nathaniel Macon, a member of Congress, sent samples of Scuppernong wine to Thomas Jefferson.”

It is no wonder that North Carolina has proclaimed the muscadine grape as its state fruit, and is considered to be the home of America’s first cultivated “white grape”.

Glutathione is a “non-essential” amino acid that is essential as a naturally occurring antioxidant.  One of the body’s main defensive mechaninsms, it takes care of toxins and repairs damage wherever it occurs. Glutathione, together with catalase and super-oxide dismutase, are the body’s main weapons against foreign invaders.

Glutathione is made up of three amino acids – cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It scours the system of the pro-oxidants that suppress the immune system, cause cancer, and contribute to the aging process. Unfortunately, like so many other biological processes, glutathione production slows down with age. Glutathione levels can be 34% lower in older subjects. Experiments have shown glutathione to protect against damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke, kill liver tumor cells, and detoxify heavy metals like cadium and mercury in the body.

Weight training, exercise, and general activity causes the production of pro-oxidants, so powerful antioxidants like glutathione can assist the body in the recovery process. Take it in conjucntion with alpha lipoic acid, super-oxide dismutase, and vitamin E.

Dosage as an antioxidant is 1 to 3 grams daily.

Glutathione Can Help in these four areas

Immune function: It has been known for some time that intense exercise creates an immunosuppressive condition as it will deplete glutathione levels in immune cells. This can result in more frequent cases of upper respiratory infections, colds, flus and the like. However, when glutathione levels are optimized, this results in stronger, more responsive immune cells, which will reduce the frequency of colds and flus.

Recovery: Researching have learned that due to intensed levels of oxidative stress in muscle cells, athletes suffer from significant muscle soreness and damage. Optimal glutathione levels in muscle cells helps to reduce oxidative stress and it’s resultant muscle soreness, for more frequent workouts.

Performance: Experimenting with supplementation using a special whey-based cysteine donor designed to augment intracellular glutathione, the doctors hypothesized that raising glutathione would enhance performance. In the test, twenty healthy adults (10 men and 10 women) were used.

Their hypothesis was proven correct. In fact, using this cysteine donor supplement, doctors observed that intracelluar glutathione levels increased by 35.5%.

There are been a number of ground-breaking studies conducted in the field of sports nutrition. One such study conducted by Drs. L. C. Lands, V. L. Grey and A. A. Smountas, involved the glutathione precursor, cysteine. It noted that, normalizing cysteine levels in such athletes increased their muscle strength by as much as 13.5%. That is significant for a professional athlete.

Muscle Development: Interesting in the study mentioned earlier, Dr. Lands observed that the control group of athletes taking the whey-based cysteine donor supplement had a 6% increase in lean muscle mass and an equal decrease in the percentage of body fat. He hypothesized that the increase in glutathione stores resulting from the intake of the whey-based cysteine donor supplement, could “alter gene expression to promote muscle growth.”

The protein myth, has been floating around for generations. Historically, it can be traced to Milo of Crotona in the sixth century B.C. He was a famous Greek athlete who was considered to be one of the strongest men in ancient Greece. He had won wrestling victories in 5 Olympic games as well as in other sacred festivals. Legend has it that Milo applied progressive resistance in the form of lifting a growing calf daily. By the time the calf was 4-years-old Milo carried it the length of the Olympian stadium, and then proceeded to kill, roast and consume it. Milos’ daily consumption of meat was recorded at approximately 20 pounds a day.

When we fast-forward to the era of the sixties and seventies we find there was a renewed hype about protein being some sort of miracle food. This was due, largely, to the muscle magazines of the era which pushed protein and claimed it could make you grow as big as a god! As a result, many bodybuilders and strength trainers started to consume large quantities of whole milk, meat and eggs. (Let’s not forget the raw eggs—thanks to “Rocky Balboa”.) During the 90’s and into the present we’ve seen protein powders promoted as the new wonder-drug. Ads and commercials continue to tempt consumers to purchase protein powders in garbage can-sized quantities. And we’ve been mesmerized by a constant flow of ultimate protein shakes that will supposedly help pack on muscle mass at almost the same rate as Anabolic Steroids.

Clearly, science is being placed on the back shelf, and this has resulted in a host of myths and fallacies springing up in the field of sports nutrition. It’s no surprise that there’s so much conflicting information and plain misinformation floating around. On one side we have the nutritional, dietetic and medical community laying blame on the bodybuilders, weightlifters and strength trainers for perpetrating the myth that strength athletes need to consume above and beyond the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of 0.8 grams per kilogram of lean bodyweight (1 kilogram=2.2 pounds). Then we have the bodybuilders and strength trainers holding the nutritionists, dieticians and medical community responsible for bad information. The question remains, what is the optimal protein intake required for natural weightlifters, bodybuilders, strength trainers and other athletes?

Protein’s Role
Protein is a complex chemical structure of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen. Accounting for 50% of the body’s dry weight, it has been estimated that humans consist of 50,000 different proteins. From the simple blink of an eye to the flow of blood to muscles under extreme stress, proteins are everywhere. Their function involves more than muscle tissue repair. It includes repair of red blood cells, hair and fingernail growth, regulation of hormone secretion, movement (muscle contraction), digestion, maintenance of the body’s water balance, protection against disease, transport of nutrients to and from cells, the carrying of oxygen and regulation of blood clotting. So the role of protein is very important to over-all body function and health. Sadly enough, this role has been improperly depicted in various muscle magazines, on TV fitness shows and in claims by trainers and bodybuilders who think protein is mainly used to repair damaged muscle tissue. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Protein Intake
As mentioned earlier, the RDA is 0.8 grams per kilogram of lean bodyweight (U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, 1980) for sedentary adults. For infants and children the RDA is doubled and tripled because of the rapid growth rate they experience. How did the researchers come up with this RDA and arrive at the figure that has been shunned by the bodybuilding community? Studies using nitrogen (a component of protein). have been conducted to see how much protein is used and absorbed before an excess condition results. Researchers looked at the nitrogen balance and made comparisons to see if a positive or a negative balance had been occurring. They observed the outcome by comparing the amount of nitrogen excreted with the amount ingested, and then they determined whether or not protein was accumulating in the body, remaining at the same level, or decreasing.

The nitrogen balance test uses nitrogen loss in the form of sweat, urine, feces, shedding of skin, and loss of hair on a day-to-day basis. If there is a positive balance in nitrogen levels, it means there has been more nitrogen ingested than excreted, and so, tissue growth can be a direct result. A negative balance shows researchers that more nitrogen is being excreted than taken in, and this means, of course, that more protein is being lost than produced. Basically, the protein requirement for sedentary adults involves replacing routine losses—the task, so to speak, is to keep the leaky bucket topped up.

So why did researchers in North America come to the conclusion that the RDA is only a rationed 0.8 grams per kilogram? Well it seems they concluded that 0.36 grams per kilogram of lean bodyweight in protein is lost per day. With a safety margin in place, it has been bumped up to 0.45 grams per kilogram of lean bodyweight, and then bumped up again to approximately 0.75 grams per kilogram. This is to replace the amount which may be lost during digestion, as well as making up for a lack in quality of protein. The general protein requirement for sedentary adults is just enough that if one follows this guideline they will supply themselves with enough amino acids to replace each day’s loss without allowing for exercise and the growth of muscle tissue. It’s ironic that the RDA for children (who are experiencing growth) is greater than the RDA for adults. The Academy of Sciences and the nutrition board insist that exercise (which leads to musculo-collagenous hypertrophy among other changes in the body) doesn’t generate an increase in one’s protein requirements (1). Note that RDA can vary from place to place; Russia, Denmark, and Britain have different RDA standards.

Exercise adds a new dimension to the issue because the body, with an increased need for protein, has to rely heavily upon dietary sources rather than draw from it’s own stores. If this need is not met during exercise then the body will start to draw upon its muscle tissue as a source. Though it may seem that humans don’t need much protein, the facts haven’t been established as to how much an exercising individual should be taking in. Recent research shows that the RDA doesn’t appear to meet the needs of exercising adults. One of the top researchers in this field, Dr Peter Lemon, stated in a recent review paper that, “the RDA for those engaged in strength training should be about 1.7 – 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass per day”. Dr Lemon came to this conclusion after citing several studies (Fern, 1991, Tarnopolsky et al., 1992) which used amounts of protein ranging from 1.3 – 3.3 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. At Kent University researchers tested 3 different groups of people: 1) on a low protein diet which was 0.9 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight; 2) another group eating 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight; and 3) a group eating 2.4 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. Both sedentary and strength training groups were involved. The results showed that 1.4 grams resulted in protein synthesis while there were no changes in the low protein group and, finally, the group that ingested 2.4 grams of protein did not see any more increased protein synthesis than the 1.4 grams of protein group.

Another study conducted at the Letterman Army Institute of Research in San Francisco showed that subjects on a higher protein intake (2.8 g/kg/day), coupled with intense strength training, gained a whopping 3.28 kg (7.2 lbs) of lean mass. The study was done over a 40-day period and the subjects were trained to near exhaustion (2). Another study of weightlifters over a 3 month period, with the protein increased from 2.2g/kg/day to 3.5 g/kg/ day, resulted in a 6% increase in muscle mass and a 5% increase in strength (3). Susan M Klieiner, who holds a PhD in nutrition and human performance from Case Western Reserve University, states in her book, Power Eating, that for muscle building an intake of 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of bodyweight is recommended. Dr Michael Colgan, in Optimum Sports Nutrition, claims that the RDA doesn’t meet the needs of athletes who train in an intense fashion. So, the evidence provided by some of the highly regarded “experts” in this field indicates that the addition of extra protein has been shown to display positive effects which produce muscle growth.

Negative Effects Of Protein
So why all the fuss about the ingestion of too much protein? So far, we’ve seen protein’s positive effects and that it can be beneficial for hypertrophy of the muscle complex. A common argument raised is that excessive protein, as described above, can cause a variety of body ailments–such as kidney and heart disease, constipation, and osteoporosis. These are often cited as the main reason one would want to steer clear of a diet rich in protein (4).
The average person reading about this might want to jump on the anti-protein bandwagon, but what they don’t realize is that these studies often mislead. For starters, the negative health claims of kidney disease resulting from a high protein diet have used information gathered from studies done on patients with existing kidney problems. Kidneys are responsible for excretion of the urea formed from ammonia (a very toxic compound) which comes from the protein in our diet. People with kidney problems already have trouble excreting urea, and this leads to more stress on the kidneys. The logic goes that strength trainers, bodybuilders, weightlifters and athletes who eat a high protein diet are doomed to suffer from future kidney problems. Furthermore, there don’t seem to be any peer-reviewed studies done on healthy athletes, strength trainers, weightlifters or bodybuilders showing that kidney problems are a result of a high protein diet. As for the claims of osteoporosis in these groups, it’s hard to believe that they cancel the benefits of exercise. Exercisers have strong, healthy bones that are denser in nature, and studies have shown that exercise promotes this condition. Negative results may be seen in those who are sedentary and consume a high protein. For the most part, however, one cannot simply isolate one factor and claim that this is a reason for a health problem such as this; the pathology of osteoporosis involves far more than one variable. Things such as heredity, genetics, micro and macro nutrient intake, exercise etc., when taken together, are far more responsible than simply applying the blame to one area.

Constipation is also used as an argument because many nutritionists and dieticians claim that diets high in protein are low in fiber. Without enough bulk the digestive system can slow down to a snail’s pace. Simply choosing the right foods such as fibrous vegetables, starchy breads, pastas and drinking plenty of water will remedy this problem. Heart disease may result from a high intake of animal, but, as mentioned earlier, knowing how to use variety in one’s diet will help eliminate worry about this kind of problem. Low and no-fat dairy products, fish and lean cuts of meat and chicken are good choices which considerably lower the risk of heart disease.

High protein intake, as we’ve seen, is not the evil it’s made out to be. A protein deficiency will reveal itself because strength and muscle mass will decline. What are the signs of taking too much? Inflammation of the kidneys (lower back pain) and feelings of malaise are symptoms to watch for. Most of the time the body does a good job of sorting and using protein, so most people will not run into this problem. But even if protein intake is increased it means eating multiple meals throughout the day since the experts have said we can only digest 25-30 grams of protein per sitting. The small intestines can digest as much as 500-700 grams of protein (5) keeping in mind proteins functions do include other things other than soft tissue repair. New research has shown now that the body may in fact be able to handle much more protein in a sitting (6). This obviously shows us that individuals of varying bodyweights can take in much more than the 25-30 gram figure the experts have held us to for so long.

Conclusion
Hopefully you’ve been convinced that a high protein intake is not “evil.” Protein intake ranging from 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight to one gram per pound or more can be beneficial for an individual involved in an intense training program. Protein has been typecast as something that will make you big and strong, but muscle growth is not controlled by the level of protein one takes; rather it is the growth demand caused by intense training or stress that will ultimately determine how much protein one should take in. Dr Michael Colgan says, “No one ever grew an ounce of muscle from simply gulping protein. Muscles grow from pushing poundage—period.” Some trainers have testified that they’ve done just fine by taking in small amounts of protein, but the question to them is, how much greater would the results have been if they had increased the protein requirement to meet the demands of the exercise?

We don’t have to consume an extraordinarily amount of protein, but the proof of the pudding is that taking more than the RDA when exercising is not only safe, but beneficial.

Written by Maki Riddington.
References

1.) Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th Edition. Washington, D.C.:
National Academy Press, 1989.
2.) Consolazio GF, et al. Protein metabolism during intensive physical training in the young adult. Am J Clin Nutr 1975; 28:29-35
3.) Dragan GI, Vasiliu A, Georgescu E. Effects of increased supply of protein on elite weightlifters. In: Galesloot TE, Tinbergen BJ, eds. Milk Proteins. Pudoc, Wageningen, The Netherlands 1985:99-103
4.). A high ratio of dietary animal to vegetable protein increases the rate of bone loss and the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women. DE Sellmeyer, KL Stone, A Sebastian, SR Cummings. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2001, Vol 73, Iss 1, pp 118-122.
5.) Guyton M.D., Arthur C. Human Physiology and Mechanisms of Disease; 1992.
6.) Arnal MA, Mosoni L, Boirie Y, Houlier ML, Morin L, Verdier E, Ritz P, Antoine JM, Prugnaud J, Beaufrere B, Mirand PP. Protein pulse feeding improves protein retention in elderly women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999 Jun;69(6):1202-8

7 keto is a non-hormonal, non-androgenic derivative of DHEA.

When we age the ability to control our quality of life becomes an issue for all of us. The application of aging research into the steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has helped our understanding of age induced losses of functional capacity, and has subsequently lead to the discovery of a relatively new compound “7-OXO-DHEA”.is a popular supplement used to promote safe fat loss without the side affects of stimulants. 7 Keto is said to be a break through product in weight-loss and has also shown to have other welcome affects such as boosting the immune system, enhancing memory, and some anti-aging actions.

7 Keto helps with fat loss without jitters or shaking (as seen with stimulant containing fat burners that contain ephedrine) by increasing fat metabolism. It does this by increasing the rate that the body burns calories and also increases the metabolic rate in which the body burns fat for fuel at all times, even when you are sleeping. This is a real benefit for people who are sensitive to stimulants or just want to stay away from any health concerns from such ingredients as ephedrine or caffeine. The amino acid L-Carnitine may also be combined with 7 Keto to help aid in fat metabolism and help reduce fats in the blood.

7 Keto is a fairly expensive supplement and most manufactures recommend using 25mg per day. However, studies have shown that the most effective dosage for weight loss is 50 to 100 mg’s two times daily. That is a total of 100-200mg’s per day.

The best times to take 7 Keto are once in the morning and again later in the afternoon, before meals.

If you are pregnant, it is NOT recommended that you use 7 Keto.

7 Keto also enables the body to build muscle in a growth promoting environment ( ie, lift something; weights, a towel, a PENCIL, SOMETHING ! ).

7-Keto DHEA stimulates the immune system, prevents muscle loss (anti-catabolic), reduces stress, increases the calorie-burning rate by activating thermogenic liver enzymes and improves memory more than DHEA or a placebo. Monkeys infected with the simian version of HIV displayed weight gain, a five-fold increase in T-cell counts and improvement in overall behavior and clinical condition.

Is 7-KETO DHEA safe?
Short and long-term safety studies show 7-KETO DHEA is not mutagenic. That means it has not damaged the DNA in rats and monkeys, and it has no other adverse effects, even at milligram/body weight doses up to 70 times the recommended dose for humans, which is 50 mg a day.

One 28-day human safety trial has been completed. It confirmed that 7-KETO DHEA does not raise levels of sex or other hormones or affect blood and urine chemistry, at doses of up to 200 mg per day. It cannot convert to estrogens or testosterone, so it cannot promote prostate enlargement or cancer, breast tumors and other sex hormone effects that may occur with DHEA supplementation.

Ron Burkle Donates $50,000 To Celebrity Apprentice

During last night’s Celebrity Apprentice, team project manager Holly Robinson Peete was working the phones trying to raise enough money to beat out the opposition.

With only seconds to spare in the competition, Ron Burkle decided to step in, step up, and make a massive donation in the amount of $50,000 to Holly Robinson Peete’s team.

The team was in fund raising mode to create a fitness class for 24 Hour Fitness, and the $50,000 donation allowed Peete’s team to raise over $200,000.

Ron Burkle is a self made billionaire who owns a firm called the Yucaipa group of Companies. Mr. Burkle is often the central focus of many gossip columns and political donation scandal discussions.

Regardless of the negative publicity that seems to follow Ron Burkle, there is no question about his business tenacity and ability to generate revenue.

So the $50,000 donation from Ron Burkle certainly was nothing for the billionaire to contribute, but it made all the difference in the world to the Celebrity Apprentice team that was trying to raise the money.