You are here: Home / Archives for GNC

Enjoying holiday treats? Block those carbs!

December 11, 2012 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

If you’re planning to enjoy delicious treats this holiday season, here’s a tip to minimize the effect of all those tasty carbs – try white kidney bean extract!

As the name suggests, white kidney bean extract is obtained from the white kidney bean plant. This bean has been used for thousands of years as a source of food throughout Europe, Peru, the Indies and, in recent years, North America. Lately, other health benefits have been discovered, the most exciting of which is the fact that it can help you lose weight.

White kidney bean extract, also known as Phaseolus Vulgaris, works by blocking the absorption of starch. Starch is a compound made up of simple sugars. When we consume starch, an enzyme known as alpha amylase breaks it down into simpler compounds.

This makes it easier for the sugars to get transported into the bloodstream where they are distributed to tissues throughout the body for energy. Excess sugar is stored as fat for later use.

The extract from white kidney bean inhibits the alpha amylase enzyme. This results in less sugar being absorbed into the bloodstream, decreasing the likelihood of a weight gain from excess fat. The undigested starch simply leaves the body.

White kidney bean extract should ideally be taken before meals so that it can block some of the starch you eat. Numerous scientific studies have been done on this extract and there are no real adverse effects.

It is important, however, to follow dosing recommendations on whatever product you purchase.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , , , ,

The five newest fat-blasting supplements

October 9, 2012 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

Many of us are involved in a seemingly endless battle to lose weight. And while no one disputes the fact that sustainable weight control requires proper food choices, exercise and hydration, a new generation of weight loss supplements can give all of us a boost in dropping a few of those extra pounds!

RASPBERRY KETONES – This raspberry-derived compound increases production of the protein “adiponectin” which helps reduce body fat. Current research indicates this protein triggers the body to burn fat at a faster rate, helping to reduce belly fat. Aim for 100-200 mg. per day in divided doses.

7-KETO – Considered one of Dr. Oz’s best belly-blasting supplements, 7-Keto increases the rate at which our bodies burn calories, whether we are asleep or running marathons. A recent study published in Current Therapeutic Research showed subjects taking 100 mg. of 7-Keto twice daily lost an average of over 6.3 pounds in eight weeks. Comparatively, the placebo group lost only 2.1 pounds.

GREEN COFFEE BEAN EXTRACT – This ingredient contains an antioxidant called “chlorogenic acid,” which helps the body burn fat and process blood sugar more effectively, revving up our internal engine. Just this year, a study with overweight men and women using green coffee bean extract resulted in an average weight loss of 17 pounds in 22 weeks. Astonishingly, these results were achieved with no changes in diet or exercise regimens. Aim for 800 to 1200 mg. per day in divided doses.

SAFFRON EXTRACT – This exotic spice is one of today’s hottest diet aids. It is effective in controlling appetite, helping many cut down on snacking binges which can really sabotage a good diet.  Research on saffron showed it to cause a significantly greater body weight reduction than placebo after eight weeks. Aim for 176 mg. per day.

SAFFLOWER OIL – This vegetable oil is high in polyunsaturated linoleic acid, which can actually help you reduce body fat, especially in the belly area. A recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that safflower oil could also help postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes balance their blood sugar levels and burn more fat.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,

Trying to lose weight safely? Try 7-Keto

June 26, 2012 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

If your expanding waistline is the result of a slower metabolism, 7-Keto might be the supplement you need.

7-Keto is a natural byproduct of the hormone DHEA, which helps to keep us young.

As we age, DHEA levels begin to drop, as do levels of its byproduct, 7-Keto. This occurs after age 30, slowing our metabolism and causing a gain in weight.

Research has shown that 7-Keto DHEA helps the body lose weight by mimicking thyroid hormones, which cause the body to produce heat, thus burning more calories.

One clinical trial published in The Journal of Exercise Physiology looked at 30 obese people, half of which took a placebo. After an eight-week study, which included three one-hour sessions of aerobic and anaerobic exercise per week, the 7-Keto group had lost 1.8% of body fat – an amount three times greater than that of the placebo group.

This amazing supplement also lends support to the immune system by bolstering IL-2 production. This results in the body’s increased ability to fight off invading pathogens.

Supplementing with 7-Keto can benefit inflammatory conditions like lupus and arthritis, as well as improve cognitive function and memory. Additional research has shown 7-Keto to reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with weight gain, mood disorders and aging.

Since 7-Keto does not convert into testosterone or estrogens, it is a safe alternative to its parent compound, DHEA. It is also non-toxic.

Liver and blood hormone levels in all major studies of this supplement were found to be normal, with no adverse side effects reported.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ten tips to lower cholesterol

May 22, 2012 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

Many of us with high cholesterol levels are looking for solutions other than statin drugs to bring these numbers down.

A combination of diet, exercise and specific supplements are playing a critical role in this battle. Here are ten tips for tackling high cholesterol:

  1. START MOVING—A long-term study involving over 8000 people at North Carolina University found that 30 minutes of moderate exercise several days a week lowered triglyceride levels while boosting HDL.
  2. FOCUS ON FATS—Minimize saturated fats found in full-fat dairy, red meats and some oils like palm and coconut. Choose fats that are healthy for the heart such as those found in olive and canola oils.
  3. GET NUTTY—Eat a couple of handfuls of nuts per day. Just two ounces significantly lowers LDL and triglyceride levels, according to research from Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health.
  4. GO FISHING—Fatty fish like salmon and trout contain omega-3 fatty acids which decrease levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood) and harmful LDL, while raising beneficial HDL levels.
  5. CONSIDER PHYTOSTEROLS—Phytosterols are phytochemicals found in corn and soybean oils. They can block cholesterol absorption by up to 10% and LDL up to 14%, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
  6. FILL YOUR GLASS WITH RED—According to a University of California research study, a daily glass of red wine or grape juice can boost levels of HDL and reduce LDL, thanks to saponins. These are beneficial compounds found in  red grapes.
  7. FILL UP WITH FIBER—Eat plenty of soluble fiber found in oats, barley, prunes and beans. Fiber binds with cholesterol in the intestinal tract and moves it out of your body.
  8. EAT HEART-HEALTHY—Cut down on refined sugar, white breads and starches. Consuming fewer animal proteins is also beneficial. Include lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  9. DRINK GREEN TEA—Green tea effectively lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels according to a study at the University of Florida.
  10. TRY KRILL OIL—Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans containing extremely high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The oil is digested in the intestinal tract, rather than the stomach, allowing for a much greater absorption of the beneficial fatty acids which help reduce LDL and raise HDL.
FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , ,

Want to ramp-up your workout?

April 24, 2012 By

submitted by GNC, Newtown

Spring is here and that means beach season is just around the corner.

If you want to get the most out of your workout regimen to look and feel your best, give these supplements a try!

CLA – Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a non-essential fatty acid that actually inhibits fat from entering a cell. It can stop a small fat cell from getting larger. Studies have shown CLA to be effective in reducing abdominal obesity and body fat, helping to maintain lean body mass.

L-CARNITINE – This heart-healthy amino-acid-like supplement helps convert fat into energy. Specifically, it “frees” our stored body fat enabling us to tap into this fat while exercising. As a result, we tire less quickly, training more intensely for longer periods of time. L-carnitine also helps the heart pump more blood with fewer beats, can slow brain aging and improve short-term memory.

WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT – Often referred to as a “carb-blocker,” this supplement, also known as Phasolamin, inhibits the enzyme “amylase” which converts carbohydrates to simple sugars. Unused, these sugars can turn to fat. So, by preventing the digestion of complex carbs, these carbs pass through the digestive system, resulting in less absorbed calories and increased weight loss.

PROTEIN – The body burns up to twice as many calories digesting protein as it does for fats or carbohydrates. Although a balanced diet is certainly important, replacing an over abundance of carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can jumpstart your metabolism at mealtime. Also, a post workout protein shake, rich in amino acids will help build muscle and promote recovery.

CREATINE – Creatine is a chemical that is normally found in the body, mostly in our muscles. It is made by the body and can be found in certain foods. It is most commonly used for improving exercise performance and increasing muscle mass in athletes and active adults.

So start to look and feel great by ramping up your workouts with these safe, effective supplements!

 

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , ,

Dr. Oz alert: Consider these exciting new supplements

March 28, 2012 By

submitted by GNC, Newtown

Seabuckthorn Oil: This therapeutic oil comes from berries grown in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. It is considered a super food recognized around the world for its many benefits to skin, hair and nails. The omega-7 fatty acid contained in this supplement is considered to have both anti-aging and medicinal properties for the skin, revitalizing it and restoring it to its natural balance. It is particularly effective against wrinkles, dryness and symptoms associated with malnourished or prematurely aging skin. Seabuckthorn berry can be used as a topical treatment, as well as taken internally, treating the problem from the inside out. Products containing this berry include hydrating lotions and creams, toners, night creams, body lotions, eye creams, masks, soaps and facial cleansers.

7-Keto: This popular supplement is a metabolite of DHEA and is produced in the adrenal glands. First introduced in 1998, 7-keto remains a popular dietary supplement for those wishing to increase thermogenic activity, enhance memory and boost immunity. If you’re trying to lose weight, 7-keto has a positive effect on metabolism, maximizing the body’s response to diet and exercise without acting as a stimulant.

CLA: Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a non-essential fatty acid that actually inhibits fat from re-entering a cell. It can stop a small fat cell from getting larger. Studies have shown CLA to effective in reducing abdominal obesity and body fat, helping to maintain lean body mass. Some promising new research has also shown this supplement to enhance immune function, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, lower insulin resistance and increase metabolic rate.

Raspberry Ketones: Raspberry ketone is a natural compound which, in several studies, has shown to be a potent fat burner. This supplement increases the secretion of a protein hormone that positively effects glucose regulation and fatty acid catabolism. The result is a lower body fat percentage. It literally “shrinks” fat cells. Other research has shown promising results regarding diabetes, atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,

Resveratrol: The key to longer life?

November 30, 2011 By

submitted by GNC, Newtown

Until recently, it’s been a mystery why the French, with their high-fat diets, have comparatively lower rates of heart disease.  Scientists now suspect that the answer lies in the red wine consumed by the French – specifically the resveratrol found in that wine.

Abundant in the skins of red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries and nuts, resveratrol was created by plants to aid in survival. It helps them respond to stressors such as pest infestation and adverse weather conditions. Experts now believe resveratrol might perform the same function in humans, helping postpone the onset of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Chemicals in resveratrol are believed to “switch on” a certain gene, which controls the rate of aging. This could lead to lower insulin levels, reduced blood pressure and an increase in HDL or “good” cholesterol.

In mice, resveratrol has actually doubled muscular endurance, lowered LDL or “bad” cholesterol and suppressed colon cancer. Also, researchers at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore have found this compound to help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation of the heart. In addition, it positively impacted both the structure and function of bones and helped improve motor function and balance.

Resveratrol’s potential benefits go far beyond defying age. Some studies indicate it could inhibit the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines including breast, prostate, stomach and colon. Other studies have revealed strong anti-viral properties, particularly with respect to herpes simplex and influenza.

Daily consumption of resveratrol may also reduce body fat levels by preventing the formation of fat tissue suggests a new study in rats.  More human studies are being done with this supplement. The results should be interesting.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , ,

Taking Coenzyme Q10? Make the switch to ubiquinol

November 1, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Today, millions of people around the world take CoQ10 for improved heart function, as well as better overall health.

However more and more health-savvy adults are switching to ubiquinol. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this increasingly popular supplement:

What is Ubiquinol? Ubiquinol is the reduced, active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10. Your body produces conventional CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, in every cell of the body and then converts it into ubiquinol.

What is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol? Ubiqinone and ubiquinol are both forms of CoQ10, and both are necessary to produce cellular energy. Over the past three decades, CoQ10 has been recognized for its benefits to general health and wellness as well as cardiovascular and neurological health. However, in order to achieve these benefits, the body must convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol. Without this conversion, the body’s energy process cannot be completed and energy levels cannot be sustained.

What specific role does ubiquinol play in our overall health? Ubiquinol is the key component in 95% of the body’s cellular energy. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the heart and other organs from free radical damage, helping them to function at their best.

Why does supplementing with ubiquinol become more important as we age? As a healthy 20-year-old, you readily produce all of the CoQ10 you can use and efficiently convert into ubiquinol. However, age and other factors can hinder the body’s ability to produce and metabolize CoQ10. This decline becomes apparent as we reach our mid 30′s.

What are the benefits to statin users? Cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins deplete your body’s natural production of CoQ10. This can result in fatigue and chronic muscle aches and pains.

It is wise to ask your health practitioner which form would be the best one for you.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,

The many health benefits of probiotics

October 4, 2011 By

submitted by Karen Lane, GNC Newtown

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. They are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring flora in the intestinal tract, maintaining the proper balance “good” and “bad” bacteria. This delicate balance can be adversely affected by the use of antibiotics, resulting in an overabundance of yeast in the digestive tract. Other factors inhibiting the growth of good bacteria are the consumption of excess alcohol, stress, poor diet and exposure to toxic substances.

Studies of probiotic supplementation suggest a wide range of health benefits:

MANAGING LACTOSE INTOLERANCE: Since probiotics help convert lactose to lactic acid, their ingestion may help lactose intolerant individuals tolerate dairy products more easily. If you are lactose intolerant, be sure to purchase a lactose free product.

CHOLESTEROL LOWERING: Animal studies have demonstrated probiotics’ ability to break down bile in the intestinal tract, inhibiting its re-absorption. This can help lower serum cholesterol levels.

PREVENTION OF COLON CANCER: In laboratory investigations, probiotics have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic effects by decreasing the activity of an enzyme that generates carcinogens in the digestive tract. Lower rates of colon cancer among those who consume higher levels of fermented dairy products have been observed in some population studies.

LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE: Several clinical trials have shown that consumption of milk fermented with various strains of probiotics can result in modest reductions in blood pressure. It is believed that this is due to ACE inhibitor-like peptides produced during fermentation.

IMPROVING IMMUNE FUNCTION: Probiotics are thought to have a positive effect on immune function by protecting against harmful pathogens. There is also evidence that they might increase the number of natural killer cells.

Finally, preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation with probiotics can help prevent respiratory tract infections; decrease the severity and duration of rotavirus infections; prevent the re-occurrences of inflammatory bowel disease and aid in the absorption of trace minerals.

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: Newtown Gazette Columnists Tagged With: , , ,

Looking to lose weight? Control appetite with Caralluma Fimbriata

July 13, 2011 By

submitted by GNC Newtown

One of the most effective ways to lose weight is through appetite control.  A plant known as Caralluma Fimbriata might be the key in helping us along that path.  Similar to hoodia, caralluma is a succulent plant in the cactus family.  It has been used as a natural appetite suppressant in India for centuries, and has become increasingly popular for its weight loss properties as well as its ability to lower blood sugar.

Considered a “famine food,” caralluma was used during periods of famine to suppress appetite, control thirst and enhance endurance.  It is believed to block the activity of several enzymes, which then blocks the formation of fat, forcing fat reserves to be burned.  Caralluma is also believed to have an effect on the appetite control mechanism of the brain.

There are no adverse effects when using this plant and no known toxicity.  A patented, tested extract of Caralluma has been developed and standardized here in the United States.  Known as “Slimaluma,” this extract delivers the plant in a concentrated form.

We have seen many “diet” products come and go.  Carraluma Fimbriata has been the most consistent seller, helping the most people control their appetite.  Many customers who use this product have great success with it.

For those of you looking to “kick start” your diet and exercise program, consider supplementing with caralluma, and get your appetite under control.

 

FacebookTwitterEmailGoogle+DiggStumbleUponBookmark/FavoritesShare
Filed Under: New Hope News Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,