FitBuff.com's Health Secrets Blog » Vitamins/Supplements

Low Carb Meal – VPX Zero Impact Meal Replacement Protein Bars

FitBuff Brandon — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:30:10 +0000

Low Carb Meal

Being on the go as much as I am, I'm always looking for low carb meal replacement bars.

I've tried tons, some good, some awful, but finding the perfect mix of nutrition and taste is rare.

I'll usually grab one on the way out the door in the morning, and I always keep a little mix of them in the car glove box too.

While I've tried dozens of different ones, I'd been hearing great things lately about VPX Zero Impact Bars.

I decided to try some out from America's Nutrition, because they had them at only about 2 dollars per bar, and they were on my doorstep in two days.

I got two flavors Chocolate Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter and Jelly.

As soon as I opened the box, I had to try one. It seemed as though my trick of microwaving most meal replacement bars for a few seconds had already been taken care of for me, because the box had been in the sun and heat for a few hours, so the texture of the bars was already soft.

I tried Peanut Butter and Jelly first, and while it didn't quite conjure up childhood memories of any PB&J's I've ever had, it did manage to develop a great taste of it's own.

When I tried, I could pick up a few tastes of a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, but I probably couldn't have told you the flavor while blindfolded. I think "Tropical Peanut Butter" would be the best way to describe it.

Either way, the texture and taste was great, and I was so impressed (aka hungry), I decided to go ahead and try out the other flavor too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter was much closer to its namesake, and I would have to give this one a slight edge in terms of taste, though the texture was the same on both.

Even after cooling for about a day and half, the texture still remains soft, which is a welcome change for most meal replacement bars I've tried, so I guess it wasn't just the heat that did it.

After trying these two flavors, I set out to try one of each of the other two I didn't have, "Original Pumpkin" and "Roasted Coconut".

While I couldn't find Roasted Coconut, the Pumpkin was by far my favorite in terms of taste. This tasted more like the love child of chocolate and pumpkin pie than any protein bar I've ever had.

Low Carb Meal Nutrition

One of the most impressive things about VPX Zero Impact Bars, though, was the obvious commitment to health and nutrition that the company shares.

After some more research on VPX itself, everyone from the CEO down has dedicated tons of time and money to researching and designing the best meal replacement bar they can.

The name Zero Impact comes from the fact that the bar is formulated to have minimal impact on blood sugar and insulin, because of it's low glycemic index.

So, while it's not a completely zero carb protein source, it can still be considered a low carb bar if you're looking to avoid spikes in your blood sugar.

They also don't use any of the normal junk you find in similar bars, while avoiding hydrogenated oils all together (one of the first things I check for).

Each bar runs about 400 calories and has a nice nutritional breakdown, so it makes for the perfect low carb meal on the go.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid CLA and its benefits

FitBuff Blogger — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:27:08 +0000

Introduction

Everyone is so aware of what is fattening or not that dieting has become popular among the has-beens and wannabes that we bump into ever so often. Fat or the euphemism plump is barely something a woman would like to hear much less consider as a part of her own personal thesaurus.

And when did the word 'fat' in almost every health-directed conversation become a bad thing?

Not all fat in our body is bad namely saturated fats; there is good fat too in the form of brown fat (which was discovered only recently) as well as unsaturated fats as well.

Unsaturated fats are further subdivided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that not only lower total and LDL cholesterol while also supporting important body functions such as nutrient absorption, nerve transmission among others.

The one thing that is common amongst all types of fats is that they all consist of fatty acids, and there are some fatty acids that are essential in order to maintain and build the health of one's body.

Essential Fatty Acids

There are only two essential fatty acids that the body needs: alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid). The reason to consider them as essential is that the body needs these acids but cannot make them from food components for important biological processes.

And while the aforementioned omega-3 fatty acid can be found in a number of seed oils and green leafy vegetables, the omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) is basically found in a host of oils, eggs and so on and so forth.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

At another level altogether, at least 28 isomers (meaning same chemical formula, different structure) of linoleic acid which is known as Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) are found in meat and dairy products derived from goats, sheep and cattle among several others in the family of Ruminantia.

And the reason why such a big deal is being made out of it is because CLA has been known to display medicinal properties that could seriously influence one area of research that has been stagnating for the past few decades among several others.

Benefits

For some time now, CLA was treated as another 'bad fat' that one must stay away from, and thus dieters did so, until research uncovered how essential it is for the body to be healthy.

Since the highest levels of CLA comes from beef, lamb and dairy products, it is recommended that instead of taking supplements, one should eat grass-fed beef and lamb, as this is the primary source of CLA.

So, here are the benefits

a. Anti-cancer properties – by inhibiting the growth of tumors as well as reducing their size as well

b. Weight Loss – reduced body fat and increases preservation of muscle tissue

c. Preventing Weight Gain – By keeping small fat cells from growing larger

d. Others – Strengthen the immune system, lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol which reduces glucose output in diabetics.

Side Effects – ZERO!

In Closing

Knowledge changes things, and for this to happen one must check and recheck the obstacles and barriers that they have set for themselves. Go educate yourself, find the latest developments and so on and so forth… but don't sit on your ass, or else you'd get fat!

Melatonin Sleep: Sweet dreams are made of these…

FitBuff Blogger — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:57:36 +0000

Introduction

So, we're living in a time called the 'Age of Aquarius', and yours truly is proud to be an Aquarian. Superstition, you say? I agree, it does carry you into the clouds sporadically, but since I'm obsessed with the 'abstract' and all things related to intelligence, the 'occult' (as it is known in Western Civilization) has gradually changed the way I see things, ever since that fateful day in September 2007.

Somehow, a large part of these two years involved dabbling with the occult (which is an integral part of Hinduism, I might add) in the form of Vedic, Chinese and Western astrology, Tarot Reading and Numerology.

Some Christians called me insane and unholy, some others felt 'blessed' that I did bring good tidings of joy, love and hope… and most of all, some folks who did take a chance in listening to the few things that I had to offer, began to take a path similar to mine, in an effort to find the truth, albeit an offbeat and not necessarily popular one, which we Aquarians are known for!

Not only have I become more accepting and peaceful regardless of external situations on the inside but I have begun to live with a greater appreciation for the culture (through the teachings of the Vedas and Vedic astrology) and its spirituality that I have grown up in but haven't necessarily paid attention to until now. And perhaps it is the desire to see the Khecarī Mudrā in action…

The 'Mystery' Gland

Known as the 'seat of the soul' from times when medicine was not yet considered an exact science, not much was known about the pineal gland until its discovery in the vertebrate brain.

Now, your body has its own internal clock which controls the wake/sleep patterns, and the amount of melatonin that is produced depends on this internal clock as well.

Melatonin

Called the 'hormone of darkness', the amount of melatonin released increased from mid to late evening and remain at their highest levels at night, until the time you open your eyes in the morning to the presence of light, which acts as a signal for the production of melatonin to stop. It has been documented that low-melatonin levels are the cause of insomnia, and hence conversely has been recognized as the body's natural sleeping pill.

So it is safe to conclude that the production of melatonin is regulated by the absence or presence of light, and this can impact sleep to the point where it becomes a sleeping disorder like 'insomnia'.

Now, during the winter when the days are shorter, melatonin is produced is either produced earlier or later in the days, and this can lead to seasonal affective disorder or winter depression due to the change in pattern.

In order to counter these effects, dietary supplements of melatonin have been used to treat patients with sleep disorders, jet lag by resetting their clocks, seasonal affective disorder, irregular sleep patterns due to working at night, issues with sleep after surgery and so on and so forth.

In Closing

In Hindu Philosophy, the pineal gland is also referred to as the 'third eye' and with its other functions pertaining to the occult and dreams as well which can be scoffed at by modern scientists as well, but one thing is for sure – we'll never know until we truly understand the depth of metaphysics and for the most of us, it will truly remain a mystery that will take a lifetime to solve.

RTDs: For the busybody in you…

FitBuff Brandon — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:09:48 +0000

On the go most of the time? How about all of the time? How about so much of the time that you are surprised you even had the time to get this far in this post?

If this sounds like you, just as familiar as trying to squeeze your 20-item To Do list into about 4 minutes of free time is trying to eat healthy — even when healthy eating seems impossible. Meal replacement, energy, and protein bars are popular options for the time crunched. But, some people also turn to the liquid shake versions, leaving the bars for people who actually enjoy the taste of chalk covered in chocolate.

But, how do these shakes stack up nutritionally? Which is healthier than the other? Well, to list every single one on the market and analyze and compare it would take far more time than I can offer at the moment (what can I say, "Man vs. Wild" starts on Discovery Channel in ten minutes!!). But, in the interest of at least a modicum of disclosure, here is a look at three popular shakes.

1. Slim Fast Optima

Variations of this shake exist (such as, for example, the Chocolate Royale Shake). It contains 414 calories and tastes pretty good, especially the chocolate kind. It's certainly a healthier alternative to regular chocolate milk, in that it contains 7 fewer grams of carbs, 2g less of fat, and 2 more grams of protein.

2. Naked Protein Zone

You've probably seen these at your local grocery store, most likely in the organic section. The super-smart "Naked" branding is quite the eye catcher. As for the drink itself, it's a tasty mix of coconut,
pineapple, banana, apple and orange. Packing in a solid 38 grams of protein (mix of whey and soy), it's a formidable competitor to major protein drinks on the market. But, the downside is that there's also 500 calories in this 15.2-oz bottle, so in this case (and perhaps only in this case), too many Nakeds may not be a good thing.

3. EAS AdvantEdge RTD

These too can oftentimes be found in your grocery story, only they'll probably be hiding on the shelves near the vitamins and protein/meal replacement bars. I'm personally a big fan of EAS products, as I feel that Bill Phillips (owner of EAS) does a great job putting out quality nutritional supplements year after year. It has a great balance of fat/protein/carbs, making it the most healthy (again, in my opinion) on this list. One pre-packaged shake gives you 3g of fat, 17g of protein, and 28g of carbs. Although I think the protein content could be a bit higher (and is in other EAS brand shakes), this still makes for a very healthy on-the-go meal option.

As for the taste — hmmm… I'll say not bad.

Chocolate Fudge is better than French Vanilla, but that's really not saying much since they're both very watery. Whatever drink you ultimately decide on, know that it's probably a better option than so many other meals-of-convenience (i.e. fast food, snacks, etc.) you could have chosen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go watch Bear Grylls of"Man vs. Wild" eat goat testicles. Like I said, these drinks are probably a better option.

America's Motto: "I want a New Drug"

FitBuff Brandon — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:35:04 +0000

Try as you may, it's simply impossible to forget the song "I Want a New Drug" by Huey Lewis. Oh yeah, and The News (how dare I forget his back-up band). Though the video came out when I was a neophyte in the new world of MTV, I do distinctly recall the part where he buries his face into a sink filled with ice cold water.

Very 80s, cocaine-era appropriate. But, given the amount of prescription drugs that pharmaceutical companies push these days, I almost feel as though that song should be playing in the background of every drug commercial you see (you know, the ones that always end with the fast-talking pitch man rattling off every horrible side-effect the drug may have). Don't get me wrong, I think the advancements in modern medicine — including pharmaceutical drugs — have been beneficial in some regard. Be that as it may, however, there have also been a number of missteps made by these drug companies.

Why am I bothering to say all this? Well, I just came across a success story related to Pfizer's new cholesterol reducing drug Atorvastatin. In sum, LDL (bad) cholesterol was reduced in test subjects who took this drug for several years. What's wrong with that? Nothing, of course. That's great news,in fact. But, at the risk of sounding like that guy from the infomercials who claims that EVERYTHING can be cured with a natural remedy, an equal amount of success may have been reached with a few dietary choices.

Examples of said dietary choices: Walnuts, Avocados, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Almonds, Fish, and Olive Oil.

Sure, it's much easier to pop a pill than it is consume a diet with any or all of these foods on a regular basis,but the danger you run with the pill are those nasty side effects I mentioned earlier. Dry throat, bloody nose,diarrhea, dizziness, nausea — it runs the gamut. Also, let us not forget that companies (yes, even Pfizer) have championed drugs in the past, only to have them turn out to do far more harm than good.

Examples of such a drug: How about the one mentioned earlier — yup, none other than cocaine. If you bother to check, you'll find that none other than Pfizer, Inc. (through its subsidiary Parke-Davis) sold and marketed cocaine for medical purposes. And,never one to leave a customer unsatisfied, Pfizer even threw in a cocaine injection kit.

Granted, this was almost a century ago, but it has to at least make you wonder what people 100 years from now will think of drugs like Atorvastatin.

Alkaline Drinking Water: Three methods of preparation

FitBuff Brandon — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:54:02 +0000

Yes, we all know that drinking clean water is good for health and so on and so forth, but if you haven’t heard of anyone who has discussed the benefits of alkaline water drinking, then read on, and well if you have then read on anyways, as positive reinforcement is healthy as well.

Now, pure water has a pH value of 7, whose value will drop below 7 when acidic additives are added. Conversely, the pH value of water will increase when an alkaline substance is added to it as well. And since our discussion is based on drinking alkaline water, let first look at the benefits, so that you’ll understand its impact and importance in terms of maintaining health.

As we know that the pH value of the body is maintained at 7.35, which means it prefers alkalinity (values 7 to 14 on the pH scale) to acidity (values 1 to 7). If this balance is maintained easily, then the person can be considered ‘healthy’ resulting in the longevity of life and numerous other advantages. On the other hand, if the pH level in our body is lowered by consuming acidic food and beverages, the person has a greater chance of succumbing to numerous illnesses as the body with an acidic pH value, are ideal breeding grounds for microorganisms, bacteria and viruses. Now this not only effects the body, but your pocket and of course, your overall mental health i.e. peace of mind, and we all know how rare that is in the push and shove of daily life. On the other hand, by drinking alkaline water you will neutralize and eliminate the toxins that are a residue from the food and beverages that you consume on a daily basis, also known as acidic ‘ash’. This is known to largely helpful in staying healthy, as the neutralized acid will allow the pH value to rise easily to a value of 7.35, which is optimum for the body to function at its best. And in order, for you to do this, you should drink at least 3-4 liters of water at a pH value of 8 and 9.

Now if you assume that you have to run around in circles to chemists, drug stores or wellness centers, apart from your daily schedules in order to procure alkaline water. Trust me, it’s the simplest thing in the world to prepare and it won’t take hardly a minute of your time.

The three most accepted methods of preparing alkaline water are:
1. Using a distiller
Distilling water is the best method of obtaining water in a slightly alkaline state, as the process of distillation involves turning water into steam and condensing it back to water which destroys all impurities as well as acidic toxins, hence, raising the pH value of water to the required alkaline pH value.

2. Using an ionizer
It is also known as the process of ‘electrolyzing water’ where the alkaline and acidic fractions are separated, the alkaline portion is used for drinking purposes with the acidic portion used to clean the outer part of our body as it is useful in destroying bacteria. Apparently, according to many manufacturer claims, this water can slow aging and prevent disease, which hasn’t been proven yet. But what you do get is water at an alkaline pH value.

3. Adding alkaline ingredients to the water
Adding lemons to water to raise its alkalinity is a simple, excellent and efficient way of getting alkaline water for drinking purposes. Another option is finding pH boosters readily available, which can then be added to the water, and consumed as well. Many experts prefer that the water should be distilled first, after which these additions can be made. Only in exceptional cases, when only mineral and tap water are available, adding these ingredients will also help to provide you with the desired result.

So, in summary, remember that alkaline water will cleanse acidic toxins from your body and raise the pH value of your body to an immune-friendly 7.35 for a longer, happier and healthier life. Think about the kids in Africa who can’t even afford a glass of water, let alone clean water, and remember that you owe it to yourself to take care of your health.

So, what do you think about drinking Alkaline water?

Prescription Drugs: How much is enough?

FitBuff Blogger — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:03:56 +0000

Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be any more side effects of prescription drugs…

No, I'm not talking about that litany of disgusting physical maladies that are typically rattled off in Micro Machine Man fashion at the end of a drug commercial (which, for some odd reason, always seem to include loose stools). Instead, I'm talking about the depletion of nutrients that occurs as a direct resultof taking maintenance drugs.

Vasodilators or Beta-Blockers

People may be taking these to help regulate their high blood pressure. If it's helping, great! Keep taking them. But, beware that your consumption of the vasodilators are causing a reduction of vitamin B6 and the beta-blockers are sapping some Coenzyme Q10.

Statins

Yes, statins are a great way to help lower your cholesterol, so do keep taking them if they are working and your doctor suggests that you stick with them. However, please know that the statins also deplete your body of Coenzyme Q10, which can lead to muscle soreness, fatigue, or even elevated liver enzymes.

Diuretics

A popular treatment for hypertension or congestive heart failure. The downside is that they deplete your body of magnesium, zinc, and potassium, which can cause a weakened immunity.

The good news is that you can easily make up for whatever vitamin or mineral you are losing with the medication by simply being sure to eat lean meats, fish, chicken, whole grains, nuts, and leafy green vegetables. And, if you really want to make sure that you're not missing out, you can also talk to your doctor about taking nutritional supplements.

Alkaline Water Filter: How to make water alkaline

FitBuff Blogger — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:45:31 +0000

Water is known as the universal solvent, and our body cannot survive without a particular quantity everyday. However, I’ve found it hard to not be cynical with the impressive range air and water purifiers that are now in production for the Monk-like obsessive-compulsive types, but this concept of the alkaline water filter is something else. Reports indicate that this seems to be helping people lift their energy levels, stamina and take sure but simple steps to a healthier ‘alkalized’ future.

This entire theory of alkalizing almost every form of nutrition (yes, including water) will make it easier for our body to maintain a pH level at a value of 7.35, upon achieving which, the benefits are numerous as opposed to adopting a diet that is acidic in nature, or more clearly, leaves an ‘acidic’ ash after digestion.

Now, since most of us at least drink a good amount of water everyday, it is an ideal way by which the acidic wastes (which are conducive for microorganisms, viruses and bacteria) in the body can be neutralized and washed away, hence, restoring the pH level to its optimum value.

I’m sure most of you already use Home Water Distillers, Water Ionisers, Reverse Osmosis Water Filters that are designed to provide you healthy water in the comfort of your own home. These products will ONLY purify the water but do not do anything to raise the pH value above 7.

Now there are simple ways by which you can ‘naturally’ alkalize the water to a pH value of 9 to 10, and here are two options:
1. Add fresh lemon or lime juice into the water
2. Add pH boostings supplements manually into the water before drinking. You can consult your physician or do a bit of research on the Internet as there are numerous products available. Some examples include ‘Happy Mood Salt’ [as opposed to normal salt] or the pHion pH Booster. Both supplements provide detailed instructions as to the quantity that has to be used and so on and so forth.

Apart from these techniques, you can combine both steps by purchasing an alkaline water filter which purifies the water as well as alkalizes it. In some models, there are 5 pH levels that can be chosen while not having to wait for the alkalized water to be produced as well as a step-by-step system to help you prepare the alkaline water. In addition, if the steps are not followed accurately, an alarm is installed to help you redo the steps involved in preparing the alkaline water. Most of all, they normally provide you with a one-year warranty as well as indicators that keep you informed of the life that your filter has left.

On a personal note, I think this is an eye-opener for a lot of people who are struggling with fatigue, digestive issues, stress and who seem to think that resorting to medicine will help in reducing these day-to-day issues and lead to a healthier lifestyle.

In closing, I recall Bill Maher’s saying that the ‘shit’ is in the food, and not necessarily with anything else. Truer words were never spoken as most of the options for food is acidic. So if we take care of that, we can definitely move towards a healthier and most importantly, a happier and balance life.

Goji Juice vs. Goji capsule: A Comparison

FitBuff Brandon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:43:21 +0000

Introduction
If you’ve just caught up with the rest of the folks who are into Goji berry juice fad, you’ll be glad to know that with its popularity on the rise; it is available in the juice form and now, in the capsule format.

But before we discuss the differences between these two forms, let’s recap the contents and benefits for those who aren’t aware of the health benefits of the Goji berry.

The Goji Berry: Nutrients
The Goji berry contains many nutrients and phytochemicals including 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals, 18 amino acids that are essential for proper body functions, 6 essential vitamins, 8 polysaccharides, 6 monosaccharides, 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, beta-sitosterol, other phytosterols, 5 carotenoids, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, xanthophylls, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium and numerous phenols.

Any health junkie will tell you that you’ve got another thing coming if you assume that the Goji berry is just another ‘health drink’, but in studying the benefits you’ll understand its effectiveness whether in the capsule or the original juice form.

Studies have shown that polysaccharides are exceptional sources of the essential cell sugars necessary for proper immune function and intercellular communication. These polysaccharides can enhance health by maintaining normal cell growth and thus may help slow the aging process. The 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids, help the body produce hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system. The beta-sitosterol component acts as an anti-inflammatory agent while the 5 carotenoids protect your eyes. The phenolic pigments in the Goji berry are associated with antioxidant properties that help in maintaining sound cardio-vascular health. It contains Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin which are necessary to convert food into energy.

Goji Berry vs. Goji Capsule: A Comparison
So, now what’s the difference between the goji capsule and juice?

In a nutshell, the capsule is for the ‘beam me up Scotty’ kinds whereas the juice is for the folks who have a highly evolved sense of ‘acquired taste’. Yes, the kinds who gargle and spit wine to determine whether it has a woolly or velvety texture to it. You get the picture?

OK… kidding there!

Actually, one valid reason is merely to suit their customers’ needs. For example, if you’re the kinds who can’t be trusted with carrying stuff around or the pill-popping anally-retentive kinds [Read: vegan], then this teeny-weeny capsule is just right for you. Evidently, it’s these very kinds who are always on the move, have no time for a proper lunch or just wish that they had 36 hours a day… yes, the trailblazing workaholic kinds who don’t care if Vienna waits for them or not! [Read: Billy Joel’s ‘Vienna waits for you]

This leaves the juice form for those who don’t necessarily have a hectic life, and more importantly like drinking the juice for its taste (which is distinctly bitter in its pure form).

Yes… Masochism makes its presence in your life in its subtle or not so subtle ways, no matter who you are. ;)

Although, the Goji juice and capsule are the same in terms of its benefits as well as comes in a 500 mg format, there are a couple of variations in the capsule version.

The first variation is the capsule containing powdered goji berries; whereas the other second variation contains oil of goji seeds. Of these two variations, the widely accepted goji berry capsules are the capsules containing powdered goji berries.

One notable difference between the capsule and the juice version is that the former does not include sugar, while having a long shelf life and as mentioned before, easiest to carry on your person. Interestingly, the capsule is manufactured using "vegetarian" material only, so say hello to the Goji berry capsule format… my dearest grass-eaters (as opposed to the Neanderthal-loving meat eaters).

In Closing
Anyways, it is in the things that bring us together that make up happy instead of the numerous reminders that we get as to how different we are to each other. So it’s not important whether you like the capsule or the juiced version as long as you are willing to try ‘the Goji solution’ for a healthier life.

Goji

FitBuff Brandon — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:35:39 +0000

Introduction
First, there was the Great Wall of China… then Sun Tzu with his book, The Art of War… then there were the Shaolin monks and their kung fu… tofu and then, finally this raisin look-alike known for its benefits healtwise when consumed… yes, we’re talking about the Goji Berry!

But that wasn’t all… the Chinese of course, have left their mark as being humanity’s most intelligent race with an astonishing number of natural and philosophical discoveries through the ages until now!

But we’re here to talk about the Goji berry, so let’s get down to business!

Goji Berry – Origin & its Location
Your first impression of the Goji berry will leave you assuming that it’s actual name, the wolfberry is its commercial name, but it is quite the opposite! Now, since you’re delighted to have that cleared up, you’ll also be happy to know that this fruit comes from two very closely related species: Lycium Barbarum and L. Chinense, two species of boxthorn in the family Solanaceae. Other common vegetables that belong to this family include the potato, tomato, eggplant, deadly nightshade, chili pepper, and tobacco.

Useless fact #7586… you think? [Yawn]

Trust me, there’s more to come…

Very little is known about its original habitat of the wolfberry species (where they grow in the wild) and most scholars (isn’t this exciting?) say that they might have grown in southeastern Europe to southwest Asia as well as in other parts of the world but haven’t been found yet.

Yet it is a documented fact that only in China, however, is where the wolfberry is cultivated for its commercial value. [Read: Cash Crop] And that’s how they’ve amassing a fortune… these clever little folk who thrive on a staple diet of starch, and more starch.

And of course, while Jason Bourne took three novels (made into movies) to figure what his actual name was (fake passports et al), the Goji berry also has a long list of aliases such as the Chinese wolfberry, barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, Murali (in India) and red medlar. The names Tibetan goji and Himalayan goji are in common use in the health food market for products from this plant.

The Wolfberry species are deciduous woody perennial plants that grow up to a height of 1-3 metres. L. Chinense is grown in the south of China and tends to be somewhat shorter, while L. barbarum is grown in the north, primarily in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and is (yes, full marks for guessing)… somewhat taller.

Lastly, Solanaceae is the nightshade family that includes hundreds of plant foods like potato, tomato, eggplant, wolfberry, peppers (paprika), crop commodities (tobacco), and flowers (petunia) with poisonous members such as the Belladonna. And no, it has nothing to do with that ample-chested French porn star named belladonna as well, thanks to a dearth of original-sounding porn names in the industry.

In Closing
Much like Tofu, the Goji berry has become popular in the western world lately as a superfood, due to its numerous health benefits.

Who cares if the Chinese get rich or die trying? Who cares if they rule the world one day? But more pertinently, who cares if I’m just being paranoid here?

As long as you know that the goji berry is healthy for you… that is really all you need to know for now!

So, do you have any experiences in eating the goji berry? If so, share them with us.

FitBuff.com's Health Secrets Blog » Vitamins/Supplements

Low Carb Meal – VPX Zero Impact Meal Replacement Protein Bars

Low Carb Meal Nutrition

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Conjugated Linoleic Acid CLA and its benefits

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Melatonin Sleep: Sweet dreams are made of these…

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

RTDs: For the busybody in you…

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

America's Motto: "I want a New Drug"

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Alkaline Drinking Water: Three methods of preparation

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Prescription Drugs: How much is enough?

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Alkaline Water Filter: How to make water alkaline

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Goji Juice vs. Goji capsule: A Comparison

Other Posts You'll Find Useful:

Goji

Other Posts You'll Find Useful: