Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) reports that, in 2006, Britons spent £220 million on vitamin and mineral supplements and, more surprising, that as many as 43 percent of UK adults had taken vitamin or mineral supplements over the previous 12 months, with usage highest among the 50-65 age group. The most popular supplements of 2006 were cod liver oil and multivitamins, although the fastest growing market is that of 'mega-dose' vitamin and mineral products. Some manufacturers of such products reported an increase in sales of more than 20 percent in the last three years.
Undeterred by the occasional warnings that overdosing on vitamins in the morning may damage the body, it seems that people are determined to compensate for their less than healthy lifestyles by loading up on vitamins. That the body needs vitamins is not in dispute. Vitamins are a small group of substances that are essential in tiny quantities for growth and development and since most of them cannot be manufactured by the body, it follows that they must come from our diet. The problem is that some people think that you can eat anything, take vitamin pills and enjoy great health.
It’s easy to see why the idea that a steady diet of junk food can be cancelled by bottles of vitamins, resulting in a healthy lifestyle is so popular. People like to know they can do anything they feel like and then take a pill that erases all the negative consequences. It’s called having the cake and eating it at the same time. Naturally, not all people think like that and some of them do try their best to follow the prevailing health advice. Nevertheless, they know that they will fall short of the ideal and take vitamins as a kind of insurance policy.
Unfortunately for all these people, many studies have since shown that vitamins from supplements do not act on the body in the same way as vitamins from foods. The best thing to do is to actually eat a balanced diet and get your vitamins from a natural source. Apples, for instance, are a rich source of vitamin C, which builds up the immune system and also contain many the antioxidants called flavanoids and polyphenols that are thought to protect against cancer. This meant that eating a small apple (100g) gave an antioxidant effect equivalent to taking 1500mg of vitamin C – and you'd have to take a mega-dose supplement to achieve that.
A further reason to avoid mega doses of vitamins is that they can have toxic effects. This is particularly true with the fat-soluble vitamins that will be stored in the liver, like vitamin A. They can eventually reach toxic levels and cause liver damage. Even the water-soluble vitamin C can cause diarrhea at levels of 2000mg a day. Taking vitamins and food supplements is neither good nor bad, but unnecessary for most of us. There is a lot to be said for saving the money and splashing out once in a while on a nutritious and delicious well-balanced meal at a ritzy restaurant instead.
To read more about working towards a healthy lifestyle, visit Proactol™.
Cardio Exercise Equipment - How To Find The Right Equipment
So, you have made the decision to begin an exercise routine and get yourself in shape by utilizing cardio exercise equipment? That is great news, but understanding some of the different types of cardio equipment and which ones are right for you can be difficult at times. Here are some tips to be aware of.
Cardio exercise is a great way to boost your heart health, while also burning off the fat by raising your heart rate.
When it comes to home cardio exercise equipment you have a lot of options to choose from including:
Treadmills
A treadmill will probably be everyone's best choice in home exercise equipment. For cardio workouts a treadmill is not only easy to use, but it gives you a great workout. You can choose your own speed and incline as well as length of time. In addition, a treadmill will also show you how many calories you have burned.
For most people, the biggest obstacle they face is knowing which kind of treadmill to buy. You see everything from a WalMart brand for $300 up to a professional machine for $10,000.
The best divorce is to set a budget and then begin to do some comparison shopping. Look for models with a 1-2 HP motor, wide belt and a good warranty. You can find some reviews of various treadmills on our website.
Treadmills are great because you can use them any time of the day or night. You are not concerned with bad weather or if the gym is open or closed.
Elliptical Trainers
An elliptical trainer is another great piece of cardio exercise equipment. Their low impact workout provides an excellent way to get your heart rate up, while also burning fat.
Like the treadmill, an elliptical trainer allows you to choose the level of workout routine that you desire.
You will find reviews of various ellipticals on our site.
Stationary Bike
This is yet another good piece of cardio exercise equipment. Although many people may think this type of fitness equipment has passed its prime, the truth is just the opposite.
Today's stationary bikes are complete with pre-programmed cardio workouts, cooling fans and even high-tech video routines. With their low impact and user friendly features, a stationary bike is an excellent way to get a good cardio workout.
Step Machines
Though not as popular as treadmills or ellipticals, step machines are quite good at giving you a cardio workout. They can easily be programmed to give you a workout routine on any level.
As you can see, you have many options when it comes to cardio exercise equipment. Before you decide on purchasing one, try them out and be sure you enjoy using it. This way you will enjoy yourself and have fun during your workouts.
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By the way, you can learn more about Cardio Exercise Equipment as well as much more information on everything to do with fitness equipment by visiting us at http://www.ExerciseEquipmentA-Z.com
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