Posts Tagged Supplements
A Guide to Modern Essential Oil Production
Posted by Jane Erstin in Health on January 14, 2009
With the new labels of CO2 and SCO2 next to the traditional steam and hydro-distillations, solvent-extracted absolutes, and cold-pressed, a little education for the aromatherapy enthusiast is in order. Does one produce a nicer smelling oil, or one with more therapeutic value? Is one process better than another? Essential oil production, similar to the making of fine wines, is an art form as well as a science. The value of each process depends greatly on the experience and care of the distiller. Each method is important, and has it’s place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils.
Steam and Hydro-Distillation
Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material. The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. (Hydro-distillation is a similar process where the plant material is boiled, with the resultant steam being captured and condensed). The oil and water are then separated; the water, referred to as a hydrosol, can be retained as it will have some of the plant essence. Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it’s mild antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as it’s pleasing floral aroma.
A number of factors determine the final quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Aside from the plant material itself, most important are time, temperature and pressure, and the quality of the distillation equipment. Essential oils are very complex products; each is made up of many, sometimes hundreds, of distinct molecules which come together to form the oil’s aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are fairly delicate structures which can be altered or destroyed by adverse environmental conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, most oils benefit from a long, slow ‘cooking’ process.
The temperature of the extraction chamber should be maintained within a reasonable range, lest some components of the oil be altered or destroyed. This also applies to the chamber pressure. The essential oil of Lavender flowers, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees and three pounds per square inch. Tougher conditions will result in a harsh scent – more chemical than floral.
High temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. The oils are often destined for use in cosmetic and food products, but can sold as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive, though they are of limited therapeutic value.
What are Absolutes?
Some plants, and their flowers cannot be processed through steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences wil not be totally released by water. These oils will be produced as ‘absolutes – and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value (the technical description of an essential oil is the aromatic compounds of a plant produced by steam distillation). Jasmine oil and Rose oil in particular are delicate flowers who’s oils are often found in absolute form. Jasmine oil is only found as an absolute, whereas rose is available in both a a steam distilled form and as an absolute.
The processing of an absolute first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a ‘concrete’ from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50% wax and 50% volatile oil. The concrete is again processed using ethyl alcohol (the same alcohol found in beer, wine, etc.) in which the wax is only slightly soluble. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract – depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, sometimes 2% or less of the ethyl alcohol may remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.
CO2’s and SCO2’s – Using Carbon Dioxide as a Solvent
The most modern technologies are Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide distillation. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the solvent which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material – though the gas essentially acts as the steam in steam distillation. The only difference between the two are the temperatures and pressures used – though neither uses a temperature greater than 87 degrees. With release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind.
These carbon dioxide methods have noteworthy benefits: Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is quite pure. Like solvent extraction, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way. The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. The CO2 methods also are the most efficient, producing the most oil per amount of plant (one of the reasons for the high cost of essential oils is the low yield of oil from most plants – one ton of Rose petals produces less than 1 pound of oil, for example). The efficiency of CO2 extraction is particularly important when rare or endangered plant species are involved, such as Indian Sandalwood oil – less of the precious plant is needed to produce an equivalent amount of oil.
The Simple Cold Press
Cold pressing from the rinds of citrus fruit proudces oils such as Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Lime, and the like. This involves the simple pressing of the peels at about 120 degrees. Little, if any, alteration from the oil’s original makup occurs – these oils retain their bright and uplifting aromas, like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.
Is there a Best Method?
CO2’s, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields. The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way – the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli oil, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state. Oils from other plant species do seem more ‘complete’ with CO2 processing, with Frankincense oil and most of the ’spice’ oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma. This likely translates to greater therapeautic properties.
Producing essential oils of aromatherapeutic grade is skill requiring years of experience. It takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step, from growing and harvesting to fine-tuning the distillation process, to produce a truly fine oil. The making of a fine essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are, however, legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another – some plants simply require a particular process to produce a fine oil, and the oil needed for a particular application may only be made by one process. In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.
Best Weight Loss Supplement
Weight loss products is a huge industry in this country. So many people want to lose weight that producers of supplements and pills that supposedly “melt the weight” away proliferate seemingly more and more every year. The situation can be a bit distressing if you want to find a supplement to your diet that will help reduce your weight and make you slimmer but you don’t want to get involved with some scam product that takes your money and doesn’t deliver results.
One way to try to cut through the hype of all the weight loss products is to be very skeptical of any product that claims it can get a huge amount of weight off in a very short time. When they have “testimonials” of people who lost 30 pounds in three weeks, that is either a fake testimonial or a very unhealthy product. The only way you can lose weight at that rate of speed is to become very ill or to take something that is unhealthy for you. Our bodies are not designed to change at that rate of speed. If you did lose 10 pounds or more in a week, the effects on your general health would be devastating. And because your body would not have lost the weight naturally, the weight will not stay off.
Another claim that is made by many weight loss supplement products is that you can tolerate a tremendous amount of weight without changing your diet and without exercise. This is one of the most prevalent weight loss myths that takes on a new complexion virtually every week. One product has revealed a secret herb in the depths of Africa that makes the weight fall off. Another one is using a space age formula that has been a top secret with National Aeronautics and Space Administration until right now and this weight loss company were the ones to get it. If the phrase “give me a break” comes to mind when you hear these claims, your disbelief is well placed.
The sad thing is these products use a system of nearly making you ill to get that weight off without dieting or exercise. If you decide to try one of these products, notice right away the strict rules about when to take the pills so you don’t make yourself sick right away. What happens is that the pills will cause your metamorphosis to slipstream so you will most shiver and sweat the weight off as you rest after eating a meal. The supplement is virtually making you ill to get rid of the weight. And like all supplements that assure a lot for very little effort, the weight will not stay off even if you lose weight short term.
The best weight loss system uses supplements to fit dieting that causes the good foods you eat to be maximized by your body. They are natural supplements that use food products to supplement food products. And the product makes no claims of speedy weight loss or that you can skip good diet and exercise programs. All good weight loss systems are grounded in long term bond to a lifestyle of dieting and exercise. If you acknowledge that and use supplements based on common sensation and healthy choices, that will be a supplement that real works so you lose weight and keep it off as long as you continue to live well.
How to Increase your Muscle Gain With Bodybuilding Supplements
Posted by Ricardo d Argence in Fitness on December 8, 2008
There is more involved in bodybuilding than just lifting weights. A bodybuilder needs to be aware of nuteitional needs also,as to achieve the best results. You will need plenty of protein and complex carbs,that you should have a well-rounded diet.
Your body must have protein to build muscle tissue. When you lift weights, you tear the muscle then as is is repaired, it grows larger,since proteins are directly responsibility for repairing muscle damage, and as because that is what you are doing to a muscle.
Complex carbohydrates are essential for stamina, they are slow burning and provide lasting energy. They also keep blood sugar levels stable while you are working out.
Surprisingly, fats are a much-needed nutrient as well, it might seem counterproductive to add fat to your diet when you are trying to build muscle and lose fat, and however the right fats are crucial. Essential fats are monounsaturated fats, these aid in energy levels and boost the immune system.
Getting as much nutrition from your food as possible is recommended. One way to do this without gorging yourself is to eat six small meals a day instead of three large ones.
Supplements are helpful for bodybuilders because the extra strain of your workouts makes it difficult to extract all the vitamins and nutrients you need simply from eating alone.
Natural fatty acids like omega three can lower resistance to insulin and result in natural development and healthy growth.
Creatine, it has been shown to dramatically increase mass in body builders.
Some people struggle to get enough protein for their bodies, so it is necessary for them to take protein supplements. Some forms move more slowly, and they work while you are sleeping.
You may need to take high caloric supplements in order to put on weight,if you are considered underweight. Your muscles need extra calories to grow; while your body uses them for energy to last through your workouts.
Proper diet and exercise with the right supplements and adequate rest will maximize your routine and help you build muscle,many things go into making your body all that it can be. Good health is a requirement for any workout, whether you’re trying to make yourself stronger or shed some pounds. Make sure that your diet includes the right calories, exercise, and supplements, and you’ll have no problem making your routine a great one!
Key To Fast Weight Loss
There’s no doubt that many people need to lose a few pounds. Look around where people gather, you’ll notice the fat. Don’t laugh. Unfortunately you’re likely to see it in the mirror too. If your goal is fast weight loss, keep a few simple things in mind to lose the pounds quickly and safely.
Skipping meals is one of the first things people often try when they want to lose weight. It makes sense, right, cut out the calories by eating one fewer meal. Doesn’t weight loss come with eating less calories? That’s correct but skipping meals isn’t the right way to reduce calories. When you skip meals your body goes into starvation mode. It starts to retain fat to counteract what it perceives as a food shortage. Another problem with skipping meals is that when you finally eat you’ll be a lot more hungry. The result is binge eating. Skipping a meal plus binge eating, then, will likely result in eating more calories and the body gaining even more weight from those calories than normally. It’s the worst of both worlds. Don’t do it.
Know how much to eat. Portion control is just as important as eating the right food. Too much of even a healthy food still results in weight gain. Portion control isn’t easy when large portions are so common. Restaurants serve over large portions, as do most people at home. The FDA and other sources list recommended daily allowances. And remember portion size when you eat at restaurants, especially fast food restaurants. Don’t eat the full portion served at the restaurant, or order less than a full meal, such as soup and a salad.
Eat more whole grain foods, skip the white grains such as white bread, sugar and white rice. Whole grains are lower in fat and higher in nutrients. The fiber in whole grains will make you feel fuller faster and longer. Also whole grains contain many nutrients that are often lacking in people’s diets.
Consume more water. Drink it instead of juices and sodas which add about 90,000 calories to the average person’s diet each year. Drink water between meals too. In fact, the goal is 8 glasses of water each day. It’s easily possible. Drinking water will also promote health in general by keeping you well hydrated and cool.
Eat healthy snacks between meals. The body needs food every three to four hours to maintain proper blood sugar. Eating healthy snacks, such as fruits, helps control eating at meal times.
With some knowledge and planning, fast weight loss is easily possible. It won’t be long before you’re slimmer and trimmer.
Give Your Body What It Needs With The Acai Berry
Posted by Dawn Amerson in Fitness on December 4, 2008
If you’re like many of us, you’ve made repeated commitments to yourself to start eating better, exercising regularly, taking control of your weight, and generally taking better care of yourself. Unfortunately this is a difficult thing to actually do. Preparing high quality, home cooked meals takes time, exercising takes time and energy that you don’t necessarily have after a hard day of work and or taking care of kids, and without doing those things it’s tougher to control your weight.
The fact is that there is a way to get off of the poor health habit treadmill! All you have to do is to start taking Pure Acai Berry! Pure Acai Berry is a dietary supplement that gives your body everything that it needs to function at its best, and a body that functions at its best is a lot more cooperative when it comes to taking good care of it!
Pure Acai Berry is based on the acai berry of South America which is a palm fruit that grows in the Amazon rain forest. The fact that the acai berry has an optimal combination of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and omega three fatty acids that the human body needs in order to function at its best!
The acai berry has the ability to help you get off the poor health treadmill by boosting your energy level and mental acuity, helping you to sleep better, relieving annoying aches and pains, boosting your metabolism to burn fat, and regulating your energy level so that you can be more effective and avoid the urge to snack on unhealthy foods over the course of the day! All of these things will help you to take better care of yourself. For example, more energy and better mental acuity will help you to be more productive at work, which means that you can spend less time working and more time taking care of yourself! Moreover, when you have plenty of energy available during the times that you’ve set aside for exercise, there’s a better chance that you’ll actually do it. The same thing is true for eating healthfully! Relief from aches and pains will also make it easier to exercise, and the fact that the acai berry boosts your metabolism means that you’ll get more out of all your other weight loss efforts!
In addition to feeling better, Pure Acai Berry will also help you to look better as well. The fact is that the acai berry is rich in the antioxidants that will help you look and feel young! Better skin is a very obvious external benefit of the use of this super food! In fact, the massive dose of antioxidants that come from this supplement will help you to resist the ill effects that the sun and wind can have on your skin and your overall appearance. These antioxidants can also have an internal effect on your health as well. The decrease in aches and pains is a result of the anti aging properties of these antioxidants, plus you’ll be able to heal and recover more quickly from many types of minor injuries (which is also good for maintaining a consistent exercise routine!
In summary, the use of Pure Acai Berry makes it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle by giving your body what it needs to function at its best!