Saturday, 19 April 2014

Worst Foods for Belly Fat

Are you a foodie? Does the sight of all those delicacies dripping with fat and oil make your mouth water? If your answer is yes, then it probably means that you sport body fat in the shape of a pot belly. You know the one. The extra flab hanging from the waistband of your jeans. Not very attractive is it? The added weight, not to mention the cruel jeers and gawking, doesn't help either. Well, you can avoid all that embarrassment by steering clear of some delicacies which only serve to pack on pounds.

Many individuals do not care whether the food they are shoveling down their mouth is harmful or beneficial for them. In fact, the individuals that eat such food need to realize that these types of food is responsible for at least 80% of the belly fat they accumulate. Have no fear though. By reading on you can at least make sure that you avoid the 'eats' which can make your body fat soar.

There are several food stuffs which are responsible for the increase in heart diseases in the West, 10 of which are common and especially harmful. It may be excruciatingly painful, not to mention heartbreaking, to peruse this list. By avoiding them you can not only do a complete turnover regarding your social life, but the reduced weight (not to mention posterior) will help boost your confidence and benefit your health in the bargain as well.

10 Worst Foods For Belly Fat

As mentioned before, knowing what not to eat is as important as knowing which type of food is beneficial for you. The following list consists of 10 food stuffs which should be avoided by the regular consumer if he/she wants to maintain their 'slim' figure.

Trans Fat

Trans Fat refers to those man-made fats which are forced into the food you like so much. These are usually processed fats, created to entice the appetite of the individual so that they gorge themselves to the limit. It's made through a process called Hydrogenation which is a chemical process in which hydrogen atoms are added to a compound. When this is applied on vegetable oil, the bond created transforms the liquid to a semi-solid state. The metabolism of this flavor enhancing product proves unfamiliar to the human body. This means that the body finds it difficult to break down these fats, making the process of digestion a painful one indeed. Some products which contain this weighty ingredient are baked food, fried food, margarine, spreads, etc.

White Sugar

Worst Foods for Belly Fat - White Sugar
Ah, candy. The other pink, red, yellow (the list goes on) meat. One bite of these delectable treats is enough to make you high. Unfortunately, these highly addictive confectionaries contain white sugar in them which is not only harmful for your body, but does a job on your pearly whites too. This refined delicacy is also responsible for raising insulin levels in the blood. This depresses the immune system, making the body vulnerable to germs and diseases. This change can also lead to weight gain as Insulin promotes the storage of fat in the body. Furthermore, white or refined sugar does not contain any vitamins or minerals. This makes it harder to digest as the above mentioned products are essential to boost one's metabolism.

White Flour

Even though white flour was initially intended to be a basic kind of food, heavy refinement leads to the decrease in its nutritional value. Like sugar, the body treats this fatty product as a carbohydrate and stores it in its entirety. This leads to a rapid rise in one's blood sugar levels, which then decreases at the same rate. In other words, you start feeling hungry only a little while after you've eaten anything which contains this product, which, of course, leads to weight gain. Usually, baked goods contain white flour as their main ingredient like pizza, doughnuts, etc. It's best to stay as far as possible from such appetite enhancing food if you want to lose that belly fat.

Milk and Dairy products

If body fat is more important to you than your calcium intake, then you should probably stay away from dairy products. Most dietitians are of the opinion that fat content in such 'milky' products is responsible for weight gain. That's not completely true. It's the body's inability to break down these pasteurized products rather than the fat content which is more worrying. These milk derivatives have also been accused of being the number one allergen today, making their consumption a 'weighty' matter indeed.

Fizzy Drinks

Sodas are the worst enemy for those who want to lose weight. Why? It's because these colorful and bubbly drinks contain a great deal of 'empty calories', which don't provide any health benefits, but instead, contain large quantities of refined sugar and artificial additives. The body finds it difficult to store such refined products, leading to the accumulation of fat. Don't think that switching to the low-fat variety will help you any. Diet soda contains aspartame, an artificial, low-calorie sweetener. It does not add any calories to the body, but it does make the body feel hungrier. It's best to stick to water if you want to fit into your clothes.

Alcohol (Beer)

Usually, sporting a 'beer gut' (beer induced pot belly) is a laughing matter for some. The love of beer makes some individuals blind to its harmful effects, and some don't even care to find out. The main ingredient in beer is Alcohol, which greatly dulls the metabolism, making the digestion of food an ordeal in itself. Not only does it promote weight gain, but the consequent deficiency of vitamins and minerals further adds to the dilemma. This boozy product also enhances the appetite. Reduced blood sugar levels in the body make one feel hungry more frequently, thus promoting the accumulation of fat, and the creation of the 'beer belly'.

Fried Food

The most common cause for teen obesity is fast food. This usually consists of a meal containing your regular hamburger, fries and a drink and an extra portion for a minimal additional charge. Many of these fast foods are fried so as to speed up service and subsequently, increase customers. This serves to reduce the amount of vitamins and minerals and increases the quantity of sodium and fat which is rife in such greasy fare. Deep fat frying adds unnecessary pounds to food and the low fiber content slows down the digestive system. If belly fat isn't your idea of chic, then it's best that you stay away from these greasy concoctions.

Salad Dressing

No your eyes are not deceiving you. Now you know why your belly fat isn't reducing even though you follow a salad-based diet. Believe it or not, this creamy concoction sometimes contains dairy products in its list of ingredients which, as mentioned before, the body finds difficult to digest due to its high fat content. If this isn't enough to scare you, then the hundreds of unpronounceable ingredients on the back of salad dressing bottles should make you wary. Who knows what you are putting in your body! The best way to lose weight, and maintain your salad-based diet, is to avoid eating in restaurants. Don't be fooled by the 'low fat' label of their 'salads'. The dressing they use is rarely fat free.

Sodium (Salt)

This element, when combined with chlorine, gives rise to table salt, which is the culprit in many a greasy confectionaries. Believe it or not, excess amounts of this element leads to weight gain and even obesity, if not controlled. How? When sodium intake exceeds the amount of the same element in the body, it tends to build up within the kidneys and intestines. These organs then have to work extra hard to excrete this excess salt, leading to a buildup of extra fluid in the body. This ultimately, leads to increased blood pressure including extra weight gain from the water. So, if you want to lose weight, it's best to regulate your sodium intake. Don't eliminate it from your diet altogether!

Pasta

Yes, Pasta! This delicious snack is the culprit behind many distended bellies because of its wheat-based ingredients. A high metabolic rate is essential to burn fat effectively and the wheat-based ingredients in pasta slow down the digestive process. This leads to bloating, which can also lead to weight gain. This product is recommended for the athletic type, as the low amount of fiber makes it a slow energizer. So, unless you are susceptible to daily marathons, it's best to stay away from this oh-so-delicious snack.

Body Magic

Hopefully, this survey has proved to ruin your appetite for all the junk and greasy food you love to cram down your throat. If you want to keep your feet within your sight, then it's best to consume food which actually benefits you health wise, rather than ones which only serve to give you a brief high. A brief period of withdrawal is better than the embarrassment you will face if you get stuck in the elevator!

If you want a bit of body magic, then you best stick to green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, etc. These greens are high in fiber and energy, both of which will provide you with that extra oomph to remain lively and efficient the entire day. In addition, the slim look of the reshaping garment will do wonders for your figure and your confidence while you are losing the weight.

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Worst-Foods-for-Belly-Fat&id=5226788 - Worst Foods for Belly Fat

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Healthy Recipes for Work

Healthy Recipes for Work - No cutlery required!
By the time noon rolls around, it may seem too easy to head to nearest pizza joint. But hold up here's 10 healthy recipes for work.... and more!!



1. Herbed Cheese And Tomato Sandwich: 398 calories
Why it rules: Cottage cheese is an awesome low-fat source of protein!
1 English muffin: 120 calories
1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese: 40 calories
2 slices tomato: 10 calories
1/4 avocado, sliced: 68 calories
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard: 5 calories
1 leaf butter lettuce: 5 calories
1 tablespoon chives, chopped: <1 calorie
Garlic powder to taste: <1 calorie
Side Snack: 1 small banana and one square of dark chocolate (130 calories)

2. Hawaiian Veggie burger: 380 calories
Why it rules: Avocado is a great swap for mayonnaise because it’s full of healthy monosaturated fats.
1 whole-wheat bun: 90 calories
1 veggie burger patty: 100 calories
1/4 avocado, mashed: 68 calories
1 round of pineapple: 25 calories
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: 15 calories
1 handful alfalfa sprouts: 5 calories
Side Snack: 1 large handful of sweet potato chips (80 calories)

3. Crunchy Tuna Wrap: 382 calories
Why it rules: Greek yogurt makes this tuna salad just as creamy as the classic mayo would, but without all the extra fat and cholesterol!
1 whole-wheat wrap: 130 calories
1/2 a 6oz.-can of tuna: 90 calories
1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt: 30 calories
1/2 a celery stalk, chopped: 5 calories
3 slices roasted red peppers: 30 calories
1 handful of baby spinach: 5 calories
1 squeeze of lemon juice: <1 calorie
Side Snack: 1 cup cherries (90 calories)

4. Turkey Wrap: 365 calories
Why it rules: Turkey is a tasty and lean source of protein. Bonus points for choosing the low-sodium kind!
1 whole-wheat wrap: 130 calories
3 slices deli turkey: 90 calories
2 tablespoons hummus: 60 calories
1 tablespoon goat cheese: 60 calories
1 handful baby spinach: 5 calories
Side Snack: 9 Parmesan Garlic and Herb Pita Chips (140 calories)

5. Mediterranean Burger: 400 calories
Why it rules: Subbing turkey for the traditional beef saves some calories without sacrificing flavor.
1 whole-wheat bun: 90 calories
1 turkey burger patty: 140 calories
2 tablespoons feta cheese: 50 calories
2 slices tomato: 10 calories
1 round slice red onion: 5 calories
1 handful spinach: 5 calories
Side Snack: 5 Kashi 7-grain crackers with 1 stick reduced-fat string cheese (100 calories)

6. Spiced Chickpea Pita: 350 calories
Why it rules: Try this spin on a traditional falafel sandwich without fried chickpeas.
1 whole-wheat pita: 80 calories
1/2 a chicken breast: 100 calories
1/4 cup chickpeas: 70 calories
1/4 cup Greek yogurt: 30 calories
1 sprinkle parsley: <1 calorie
1 sprinkle oregano: <1 calorie
Side Snack: 1 large peach (70 calories)

7. Spicy Black Bean Burrito: 365 calories
Why it rules: Black beans are an awesome source of fiber.
1 whole-wheat wrap: 130 calories
1/4 cup black beans: 60 calories
1/4 avocado, sliced: 60 calories
1/4 small red onion, sliced: 10 calories
1 teaspoon hot sauce: 5 calories
Side Snack: 10 baked tortilla chips with ¼ cup salsa (100 calories)

8. Grilled Cheese With Tomato And Turkey: 345 calories
Why it rules: This healthier version of a grilled cheese has no butter and adds in turkey for extra protein!
2 slices whole-wheat bread: 180 calories
3 slices deli turkey: 90 calories
1 slice provolone: 70 calories
1 small spritz olive-oil spray (to grease pan panini press!): 5 calories
Side Snack: 1 small apple (60 calories)

9. Grilled Chicken And Cheese Sandwich: 395 calories
Why it rules: Low-fat mayo is a great swap for the full-fat version!
2 slices whole-wheat bread: 180 calories
1/2 a chicken breast, sliced: 100 calories
1 slice Swiss cheese: 70 calories
2 teaspoons low-fat mayo: 35 calories
2 slices tomato: 10 calories
1 leaf butter lettuce: 5 calories
Side Snack: 1/4 cucumber sliced with 2 tablespoons of hummus (75 calories)

10. Pizza Burger: 360 calories
Why it rules: Say so long cravings for greasy pizza thanks to this burger that’s also filled with protein.
1 whole-wheat bun: 90 calories
1 veggie burger patty: 100 calories
2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese: 140 calories
2 tablespoons marinara sauce: 40 calories
Side Snack: 1 orange (85 calories)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/01/healthy-recipes-quick-low-calorie-lunches_n_1638315.html - Healthy Recipes for Work

Wednesday, 2 April 2014

Alcohol and Metabolism

Alcohol and Metabolism
After falling in love, yes with my beautiful reds...Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinot.

Remember to enjoy the treats of life in moderation and that red wines have that cool, healthy ingredient, resveratrol.

Resveratrol does have many health benefits even possibly assisting in weight loss.

Here's the facts about alcohol and metabolism.

A 5oz. glass of wine has 150 calories. 
People tend to eat 20% more food while drinking alcohol. 
When alcohol breaks down, it turns into Acetate; therefore your body burns that before fat or sugar. 
Alcohol prevents proper processing of vitamins & minerals which is necessary for metabolism. 
Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels and dehydration, which leads to an increase in appetite.

With any weight management program, the facts should be considered.

Benefits of resveratrol. There are now over 2,000 studies supporting the benefits which may include more energy, reversing or slowing the aging process, prevention of cancer, weight loss and many more. Extensive research is still being done to see the health applications that exist.

I personally found an all-natural reseveratrol product which is equivalent to drinking 3,000 glasses of red wine per month without any of the negative side effects mentioned about.

In order to properly lose weight, it may be necessary to limit or even eliminate any alcohol in order to reach your weight loss goal.

Some other keys pointers in losing weight safely, naturally, and permanently are lose weight naturally using a safe, effective and proven program.

Set a vision for your weight-loss goals. For instance, "I want to be healthy and fit." will pull you towards your goal versus, "I don't want to be fat." Be mindful in setting up goals in a realistic, measurable, and positive way.

Utilize the expertise and accountability of working with a Weight-Loss Coach. While some may charge hourly or for a package of coaching sessions, there are some that give you Free Weight-Loss Coaching while you are on their weight-loss program. Look for those ways that not only assist you in hitting your goals but, also are easy on the pocketbook!


http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-We-Wine-About-Our-Metabolism-Being-Slowed-Down?-Alcohol-and-Metabolic-Shutdown&id=4150550 - Alcohol and Metabolism

Saturday, 22 March 2014

Diet Weight Loss Weight Control using Mental Imagery

Diet Weight Loss Weight Control
 using Mental Imagery
For dieters who have felt despair or even hopelessness in their struggle to develop permanent weight control, a new technique may prove helpful. Diet Weight Loss Weight Control, using Mental Imagery, a visualization technique used by health professionals, actors, artists, writers and professional athletes, can be adapted to diet programs. Many diets are undermined by people trying to lose weight in the face of depression, anxiety, rejection and abandonment. Mental Imagery exercises can facilitate dieting by helping dieters reduce and overcome emotional symptoms that foster weight gain. It appears to be a new and effective tool to lose weight permanently.

Emotional problems stem from the variety of conflicts we all face from childhood to our present age. No one is free of conflicts. These conflicts may take the form of an obsessive compulsive eating disorder that leads to overeating and interferes with developing normal eating patterns. Once the psychological factors that contribute to overeating are recognized and accepted, dieters could attempt to reduce their effect through the use of mental imagery.

To illustrate how mental imagery is used let's examine the common symptom of depression, which tends to make dieting more difficult to maintain. Whether depression is a primary cause of your overeating or secondary to being overweight, either way you are depressed. Simple visualization exercises can help you fight and even overcome depression and its connection to overeating and thus improve your weight control.

Although one can imagine many imagery exercises to help with depression and overeating, a good imagery technique is to first see yourself in that state of mind. Visualize yourself as the world's most depressed person. Then plaster an enormous X across this person. Visualize the X and your depressed self disappear, followed immediately by a smiling, happy you appearing. Visualize giving yourself a hug and saying how wonderful a person you are and that you will no longer eat because you are depressed. At the same time reiterate that you are losing weight and gaining control over your excessive eating. Many persons also physically hug themselves as they do this exercise.

Imagery that is specifically directed to eating problems offers many dieters another way to control psychological components of overeating. The type and kinds of imagery exercises that the imagination dreams up is almost inexhaustible. Imagery becomes very personal and tunes into individual needs. You can imagine whatever you want. In addition to diminishing emotional conflicts related to overeating, you can also direct the imagery to stop compulsive eating habits, such as binging whenever you see food available on a dining table.

Visualize reaching for the food. At the moment you are about to pick up it up, the food bites your finger, or jumps off the table and laughs at you or it just disappears. There are no limits to the number of imagery exercises you can create or do each day. Practice the exercises three to ten times a day, while deeply relaxed, until the results are felt. Imagery exercises require weeks and sometimes months to become fully effective. Imagery can become a powerful tool for psychological and behavioral change and help give you the permanent weight control you seek.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Diet:-Weight-Control-and-Weight-Loss-Using-Mental-Imagery&id=5753425 - Diet Weight Loss Weight Control

Monday, 17 March 2014

Gym Routine for Losing Weight

With an easy-to-follow workout schedule, you can see noticeable results on the scale in as little as eight weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, a safe and healthy goal for weight loss is dropping one to two pounds per week. This means that in as little as two months, you can lose up to 16 pounds. Below is a sample workout schedule that should be easy to fit into even the busiest schedule.

Weeks 1-4

The beginning of this workout plan will focus on shedding fat, building lean muscle and increasing your endurance.

Monday: Toning and Cardio

5 minute warm-up on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
10 minutes of cardio workout. On a scale of 1 to 10 in perceived exertion, aim for an intensity level of 6. This should cause slightly labored breathing, but you are able to maintain this pace for some time.
5 minute cool-down
3 sets of bicep curls
3 sets of tricep pulldowns with rope
3 sets of lateral pulldowns on cable machine
3 sets of front raises with dumbbells
Tuesday: Off 

Wednesday: Cardio and Core

5 minute warm-up on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
3 sets of plank exercises. Hold each for 30 to 60 seconds.
3 sets of crunches on a stability ball
3 sets of bicycle crunches
10 minutes of interval training on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
5 minute cool-down
Thursday: Off

Friday: Cardio and Lower Body

5 minute warm-up on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
3 sets of lunges with dumbbells
3 sets of squats onto stability ball
3 sets of leg curls on machine
10 minutes jogging on the treadmill
5 minute cool-down
Saturday: 30 minutes of brisk walking

Sunday: Off

Weeks 5-8

For the next segment of this workout plan, expect to step up the cardiovascular training and your strength training. 

Monday: Toning and Cardio

5 minute warm-up on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
20 minutes of cardio workout. On a scale of 1 to 10 in perceived exertion, aim for an intensity level of 7. This should cause labored breathing and a definite feeling of fatigue.
5 minute cool-down
3 sets of bicep curls on cable machine
3 sets of incline dumbbell press
3 sets of tricep kickbacks on a bench
3 sets of lateral pulldowns on cable machine
3 sets of lateral raises with dumbbells 
Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: Cardio and Core

5 minute warm-up on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
20 minutes of intervals: 90 seconds at a level 9 in perceived exertion followed by 30 seconds at level 3 in perceived exertion. Repeat 10 times.
5 minute cool-down
3 sets of plank exercises. Hold each for 60 seconds
3 sets of side plank exercises. Switch sides to complete one set
3 sets of straight leg raises on a bench
Thursday: 20 minutes on cardiovascular equipment of your choice

Friday: Cardio and Lower Body

5 minute warm-up on cardiovascular equipment of your choice
Saturday:
20 minutes
 on the stationary bike
10 minutes jogging on the treadmill
5 minute cool-down
3 sets of lunges with dumbbells
3 sets of squats with dumbbells
3 sets of seated calf raises with dumbbells
3 sets of side lunges with dumbbells
Saturday: 20 minutes on the stationary bike

Sunday: Off

For each workout, aim to complete 10 to 12 repetitions per set. When selecting dumbbells for your exercises, choose a pair of dumbbells where your muscles reach fatigue by the last repetition of each set. 


http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/lose-weight-in-8-a-sample-8-week-workout-schedule.html#b - Gym Routine for Losing Weight

Thursday, 13 March 2014

What to Eat for Breakfast to Lose Weight

It would seem that most people underestimate the benefits of breakfast and the part it plays in weight loss. 
                                       
It amazes me how many people skip breakfast and then wonder why they are so hungry by lunchtime. Some of my friends say they don’t feel hungry first thing in the morning so they grab a quick coffee before leaving for work. Parents who say they don’t have the time nor the inclination because they are busy organizing the children before the school run. 

Well, I can understand having had children myself that when you’re on the go, it is hard to relax but believe me, it is worthwhile sparing the time for yourself and it need not take you long. It astonishes me that some people skip breakfast in the belief that they’ll lose weight by restricting themselves to two meals instead of three. The problem with this is that by lunchtime they feel famished and invariably eat double the quantity and what about the nibbling in-between meals? A few almonds are good nibbles but not cakes and biscuits.
Every healthy diet going includes breakfast because it’s the most important meal of the day. 

After 8 or more hours of sleep the body needs food and drink to function properly. But the key to losing weight or maintaining it is to do it properly. When and what to eat for breakfast to lose weight? Well, eat as soon as you can after getting up because studies have shown that the metabolism is kick-started as soon as you eat and the fat-burning begins. To avoid those mid-morning hunger pains eat filling foods such as high-fibre and high-protein options with their slow- digesting nutrients that keep you feeling fuller for longer. Rolled oats cooked (porridge) is my favourite especially with sliced banana or blueberries and a tsp of honey. I make it with half water, half semi skimmed milk. Bite sized fruit followed by scrambled eggs with mixed grain bread is another option. 

How about honey sweetened  brown rice which provides energy in the form of B vitamins coupled with high-fiber? Prepare the rice by cooking the night before; then all you need to do next morning is add honey, raisins, some chopped apple and a pinch of cinnamon and there you have it, a breakfast that is certainly different and very delicious! You can substitute other grains if you don’t like rice such as quinoa, oats, buckwheat, rye, barley, millet or red wheat. Another favourite of mine is % natural Greek yogurt with muesli  and blueberries or chopped dried apricots – yummy! These are just a few ideas for what to eat for breakfast to lose weight. Using a little bit of imagination goes a long way but then so does knowing what to eat and what not to eat.

One of the best all round natural diets is the Mediterranean diet. Known for using fresh produce and keeping processed foods to a minimum it is low in fat and promotes overall wellbeing. As breakfast is so important, here are a few Mediterranean diet breakfast ideas that will increase your energy, improve your mental abilities and help your cholesterol levels also help in controlling weight. The following foods are staple breakfast foods: whole-grain bread or whole-grain cereal, dairy products like low-fat natural yogurt, half-fat milk and eggs. Choose a lean protein for which fish is a good example. Fresh fruit in season are best or vegetables. Nuts and seeds are made up of healthy fats and are beneficial to your heart. 

A plant-based oil like olive oil is the best to use for cooking or drizzling but please make sure it is Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it has only been pressed once; therefore it has the best nutritional value.
So what to eat for breakfast to lose weight but at the same time feel satisfied? There are so many different combinations but one of the most filling and versatile foods is the common egg and what better way to serve it than in the form of an omelette. 

With so many fillings to experiment with you are spoilt for choice. There are bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, olives, mushrooms. The list is endless! For something quick for those with little or no time simply spread a little almond butter on a slice of mixed grain bread and top with banana slices and raisins – Mmmm Delicious! 
         
To hear what else I have to say, check out My Website or to learn more about what to eat for breakfast to lose weight <<click here

Thursday, 6 March 2014

Food Rich in Vitamin D - Low D Levels Linked to Weight Increase

Food rich in vitamin D include fish and fish liver oils...and small amounts are also found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. These foods have the benefit of providing vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) which is known to be more effective than the vitamin D2 found in some fortified foods.

The US National Institute of Health lists the nutrient values of foods high in vitamin D as follows: 

Cod liver oil (1 tablespoon): 1,340 IUs
Sockeye salmon (3 oz. cooked): 794 IUs
Mackerel (3 oz. cooked): 388 IUs
Tuna fish (3 oz. canned in water & drained): 154 IUs
Milk (1 cup fortified): 115-124 IUs
Orange Juice (1 cup fortified): 100 IUs
Unless we are eating salmon every day, it is difficult to attain the daily 1,000 IUs of vitamin D recommended for adults by the Canadian Cancer Society; the 2,000 IUs recommended by Dr. Michael Holick (author of the UV Advantage); or the 5,000 IUs recommended by the Vitamin D Council, solely from foods rich in vitamin D.

IS COD LIVER OIL THE SOLUTION?

Cod liver oil certainly appears to be the most promising of the foods rich in vitamin D but there are several factors to consider before choosing this as your vitamin D program: 

Vitamin D is not absorbed well without complementary vitamins

Cod liver oils vary significantly in the amount of vitamin D they provide

Several tablespoons a day may be necessary to maintain recommended blood levels of vitamin

Complementary Vitamins

The Vitamin D Council warns that a variety of vitamins and minerals are needed to help the body use vitamin D properly. These include: 

magnesium
zinc
vitamin K2
boron
genestein
a tiny amount of vitamin A

Magnesium is the most important of these complementary factors but is rarely included with cod liver oil. Taking cod liver oil (or increasing vitamin D through supplements) could actually worsen an underlying magnesium deficiency...which is already common throughout North America.

Brands of Cod Liver Oil

Most brands of cod liver oil go through a process that removes all of the natural vitamins including vitamin D...although some manufacturers add vitamins to the final product. Cod liver oil that is unheated, fermented and produced with a filtering process that retains the natural vitamins is widely recommended. But most popular brands provide only 400 IUs of vitamin D per teaspoon (the equivalent of 1,200 IUs per tablespoon) which is well below recommended levels. During the winter months in northern regions (north of Boston, Rome and Beijing) several tablespoons would be required each day to maintain adequate blood levels-and additional magnesium would be required to facilitate absorption.

Many brands of cod liver oil have the benefit of providing EPA and DHA acids (which are valuable for the brain and nervous system) but few provide the higher dosage recommended by a growing number of vitamin D experts.

Although manufacturers argue that their oils provide more absorbable nutrients because of the high vitamin A content...this is widely disputed as vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries. Indeed, too much vitamin A may prove toxic and is particularly dangerous during pregnancy.

A good bone building supplement is an excellent complement to a diet of foods rich in vitamin D. A higher quality supplement will not only provide additional vitamin D3 but also the magnesium and vitamin K needed to facilitate absorption. Although cod liver oil is one of the foods rich in vitamin D...it may not provide as much absorbable vitamin D as expected while providing a false reassurance that intake is adequate.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Foods-Rich-in-Vitamin-D---Is-Cod-Liver-Oil-the-Solution?&id=4362161 - Food Rich in Vitamin D