DHA in Vegan Diets. Is Supplementation Necessary? - Choosing Raw

Greetings, all!

Hope you?ve been enjoying restful and happy holiday weekends. Mine has been very busy?tons of ?back to the grind? stuff to deal with?which is fine with me. To be honest, as nice as vacation is, it only takes me a week or so to start aching for work again. I?ll be ruing these words in a month or so, but at the moment, it feels great to be stretched thin with projects again.

On my project list for some time has been a review of a new, and super favorite, protein powder. It?s called ?True Vitality? protein powder, and it is from Green Foods. Like many protein powders on the market, it is infused with probiotics, Omega-3 fatty acids, and greens. It?s vegan and gluten free. What makes it unique is that it contains a dose of DHA from algal oil.

What is DHA, exactly? DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid (or, more precisely, all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexa-enoic acid?take that, orgo!!!) is an Omega-3 fatty acid that may play a role in fetal brain and retinal development, heart disease prevention, prevention of Alzheimer?s Disease, and even a positive role in managing ADHD. Though none of these correlations have been proven (research on DHA and human health has a long way to go), the findings suggest that DHA is at least worthy of broader study.

DHA is a hot topic for vegans, because vegan diets have historically been lower in the nutrient than omnivorous ones. The most readily available source of the nutrient is fish and fish oil. Though there is no hard evidence of health defects in vegans due to missing DHA, current thinking is that DHA supplementation is at least worthwhile. Here I?ll quote my friend Ginny Messina, R.D., who writes about DHA in her invaluable book Vegan For Life (which I consider to be a ?must read? for vegans who want solid nutrition and health information):

?Because the research on the overall benefits of Omega-3s is so conflicting, it?s hard to know whether these supplements are useful for vegans. We are not convinced that they are. On the other hand, we are not convinced that the lower blood levels of DHA and EPA in vegans is unimportant. Until we know more, we are inclined to recommend supplementing with very small amounts, around 200 to 300 mg of DHA (or DHA and EPA combined) every two or three days.

Conveniently, in the 1980s, NASA researchers discovered a means of isolating DHA without the use of fish or fish oil for astronauts on long voyages. They realized that certain species of marine algae could be used to produce supplementary DHA, and so DHA from algae is now widely available to vegans.

I?ll confess that I have not consistently supplemented DHA myself, but Ginny?s recommendation is good reason to consider it seriously. Moreover, if you are an expecting mother, it?s well worth asking your health care practitioner if a DHA supplement may be wise, as its role in brain development may be significant. We aren?t sure what role DHA plays in plant based diet, but as Ginny points out, it does seem clear that some supplementation of this nutrient can?t hurt, and may help.

For this reason, I was excited to find that True Vitality protein contains DHA from algal oil! It?s worth noting that the DHA in True Vitality protein powder is 1000 mg per serving; this is about 3-4 times what Ginny and Jack Norris recommend. That said, it?s very easy to use half a serving of the powder per smoothie or drink, or to use it only a few times weekly, rather than daily. When we find new products that boast particular nutrients, it?s tempting to glut ourselves on them, but it?s important to remember that over-supplementation can be expensive, unnecessary, and even harmful; when you get a new powder or enriched food, always check out labels to see what your intake will be!

Green Foods sent me samples of both the chocolate and vanilla flavors. Both are delicious. Unlike some vegan protein powders, they?re not sicky sweet, but they?re sweet enough that the greens and slight trace of algae can?t be detected readily.

The base of the protein is a mix of pea, rice, and hemp, which I like because it means variety. If you?re curious about details, here?s the ingredient label:

I used both flavors, often in my ?standard? smoothie mix of banana, greens, berries, almond milk, flax, and hemp seeds. The chocolate flavor worked really well in a smoothie of cherries, cacao, cacao nibs, strawberries, and greens.

Yum!

As for the price point, it?s 29.99$ for 22.7 oz of the protein; this is not cheap, but it is more affordable than other premium brands (to give you a sense of comparison, 30.4 oz of Vega is $69.99). And the company has a range of products that also includes green powders, wheatgrass, carrot essence, and beet essence. Check out the array of products on the website, here.

I?d certainly purchase this protein again, and plan to. Though I don?t consider protein powders to be an essential part of vegan diets, they can be helpful means of boosting protein intake?for particular purposes (if,??for instance,?you happen to be an athlete, a person in ED recovery, or a person who is new to veganism and struggling with protein sourcing) or if you simply feel that you thrive with more protein than you can get conveniently from your diet. They can also add a lot of density and satiety to smoothies.

I have a much more complete protein powder review in the works; if you guys have any particular questions, please comment and let me know, so that I can take them into account!

Have a wonderful evening, friends.

xo

Tagged as: DHAs, ginny messina, nutrition, nutrition in the news, omega-3 fatty acids, product review, protein, smoothie

Source: http://www.choosingraw.com/dha-in-vegan-diets-is-supplementation-necessary-plus-true-vitality-protein-powder-dha-enriched-product-review/

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Related Posts - Dashing times

HEALTH

The athletic workout

by newseditor1 Posted ON September 3, 2012 ????? No Comments

While the brouhaha around the Olympics has taken everyone in a tizzy, we throw focus on some sports-inspired workouts, if you want to get the toned body of your favourite athlete.

Every sports enthusiast has been bitten by the Olympic bug! With sports suddenly being the flavour of this season, if you want to ditch your boring gym routine, we suggest some sports-inspired workouts, that break the monotony of your fitness regime. After all, fitness and sports go hand-in-hand. And while not everyone is born an athlete, you can definitely feel like one by trying these workouts. Says fitness guru Krutika Ranjane, ?Athletes need specific training tailored according to their sport. Add these exercise routines to enhance your physical and mental fitness.? So if you?re looking for fun and a fantastic workout, get, set, go! Purvaja Sawant

Cardio kickboxing
Remember the ?80s, when every woman on the planet was hooked on to aerobics, as the universal form of working out? Then came the ?90s and aerobic kickboxing (now known as cardio kickboxing) hit the fitness circuit. A sports-inspired form of aerobics, it pairs the cardio workout of traditional aerobics with the strength and agility training involved in martial arts. Using conventional heavy bags and training pads that are based on authentic kickboxing techniques, it provides both resistance and cardiovascular benefits. Most cardio kickboxing classes begin with light stretches and a cardio warm up. Typical routines include a series of repetitive punches, hand strikes and kick. And we can?t think of a better way to incorporate self-defence moves in your workout.

Olympic lifting (Explosive lifts)
There?s a warning that comes with this one. Not everyone?s cup of tea, this is a highly advanced and complex movement exercise. Olympic lifts or explosive lifts should not be confused with powerlifting. The former recruits maximum use of muscle fiber in the entire body. The explosive movement helps co-ordinate the entire body to perform together. Says Ranjane, ?They are excellent for joint stability and neuromuscular balance. It helps gain over all muscle mass.? While you can get amazing benefits from doing explosive lifts, if done wrong, you have high chances of injury. Shetty warns, ?Olympic lifts can improve your athletic ability greatly. Unfortunately, the drawback is that it comes with a tough learning curve. Also, they are notoriously hard to learn and master.? But if you do execute them correctly, then you can reap their vast benefits.

Indoor wall climbing
Not every fitness routine is capable of giving you an adrenaline rush. So if thrill and excitement is what you?re looking for in your workout, then indoor wall climbing is a great option for women. Says Ranjane, ?Indoor wall climbing helps you practice balance, increases hand grip strength and challenges the mind and body co-ordination. It also improves kinesthetic awareness. It demands supreme energy and co-ordinates the entire body.? Apart from giving you a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top, it also improves fitness while building trust and problem solving skills. If there ever was a challenging complete body workout that required co-ordination, endurance, strength, flexibility and balance, our vote would go to indoor wall climbing.

Walking lunges
?Walking lunges are an excellent workout for mobility of hip, knee and ankle joint,? says Ranjane. An extremely beneficial exercise, it has been adopted by many athletes who are engaged in running sports like sprinting, hurdles, football, hockey etc. And why not, after all, it stresses joint mobility, strength, flexibility, core, and challenges the cardiovascular system. Mobility of the ankle, hip, and knee joints are required, to maintain perfect alignment, as well as maintain stability. All you have to do is walk around the room, but in a lunging action. To intensify this workout, you can use dumbbells and barbells.

The Asylum workout
If you want to transcend from an average health-conscious individual to an elite athlete, and are willing to put in your maximum effort, check out Insanity: The Asylum workout. A 30 day DVD program, though it is touted to be the most difficult home exercise program ever devised, it is one of its kind that is based on drills used by pro-athletes. You can spike your speed, co-ordination, agility, strength, and power to the next level, with the help of this workout. Stay on track and within 30 days, you?ll get faster, stronger, and more agile than you ever imagined. You will not only burn calories, but also build muscle, and unleash your inner world-class athlete!

Body attack
Are you looking for a workout that will increase your stamina and strength? Then Body Attack is meant for you. It is a sports-inspired cardio workout that helps in building strength and stamina. This high-energy training exercise combines athletic aerobic movements with strength and stabilisation exercises. Basically, it?s high impact aerobics that is set to music! It will provide you a platform for achieving the highest personal levels of aerobic and anaerobic fitness. While at first it may seem hard to attempt, it?s a safe workout for women of all ages and fitness levels.

Aqualates
If you?re a water baby, you?ll definitely enjoy Aqualates. This sports-specific aqua workout is aerobics in water that?s based on the same anatomical guidelines and principles of Pilates, but in the resistive environment of a swimming pool. Designed specifically to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, aqualates is an ideal workout for those who suffer from pelvic, back, or other joint pain because the effects of gravity are reduced significantly in the water, thus making it a low-impact exercise. Apart from being a calorie-burning workout, Aqualates also enhances co-ordination, mobility, stability, endurance and balance.

Plyometric box jumps
?Plyometric training develops strength, power, balance, agility and kinesthetic awareness, all at the same time. It truly addresses many levels of athletic performance,? says Jivesh Shetty, fitness expert. Try the plyometric box jump, an exercise, where you have to jump from the ground to an elevated surface (one to two feet off the floor). They are compound, multi-jump exercises, (training for explosive power movement), that are also practiced in sports like long jumps, pole vault and basketball. TIP: In order to perfect a box jump, you must develop agility, coordination, accuracy and balance. And you should perform them at challenging heights.

Source: http://www.dashingtimes.com/the-athletic-workout-2/

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Cornfield wedding shows couple's love is planted firmly in the ...

A wooden sign reveals a portion of Meeker's proposal at the Pillard-Meeker wedding in a Coggon cornfield on Saturday, September 1, 2012. Meeker proposed to Pillard two years ago in the same cornfield they tied the knot in. (Christy Aumer/The Gazette)

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COGGON ? Passing thousands of rows of cornfields on Highway 13, it can be hard to pick the ?the only and only,? but for 25-year-old Jed Meeker ? the decision wasn?t tough.

Longtime boyfriend of Kali Pillard, Meeker knew exactly who he was going to marry, and where he was going to propose. He remembered that Pillard would only marry him if it was ?in the middle of a cornfield.?

And Meeker did just that.

Nearly two years ago, Meeker asked for Pillard?s hand in marriage in the middle of a cornfield just north of Coggon. This cornfield became significant for the couple, and they later tied the knot in the very same spot on September 1, 2012.

Tina and Dennis Hogan, friends of the couple and owners of the cornfield, have seen their love grow over the years.

?Kali used to babysit our girls,? Tina said. ?This was an absolutely perfect day, and the weather is great.?

Around 200 guests drove down a gravel road to walk down an archway of trees leading them through a small maze of corn to discover a collection of white chairs and carved wooden signs. One in particular read: ?You said you would only marry me in a cornfield so? Will you marry me??

The bridesmaids dressed in purple were escorted by groomsmen, before revealing Pillard in a strapless, white laced dress with a gleaming smile.

Pillard?s veil fluttered in the wind as the pastor read Matthew 13:1-9, citing a farmer and his seeds, and ?whoever has ears, let them hear.?

He mentioned that despite the drought, ?the seed you?ve planted has grown in good soil, because it?s beautiful.?

The couple also released butterflies out of a small white box as a part of the ceremony. The butterflies symbolized new beginnings, and were asked to think silently about what they would wish for each other and their marriage.

?The butterflies will now be released to carry forth the good news of your promises of love and commitment to each other,? the pastor said.

The guests were pronounced husband and wife, sealed the union with a kiss, and applause erupted from friends and family. As guests congratulated the bride and groom on their way out, a tub of ice cold Pepsi in classic glass bottles refreshed them.

The couple later went to Manchester for their reception.

Pillard and Meeker are both from rural Ryan. Pillard currently works as the human resources director at the Good Neighbor Society in Manchester, and Meeker works at Red Star Yeast in Cedar Rapids as an industrial maintenance mechanic.

Kali Pillard and Jed Meeker become husband and wife in a cornfield in Coggon on Saturday, September 1, 2012. Meeker proposed to Pillard in the same cornfield. (Christy Aumer/The Gazette)

Source: http://thegazette.com/2012/09/01/cornfield-wedding-shows-couples-love-is-planted-firmly-in-the-ground/

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Healthy Food Tips: Top 5 Best Muscle Building Foods for Fitness

A diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates is essential for building lean muscle and losing excess fat. Proper nutrition requires some basic knowledge, discipline, and consistency. When you work out, the stress of weight lifting damages muscle fibers. In order for your body to recover, you need to consume quality foods that contain amino acids and carbs. The foods you eat on a daily basis are responsible for helping you recover from your workout sessions.

Here are top five best muscle building foods for fitness enthusiasts:

Chicken

Chicken is a preferred choice among bodybuilders and athletes worldwide. This food is cheap and easy to cook. One chicken breast has approximately 25 grams of protein and less than 130 calories. For a rich flavor, you can marinate chicken in seasoned fruit juice. Use bold seasonings like minced hot peppers, infused vinegar, and curry.

Lean Ground Beef

If you want to put on some muscle, include beef into your diet. This type of meat is an excellent source of zinc and iron, two essential muscle building nutrients. Beef also contains two grams of creatine for every 16 ounces. Red meat is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Each cut has a different amount of fat, protein, and calories. Beef doesn't contain any carbohydrates.

Almonds

Almonds are one of the best sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight against free radical damage after strenuous physical activity. Recent studies have shown that men who eat almonds on a regular basis have a 67 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Almonds also contain protean and healthy fats. They are the perfect snack for satisfying late-morning hunger.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds provide 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. Available both shelled and unshelled, they can be eaten roasted or row. Sunflower foods are rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion. In addition to protein and fiber, they contain vitamin E, linoleic acid, selenium, and vitamin B2. These essential nutrients support lean muscle growth, boost energy levels, and promote healthy adrenal glands.

Brown Rice

Brown rich is loaded with complex carbohydrates and fiber, providing a sustained release of energy throughout the day. The American Dietetics Association recommends active individuals to have a diet rich in complex carbohydrates from quinoa, whole wheat pasta, oats, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. Whether you want to lose fat and get ripped before a fitness competition, or you are trying to build muscle, brown rice should be on your list.

Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or have more energy, search for healthy food tips before starting a new diet. Proper nutrition should be a priority for those who want to stay healthy and maintain their body weight. At DSM Food, you can learn how to prepare tasty meals and choose the right foods for your diet. Providing quality nutrition reviews online.

Source: http://dietandnutritionblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/healthy-food-tips-top-5-best-muscle.html

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Deneeta Pope, Paul Ryan Ex-Girlfriend, Wishes V.P. Hopeful Well Despite Political Differences

Deneeta Pope, the African-American ex-girlfriend of Republican V.P. nominee Paul Ryan, wants nothing to do with the upcoming Presidential election.

She's also a Barack Obama supporter, though she wishes Ryan well.

Ryan mentioned in an interview years ago that he's experienced racism in part because he has a black sister-in-law as well as a black ex-girlfriend.

This came up again recently after some of Ryan's policies have been criticized - fairly or otherwise - as detrimental to the African-American community.

Deneeta Pope has since been ID'd ... and wishes she hadn't been.

Pope said yesterday, a day after Paul Ryan's acceptance speech at the RNC, "I'm not interested in talking. I don't know why everyone is calling."

"I'm newly married and would just like to be left alone."

Deneeta did speak briefly on the newly-minted V.P. hopeful, though, telling the Daily Mail that while she remains an ardent Barack Obama backer, she can't help but cheer for the #2 man on the GOP 2012 ticket at the same time.

Pope, 40, said, "I am indeed a Democrat. That’s no secret. But although I have a different political association to Paul, I support him and wish him success."

"Paul is a very nice guy, a kind guy and a family guy."

Daneeta says that she remains in touch with the Wisconsin Congressman; Paul and his wife, Janna Ryan, were even invited to Pope's wedding in May.

Wonder if she has a Paul Ryan shirtless pic or two of her own.

Election 2012:

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/08/deneeta-pope-paul-ryan-ex-girlfriend-wishes-vp-hopeful-well-desp/

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Iran urges Nonaligned Movement role in Syria

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) ? Iran's top leader says nonaligned nations have more right than NATO or the U.S. to help find a solution to the Syria crisis.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not say what the nonaligned movement should do. Iran is hosting a two-day summit of the 120-nation Nonaligned Movement in Tehran.

Iran is hoping to use the summit to counter Western efforts to isolate it over its nuclear program and also to head off foreign intervention in Syria.

Meeting with Syrian prime minister Wael Nader al-Halqi, Khamenei urged the Syrian government to continue political reforms. His remarks were posted on his website Friday. Iran is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

On Thursday Egypt's Islamist president said in Tehran that the world should back rebels against the "oppressive" Syrian regime.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-08-31-Iran-Nonaligned/id-5f0422e59079482eae57164ade077d4a

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Dell Boosts XPS Lineup With Windows RT Hybrid, Convertible Ultrabook

BERLIN ? Dell on Thursday unveiled three new additions to its XPS lineup ? a touch-enhanced all-in-one, a convertible ultrabook, and a Windows RT tablet/laptop hybrid.

First up is the XPS 10, a 10-inch Windows RT device. Use the attached keyboard for everyday work via the built-in Microsoft Office suite, and then switch to entertainment mode by detaching the tablet from its keyboard. Dell's Sam Burd said the XPS 10 can get up to 20 hours of battery life, enabling you to take it with you on a long weekend without worrying about a recharge.

Meanwhile, Dell is trying its hand at the convertible tablet again with the XPS Duo 12. Dell is pushing the device as two devices in one package ? powerful ultrabook plus full-featured tablet. The XPS Duo 12 boasts a hinge feature that flips the ultrabook screen around to become a tablet device. It features a full HD screen and a Gorilla glass display.

Dell is also boosting its existing Dell XPS One 27 all-in-one PC (pictured above and right) with a 10-finger capacitive touch system that takes advantage of Windows 8. The device features a 27-inch Wide Quad HD display, as well as Infinity Premium speakers and Waves MaxxAudio 4 audio technology for all your entertainment needs.

Combined with the touch features in Windows 8, the XPS One 27 will help consumers "break the tether that's existed ? between users and their mouse and keyboards," said Burd.

The XPS One 27 also features a "lay-down desktop mode," which lets you lay the device almost flat for viewing around a table or office.

The devices are expected to ship with the launch of Windows 8, on Oct. 26. Pricing will be revealed closer to that date, executives said today at IFA.

For more from Chloe, follow her on Twitter @ChloeAlbanesius.

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409110,00.asp?kc=PCRSS05039TX1K0000760

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