Health Drinks May Not Be So Healthy After All

Health living is now a popular trend and thus emerged many companies offering health products and services. According to experts, taking vitamins and mineral supplements in liquid form can be quite effective in achieving optimum health. This is because in this liquid form, the body can absorb the nutrients it needs easily. This is the reason why health drinks are so popular today, that many companies come up with health drinks in liquid form such as those in juices while others come up with powder form which can be mixed with water, to be consumed.

However, many so-called "healthy drinks," may not be as good as they claimed to be. Some health drinks, for example, energy drinks are high in sugar content and caffeine. Consuming too much energy drinks can lead to heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and irritability. Juice drinks are usually high in sugar content and regular consumption of it will lead to an increase in your waistline as well as the risk of getting diabetes.

So for those who are into healthy drinks, it is time to learn how to determine which are the ones that can help you achieve optimum health and which ones do not. When shopping for health drinks, be sure to check the labels and avoid those which have the following ingredients:

• artificial flavors and sweeteners. Artificial flavors are commonly found in colas, sweet juices and candy bars and also in most health drinks that are flavored-based. These artificial flavors and sweeteners can cause pH imbalances in the blood.
• high fructose corn syrup. This is the major cause of weight gain as it is a concentrated sugar. Excessive consumption can lead to abnormal blood sugar levels that may eventually cause diabetes.
• processed vitamins. These vitamins have been heated, liquefied and isolated and thus they have been broken down and the the body will not benefit from them.
• phosphoric acid. This acid is usually found in detergents, fertilizers and other pharmaceuticals products. Consumption of this acid can lead to the irritation of the skin and eyes.
• artificial coloring such as the yellow 6, yellow 5 and red 40.
• modified food starch.

No doubt that ready-made commercial health drinks are convenient especially for the busy working people, nothing beats making your own health drink. All you need is a juicer, ice, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and you can get fresh, natural health drinks everyday.

To learn more about health drinks, visit http://www.squidoo.com/healthdrinks

Helen is a keen researcher and writer of health and health related topics. Visit her website at http://www.strongandhealthy.info

The Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced from the flower of the manuka bush which grows in New Zealand and parts of Australia. Scientific studies have shown that it is extremely effective in treating a variety of health conditions because it has a variety of powerful properties. It is effective in destroying bacteria, virus, fungus and other microbes.

Manuka honey is also an antioxidant, which means it contains an extra molecule that can attach to another molecule and prevent or slow down oxidation which is damaging to the cells. This honey can also reduce infection because of its anti-septic qualities, and reduces pain caused by swelling and inflammation.

Manuka honey, which can be taken orally, can eliminate or lessen a wide variety of health conditions such as stomach aches, stomach ulcers, strep throat, sore throat, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and even common cold symptoms. It can be given to young children, but not to babies under the age of 18 months.

Another A that manuka honey has been shown to be useful in treating is anti-wrinkle. The addition of manuka honey to an anti-wrinkle serum aids the production of collagen fibers to strengthen the skin and improve elasticity. It also regenerates new cells, rejuvenates the skin, and gives you a younger, healthier glow.

Because manuka is able to absorb impurities and kill bacteria in the pores of the skin, it is an ideal treatment for acne and other similar skin conditions, such as rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Plus it helps to fade skin redness and eliminate pain caused by these conditions.

Fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, nail fungus can be treated by manuka honey because of its powerful anti-fungal properties. Because of its ability to penetrate the surface of the skin, makes it possible for the cream to reach the areas where its anti-inflammatory action can do more to relieve the pain.

Manuka honey is a potent addition to first aid lotions and hand-sanitizing gels. It helps prevent scarring, helps destroy anti-biotic-resistance bacteria, and moisturizes the skin. It has also been shown to be effective in treating MRSA and other staph infections.

I think you'll agree that a study of manuka honey is definitely worth your time.