Without doubt, wine is so enjoyable that you may tend to forget that it is also healthy and good for your body as well, as long as it is taken in moderate and regular quantities. There are so many health benefits and advantages that wine has in store for its drinkers. You drink and enjoy the moment – but the last thing you know is that you are also already keeping your body healthy, too.

The many health benefits of wine are credited to the skin of the grape, which is the main ingredient of wine. It has resveratrol which is responsible for protecting the body’s cells, thus making the cells strong and young. Saponins, another essential ingredient of wine, bind to bad cholesterol and take it away from the body. Meanwhile, flavonoids interfere with the spread of cancer cells, thereby decreasing the risk of developing some forms of cancer.

Wine also increases the high-density lipoprotein, which is considered as the good cholesterol. This cholesterol actually reduces the fat on the surfaces of the arteries where it takes away the fat and delivers it to the liver. The liver then processes the fat and turns them into waste. The body then eliminates it.

Regular and moderate wine consumption also contributes in slowing down memory loss and preventing the death of brain cells. This also lessens the risk of developing dementia and dementia-related disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Procyanids, which are polyphenol compounds found in fine, also adds protection in the blood vessels. They additionally protect the endothelium, those protective tissues found around the heart and around the blood vessels. Flavonoids and other antioxidants, which are part of the wine’s composition, also appear to increase lung function and increase its efficiency, according to some studies. Moreover, regular and moderate consumption of wine also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in preventing a heart condition termed as cardiac fibrosis, which is a phenomenon when protein builds up in the valves of heart, leading to thickening. This decreases the efficiency of the beating of the blood. The wine, then, helps in preventing these proteins from forming within the heart valves.

Another study published in 2003 by the American Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that individuals who drink a regular amount of wine have less chances of developing some forms of peptic ulcers. The wine helps in getting rid of specific bacteria that cause these ulcers.

Wine is also rich in antioxidants, since grapes, which wine is mainly made of, have a high antioxidant content. These antioxidants, in turn, slow down the development of arterial plaque buildup. The wine, through this, is able to prevent arthrosclerosis, and to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

There is no debate that wine helps the body a lot in obtaining the ideal health that it deserves. Studies conducted over time have only showed that with self-discipline and control, anyone will surely love and enjoy the goodness and the advantages of wine. The key there is really to deal with drinking wine in a regular and moderate manner. In this manner, it is ensured that only the safe and healthy amounts of the chemicals in wine are kept and maintained. Moderation is the key to prevent the bad effects of wine from being possible.

I have been getting a lot of question from people asking if they can still drink wine while doing P90X?  I always say anything in moderation but don’t go crazy. (even though I don’t always follow the rules)  Here is an article I put together on the health benefits of wine.

Wine and health have long been proven to have a strong correlation with each other. In fact, during ancient times, the nutritive and healthful properties of wine were already recognized and given much attention. For instance, Hippocrates, a famous Greek physician who is considered as the Father of Medicine, often recommended particular wines in order to heal fever and wounds or as nutritional supplements. This only affirms that wines can actually be beneficial and helpful for the human body.

Pathogens, or disease-producing agents like viruses and bacteria, that thrive in the body are killed by the alcohols and acids in the wine. Wine is also considered as a gentle natural tranquilizer as it serves to decrease tension and anxiety. When included in a normal diet, the wine gives the body energy, small amounts of vitamins and minerals, and other substances that hasten digestion. Wine is also viewed to stimulate the appetite and to bring back nutritional balance in the body. The wine also performs as a mild euphoric agent to the sick and the aged.

A 1970 Framingham Heart Study revealed that deaths of moderate drinkers were only half of those deaths caused by coronary disease of non-drinkers. Another study, published in January 2003 by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, also affirmed the health benefits of wine, as it showed that when wine is moderately and regularly consumed, there is a lesser risk of peptic ulcers and the wine aids in killing the bacteria that cause them. It is important to note, though, that over-consumption of wine only increases ulcer risks and other diseases, so wine should only be consumed in moderate amounts.

Moderate consumption of wine could possibly be a way of prevention against forms of cancer and coronary diseases. Compounds found in grapes and wine are also shown to boost the immune system, as proven by many statistical and clinical evidences and laboratory studies. Moreover, wine also dilates the small blood vessels and aids in preventing clotting and angina, or throat diseases.

Meanwhile, according to American Journal of Physiology in 2004, resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and wine, is able to form a protein that creates a condition termed as cardio fibrosis, where the heart’s pumping efficiency is decreased in times of stress. Resveratrol also lengthens the life span of yeast cells by 80%, a finding revealed in the May 8, 2003 issue of the Nature journal. This may lead to the conclusion that wine keeps those who drink it younger. As long as consumed in light and moderate amounts, wine may prevent or postpone the development of different forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases.

The hundreds or thousands of studies conducted over time on the health benefits can only lead to the idea that moderate and regular drinking of wine leads to a longer life. The advice by medicine experts and scientists is to drink wine in moderation and together with meals. Here, wine drinking is likely to create sociological and cultural patterns which in truth help in preventing alcoholism. Health-conscious people can enjoy drinking wine at a regular and moderate manner as a source of pleasure, supporting and prolonging a gracious life. It only entails responsibility and discipline to provide your body with the wide array of health benefits that wine offers.

If you are doing P90X and you are wondering if you should follow the P90X nutrition plan I can give you a quick answer, YES.  If you don’t have the help of a nutritionist and you want to see the best results then follow the P90X nutrition guide.  For some it might take some getting used to and some might already be following it and not even know it.  Is the P90X a nutrition plan a cure all for everyone?  Well it is a great nutrition guide to help you on your way but everyone is different.  That is what is so good about this plan, it can grow and change with you.  The P90X nutrition plan is designed to help you recognize how your body reacts to carbohydrates.  Since each individual will have a different intensity level your carb intake could be lower or higher.  This will be determined in the first phase of the P90X nutrition plan which is the fat shredder phase.  Someone who already has a low body fat percentage will not stay in this phase too long as you will need more carbs to give you the energy you need to complete your P90X work outs. Phase 1 consists of 50% protein, 30% carbs and 20% fat.  You will follow phase 1 of the P90X nutrition plan for 30 days unless you feel like you need more energy.  If you are already fit you might only be in this phase for a week or two.  If you are trying to burn more fat then this phase can be extended if you feel you have enough energy to push hard during your work outs.

From here you will move on to phase 2 of the P90X nutrition plan which consists of 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fat.  This is a more well rounded plan that you can use as long as you like as long as you have ample energy and you are feeling great. You will be adding 1 or 2 more carbs into your menu depending on which level you are at so you will be able to judge how you feel, did you gain any weight etc.  If anything changes you can always adjust accordingly.

Phase 3 of the P90X nutriton plan is the last phase and is 20% protein, 60% carbs and 20% fat.  If you are pushing your body to the limit then you will be able to stay in this phase. This is an athletic diet regiment.  If you are “Bringing It” then you will have no problem staying  in this  phase. Some people decide to stay in phase 2 because they are seeing awesome results but you have to try Phase 3 at some point.  Some people hesitated to move on to phase 3 because it is carb-heavy and because they thought they would gain weight but were surprised when they had even better results.  Athletes have to eat more carbs because their bodies are finely tuned fat burning machines.  You will determine which phase you should stay in but must give phase 3 a try.  It just might bring you to the next level.  You can always add and subtract carbs to fit what works best with your body.

The P90X nutrition plan also comes with 3 approaches and you will decide which approach is best for you. They are “The Portion Approach”, “The Meal Plan Approach” and “The Quick Option Approach”. So as you can see there is something for everyone.  Even if you need to run into Subway or Taco Bell for a quick lunch the P90X nutrition plan gives you that option.  Obviously you should not exceed one fast food meal per day but if you are on the go and need something quick you have the option.

One other thing I would recommend is signing up for a Club Membership from Beachbody.  Your membership will give you personalized meal plans, advice from Beachbody trainers like Shaun T, Chalene Johnson and Tony Horton, 10% off of anything Beachbody sells including any supplements, message boards for advice and community support, WOWY online gym to track your progress, plan your work outs and stay accountable, nutrition tips and recipes, VIP chatrooms for live discussions with members and other trainers, your own message center, weekly newsletter and much more.  The Club Membership cost $2.99 a week and is billed in advance for a 3 month period. You can try it “FREE” for 30 days and if you do not like it then you can cancel.  You also will get a free gift which is the “Thin Kitchen” cook book which is yours to keep even if you cancel.  Remember, you save 10% on everything.  This includes P90X Results and Recovery drink, P90X Protein bars, Pull up bar, Shakeology and everything else Beachbody has to offer.

Just as a caution I want to let you know that most used copies of P90X  and pirated copies do not come with the P90X nutrition plan or the P90X workout guide. You can sometimes buy a copy in pdf format off eBay but I don’t think that will last since it is copyrighted material.  So save yourself the time and a headache by trying to piece these things together and get P90X with the nutrition plan and work out guide straight from Beachbody with a money back guarantee.

Debbie Siebers, creator of Slim in 6,  shows us a sure fire way to slim down this season.  Drink Shakeology.  Feed your body the proper nutrition and cut calories at the same time with Shakeology.  Add this to your current Beachbody exercise program and this is sure to pack a 1,2 punch to help you cut those unwanted pounds.  There is nothing  on the market I have seen that even comes close to Shakeology.  You would have to combine a ton of vitamins, protein, super fruits, prebiotics, and much more to even come close since there are over 70 ingredients in this awesome shake.  I have been drinking it since it came out in April and I love it. It is very refreshing.  Shakeology comes in 2 flavors, chocolate and greenberry and I like both.  I don’t quite know how to describe the greenberry,  except for saying it is exotic tasting.  Instead of buying that ice coffee latte from starbucks or that energy drink packed with sugar give your body something it will love.

If you would like to get even more information on Shakeology including testimonials, recipes and facts click here.

Shakeology

Recipe: Cranberry Relish Surprise!

Forget that gelatinous can-shaped cranberry side dish, or the cranberries laced with enough sugar to put you into a coma for the rest of the evening. If you want to get your tart on this holiday season, try this healthy Shakeology holiday treat, fresh from the Beachbody® test kitchen.

• 1 scoop Greenberry Shakeology
• 2 cups cold cranberry juice
• 7 segments mandarin orange
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup ice (or to taste)

Orange zest twist for garnish (optional)

Blend till frothy and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 315
• Protein: 17 g
• Carbs: 51 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Fat: 1 g

Buy Shakeology today!  It is the healthiest meal of the day.

Shakeology

Time and time again research has shown that there are 13 different nutrient dense foods that tend to promote overall good health.  These “superfoods” are richer in vitamins and minerals, have fewer calories and have a ton of disease fighting antioxidants.

These “superfoods” consist of broccoli, green tea, berries, beans, nuts, oranges, salmon, soy, spinach, tomatoes, whole grains, turkey, and yogurt. These 13 foods will provide a solid base for a new healthy you and have also been known to help with Alzheimer’s, diabetes and hypertension.

It’s just not worth it to have an unbalanced diet.  You will feel lethargic, have low energy, mood swings, weight changes and always feel tired.  Nobody wants to feel like this.  Also an unbalanced diet can cause havoc on the bodies growth and development, body tissue, brain, nervous system and also cause problems with brain and muscle system.  You could also suffer from a weakened immune system which could lead to frequent colds or allergies.

We constantly need to keep feeding the body with these 13 “superfoods” as well as other nutrient dense foods. The body will be nourished and will thank you for it over the long haul.

Many of today’s diets consist of fast food, processed food, prepackaged food or foods that lack the proper vitamins and minerals. It is time to change all that. These 13 “superfoods” can be a great start to a new sound, healthy and nutritious new you.

Everyday add something new from this group to your diet. You will be surprised how fast you will start to notice changes that are not only visible in the mirror.

Don’t have time to put together all these fruits and veggies?  Get it all with Shakeology, the healthiest meal of the day.