It’s not the first time that dairy foods have been associated with health risks, but the attention is usually focused on the effects of milk’s naturally-occurring saturated fats and cholesterol, as well as drug and hormonal contamination. More recently, researchers have been looking at the possible long-term effects of milk protein consumption, and they do mean ‘long-term’, going so far as to suggest prenatal effects in expectant Mom’s who consume dairy.  But for the millions of nutritionally-conscious consumers who consider dairy protein like whey an important part of their regimen - not to mention the brands that market such supplements -  this just-published study raises more questions than answers.  We’ll try to put it into perspective in today’  AllStarHealth blog. (more…)

Still searching for a protein powder? Begin here.

No matter where you buy supplements, chances are they have more protein powders than just about any other kind of product.  That may be why one of the most common questions we receive is simply, how do I chose one from among all these options? Well it’s really a very simple process once you understand some of the basics. Here’s a quick and easy guide to choosing a protein powder. (more…)

Protein shakes, maybe the single best nutritional approach to growing thicker healthier hair.

Dear AllStarHealth,

I’m a 30 y.o. female and new mother. Over the last year or so, I’ve become aware that my hair is growing much slower than it did while I was in college.  It also seems to be thinner and drier and falls out more easily.  My doctor seems unconcerned, just said to make sure to keep eating enough and take my prenatal.  Believe me, I eat enough and I’ve been taking this prenatal for over a year now. There’s got to be something else? I ‘ve seen “hair vitamins” ,  should I use one of those or can you suggest any particular supplements that might help?

Thanks,

Gabriella

Malibu, CA

Dear Gabriella,

Congratulations on the new arrival!  Well, on one hand there are indeed a few nutritional supplements that ‘work’, that people have successfully used to improve the growth and condition of their hair.  On the other hand (more…)

Speed is over-rated!

Dear AllStarHealth,

I need advice, please. I am trying to lose about 25 lbs. I do cardio 3 days a week and weights 3 days week.  My friend and I pooled our AllStarHealth order to save on shipping and since he got some Casein Protein, I ordered some too. He was saying it was better than Whey protein powder, but I forgot why.  So when I went and read up on it, from what I have read everyone seems to say whey is better because it absorbs faster.   Is that true and does it make a difference which one I use?

Thanks,

Lisa Connors,

Springfield, MO

Whereas people used to just use one type of protein powder, it’s very common now to see people using 2 or 3 types and buying different flavors of one type. They’re just more popular now than ever and people can take advantage of the different types.

It’s true that whey absorbs faster than casein protein, that’s the gist of it,  but (more…)

What have you heard about protein shakes?

Dear AllStarHealth,

One thing I’m still confused about with protein shakes is whether they are going to make you slimmer or bulkier?

Thanks,

Shireen (more…)

Amino acids have specialized and unique benefitss

Amino acids are among the most useful and unique nutritional supplements, but they’re not as familiar to most people as vitamins and minerals. Although some amino acids are essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, amino acid supplements aren’t used the same way.  Instead, people use amino acids for their specific and specialized effects on the mind and body. In this blog post, we’ll do a quick rundown of the most common types of and uses for amino acid supplements.  There’s a good chance you could benefit from one or several. (more…)

Peroxide lighteners and dyes chemically damage hair. A new study shows how alpha lipoic acid protects hair when formulated into hair dyes. Huge implications for that industry.

If you’re one of the millions of people who use commercial hair dyes to lighten or perm your hair, you  already know that the peroxide in those products damages your hair. A new study shows that by adding an inexpensive antioxidant to a peroxide hair dye, the hair is protected without affecting the results. This is a golden opportunity for that industry to launch a new generation of better, healthier products. (more…)

With a little practice and experimentation, you'll soon be making delicious and super-nutritious protein shakes.

Protein supplements are staple item in most nutritional regimens. If you don’t use a protein supplement yet, you probably should start. Why? Protein is such an important nutrient for overall health that it’d be hard to overstate just how important it is. You need protein on a continual basis. You need protein to manufacture new immune cells and compounds to replace those destroyed in the line of duty. You need protein to replace old and defective blood cells on a constant basis. You need protein to grow healthy hair, skin and nails. You need protein to make enzymes to digest food and detoxify your body. Protein - and not minerals like calcium- is what gives bones their tensile strength (the ability to withstand impacts and mechanical stress without breaking). Muscular strength, growth, repair and maintenance all require protein too. (more…)

More Protein Helps You Lose Weight? Yes

Bodybuilders and fitness athletes have known it for a long time; if you want to lose body fat a low-glycemic/high-protein diet is the way to go.

(more…)