PURCHASE, N.Y. — According to the director of the Centers for Disease Control, obesity is the number one health threat facing Americans today.1 Being obese is a leading contributor to all three top causes of death in the United States: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The type of body fat that has doctors particularly concerned is visceral fat, which collects in the abdominal area around the vital organs and is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome. In a presentation at the 16th Annual European Congress on Obesity (ECO), Professor Jun Nishihira presented new evidence that Oligonol[R], a proprietary low molecular weight polyphenol from lychee fruit, reduces the accumulation of visceral fat, and therefore may prevent metabolic syndrome.

Researchers from Hokkaido Information University, a private university located in Hokkaido, Japan, and Amino Up Chemical Co., Ltd, makers of Oligonol, teamed up to examine the effect of the proprietary polyphenol on clinical parameters of metabolic syndrome such as abdominal obesity. Nineteen male and female adult volunteers, whose abdominal circumference measured greater than 85 cm (33.5 inches), were enrolled in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Half the subjects took two Oligonol capsules for 10 weeks, while the other half took placebo capsules.

The results of the trial were impressive. Not only did Oligonol group subjects experience reductions in weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, and waist circumference compared to the placebo group — abdominal CT scan analyses also revealed they showed a significant 12-percent drop in visceral fat. To understand the significance of that reduction, consider this: A study conducted by Duke University on 175 overweight men and women found that folks who performed high-dose vigorous intensity activity (20 miles of jogging each week) saw their visceral fat levels drop by only 7 percent in six months.2 In other words, Oligonol reduced visceral fat levels twice as much as vigorous exercise — in less than half the time.3

Exactly how Oligonol reduces visceral fat isn’t perfectly clear, but this study offered one clue. Blood tests showed that the antioxidant ability of the Oligonol group trended higher than that of the placebo group, while their levels of triglycerides and lipid peroxides (fats that have been attacked by free radicals) were remarkably reduced. That would indicate that Oligonol prevents metabolic syndrome through its unique antioxidant activity.

Increasingly common in the United States, metabolic syndrome is a growing health concern. According to the American Heart Association, the disorder is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors, including:

* Abdominal obesity

* Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance

* High triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high LDL cholesterol

* Elevated blood pressure

* Prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the blood)

* Proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated C-reactive protein in the blood)

People who have metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. If Oligonol can indeed tackle one of the main risk factors for metabolic syndrome — abdominal obesity — this proprietary new ingredient could hold out new hope for the 50 million Americans affected by the disorder.

About Oligonol

A patented modified extract of lychee, Oligonol[TM] is the world’s first commercially produced low-molecular weight polyphenol. Oligonol recently received the prestigious Nutracon award as the “Top New Evidence-Based Ingredient of 2008″. Oligonol has been approved by the FDA as a “New Dietary Ingredients”.

1 CDC Chief: Obesity top health threat. CNN.com. Oct. 29, 2003. http://edition.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/29/ obesity.threat.reut/index.html (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser’s address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) (Accessed May 19, 2008.)

2 Nordqvist, Christian. Dangerous visceral fat builds up if you don’t exercise, can go down if you do. Medical News Today. Sept. 15, 2005. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/30641.php (Accessed May 19, 2008.)

3 Amelioration of abdominal obesity by low molecular weight polyphenol (Oligonol) from lychee. 16th European Congress on Obesity. Geneva, Switzerland. May 14-17, 2008. www.eco2008.org
COPYRIGHT 2008 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

An extract from lychees may reduce abdominal fat in people with metabolic syndrome, a lead to improvements in overall health, says a new study from Japan.

Human volunteers taking a daily supplement of the commercially available lychee extract Oligonol lost about three centimetres in their waist size, as well as a 6 per cent reduction in subcutaneous fat area and a 15 per cent reduction in abdominal (visceral) fat.

“In this study, we demonstrated the effect of Oligonol on metabolic syndrome using clinical parameters characterized by abdominal visceral fat area and insulin resistance,” wrote the researchers. “We revealed that Oligonol reduced BMI and subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes, and improved insulin resistance,” report researchers from Hokkaido Information University, Sapporo Bio-S, and Amino Up Chemical Company in Japan in the Journal of Functional Foods.

“In particular, remarkable reduction of visceral fat areas was observed,” they noted.

“These findings strongly indicate that Oligonol would be a beneficial supplement for prevention and improvement of metabolic syndrome, especially in the stage of hyperinsulinemia often seen during pre-diabetic conditions,” added the researchers.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterised by central obesity, hypertension, and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism. The syndrome has been linked to increased risks of both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Study details

The Japanese researchers recruited 18 adult volunteers with waist circumference over 85 cm. Subjects were aged between 24 and 59. Volunteers were randomly divided into two groups – one received a daily Oligonol dose of 50 milligrams, while the other received placebo.

After 10 weeks of study, in addition to the improvements in waist circumference, an abdominal fat, improvements in insulin resistance were recorded in the Oligonol group, compared to placebo, and these occurred with increases in blood levels of adiponectin, a hormone that regulates a number of metabolic processes.
“It is evident that the enhanced presence of oligomerized proanthocyanidins in Oligonol may offer a wide-range of benefits in pharmaceutical preparations, food products, and dietary supplements as well as in the development of functional beverages,” concluded the researchers.

US availability

The ingredient is available from the Maypro Group in the US, and New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) status for the proprietary lychee extract was secured in 2007.

Maypro claims the ingredient is unique because it makes use of a patented technology that boosts polyphenol bioavailability and in turn enhances anti-oxidant performance.

According to Maypro, the high molecular weight of many polyphenols hinders their absorption by the body. However, the company’s affiliate supplier in Japan, Amino Up Chemical, has developed a production process that involves oligomerization, which shortens polyphenol polymers into monomers and oligomers for increased bioavailability.

Following bariatric surgery surgeons recommend a high protein, low carb, low sugar diet. It is very difficult given the limited capacity of our newly surgically altered anatomy to consume enough protein from food sources alone. Most bariatric post-ops will find it necessary to supplement with a protein shake or two during their day in order to reach their surgeon’s recommended daily minimum protein gram goals.

The benefits of protein to the bariatric surgery patient:

* Protein aids in proper wound healing after bariatric surgery and later in reconstructive post weight loss plastic surgery. Both before and after surgery a diet high in protein can help your body prepare to repair.

* Protein helps your body burn fat instead of muscle. Have you heard people tell you you need to eat to lose weight well it’s not just eat. It’s consuming a diet high in protein that helps us lose the weight without losing lean body mass.

* Protein elevates your natural metabolism so you burn more calories. More energy is required for your body to digest protein than fats or carbs. So a diet high in protein kicks our sluggish metabolisms into high gear and we get faster results.

* Protein helps suppress your appetite. Hungry happens even after weight loss surgery but a high protein diet can help you consume less by keeping you fuller longer.

* Protein helps keep your body including your hair, skin, and bones healthy. Weight loss surgery and the rapid weight loss that is achieved from it takes its toil on the body. Maintaining surgeon recommended levels of nutrients is key to weight loss surgery success and continued good health.

Finding a protein I love has been key to my continuing success. Max/Ultimate Protein by SEI gives me 22 grams of low calorie, low carb, GREAT tasting protein in each scoop. Add it to milk and you have even more protein. I use it in a variety of delicious ways… smoothies, shakes, protein ice cream, mixed in oatmeal, puddings, any dish I can add a little protein boost.

And… Max/Ultimate is truly the best tasting protein powder available.

Bio: Michelle “Shelly” Vicari is currently the author of the popular blog “The World According to Eggface - Recipes and Ramblings of a Former Fat Chick”

www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com

Michelle had Gastric Bypass Surgery in June 2006. At the time she weighed 295 lbs., suffered from sleep apnea, GERD, and high blood pressure. Three years later, she’s ditched the 8 medications she was on, lost 150 pounds and has enjoyed resolution of all co-morbidities.

This is a diet plan a good friend who is a bodybuilder and personal trainer gave me. I asked for a great diet with good results fast. At the same time I wanted to maintain my muscle tissue. I suggest changing it up to fit your schedule and your body type. A woman does not want to eat as many times as I was during the day. Just play with it and make it yours. Here goes! OK, as far as seasonings go.  ANY seasoning that are SALT and SUGAR free.  So Ms. Dash is a life saver.  You want to stay away from Maltodextrin  and Potassium Chloride.  SO if the seasoning has that, it is a no go. You can use pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.  Make sure you are baking or grilling your turkey, chicken, or fish.  ALSO, WEIGH all your food BEFORE you cook it.  That is the dry weight.
As far as fluids go, AT LEAST 1 to 2 gallons a day of water.
NO DAIRY at ALL.
NO sport drinks.
SO basically Water, or water with crystal light.

6am
8oz of Chicken Breast or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1 cup of quakers oatmeal (plain) ( in the big container)

9am
8oz of Chicken Breast or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
11oz Sweet potato
5-7 Asparagus Spears (Fresh no canned)

12noon
8oz of Chicken Breast or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
2 Med sized Red Potato’s
Broccoli

3pm
8oz of Chicken Breast or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
2 Med sized Red Potato’s
Broccoli

One Hour After workout
(depending on if you workout at 5 or 6pm this meal will be 6pm or 7pm)
8oz of Chicken Breast or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
11oz Sweet potato
5-7 Asparagus Spears (Fresh no canned)

9pm
8oz of Chicken Breast or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
2 Med sized Red Potato’s
Broccoli

LAST meal before bed.
8oz Fish (Tilapia, white fish, Orange Ruffy, Flounder……something like that, NO SALMON.  You can use Very Low Sodium Tuna fish In water, from a can or fresh tuna steaks.)
5-7 Asparagus Spears.

I am big workout person on building a big back , and here is a couple of things to do. Power rack deadlift where u place the support bars about an inch below your knees to take your legs out do about 3-5 sets 6-12 reps as heavy as you can then follow with some reverse grip barbell rows about 3 set with 8 -12 reps try those 2 exercises on different back day and see if your back grows.

Here are a few I think would be great for the holiday season:

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2009/12/candy-cane-protein-shake.html

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2009/11/fabulous-fudge.html

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2009/01/mint-to-be-together.html

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-made-it-with-max.html

Max Protein Cookies and Cream

There will be 2 winners that will each receive a 5 lb. tub of max protein. One Cookies and Cream Flavor and one Chocolate Chip mint flavor.

Here is how the contest works:
Just leave a comment (include your name and an email address) on this blog posting by Friday, September 11th, midnight (Pacific time) and sometime Saturday the 12th. The winner will be chosen using a Random Number Generator and announced here on our blog. This contest is also being organized with our friend Egg Face.

One COMMENT ENTRY per person. Remember blog comments are moderated so there will be a slight delay in seeing your comment post.

***Want extra chances to win?*** Do anything listed below and leave me a comment letting me know what you did! For up to four more entries per person!!

Follow us on twitter @SEIMAX and Tweet about this giveaway: Hey Everyone @SEIMAX is giving away 5 pound tubs of Max Protein

Post about the give away on Facebook, Myspace or some other social network/support forum.

IF YOU ARE A BLOGGER:
blog about this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post)

Place the following two links in your blog post:
www.seipharmaceuticals.com and www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com

Disclaimers: this contest is open to anyone in the 48 contiguous states (’cause I am too cheap to mail elsewhere) Prize: 1 - 5 lb. Tub of Max Protein in either of their yummy new flavors Cookies & Cream or Chocolate Mint (2 winners - sorry choice of winner’s protein flavor is EGG Face’s)

Give away sponsored by: SEI Pharmaceuticals and theworldaccordingtoeggface.com

Check out Egg Face’s site for tons of awesome recipes with Max Protein

I remember this guy I trained with when I was younger. He used to preach to me about how important my diet was to my overall health and fitness and he was right! I think it is awesome that when people hit the gym and workout or just put time aside in their schedule to work out and stay fit. But if you don’t watch your diet at the same time you are only getting about 25% of the results you could be getting with adding a low calorie high protein diet.

Here is a couple things I do to help me out, I start every day with one of SEI’s protein powder. I usually just have a shake, I am telling you the flavors rock. The next thing I do is eat dinner a minimum of 4 hours before i go to bed. This is a awesome tip to help drop some pounds in no time. Also I have used a trick i picked up a long time ago called the “cheat meal” I keep a healthy low calorie diet all week long, except for one meal hence the “cheat meal”. This give me the opportunity to get some cravings out of the way, and since my diet is so good the rest of the time my weight loss doesn’t miss a beat.

I have alot of people approach me about how to get bigger arms, and I always tell them the same thing, Do you do legs? Yes it’s true if you do heavy squats your entire body will grow, but not directly to your biceps. Lets focus on basic arm excercises and intensity. I like to start with a basic straight bar curl with heavy weight and intense focus on the muscle im working. Lets move on to a preacher curl again focusing on heavy weight and the bicep contraction. Now a single arm dumbell curl, either sitted or standing, always remember go heavy. You should always focus on getting stronger each week by increasing the weight at least a little. Now lets finish off with heavy hammer curls which focuses on forearms and the outer bicep. By now you should have no strength left and ready to pop out of your sleeves. Now preworkout supplementation which makes it all worth the while. My favorite cocktail is 30 grams of waxy maize with 4 capsules of  SEI C5 Ethyl ester creatine. Don’t forget your post workout meal! Protein and Carbs!