But Versilac could be your answer to butter prices that seem to be shooting through the roof. This ingredient has been designed to provide a cheaper and healthier replacement for butter and butter-based ingredients.

In a previous demonstration, Versilac’s developers proved that this ingredient can successfully replace up to 100% of non-fat dry milk or whey powder, and at least 25% of either sugar, cocoa, and salt in select bakery, confectionery, beverage, and savory products.

Since most replacement ingredients can leave you longing for the real thing that you grew up with, the makers of Versilac wanted to make this replacement even better than real butter.

There have been new studies that show VersiLac, to not only match butter, but produce moister, richer finished products. Versilac does this by increasing water-holding capacity of butter in baked goods.

Although Versilac passed the taste test, it was put through a much more rigorous testing in the lab. This research reflected that VersiLac allowed for up to 20% butter reduction in brownies, 15% in croissants, and 10% in pound cake.

But Versilac isn’t just beneficial for those with a sweet tooth. The researchers used Versilac in a savory Alfredo sauce and were able to replace 100% of the butter powder.

Kim Peterson, an applications research specialist at Priliant, a Dairy company in Iowa was quoted saying this about Versilac:

“Combined with the replacement of whey powder or non-fat dry milk/skim milk powder, Versilac was able to achieve 10 to 20% butter replacement in different bakery applications. The end result was a rich and moist finished product that was comparable to a much more expensive control product.”

In addition, she says, reducing the amount of butter used made the products healthier; apparently Versilac is a tasty way to save money and be healthier.

Actually you probably won’t even be able to pronounce most of them.

But we get that because Twinkies aren’t real food. No one ever has, or ever will, see a wild Twinkie; we don’t even expect to see a Twinkie at our local bakery.

However, we do expect products like Milk to have a relatively simple ingredient list. Like one that reads: “Milk” for instance.

Unfortunately, we’re getting more than good old American milk when we buy our average gallon of milk at the supermarket.

Synthetic Hormones

Most industrial farmers in the United States treat their cows with synthetic Bovine somatotropin, or rBGH. This hormone, that is found in cow’s milk, is supposed to help the cows grow big and strong, but in humans it can cause things like early puberty and even breast cancer.

Cows are also treated with the reproductive hormones estradiol, testosterone and IGF-1 which also turn up in our milk. Although the FDA says that the majority of these hormones are burned out of the milk through the pasteurization process, most European nations and all of Canada don’t take the risk.

What Can We Do About It?

One option is to buy organic, as most organic milks will not have used cows that have been supplemented with hormones.

However, you have to be careful because some organic milks get away with using cows that have been treated with natural hormones rather than synthetic. Although there is some debate as to whether the natural hormones are safer for you, there is still the problem of having more hormones than you need in your system. This invariably will cause side-effects down the road.

As of right now, the most solid options are milk alternatives like soy, almond and rice milk. There is also the responsibility that we all have to voice our opinion through the legislature and write your congressperson or just get out and vote!

BITTER ORANGE
This ingredient is supposed to promote weight loss, as well as ease nasal congestion and allergies. It contains synephrine and is very similar to ephedra, which was banned by the FDA in 2004. Bitter orange has also been linked with fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, heart attack, stroke and even death. Although not all of these claims have been legally stated, the FDA has declared bitter orange to be possibly unsafe.
CHAPARRAL

Often used as an alternative medicine to treat common colds, infections, and inflammation, chaparral is also thought by some to help you lose weight and even cure cancer. Reports have been made of liver damage and kidney problems relating to the use of chaparral. The FDA advises people not to take chaparral.
COLLOIDAL SILVER

Used to treat the broad spectrum of fungal and other infections, Lyme disease, rosacea, psoriasis, food poisoning, chronic fatigue syndrome as well as aids HIV/AIDS. Colloidal silver has been seen to cause bluish skin, mucous membrane discoloration, neurological problems, and kidney damage. On Oct. 6, 2009 the FDA officially advised consumers about the risk of skin discoloration when using colloidal silver.
COLTSFOOT

Commonly used to treat persistent coughs, sore throats, laryngitis, bronchitis and asthma. Coltsfoot has now been shown to cause liver damage and may even cause cancer. Although the FDA hasn’t released any official statements about coltsfoot, we don’t recommend you try it.
COMFREY

Said to cure everything from a cough, to heavy menstrual periods, to chest pain and ultimately cancer. Comfrey has also had significant reports of liver damage and even developments of cancer from using this supplement. The FDA advised manufacturers to remove all comfrey products from the market in July 2001.
GERMANIUM

Marketed to treat pain, infections, glaucoma, liver problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer, germanium seemed like it could do no wrong. Then there came result of kidney damage and even death. Although there hasn’t been any successful litigation against it, the FDA warned in 1993 that it was linked to serious adverse events.

For example, did you know that MSG, despite all the research that has come out that proves it can cause migraines and other neurological disorders, might still be masquerading in your food under other names like yeast extract or torula yeast?

Or have you heard that many Florida oranges are actually dipped in an artificial orange dye that has been banned for use in foods because it has been linked with causing cancer? A lot of ingredients are added to our favorite foods by the corporate food industry without us even knowing. It might sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be, if we just take a second to educate ourselves. Let’s start with the top three most dangerous ingredients that you might put in your mouth without knowing:

Sodium nitrite

This has been known to cause cancer without any doubt. There aren’t any juries out on this, one, sodium nitrite is a complete enemy to the cells in your body. It is usually found in processed meats like hot dogs, bacon and sausage because it gives meat a “healthy” red color. So over this holiday weekend remember how dangerous that American hot dog could be.

Hydrogenated Oils

Luckily these have recently gotten some bad press and have been labeled as “trans fats.” They have been found to cause heart disease more readily than any other fat out there. They are usually found in any processed, baked good out there, but also in crackers, margarine and anything else that wants to use a fat with a little longer shelf life.

Excitotoxins

This is the category for artificial flavorings like aspartame and monosodium glutamate. These chemicals have been found to directly harm nerve cells, overexciting them to the point that the cells start dying off. You’ll often find them in diet soda, canned soup, salad dressing, breakfast sausage, and even many manufactured vegetarian foods. Because of their effect on receptor nerves, they are often used to add flavor to foods that have been over-processed or had the life cooked out of them.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this knowledge to your advantage the next time you’re in the grocery store or at a summer BBQ. The food you eat should make you live longer, not cut your life shorter.

Stevia is meant to be used in recipes to replace regular sugar content with a lower calorie (or no calorie alternative). We could see a weight loss drink or mix using stevia to sweeten the pot without adding too many excess calories, and we have definitely seen what it can do when used in food. It’s just a matter of knowing how.

Making Your Own Stevia Alternatives

While stevia is popular, most products don’t actually use it in their personal recipes, and it’s hard to find prepackaged foods that happen to use it. So the responsibility falls on you, the consumer, to make your own sweets packaged with stevia. It can be quite simple. Hot chocolate for example can be made with a mix of cocoa stevia, soymilk (or milk), honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. However, many find that other more complicated recipes are a little more appealing.

Desserts with Stevia

One can also make regular desserts with stevia such as apple crisp. If you want to have apple crisp with stevia, the best thing that you can do is to make everything yourself from the filling to the crust without any prepackaged options. An apple crisp can be made with a surprisingly diverse blend of ingredients such as cinnamon, peanut butter, chopped nuts, and of course stevia, and it’s not the only one.

If you have baking skills, you can make anything from a chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce to chocolate chip cookies and crepes if you want. Stevia can be used to replace part or even all of the basic sugar content in your food, and many report that it tastes about the same.

Technically, it is known as 20-beta-hydroxyxecdysterone, and in some cases, it has been compared to sterolic growth hormone. Unlike certain major growth hormones, Ecdysterone does not seem to come with serious side effects, but like sterolic growth hormone, it has been associated with positive nitrogen balance in the muscles, preventing breakdown and improving overall body health.

The Best Way To Use Ecdysterone

The best way to use Ecdysterone is by itself. Many studies have shown that Ecdysterone can be safely combined with other ingredients. However, there are plenty of products in powder or capsule form that work on their own, typically selling for about $30-$50 a bottle, and so far, there are no common side effects.

How Much Should You Take?

Studies have shown that the best results seem to come with doses of approximately 300-600mg a day, which is actually a pretty small amount. Considering that, it would seem hard to find a product that didn’t have the clinically proven amounts.

Should You Use Ecdysterone?

Ecdysterone uses components that are capable of some pretty strong results. It can promote lean muscle building while simultaneously increasing metabolism, burning fat, and improving workouts and body composition. So far, it is one of the few ingredients that is this powerful and yet it still seems relatively safe. It’s pretty clear to us that Ecdysterone seems to be on the right path.

Caralluma fimbriata is a natural cacti that is most commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used by many for things as basic as the common cold to powerful appetite suppression and in some cases, lean muscle building. The difference is that Slimaluma has been created to specifically suppress appetite in a more effective way than just the original.

On its own or in this particular form, caralluma fimbriata sends signals to the hypothalamus in the brain, telling it that you are full. It sends signals to the brain, telling you to stop eating and that you are full. Slimaluma inhibits the hunger sensory mechanisms of the hypothalamus, even when you have not eaten.

In its patented form, Slimaluma inhibits the formation of Acetyl Co-Enzyme A and Malonyl Co Enzyme A, the basic building blocks of fat synthesis. Slimaluma has been through multiple clinical studies, and all have shown that this product of Gencor Pacific works.

To get the best results, you do need at least 1000mg. But if you do use the clinically proven amounts, then you can get optimal results.

How effective is Super Citrimax?

According to studies, Super Citrimax is literally 3 times as effective as diet and exercise alone! It specifically works to reduce BMI while simultaneously promoting normal cholesterol levels, healthy serotonin levels, and providing a healthy source of calcium at the same time. Super Citrimax converts carbs into energy, meaning no more low carb dieting, just healthy dieting practices. And it ccan help you to avoid the emotional problems that may hold you back.

Is Super Citrimax safe?

Super Citrimax works naturally, and it is GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Super Citrimax is non-habit forming, and many say that it may actually be more effective than the ingredients that are habit forming. And of course, being more absorbable, it even helps many to avoid stomachaches.

What’s the difference between garcinia cambogia and Super Citrimax?

Garcinia cambogia is the base fruit, and while effective, there are certain variables that change with every batch of garcinia cambogia. Citrimax is guaranteed to contain a 50% concentration of the active ingredient, HCA, and Super Citrimax is the most powerful form, guaranteeing a 70% concentration of active ingredients.

Scientifically speaking, 7-keto DHEA has been clinically proven to promote powerful fat burning results, and some say it can also build healthy lean muscle mass. It allows even the aging to stay fit and improve physique, and recent studies show that it can be used over a broad spectrum of ages.

But the best part for some is the fact that 7-keto has also been clinically proven to specifically help obese women to lose weight and fat, improving lean body mass and even improving the thyroid gland and healthy immunity.

Where Do You Find 7-keto DHEA?

7-Keto DHEA can be found in multiple products. It is completely stimulant free, and it only requires doses of 200mg. Ironically, there are plenty of products out there that use 7-keto, but not the clinically proven amounts. So it is still important to be picky about the 7-keto products you choose.

But if you are specifically interested in 7-Keto DHEA, one of the best products you can use is Lipofuze. Lipofuze uses 10 clinically proven weight loss ingredients, including 7-keto DHEA, and it continues to surprise some and impress virtually all.

However, studies have shown and continue to show that valerian root seems to promote strong sedative properties. But it’s not clear whether or not it is equipped to deal with more severe cases of insomnia.

Side Effects of Valerian Root

But it’s important to realize that even though valerian root is natural, it’s not necessarily side effect free or for that matter completely safe. Some users talk about experiencing agitation, headaches, ad nightmares, and some are not necessarily able to properly digest valerian root. But it generally is recognized as a supplementing capable of “bringing about a balancing effect on the system.”

How Much Valerian Root Should You Take?

If you want to get the best possible results, recommended doses range from 2-10mg depending on the person. The amount you take very day depends on you, and sometimes it is only the higher amounts that end up causing side effects for certain people.

Should You Take Valerian Root?

Valerian root is not for everybody, and you should not ignore the possible side effects. If you start experiencing these side effects, you should stop taking valerian root or lower your dosage. But if you do not and you get better sleep with it, there’s no reason not to use it as a first line of defense.