Coping Strategies - Yoga For Menopause Relief
Yoga has many benefits for menopause, yet it is not a 'cure-all'. Learn about some of the types of poses that can be beneficial, and some important points to keep in mind when incorporating them into a practice.
Coping Strategies - Yoga For Menopause Relief
Enlarge Image
Yoga is not a 'remedy' for menopause - not least because menopause represents a stage of life, rather than an illness. A woman's experience during menopause is completely individual, and yoga is not specific like the drugs of modern medicine. There is no one set series of postures that thus make up a 'remedy' for the symptoms of perimenopause.

Yoga is, instead, an adaptive discipline that can support the body through the myriad of biological changes it is making. Importantly, it can also support our minds and emotions, and allow us to come to a perspective on the inner processes that are happening. Many perimenopausal women have found both the physical and less tangible benefits of yoga helpful at this time.

If you haven't done any yoga before, it would be best to go to a class to learn. No DVD or book can quite replace watching a teacher demonstrate a posture, taking you through the different breathing practices, and offering insight into how your body is coping with the poses. It also helps to have a practical grounding like this if you're reading yoga books, where they will present a number of different poses and variations. Learning yoga first by practicing it in class, gives you the experience to adapt what you read in books to your own needs.

There are some general points about asanas (poses), however. Back bends can be great for improving one's mood and lifting energy levels, and forward bends are good for anxiety and stress.

There are a huge number of forward and back bends in yoga however! And different asanas require different preparatory poses, and what are called counter postures. Counter postures are an important follow-up to doing certain asanas. They can help prevent injury, just as the preparatory postures do.

There is somewhat contradictory advice given to women going through menopause who want to practice yoga. Many books encourage gentle, nurturing poses - restorative poses. But some female yoga teachers who used yoga for themselves when going through menopause found that an over-reliance on restorative postures made some menopausal symptoms worse. This included mood swings and weight gain. They found that sometimes, more activity was better.

Given that quite active physical exercise had been found to help with menopause, this observation is no real surprise. Ultimately, it depends on what is going on for each woman, and this can vary over time anyway. If you're feeling really tired all the time, restorative poses may be best for that period. However, if you've got more energy, there are a number of other asanas that can really help.

For example, inversion yoga poses can be great for the hormonal systems of the body. Inversions include headstand, shoulder stand, standing forward bends, and others. With inversion poses, especially shoulder stand and headstand, it's important to do the preparatory and counter postures. And if you have a particularly tense neck, it may be better to do a standing forward bend than downward dog (and certainly not shoulder stand or headstand), as the angle of the shoulders, combined with the weight on them, can cause tension in the neck.

Other good postures for menopause can be the standing postures - including triangle pose, half moon, and the extended side angle pose. These open up the front of the body, and the hips - which can be an area of stiffness for many women anyway!

Whatever poses you incorporate into your daily life during menopause, remember to be flexible. The needs of our bodies change, areas of stiffness change, symptoms change. Learning to respond to this, like the challenges that life can send our way, is the best way to tailor a practice to suit your needs.

References:
1. Australian Yoga Life, Nov 2006 - Mar 2007
2. A Mohan, Yoga For Body, Breath, and Mind

Rebecca writes on both yoga and menopause at these information sites.
           By Rebecca Prescott
Published: 12/31/2006 

Keep fit with Yoga or Pilates for maximum spiritual and physical benefits
In the wake of films like Morgan Spurlock's "Super Size Me" and increasingly worrying figures on the level of global obesity, the world seems to have been delivered a swift electric shock and told to get back into shape - or else. But if you think that keeping fit is all about bench-pressing and weight-lifting in soulless gyms, you might be surprised to learn that you're more suited to a comprehensive Yoga or Pilates regime. A dedicated stay fit routine has to involve a lot of effort if it's going to work; but, if you choose to take up fitness regimes like Yoga or Pilates, you'll be sure to have a fulfilling spiritual experience as well as a physical one.

Yoga, for instance, has become an increasingly popular pastime of choice in America. Yoga itself is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy and refers to a particular set of ancient spiritual practices that originate in India. Today, in India and across the world, Yoga is seen as a challenging discipline that requires physical and spiritual mastery. The four main paths of Yoga are: Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) and Raja Yoga (Yoga of Meditation). The benefits of Yoga are far-reaching and lifelong: not only will Yogic practices help people maintain their physical well-being, but they will also help towards the path of contentment.

As a physical fitness regime, Pilates has also become increasingly popular in recent years. While Pilates and Yoga are seen to have many similarities, Pilates was actually developed in the twentieth century by Joseph Pilates; the German physical fitness expert moved to New York in 1926 and began teaching his methods to dancers, including American ballet choreographer, George Balanchine. Pilates wrote at least two books on his method, including "Return to life Through Contrology" and "Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education".

Contrology is a method which refers to the way in which the mind is used to control the muscles; as a program, Pilates focuses on the way core postural muscles help keep the body balanced and how they are essential in providing support to the spine. Additionally, Pilates strengthens torso muscles and teaches good breathing techniques - so it's is a fantastic exercise regime to take up if you suffer or are likely to suffer from back pain.

The beauty of physical fitness techniques like Yoga and Pilates is that you don't need heavy sets of equipment or expensive appliances in order to reap their physical and mental benefits. Yoga and Pilates even make it easy to stay in shape when you're on holiday, and many hotels provide complementary stay fit kits complete with Yoga Mats and Pilates bands. So you can rest assured that, if you choose to take up Pilates or Yoga, you'll not only be on your way to a better body - you'll also be shaping a more rewarding lifestyle.

About the author:
Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist who enjoys keeping fit.

By Andrew Regan
Published: 12/6/2006
 

Smoking Alternatives – When you Don’t Want to Smoke Which is Best?
There are many people who want to give up smoking. There are also a lot of people who are forced to stop smoking, due to bans in restaurants, the workplace etc. What are the best smoking alternatives to cope with your not smoking? Let's find out.
There are many people who want to give up smoking. There are also a lot of people who are forced to stop smoking, due to bans in restaurants, the workplace etc

What are the best smoking alternatives to cope with your not smoking? Let's find out.

It's a proven fact that if you use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) you will double your chances of giving up smoking rather than trying smoking cold turkey which involves stopping with no nicotine.

There are various NRT alternatives

Patches, gum puffers and inhalers which all give you a measured dose of nicotine and also the new pill Zyban.

The one you choose is down to personal preference but all will increase your chances of giving up

Nicotine a surprising fact:

Nicotine provides the addictive nature of cigarette smoking but does not cause disease or death in fact in recent years medical research has shown it's actually good for you in organic form.

It improves mood concentration and memory and research is ongoing into it treating diseases such as depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The race is on therefore to provide organic nicotine drugs. The first is already out nicotine water.

A new smoking alternative

The product is aimed at people who cant, or don't wish to smoke and provides nicotine in pure water which gives an additional benefit to the user of hydration.

This product has nicotine and water which is an attractive combination.

When smokers can't or don't wish to smoke they simply take a few sips so it's a great product when a smoking ban is in place.

Nicotine products to help smokers give up or have an alternative when they cant or don't wish to smoke will increase in the coming years as we move more and more towards a smokeless society.

The main smoking alternatives are listed above but expect to see many more in the coming years.

A new drink is available containing just nicotine and premium grade water. With a refreshing lemon flavor, its a great smoking alternative, when you cant or dont wish to smoke. Visit our website, get our low price trial offer and see for yourself here.

By sacha tarkovsky
Published: 11/30/2006 

Brand Website gives Health Alternatives to its visitors
Being the manufacturer of our product line has given us a unique advantage over the competition and has allowed us to leave out the middle man, bringing the profits to our customers.
(PR)VitaVips.com Online Herbal Resource is a developer of alternative treatments for common disorders. This Online Herbal Pharmacy integrates the practices of modern medicine with traditional remedies practiced for thousands of years in the World's oldest medical practice.

A great number of people search for a natural medications online meeting their diseases, which is increasing every single year. That is because these kinds of products have no side effects at all and they can really replace the prescription drugs sold online. In this new wave of health revolution searches like: Natural Penis Enlargement Pills, Premature Ejaculation Treatment, Weight Loss, herbal Breast Enlargement, Hoodia, Herbal life, Alternative viagra and much more similar the natural health industry has its own place on the net. And grows day by day. Most of these products are sold in bottles containing 60 capsules for 1 month supply, which is a perfect package even for those who wants just to test it what results can get for a month.

Here is what VitaVips.com offers:

Penis Enlargement; Anti Premature Ejaculation; Aphrodisiac; Sperm Enhancement; Anti Impotence;Alternative Viagra; Sex Enhancement; Anti BPH; Female Attractant; Breast Enlargement; Male Attractant; Anti Arthritis; Anti Asthma; Stop Smoking; Anti Insomnia; Anti Stress; Anti Acne; Anti Hair Loss; Anti Hangover; Thermogenic Weight Loss; Appetite Suppressant.

Also the most recent data shows that 69 percent of Americans use alternative medical therapies. Now they use my herbs alone or to complement their western medications. They trust 5,000 years of Chinese medicine and my 20 years of dedication to developing the Herbal formulas.

You can visit the online herbal store at: www.vitavips.com for more info.

By Banko Stoianov
Published: 11/25/2006 

Yoga - Breathing Correctly a Simple Exercise to Help you Feel Better Instantly!
Breathing is one of our basic non-voluntary bodily functions, and is our connection to life itself and we also have control over it, so if we learn to breathe correctly we can actually maximize our health and energy levels.

The correct breathing exercise can be done by anyone you don't need to know anything about yoga and it is a quick an easy way to look and feel better instantly.

Lets look at correct breathing and its benefits.

As we have control over it, in yoga philosophy it is believed that if we can breathe correctly we can energize our bodies and our lives. This fundamental believe in correct breathing is seen as the basic cornerstone of yoga and other forms of exercise such as Ti Chi – They all base their exercise regime upon correct breathing.

Below we will look at how to use the basic Yoga principle of Pranayama…Control of the Breath to reenergize your whole body.

Breathing correctly why it's so important

In many languages to breath has the same basic root as the word soul, spirit, and essence. The ancient Yoga Masters believed that if you can control your breathing, i.e. breath correctly you can enhance your life.

In Yoga the Yogis call the life energy Prana, and the Buddhists, Chi, but whatever you wish to call it, it is the energy that surrounds all life, all of creation and in the yoga philosophy we need it to derive the maximum from our lives

In Yoga it is believed that the breath holds more than just air, but also the energy of life. Therefore, by breathing correctly we not only take in a necessary dose of oxygen, but we also receive life energy at the same time, that acts as an energy boost to the whole body.

Breathing correctly to energize your body

The 20th century Yoga Master, Paramhamsa Yogananda taught through his organization, the Self-Realization Fellowship, a series of re-energizing exercises that focused on correct breathing that if performed each day, were believed to keep you fit, active, alert and energetic.

Correct breathing is one of the basic building blocks upon which all yoga exercises are based upon.

In yoga it is stressed that when you were feeling tired, or need some energy and general body re-charging, a correct breathing exercise can instantly give you a boost of energy.

Breathing correctly

Stand upright, with your arms straight out to your sides at shoulder level.

Exhale with the double breath, with your knees bent slightly and then bring your arms (still extended) to the front until your palms touch.

Then with a double inhalation this time, bring your arms back out, straightening your legs as you do so – and then tense the entire body upwards in a wave fashion.

Now, relax the body downwards in a wave in reverse order with another double exhalation. Repeat this exercise 5 times. To help you understand this, and to do it correctly, double breathing must be a short and long inhalation through the nose and a short and long exhalation through the nose and mouth.

The double breath will allow you to inhale and exhale more deeply and to provide oxygen to the blood, and at the same time take in a dose of life energy.

To practice the double breath, you should begin by inhaling strongly through the nose immediately with a short, defined inhalation followed directly by a long, profound inhalation – completely filling the lungs.

When doing so visualize the energy going into every cell of your body and filling you with energy.

Without pausing, exhale twice through the nose and mouth with a short, then a prolonged exhalation – making the sound: "Huf, Huffffffff."

Try to visualize as you are breathing correctly, the life energy flowing into your body with every breath reenergizing your soul.

The positive benefits of correct breathing

If you practice only this exercise daily, you will gain positive benefits that will help you look and feel better.

Not only will you feel fresh and alert, you will also have exhaled by breathing correctly, many toxins and negative particles produced through our respiration process.

You will as a consequence look and feel healthier, you will be alert, and gradually you will come to sense the life energy that breathing correctly can give you.

This is a simple exercise that can be done by anyone even if you don't want to practice yoga itself, correct breathing will give you health benefits with very little effort.

For more health tips articles and free magazines

For more information on yoga, breathing correctly and other simple methods to make you look and feel better click here.

By sacha tarkovsky
Published: 11/25/2006 

Alternative Cancer Treatments
Alternative cancer treatments are being utilized by millions of patients, either as a sole therapy or as an additional therapy along with the traditional therapies. Patients are now seeking alternative cancer treatments at just about any and every stage of their disease from initial diagnosis to late stage.

Traditional treatments, which are somewhat less toxic than in the past, can in fact be miserable ordeals. The success of these treatments is either overstated or understated. But one thing is clear…the most promising programs are the ones that integrate traditional and alternative cancer treatments. There are practitioners trained and licensed in traditional medicine that also posses experience with alternative cancer treatments. They are making the greatest progress in the fight against cancer. They design individualized programs for each patient.

Alternative cancer treatments include, but are not limited to the following and most are of questionable benefit: biological and pharmacologic therapie such as-- antineoplastans, Gaston Naessens, Revici, and hydrazine sulfate; immune therapies such as —immuno-augmentative, and Issel’s whole body therapy; herbal therapies such as —Hoxsey, Essiac, mistletoe, Pau d’Arco, and chaparral; nutritional therapies such as —wheatgrass, macrobiotics, Moerman’s anti-cancer diet; metabolic therapies such as —Gerson, Kelley’s, and Hans Nieper; adjunctive therapies such as —oxygen, ozone, hyperthermia, DMSO, chelation, and live cell; energy medicine such as —bioelectric, homeopathy, ayurveda, and Chinese medicine.

Also to be considered is the mind-body approaches. The most successful of practitioners will integrate various components of the alternative cancer treatments listed without being committed to a particular program.

Research and read everything you can on this subject. Seek out competent and compassionate counsel.

There is research to prove that cancer doctors spend an average of 1.3 minutes to answer their patients’ questions. Cancer requires a great deal more study and reflection since everyone truly is unique and deserves personal attention.

There is no one simple formula for success with cancer. People have overcome cancer by using conventional treatments and still others had success with experimental chemotherapy. And then, some people were successful using CAM. But in general, it seems that the majority of survivors are independent thinkers. Doctors often refer to them as ‘problem patients’. Their hopeful stories can keep you committed and inspired.

Benered Fransisco is the author of this article. Currently writing on www.polymva.com

By Isabel Rodrigues
Published: 10/25/2006
 

Swami Ramdev Baba Yoga Tips Tricks and Guidelines
Yoga is very beneficial for your whole body if it is done properly and regularly. Every one has the busy schedule in this fast life. No one has the time to go for medicine, doctor and body care centers. Therefore yoga now a day is taking popularity to keep the body feet and away from disease.

It is very important to have the proper and right information before going for yoga. Yoga is natural and has no side effects on body. Yoga is ancient art of keeping body fit and healthy. You will find no need to go to the doctor if you promise for regular practice of yoga. It will develop your mental, physical and spiritual power.

You would have definitely heard the name and news of Swami Ramdev Baba. Swami Ramdev Baba is in the news since last two years. Swami Ramdev Baba believes on natural cure and natural medicines. Swami Ramdev Baba is an Indian and now he is become so very famous personality in India as well and aboard. Recently they have visited many countries and share his view about yoga. Swami Ramdev Baba always insists peoples to bring yoga in their regular practice.

There are some important tips and tricks how to keep yourself fit with yoga. But it is also recommended to take expert advices in case you have some physical problems as it can be problem in some types of yoga exercise. Ramdev Baba has several offers their advice for free in their regular camps. You can also watch his TV program in the morning and in the evening. Read more about Ramdev Baba Yoga.

Yoga Tips Tricks

Yoga offer many benefits to your body, mind and spirit. If you have just developed your mind to practice yoga then first you should take some advice from yoga experts or join yoga classes. You can also join Ramdev Baba Yoga Shivirs which are many times organized in India and sometimes in aboard. You can call personally and ask about their program schedules.

Start doing yoga with little practice. Give some time each day for yoga. Don’t to try to do over. Check your yoga positions whether it is correct. If you practice yoga in wrong poses then you will not get any benefits out of it.

Don’t go for single yoga exercise. Always try to adopt different types of yoga as they will offer extra benefits to you. Extend your Yoga timings as per expert advice and tips or you can increase it slowly-slowly.

Practice with different kinds of yoga exercises will boost your self confidence and gradually you will find no need for yoga classes and teachers.

Make sure about the perfect attention for yoga. Don’t try to do hard work. Learn about inner attentions as it will benefit you after some time. Try to get more benefits from yoga with your yoga teacher.

Select right yoga teacher. Always try to select a teacher with whom you find your self comfortable. He should be perfect in yoga teaching. He should have the some experience of yoga. Learn yoga exercise in right and perfect positions and poses. Read about Ramdev Yoga

These are some tips and tricks of yoga exercise. Make yourself perfect in yoga exercises and the time will come when you will see a huge change in your mental and physical strength. Yoga will develop and improve your mental skills, power and increase your concentrating power. Read more About Ramdev Yoga

By prabhat kumar
Published: 7/25/2007 

 Aromatherapy Oil: Pamper Your Skin and Your Senses Will Thank You
Aromatherapy oils are a great way to give your skin a natural boost that is great for your other senses too. Find out more about what essential oils to use and how best to use them.
Everyone needs to escape from their hectic schedule once in awhile. Picture this: You come home after a long day at work and need a little time to yourself. You light a few candles, maybe play some soft jazz and indulge in some take-out, or chocolate. The only thing missing is aromatherapy oil! So you pull out the oil and lightly mist the fragrance onto your skin. Immediately you feel yourself relaxing, and ready to end the day right.

Sure, it may sound like a clichéd scene for self-indulgence. Most of us are overworked and just plain tired, however; and we need something to help us relax and rejuvenate our bodies and minds. One of the best ways of doing this is using a soothing substance such as an aromatherapy oil to calm our senses. Here is why aromatherapy oil is so good for you:

All Natural

Aromatherapy oils and the many different forms originate from essential oils, which are the saps and oils of the plant or tree the fragrance comes from (the lavender essential oil comes from the lavender plant). All aromatherapy oil is natural, but the only way to know before you buy that you're truly getting the full benefit of the scent is to check the ingredients on the bottle. If there is no list of the ingredients on your aromatherapy oil product, or if it lists something like "fragrance oil" then it is not made naturally, and you will not get the full benefit of the scent.. You can purchase aromatherapy oil at outlets such as Bath and Body Works, or the nutrition section of any generic retail store.

Variable Usages

It isn't all about self-indulgence. If you want to make your partner feel as good as you do, then take a night and relax each other with aromatherapy oil. The scent of the oil, plus the touch from your loved one will definitely make for an enchanting evening. Aromatherapy oil is also good if you have an aching muscle and don't want to breathe in the unpleasant smell of ointments. It will soak into your skin the same, and leave a refreshing feeling in the end.

bottle of aromatherapy oil, or bath beads or salts, and letting the oils soak into your skin. It is also a way to bring you and your significant other together, physically and mentally. So let the drone of the day fade, and slip into tranquility with your favorite bottle of aromatherapy oil.

Learn how to relax and get the most out of life by invigorating your senses with aromatherapy oils. Not all fragrant oils are essential oils. Find out what you need to know here - www.essentialoils101.com

By Jill Brennan
Published: 7/22/2007

Go, Get Yourself A Massage
Should I talk to the masseur? What if I get turned on? Do I slither out of my UGs? Here are eight massage FAQs you wanted to ask but were always too embarrassed to...
Go, Get Yourself A Massage
1. AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE OFF MY UNDERWEAR?
Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, others prefer to be nude. If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks or groin, tight-fitting underwear can get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men do the trick. But ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged should be uncovered.

2. WHAT IF I REALIZE THAT I'VE DROOLED?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Ask the massage therapist for a tissue. It's that simple!

3. WILL THE MASSAGE THERAPIST BE THERE WHEN I UNDRESS?
In many salons/spas, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you; they always knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room.

4. SHOULD I TALK DURING THE MASSAGE?
Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel compelled to make conversation with the therapist. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. But be sure to speak up if the room is too hot or too cold, if you experience pain, if you have any questions related to the massage or if there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation.

5. WHAT IF I GET TURNED ON DURING THE MASSAGE?
Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get turned on. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and turn you on. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.

6. I'M SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT A CERTAIN PART OF MY BODY...
People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some common concerns are: I'm overweight, I have excessive hair growth on my body, I've got acne on my face or back, my feet are ugly or I have scars. Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area.

7 I'D RATHER SEE A SAME SEX MASSAGE THERAPIST. SHOULD I REQUEST FOR ONE?
Some men don't feel comfortable getting a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting turned on during the massage. Meanwhile, some women prefer female massage therapists because they say they feel more comfortable with them. Do what you feel good about. Your massage, your call!

8. AM I SUPPOSED TO TIP MY MASSAGE THERAPIST?
If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15-20 per cent tip is standard (if you were pleased with the services). On the other hand, there are no ground rules when it comes to a massage in a medical setting. Some therapists say that tipping isn't appropriate in a medical setting. If you aren't sure, call ahead to ask if you should tip or not.

Michael Douglas is a massage therapist and a fitness coach who also runs a website www.massagemanual.com. Here you can find the best books on massage, massage cds, videos, music downloads, bodywork magazines and other massage accessories.

By Michael Douglas
Published: 7/7/2007 

Soyfee, Coffee Alternative
Soyfee is a great flavor, healthy coffee substitute obtained from slow roasted soybeans. It blends the great coffee taste with the benefits of soy consumption. Quite a smart combination and if you are crazy about coffee…actually soyfee, good for you!
Soyfee, Coffee Alternative
Because of several reasons like heartburn, ulcers, diabetes or high blood pressure, some of us are advised to give up our good old coffee. Indeed coffee becomes a drug because of the caffeine contained, and just as drugs do, it will lead to addiction.

How do you know when you are a coffee addict?

It shows when you go without coffee for a few days, you will usually have a headache or, when you think about giving up coffee (and you actually succeed doing that), you might think about your favorite cup for days or even months to…years. Giving up coffee is not so easy once it has a hold on you!

However, in this process, coffee alternatives come in handy! Several coffee alternatives taste more or less like real coffee, and you can choose from a rather large palette. I will stop to one of them, to coffee made of soybeans, soyfee.

Soyfee is a rather new product and making coffee out of soy promotes not only the taste similar to coffee, but also touches other health issues because of soy use. As it is already a well-known fact, soy has multiple health benefits so by using it as "coffee", we not only enjoy the taste but also profit from the healthiness soy itself brings.

For instance, soy protein contains all eight essential amino acids; contains no cholesterol; soy contains complex carbohydrates, vitamin B and iron, it is lactose-free and gluten-free.

What’s more, tests indicate the fact that soy may help lower the risk of cancer and osteoporosis, relieve the symptoms of menopause, control diabetes etc.

Right, but how is the soy coffee produced?

After selecting the soybeans -which are certified organic, not bio-engineered soybeans complying with USDA standards- the next step is the roasting process. This technique was used before the days of mass coffee production too. Back then, coffee was roasted slowly in small batches at relatively low temperatures. The coffee produced using this procedure had a richer flavor and aroma but on the other hand, it was very time and labor intensive. This is the reason why few coffee producers are willing to slow roast today. Also slow roasting allows an accurate control and prevents over roasting which creates a "burnt" taste.

As you have probably intuited, soyfee is made using this slow roasting method, to bring out the best of soy beans.

Time for roasting can vary based on differentials in weather, air pressure, air density and moisture; these all affect coffee roaster efficiency. For instance, higher altitude or humidity will require more roasting time to create the same soy coffee as a lower altitude, low humidity environment.

Once roasted, the soybeans are allowed to cool and then vacuum packed to ensure maximum flavor retention. It comes pre-grounded so brewing is recommended, however some use it like instant coffee as well. If you have a grinder, you can also make a finer grind for espresso makers.

Since is made out of soy, soyfee preserves certain soy characteristics as:

- caffeine-free

-no carbohydrates as Soyfee is all protein and therefore safe for Atkins Dieters. About 98% of the coffee substitutes on the market today are high carb. Atkins forbids these products in their diet plan.

-all the flavors used are natural and do not contain propylene-glycol. The natural flavors compliment, not overwhelm the delicate flavor of the soy.

-it is gluten-free/wheat free; unlike most coffee substitutes that contain barley (a gluten) soyfee is safe for those sensitive to gluten

The nutrition facts label is based on the actual brewed product. One serving has less than 5 calories.

Soyfee is also certified by KO kosher service.

So why not drink something delicious –soyfee consumers said that it tastes just like coffee- and healthy in the same time? So low in calories, caffeine free and good for those on diet too, plus encompassing the benefits of soy consumption! Soyfee is a great coffee substitute indeed. You can also use it instead of coffee within cake or other coffee drinks recipes, by simply brewing soyfee instead of coffee. It means that instead of the well known "Tiramisu", you will make a great tasting "Tiramisoy"!

Try it for yourself!
           By Claudia Miclaus