Protein powders are nourishing for your body. People consume the best vegetarian protein powders for a variety of reasons—to lose weight, to improve sporting performance, build muscle mass, and overall wellness. However, one look around and you will find endless options of protein powders. So how do you know which one is the best for your personal health goals?

It is important to know the difference between available protein powders as well as how they fare against whole-food protein sources.

Whole foods vs. protein powder

Whether you drink shakes or eat only whole foods, all will help you meet your body’s daily protein requirements; however, they do not offer equal nutrition. Shakes aid one in losing weight; however, since shakes contain fewer nutrients than whole foods, they do not offer a bigger nutritional punch.

Protein types and uses

Whey protein is one of the most commonly consumed sources of proteins. Rich in essential amino acids and easy for digestion, whey proteins help boost energy and reduce stress levels. Whey isolates and concentrates also make for good sources to consume after a workout.

Soy protein is yet another common source. It is also known to help reduce high cholesterol, ease symptoms of menopause in some women, aid in curing osteoporosis by helping build bone mass.

Other types of protein include egg protein, milk proteins, brown rice protein, pea protein, and hemp protein.

Here are some general guidelines that can help you find the best vegetarian protein powders.

Building muscle:

The best vegetarian protein powder with a high biological value, i.e., a value that measures how well the body can absorb and utilize a protein, is great for muscle growth. Here, whey protein and whey isolates are your best options.

Lose weight:

For weight loss, choose shakes with no added sugars or dextrins/maltodextrins (sweeteners made from starch). Avoid those with added branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), since they promote muscle growth and weight gain.

Stay vegetarian or vegan:

For vegetarians or vegans, milk-based protein shakes are a strict no-no. Whey and milk proteins are not an option here; instead, 100% plant proteins, such as soy, pea, and hemp come to the rescue.

Low-sugar with diabetes:

For patients living with diabetes, protein shakes without added sugar are a must. It is also best to look for a shake that is low in carbohydrates.

Limit protein for those with kidney diseases:

People living with kidney diseases are unable to tolerate a high concentration of protein at one time. They must stick with powders that have a low range of protein content, ideally between 10 grams to 15 grams per serving.

Avoid gastrointestinal problems:

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance should choose powders that do not contain lactose sugars, artificial sweeteners or dextrins/maltodextrins. For those living with a gluten allergy or sensitivity, powders devoid of gluten are the best option.

Stick to your budget:

Buy a large quantity of protein powder instead of ready-to-drink protein shakes, which are more expensive. In addition to being a convenient option, it is also a mega money saver.

Here are a few things to consider to get the best out of your vegetarian protein powder:

For optimal recovery after exercising, an athlete or avid exerciser should consume protein within 60 minutes of a workout. This period is when your muscles are most responsive to the use of protein for the repair and growth process.

If you want to control your weight, it is best to consume a steady supply of protein at each meal and to snack in between meals to help keep you full.

Although there is no exact quantifiable number for how much protein to consume at one time, it is best to aim for at least 3 ounces or 20 grams of protein per meal.

Depending on the ingredients and protein source, each protein powder has a unique taste. To improve the flavors and offer a wide variety to consumer, many companies use specifically-designed fillers or flavor enhancers. Furthermore, to improve the taste of your vegetarian protein powder, you can mix it with milk or a milk alternative (as opposed to water) to produce a creamier milkshake-like texture.

Weed refers to marijuana and is known by numerous names like pot, herb, bud, grass, ganja, Mary Jane, etc. The plant has more than 200 street names. Weed is used for both recreational and medical purposes.

However, certain laws and rules regulate the use of weed.

Before you start looking for weed store nearby, it is essential to understand the uses of weed and their legal and health implications.

What is a weed?

The dried and shredded leaf, stem, flower, and seed from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa) are called weed. The weed is used for recreational purposes due to its psychoactive properties. However, it can be used for religious and spiritual purposes. Also, there are numerous medical uses of marijuana.

Many states have legalized the medical and recreational uses of weed. However, it is classified as a type 1 drug and its possession is illegal as per the federal law except for research settings.

What are the uses of weed?

Some of the uses of weed are as mentioned below:

1. Recreational uses of weed

The weed plant contains numerous chemicals called cannabinoids. These chemicals create different effects on the human body. The ingredient called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main ingredient in weed.

It is a psychoactive substance that causes the feeling of euphoria or intoxication commonly referred to as “high “that people feel after the consumption of weed. The highest concentration of THC is in dried flowers or buds. THC is an active ingredient in weed products.

Weed for recreational use can take numerous forms. It is either smoked as a cigarette or blunts. Blunts are cigar that is emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana.

Vaporizers are also popular among people who do not like to inhale smoke. Weed stores nearby also sell it in the form of edibles. Edibles are food and drinks infused with weed extracts and are available in the form of gummies, chocolates, cookies, brownies, lollipops, etc.

2. Religious and spiritual uses of weed

Cannabis has a strong link to religious and spiritual rituals in various cultures. It was used by people to ponder and meditate deeply on any subject. The focus was on religious and tribal topics.

The herb was believed to help in deeper focus and unravel the secrets of the subconscious mind. This helped them achieve enlightenment and a deeper understanding of philosophical subjects.

3. Medical uses of weed

Marijuana can also be used to treat diseases and health conditions. Epidiolex is a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy.

Two severe and rare conditions of epilepsy that can be treated with the drug are Lennox-Gas taut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The drug contains an active ingredient CBD derived from marijuana.

4. Research uses of weed

Researchers are studying the effects of marijuana on several health conditions.

Some of these conditions include:

• Appetite loss
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Diseases affecting the immune system like HIV/AIDS
• Anorexia and other eating disorders
• Some Mental health conditions including schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle spasms
• Wasting syndrome (cachexia)
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Pain

There is not much scientific evidence of the weed helping in the treatment of these conditions. However, its therapeutic effects can be seen in its ability to reduce pain, nausea, and vomiting relating to chemotherapy and spasticity.

These are some of the usages of weed. However, before you visit a weed store nearby, it is essential to understand the legality of such usage. In some states, the usage of marijuana is illegal, while in others, it can only be used for medical usage.

However, some states allow the usage of marijuana for recreational as well as medical purposes. Hence, it is essential to understand the laws and regulations applicable in your state.

As a new parent, you receive advice from different people about ways to take care of your little bundle of joy and the things you can do to protect their health, wellness, and future. Hence, you must have come across the medical procedure called cord blood banking.

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta post-delivery. This blood is rich in stem cells and can be preserved for future medical use.

Choosing the right cord blood bank is crucial to ensure the availability and viability of cord blood for future uses. However, as a new parent, you may not have all the information to choose the right cord blood bank for your child.

Here is a step-by-step guide that can help you in selecting a cord blood bank for your newborn.

1. Start planning in advance.

Banking the cord blood of your child is a crucial decision. Hence, you need to start planning in advance to make the right choice. Most women consider stem cell banking in their second trimester. This will provide you with enough time to research and choose the right stem cell bank.

We recommend completing all the procedures before the 34th week. This will take the burden off your shoulders, and you can relax in the final few weeks before delivery.

2. Research and gather information about cord blood banking

Cord blood banking has gathered popularity in recent years. Hence, there are some aspects of the procedure you may not know.

Research the procedure of stem cell banking, its numerous benefits, and the potential for future medical usage. Cord blood bank costs are a huge investment. Hence, you need to gather all the information that will make you feel confident about your decision.

At this stage, you should also research the different types of cord blood banks. The private cord blood banks ensure the availability of stem cell banks as and when you need them.

The cord blood banking costs for public banks are nil. However, the cells are not stored for your family and are used for other patients and medical research.

3. Ask for recommendations.

Now that you are well aware of cord blood banking procedures, benefits, and costs, you should ask your friends, family, and neighbors for their recommendations about the cord blood banks.

Also, ask them about their first-hand experience with these private cord blood banks and their reasons for picking the bank. Prepare a list of all these recommendations. You can also ask your doctor for their advice.

4. Gather information about the cord blood banking company

Before choosing the cord blood bank, you need to gather some critical information about the private cord blood bank and its functioning.

• Check licensing and accreditation.

License and accreditation ensure the legitimacy and capability of the private cord blood bank. The bank should be registered with FDA to carry out cord blood banking. Other accreditation standards to look for in your private cord blood bank are AABB and FACT.

• Check their experience.

You should also enquire your bank about the number of years they have been in business. Also, check for the number of units stored and released by the cord blood bank for transfusion.

• Ensure the safety of the stem cells.

The stem cell banks need to follow standards and guidelines for the cord blood to ensure its viability. Ensure that the private cord blood bank of your choice maintains adequate insulation and temperature in storage and transportation.

• Cord blood banking costs

The price of cord blood banking is a critical factor in choosing the right cord blood banks. However, it should not be the sole determining factor in making a selection.

The quality of the cord blood banking services should be given priority in choosing the cord blood bank. An affordable cord blood bank of $19.99/month allows you to store your child’s cord blood at manageable monthly expenses.

5. Make your choice

Based on the above factors, you should make your final decision and complete all the procedures of registering with the cord blood bank. The bank will make all the necessary arrangements for the collection, processing, and storage of the stem cell banks of your child.

Do you often look in the mirror only to look away? The subtle appearance of sagging skin and information overload on the internet has caused you to fret over your aging process too much? Well, we have got a solution for you! With an ever-growing technology, the Beauty Industry has adopted many pragmatic approaches to suppress the early signs of aging.

Thread Lift: The What and Why?

Thread Lift is a face-lifting procedure in which PDO (polydioxanone) threads are used to correct deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. They are less invasive than a traditional facelift.

The PDO threads are designed to tighten the skin and ultimately, giving a subtle facelift. Also, the self-reabsorbing characteristic of the thread allows for safe immersion on the skin.

How does it work?

The PDO threads are inserted across the cheek and neck. Once inserted, they are gently pulled up to give the face a much-needed lift. The best part? It’s less -invasive.

The threads are inserted without undergoing any deep cuts and no excess skin is removed, unlike in the traditional facelift.

However, the threads have invisible barbs that provide support to the skin tissues and eventually, producing a firm aesthetic to the face.

Features of Thread Lift

• Multi-Use: Apart from the drooping face, thread lifts can be used to improve specific features such as jawlines, brow lines, under-eye area, forehead, crow’s feet, and marionette lines.

• Variety of threads available: There are different types of PDO threads available as per the skin structure and customization. Mini-4 threads, being the most commonly used, can be used to improve pre-mature aging signs, but not the very late signs. Full-8 Threads and Mega-12 Threads are the other two varieties available at the wellness centers.

• Longevity: While this may depend on the amount of prior aging and quality of PDO threads used, but the results usually last for about 1-3 years. Moreover, surgeons also suggest a combination of thread lift and other anti-aging procedures for best results.

• Safety & Convenience: Due to its less-invasive nature, the Thread Lift is a low-risk procedure and generally takes no more than 1 hour to perform. But the after-effects may include redness, bruises, and swelling for a stipulated amount of time.

• Absorption Time of PDO threads: This may take up to 3-6 months as the body produces new collagen to anchor the desired results.

The pocket talks: A bird’s eye view of the Cost

We tell you, there’s no definite price that would go by the procedure. The cost involved in the entire procedure is based on three factors: The stage of aging you are at, the quality of threads used, and the med-spa/ wellness center chosen.

Generally speaking, the PDO Thread Lifts in Salt Lake City will cost you around $1200-1500 for the basic Mini-4 threads treatment. This includes correcting the fine lines around the mouth and smoothing out the glabella.

However, the Full-8 threads and Mega-12 threads treatment will range from $1600- $2100 approximately. To help you land on a decision, we suggest you have a tour of your pocket and consult a Cosmetologist accordingly.

The Suitability of the Thread Lift procedure

Do you often think ‘Am I a suitable candidate for the Thread Lift procedure?’ Not to worry, standing at the crossroads is a natural part of the process and we are here to help you.

Being a safe and effective procedure, Thread Lift continues to be a popular face-lifting procedure. Your decision to go for this procedure should be based on the following factors:

• Your skin laxity- Is your skin too dry and evasive or is it soft and sagging?

• Your skin rejuvenation goals- Do you need a long-lasting facelift or a 5-year goal would suffice?

• Your medical condition- Do you have any rare/chronic medical issues?

Nevertheless, it is always best to consult a doctor to verify if you are a suitable candidate or not.

Before & After the Thread Lift

To bolt your recovery and smoothen the procedure, it is advisable to avoid smoking and alcohol a week before the final procedure. Indulging in these activities may dehydrate your skin which in turn affects the effectiveness of the Thread Lift. Also, drink lots of water to restore hydration in the body.

Once you finish the procedure, relax, and take a deep breath. It is common to experience mild swelling, so we would not advise you to schedule any important social meetings for at least a week. Furthermore, do not use make-up and avoid strenuous exercises. Rest, you are good!