Wednesday, March 12, 2014

March 12, 2014 - Almased vs Shakeology

There are a couple of people I know that found Almased, which is a weight loss diet program, and it is actually working for them.  So, me being me, I went and did some research.

Almased is a Synergy Diet Program that relies on an all natural drink.  The claim is that people will loose up to 15 pounds in 6 weeks, which is healthy (experts say 2 pounds per week is good).  Almased is made with all natural ingredients, Soy, Honey and Skim milk yogurt powder.   It's the Soy base that is a red flag for me.  Too much of a good thing can be pretty bad. 

Soy has been linked to a number of health benefits, including protection against certain types of cancer and it can lower cholesterol.   Soy contains a substance known as Isoflavones and while they may have health benefits a high consumption can also increase risk for certain cancers.

Isoflavones are active substances in soy based foods, are a class of Phytoestrogens - compounds that exist in plants and are similar to estrogen - once in the body these phytoestrogens behave like human estrogen.  In some tissues they can mimic the effects of estrogen and in other tissues do just the opposite.  There is concern about the long term effects on the human hormonal system.  Estrogen is a hormone that can cause breast cancer in humans and animals, resulting in concern for high intake of estrogen like compounds.

Shakeology is an all natural shake, consumed once per day, replacing a meal. 
Ingredients and Benefits of Shakeology:

Protein and Amino Acids -
Amarants, Camu-Camu, Goji Berry, Sacha Inchi, Sprouted Quinoa, Whey Protein -
Helps the body build lean muscle, heals wounds, improves skin and hair.  Supports optimal brain function and mental clarity.  Improved mood and reduced cravings.

Antioxidants ("Red Super Foods") -
Acai Berry, Acerola Cherry, Billberry, Camu-Camu, Goji Berry, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea, Maca Root, Pomegranate -
Helps reduce oxidative damage in the body caused by free radicals.  Oxidative damage is a major cause for degenerative (aging) conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure (which can lead to stroke), dementia and arthritis.

Phytonutrients ("Green Super Foods") -
Barley Grass, Blue-Green Algae, Chia Seeds, Chlorella, Flax, Grape Seed Extract, Hydrilla, Spinach, Spirullina, Sprouted Quinoa, Wheat Grass -
Boost immunity, help fight diseases, slow down the aging process, detoxify the body, has alkalizing properties.

Adaptogens -
Ashwaganha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Holy Basil Leaf, Maca Root, Relshi Mushroom, Schisandra, Suma Root -
Plat derived agents that help to adapt the body or protect it from stress.  Adaptogenic herbs are unique from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system

Prebiotics -
Pea Fiber, Yacon Root -
Promotes better intestinal health.  Stimulates growth of friendly bacteria for better digestion.

Digestive Enzymes -
Amylase, Bromelain from Pineapple, Cellulose, Lactase, Lipase, Papain from Papaya, Protease -
Helps the body break down foods and increases absorption of nutrients.

Now, having said all that.. If you are still with me.. Here is the cost breakdown:

The Almased program is $99.95 for 3 canisters - each canister lasts for about 1 week, which comes to approximately $4.76 per day for 21 days.  You can also buy 1 canister (1 week) for $ 34.95, which comes to $4.99 per day.   This makes Almased one of the most expensive programs available.

Shakeology comes in either one serving pouches or a bag, both are a 30 day supply, for $129.95, which comes to about $4.33 per day.   If you become a Team Beachbody member (just 2.99 per week billed quarterly), you receive a 10% discount on all products at Team Beachbody.

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