About Me

Matt Murray is co-owner and manager for GreenAcres Market in Wichita, Kansas. From 1996 until 2002 Matt was co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, HealthTalk with Shannon and Matt. Current activities involve writing health-related articles for local magazines and newspapers, seminars and speaking engagements.

Active in lobbying for the natural products industry in Washington, D.C., Matt was president of Rocky Mountain Nutritional Foods Association and a member of the national board for NNfA from 2002 through 2006.

Consumer education, advertising and promotions are the key elements for store growth so he spends time on newsletter development and in-store activities.

You really can be Lighter and healthier all at once!

We all recognize that a fad diets wonĚt work, so letĚs examine some nutritional approaches that can go beyond weight loss.

7-Keto: A naturally occurring hormone, 7-keto, reduced fat and lowered weight in overweight volunteers, and improved immune function in elderly subjects, according to two studies. In the eight-week diet study, 30 overweight volunteers took either 100 mg of 7-Keto per day or a placebo. Each consumed a daily diet of 1800 calories and exercised three times per week. At the end of the study, the 7-Keto group had an average fat loss of 6.3 pounds, compared to a 2.1-pound fat loss in the placebo group. The 7-Keto group also had 1.8% less total body fat compared to a .057% loss in the placebo group.

In the immune study, presented at a meeting of the federation of American societies for Experimental Biology in 2004, scientists concluded that 7-Keto improved immune function in the elderly. The double-blind study involved 42 men and women, aged 65 and over, who took either 100 mg of 7-Keto twice per day or a placebo for four weeks. Researchers found that the 7-Keto group had a significant drop in the type of cells that diminish the immune response called immune-suppressor cells and a significant gain in the type of cells that augment the immune response, canned immune-helper cells.

7-Keto is a brand name for the naturally occurring chemical compound, 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, a metabolite a substance produced by metabolism created mainly in the adrenal glands and skin. First discovered in the body in 1958, 7-Keto levels typically rise until about age 20 and decrease slowly starting about age 30. Researchers believe that low levels of 7-Keto may trigger the fat- and weight-gain associated with aging. Studies have also shown that 7-Keto has thermogenic (fat burning) properties, which adds heat to the metabolic process, increasing the metabolic rate and converting more stored fat into energy. According to research, the best time to take 7-Keto is in the morning to help insure adequate levels throughout the day.

Vitamins and Minerals: Further discussion on weight loss starts with the fact that there is now a broad consensus in the medical community that most people do not consume enough nutrients through diet alone, and that everyone should take a daily multivitamin. The American Dietetic Association suggests that this is especially true for dieters, who may not eat enough of the right foods when consuming less than 1200 calories per day. Research also indicates that the B-vitamins particularly vitamin B6, Folic acid (B9) and Thiamine (B1) And minerals calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc are important supplements during a diet and weight-loss regime.

All the B-vitamins and lecithin a natural antioxidant are vital for health while losing weight. The b-vitamins help produce energy and can help reduce stress and ease depression.

Lecithin helps liquefy fats such as cholesterol, which the body can then release. For those following a reduced-calorie diet, it is important to replenish calcium. Experts suggest taking 1000 mg to 1500 mg of calcium per day.

Dieters are often deficient in iron, a condition which can lead to anemia, with symptoms such as headache, weakness and fatigue. For adults who are following a weight-loss regime, the recommended dose is 15 mg of iron per day.

Magnesium is essential for every major biological function in the body including the heartbeat. Magnesium supplements can treat muscle cramps and can also help curb cravings for sweets. The normal dosage range is 250 mg to 500 mg of magnesium per day.

Zinc is important for keeping the immune system healthy, while dieting, and helps keep hair shiny and luxurious as well. A typical dose is 15 mg of zinc per day.

References: Current Therapeutic Research; 2000, Vol. 61, 435-42. Journal of the American Dietetic Association; 2005, Vol. 105, No. 8, 1300-11.