Green Tea Extract

2010-10-29 / Other / 0 Comments

Tea drinking happens to be a natural part of a tradition throughout the world. Through England, their tea consuming is practiced during the afternoon, at which ancient English persons have a mug of tea with recently baked scones. However, tea drinking throughout China can be more than simply a part of an afternoon snack. In China also, in the actual community neighbouring Asian countries, tea having is actually appreciated due to its many health and fitness benefits; more particularly, this tea is made out of the particular leaves of Camellia Sinensis. This document will inform you of everything you should find out regarding Green tea extract.

Exactly what is Green Tea Extract?

This extract would be the herbal derivative regarding green tea leaves from your genus Camellia. It really is a flowering plant and yet this has been harvested because of its substantial healing importance instead of to its visual feature.

Where can I obtain This Extract?

You could get this extract with five different methods. Very first, as being a effective infusion – the spot that the actual leaves are highly processed by simply soaking in a exceptional alcoholic formula; Second, being a light extract – a much more concentrated intense infusion; Third, like dry extracts – the dehydrated strong infusion; Fourth, to a degree pure extract – goes through some filter method to get more significant cathechins amount; and Fifth, enclosed from a Green Tea Extract along with other essential herbal plants.

So how exactly this Tea extract give good results?

This extract sustains important plasma levels of cetechin, which might apply antioxidant function against lipoproteins. Additionally, it is said to delay fat perioxidation, puts antimicrobial effects against by mouth as well as diarrheal- producing microorganisms, and even contributes antimutagenic opportunity towards nutritional carcinogens.

Do you know benefits associated with having Green tea Extract?

Having these kinds of medicinal herbs extract may help combat preventing atherosclerosis (thickening of the arterial wall), headaches, digestive system ailments, and raise lipid amounts.

Furthermore, due to the antimutagenic attribute, it has been said to prevent the creation of particular sorts of cancerous cells. This consists of breast cancers and also that will originate from dietary carcinogens.

It may also help improve the process of wound restorative healing and prevent it from becoming infected because of antimicrobial property. And for the same cause, mouth carries as well as diarrhea, are frequently eliminated.

And even for those people who wished to burn fat, reports has revealed that ingesting 4 cups of this extract designed for fourteen days, already have results so that you can lessened extra fat portion and weight loss. Aside from that, this also rewards those heavy people since it is believed to reduce high blood pressure as well as blood levels of cholesterol.

When should Green tea Extract be avoided?

Green tea supplement really should be avoided by pregnant and also nursing women and by women who could become expectant because of its high caffeine content. In addition, it must be put to use very carefully by those people who have heart disease, renal disorder and also hyperthyroidism.

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Silica Extract

2010-10-28 / Supplements / 0 Comments

Horsetail is a common good name for a plant with the scientific name of Equisetum, which usually part of the Equisetaceae family group. The herb created its identity because of its resemblance to a horsetail, simply because it appears almost like it provides hairs falling over from them.

The particular horsetail thought to be the richest supply of silica, which is known to have many health benefits. Silica can be acquired from horsetail extract, which can be made by getting some dehydrated horsetail over a pan more than medium- high heat. Stirring this continuously using a wood ladle will turn the horsetail to a pulverized powdered ingredient, and that is your extract.

Silica, of which is actually a mixture with silicon and oxygen, is likewise named silicon dioxide or Si02. It’s the 2nd most rich element in the world, utilizing oxygen being the very first.

Silicon is famous for assorted added benefits, by means of aid in brittle bones as well as Alzheimer’s condition included. Silicon will be also called becoming needed for the performance with tissues and also nerve cells, along with the activity of Vitamin B1 in the human’s physique. It’s also needed for a nerves, skincare, muscular areas, connective tissue, hair, nails, thymus, tooth enamel and pancreas. Specialist will also be looking at silica regarding lessening risking potential heart disease as well as atherosclerosis, despite the fact that not a single thing definitive has been proven yet.

Deficit on silica, while tremendously unlikely, might trigger brittle bones, because this is essential for your progression and also repair of the bone tissues. It may also bring about brittle nails, tendonitis, rapid growing old, heart disease, bone tissue decalcification and also unnatural skeletal formation.

Apart from horsetail extract, silica can be found in a lot of sources. These involves kelp, alfalfa, nettle, dark environmentally friendly fresh vegetables, flaxseed, some fruits including apples and grapes, onions, seeds, nuts, berries such as strawberries, dandelion, lettuce, figs, tomatoes, sunflower seeds and also dehydrated beans and pasta.

The preferred everyday intake intended for silica for children, newborns and even expectant mothers or lactating mothers hasn’t yet been proven, because the data regarding the issues on this group remains lacking. With regard to these consumers, silica from food resources instead of supplementation is highly advised.

Silica isn’t encouraged to be taken in high levels for long time, because this could potentially cause toxicity signs or symptoms. Individuals with already present cardiovascular or renal system illness may also be proven to produce irreparable kidney problems as a result of consuming silica for a long period of period. Silica in some cases also come in any powdered style, including those who were definitely produced from horsetail extract, and also inhaling these kind of straight could potentially cause silicosis that is a lung problem triggering cancer on the lungs. A study have been made with individuals who were definitely totally exposed to crystalline silica typically, and they appear to have an increased rate associated with death caused by most cancers because of silica inhalation and also getting exposed.

While silica offers quite a bit of advantages, workout extreme caution is advice before you take it as being a supplementation. If you think that you need to consume silica extract, it’s important that you just find your physician’s advice initially. This is very important regarding safe silica ingestion.

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Understanding Probiotic Lactobacillus

2010-10-27 / Supplements / 0 Comments

Do you love to eat foods that are made with dairy, like ice cream, cheese, and breakfast cereal, but hate the embarrassing symptoms that you always seem to get afterwards? You might not realize it, but these are the symptoms of a health condition like lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. If you’re tired of having to deny yourself the foods that you love because your digestive system can’t handle them, it might be time to try a supplement like probiotic lactobacillus. As acid-loving milk bacteria, lactobacillus probiotics are the most preferred way to get relief.

  • What Are Lactobacillus Bacteria?

Many people think that bacteria are something to be avoided and exterminated at every possibility. We have anti-bacterial soaps and other cleaners that are meant to keep harmful bacteria at bay, but that doesn’t mean that all bacteria are harmful. In fact, there are millions of beneficial bacteria living inside your digestive system right now. Probiotic lactobacillus is one of these beneficial bacteria, and its job is to prevent and control the growth of the fungus Candida albicans, which can cause serious health problems if it is allowed to flourish. Lactobacillus bacteria are found in yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods that you’re likely to find for sale in grocery or health food stores.

  • What Are The Benefits Of Taking Probiotic Lactobacillus?

The problem with lactobacillus bacteria is that unless you make sure to make yogurt, kefir, or other fermented dairy foods a part of your everyday life, you’re probably not getting enough in your system. Without a proper amount of probiotic lactobacillus in your diet, you might find yourself suffering from unwanted symptoms of digestive imbalance, especially when you consume dairy products. Some of the benefits of choosing a daily probiotic lactobacillus supplement include:

– enhanced gastrointestinal function
– enhanced immune system
– decreased frequency of vaginal yeast infection
– relief of indigestion, diarrhea, and symptoms of different digestive disorders

  • How Do You Make Probiotic Lactobacillus Part Of Your Life?

One of the easiest ways to make sure that you have a healthy population of lactobacillus bacteria in your body at all times is to purposefully eat foods that contain it. But if you are pressed for time or have limited resources to use on specialty groceries, it can be hard to keep up with this need for lactobacillus probiotics. If you’re already taking a daily vitamin or other holistic supplement, the easiest thing to do is find a brand of powerful probiotic lactobacillus that you can take every day. There are plenty of brands of lactobacillus probiotics that are easy to find in a health food store, or even the vitamin aisle of your local grocery store.

  • Are There Side Effects Of Taking Probiotic Lactobacillus?

Many people wonder if they have anything to be worried about when putting beneficial bacteria into their bodies every day. There are very few negative side effects of taking probiotic lactobacillus, although you may notice some extra gas or a little bloating when you first start your probiotic regimen.

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The Case For Custom Vitamins

2010-10-20 / Vitamins / 0 Comments

Hectic lifestyles and quick-fix meals have become part of many people’s modern-day lives. Due to busy work schedules, we tend to eat the wrong foods – which in the long run can result in serious health issues. What’s more, the food that eventually ends up on our plate may be deficient in essential vitamins and nutrients. This can cause us to become more susceptible to a variety of diseases. Health supplements can help rectify this nutritional imbalance, and get you on the path to a healthy life.

  • What are Custom Vitamins?
  • Malegra – premature ejaculation treatment.
    Custom vitamins are health supplements that act as replacements for the vitamins that are deficient in your body. These nutritional supplements have the right vitamins in balanced proportions, because they are custom made just for you after a careful evaluation of your specific health concerns. While individual vitamins can help your body to function normally, just imagine just how custom vitamins could work in concert to do wonders for you, because they have been chosen to address your specific health needs. If you are unsure as to how vitamins work, learn more about their functions below.
    Vitamin A – Vitamin A helps in maintaining healthy skin, normal vision, proper immune functions, healthy bones and teeth, normal embryonic development, and reproduction. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Some good sources of this vitamin are liver, eggs, milk, fortified cereals, and some green vegetables.
    Vitamin C – Vitamin C is responsible for producing collagen, which is present in your muscles and bones. It helps promote a healthy immune system, and helps in the healing of bruises. It also keeps your gums healthy. Citrus foods such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruits are good sources of vitamin C.

    Vitamin D– This vitamin helps the body to absorb calcium, which is crucial to the formation and maintenance of healthy joints and bones. Dairy products and fortified foods are rich sources of vitamin D.

  • Why Custom Vitamins?
  • Everybody has different nutritional requirements. There are several factors that determine the vitamin requirements of each person, such as age, dietary habits, lifestyle, profession, etc. A teenager’s requirement for health supplements will be completely different from that of a middle-aged man or a senior citizen. Vitamin requirements differ from person to person based on their nutritional deficiency level. When people consume health supplements that are not needed, it could lead to an excess, which could then have adverse effects. Read about some negative effects of vitamin excess below.
    Vitamin A – An excessive dosage of vitamin A can cause liver damage, nausea, muscle pain, insomnia and anemia.
    Vitamin C – When vitamin C is consumed in large amounts it can cause kidney stones.
    Vitamin D – Excessive vitamin D intake can result in nausea and vomiting. It can also cause abnormal heart beats, and at high levels, can result in kidney stones.

    People who take off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all nutritional supplements are unnecessarily jeopardizing their health by potentially eating too much or too little of certain vitamins, minerals, and health supplements. The assumption that all health vitamins supplements are always healthy is misleading. So be wise, make the correct choice when you opt for health supplements. Choose custom vitamins that are made for your unique health concerns. Get all the health supplements your body needs – and nothing it doesn’t.

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    Guide To Buying Vitamins Online

    2010-10-19 / Vitamins / 0 Comments

    Vitamins are merely organic compounds that the body uses for essential functions. There are two categories of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. The body requires nine water-soluble vitamins. Many of the water soluble vitamins are precursors for coenzymes for the enzymes of intermediary metabolism. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. What is not used will be excreted in the urine.

    Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for protein and red blood cell formation. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy for healthy development of baby’s brains and nervous system. Deficiencies in folic acid during pregnancy lead to spina bifida and anencephaly. Proper vitamin supplementation before and during pregnancy can prevent this.

    Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is also part of the red blood cell ring that carries oxygen. Pernicious anemia is a related to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is rarely a result of the vitamin’s absence in the diet. Many who develop pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor, which binds to the vitamin for absorption purposes.

    Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the maintenance of normal connective tissue and the formation of collage. This vitamin can be found in skin care products. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron in the diet. Vitamin C is an essential anti-oxidant (free radical damage). Scurvy is a disease associated with vitamin C deficiency.

    Vitamin B6 known as pyridoxine is also a water-soluble vitamin. Pyridoxine is essential for protein digestion and utilization. This vitamin is essential for brain function and hormone production.

    Vitamin B1 known as thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin. Thiamine plays a key role in energy metabolism of most cells (ATP), particularly the nervous system. Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are diseases caused by a severe thiamine deficiency.

    Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Niacin functions as a precursor to NAD and NADP. Niacin is essential for energy production, brain function, and healthy skin. A deficiency in niacin causes pellagra and type IIb hyperlipoproteinemia. Niacin also helps to lower LDL’s in the blood.

    Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin that assists in turning fats, sugars, and protein into energy. Riboflavin is needed to repair and maintain healthy skin. Riboflavin also assists in regulating bodily acidity. There are no diseases associated with a riboflavin deficiency. However, riboflavin deficiencies commonly accompany other vitamin deficiencies.

    Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is needed for healthy childhood development. Biotin helps the body use essential fats. Biotin promotes healthy skin, hair, and nerves. Biotin deficiency does not occur naturally because the vitamin is widely distributed in food.

    Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is essential for energy production. Vitamin B5 also controls the body’s fat metabolism. This vitamin helps make antistress hormones (steroids) during stressful times. Pantothenic acid is essential for a healthy nervous system. This vitamin helps maintain healthy skin and hair. Deficiency in this vitamin is not well characterized in humans and no RDA (recommended dietary allowance) has been established. The body also requires four fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed, released, and transported with the fat of the diet. Fat-soluble vitamins are not readily excreted in the urine. Because fat-soluble vitamins travel with fat, significant quantities of these vitamins are stored in adipose tissue (fat) and the liver.

    Vitamin A or retinol is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. Vitamin A also protects against many infections. Vitamin A is essential for vision at night. Those deficient in vitamin A suffer night blindness. Many who suffer from psoriasis and acne are effectively treated with retinoic acid or a derivative. It is possible to become toxic with fat-soluble vitamins because of how the body stores these vitamins. Toxicity of vitamin A leads to hypervitaminosis A. Symptoms of this disorder include dry, pruritic skin; cirrhotic, enlarged liver; and increased intracranial pressure. Pregnant women should not take excess of vitamin A due to potential to cause congenital malformations to the fetus.

    Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. This vitamin has hormone like functions. This vitamin helps to maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. This is why milk is usually fortified with vitamin D for increased calcium absorption. The body also produces vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sufficient sunlight. A vitamin D deficiency causes a net demineralization of bone, results in the disorder rickets (children) and osteomalacia (adults). Other disorders such as renal rickets and hypoparathyroidism are seen with a vitamin D deficiency. Like all fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D can be stored in the body and is slow metabolized. So there is a risk for toxicity. Toxic levels can cause nausea, thirst, stupor, and loss of appetite. Hypercalcemia can result from enhanced calcium absorption which can lead to calcium deposits in many organs, especially the kidneys and arteries. Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin needed for proper clotting of the blood. Vitamin K is a byproduct created by the normally harmless bacteria in the intestine (E.coli). A true deficiency is unusual because of adequate amounts produced by the bacteria in the intestine and the diet. However, antibiotics can destroy necessary flora in the intestine which can decrease vitamin K production. Hypoprothrombinemia is seen in a vitamin K deficiency.

    Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. The primary function of vitamin E as an anti-oxidant is to prevent non-enzymatic oxidation of cell components by molecular oxygen and free radicals. Vitamin E also helps to prevent blood clots, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin, fertility, and improves wound healing. Deficiencies of vitamin E have been seen with abnormal cellular membranes. No toxic effects have been seen with this vitamin.

    All essential vitamins are necessary for good health. Understanding what vitamins are essential and how the essential vitamins benefit health is only half the battle. Today many can buy vitamins online. Buying vitamins online might just be the answer to nutrition needs.

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    Alfalfa Extract

    2010-10-12 / Supplements / 0 Comments

    Alfalfa is actually a flowering plant from the pea family, but it has been imported by cattle-raising countries for forage. In addition to that, this plant’s benefits are extending as an herb that has been used for over 1,500 years due to its many therapeutic benefits.

    This plant comes with many aliases, it is also known as “Lucerne” in Australia, South Africa, UK, and New Zealand, “Lucerne grass” in south Asia, “chara” in Hindi, and “Raika” or “Gadab” in Guijati.

    Alfalfa is used to treat certain medical conditions because it is high in calcium, protein, minerals, and certain vitamins like the B vitamin group, Vitamin C, E, and K. It has been also widely used in both traditional and modern medicine.

    Dating back in Ancient Chinese medicine, the young leaves of alfalfa are used to treat digestive tract and kidney disorders. Ayurvedic or the native Indians on the other hand, uses leaves to treat poor digestion. Furthermore, the Alfalfa seeds are used to treat boils and this plant’s concoction was believed to treat arthritis and water retention.

    Further study was made by contemporary doctors for possible additional therapeutic effects of Alfalfa extracts. Now, modern medicine uses this plant’s extract to relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent breast-cancer when used as an estrogen replacement, decrease blood cholesterol levels, and treat prostate related problems. Scientist had also confirmed that Alfalfa extract can help prevent diabetes, treat anemia, strengthens teeth due to its natural fluoride content, and helps clean toxins in the body.

    These are only few of the many uses of Alfalfa. Soon enough, the list will be longer as new discoveries will unfold when researches are done with their study.

    Since alfalfa is not readily available in everybody’s backyard, it would be best to get your daily dose from food supplements like the Total Balance by Xtend Life. Food supplements are becoming more and more popular because of its practicality (making your own alfalfa concoction is quite a hassle), availability, and added benefits (food supplements that incorporated several nutrients in one).

    Including Alfalfa extract as part of your daily nutrition supplement is considered generally safe. However, the safest dosage limit is recommended at 1000 to 1500 mg/day due to possible occurrence of extra skin sensitivity to the sun. Moreover, due to the estrogen-like characteristic of alfalfa, special precaution should be done when it is given to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, there are very small percentage of developed or aggravated auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as an adverse effect of alfalfa use.

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    Is Vitamin E Beneficial Or Harmful?

    2010-10-09 / Vitamins / 0 Comments

    Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and medical press questioning the value of vitamin E supplementation and suggesting that there are risks associated with its use even at doses previously thought to have been “safe”. What do we do with the hundreds of studies and extensive clinical research that has been published in the medical literature suggesting benefit in cardiovascular disease, alzheimers, diabetes and other degenerative diseases? A search of the National Library of Medicine yields over 25,000 citations, many funded or sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other prestigious medical and scientific organizations.
    This month, the authors of an article in Health News (Health News. 2005 Apr;11(4):12-3) headlined this statement: “High doses of vitamin E may increase risk of death. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements containing more than 200 IUs.” Discussing these questions with your doctor is very important. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a tool, a resource that you can print out and discuss with your physician.

    Negative Clinical Studies:
    Increased cancer recurrence in patients with head and neck cancer:
    Bairati and co-workers (J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Apr 6;97(7):481-8.) found in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized chemoprevention trial among 540 patients with head and neck cancer treated by radiation therapy that supplementation with alpha-tocopherol (400 IU/day) produced unexpected adverse effects on the occurrence of second primary cancers and on cancer-free survival.
    No increase in cancer risk, but increased risk of Heart Failure in patients with established vascular disease or diabetes:

    The HOPE Trial Investigators (JAMA. 2005 Mar 16;293(11):1338-47) evaluated whether long-term supplementation with vitamin E (Daily dose of natural source of 400 IU of vitamin E or matching placebo) decreases the risk of cancer, cancer death, and major cardiovascular events. The Hope vitamin E trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled international trial of patients at least 55 years old with vascular disease or diabetes mellitus (9541 patients, in 174 centers) with a median duration of follow-up of 7.0 years.

    The investigators examined cancer incidence, cancer deaths, and major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death), heart failure, unstable angina, and need for cardiac revascularization.

    Among all HOPE patients, there were no significant differences in the primary analysis: for cancer incidence, 11.6% in the vitamin E group vs 12.3% in the placebo group developed cancer (a non-significant reduction for vitamin E); for cancer deaths, 3.3% in the vitamin E group vs 3.7% in placebo (also not significant) and for major cardiovascular events, 21.5% vs 20.6%, respectively (not significant). Of concern, was that patients in the vitamin E group had a significantly higher risk of heart failure and hospitalization for heart failure. The authors concluded that in patients with vascular disease or diabetes mellitus, long-term vitamin E supplementation does not prevent cancer or major cardiovascular events and may increase the risk for heart failure.

    Increased all-cause mortality:
    A meta-analysis of randomized, 19 controlled clinical trials (135,967 participants) evaluating the dose-response relationship between vitamin E supplementation and total mortality (Ann Intern Med. 2005 Jan 4;142(1):37-46. Epub 2004 Nov 10.)

    Published by Miller and associates at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, found High-dosage (greater than or equal to 400 IU/d) vitamin E supplements may increase all-cause mortality by 5% and should be avoided.

    Neutral Clinical Studies:
    Risk of Coronary heart disease (CHD) in Smokers not effected:
    The effect of vitamin E on coronary heart disease (CHD) was evaluated in the alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene cancer prevention (ATBC) study (Eur Heart J. 2004 Jul;25(13):1171-8.). 29,133 male smokers, aged 50-69 years were randomized to receive alpha-tocopherol 50 mg, or beta-carotene 20 mg, or both, or placebo daily for 5-8 years. The risk for a first-ever major coronary event was insignificantly reduced by 5% among alpha-tocopherol recipients compared with non-recipients, and the risk for non-fatal MI was insignificantly reduced by 4%. The authors did not advocate the use of vitamin E supplements due to the weak findings.

    Cardiovascular mortality and all cause Mortality not effected:
    In a meta analysis of eighty-four trials (J Gen Intern Med. 2004 Apr;19(4):380-9.) examining outcomes of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction vitamin E was not found to have neither positive nor adverse effects. Shekelle and colleagues found that the use of vitamin E supplements insignificantly reduced the risk of all cause mortality by 4%, insignificantly reduced cardiovascular mortality by 3% and trended toward but did not achieve a significant reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarction, reducing the latter by 28%.

    Positive Clinical Studies:
    Reduced Risk of Congestive Heart Failure and Myocardial Infarction
    In two large clinical studies conducted by Stampfer et al470 and Rimm et al,471 vitamin E supplements were associated with a reduced risk of congestive heart failure. In an analysis of almost 45,000 men in the Health Professional Follow-up Study database by Ascherio and associates,823 the use of vitamin E, or multi-vitamin supplements, was associated with a significantly decreased risk of myocardial infarction. These results suggest that higher supplemental doses of vitamin E may be beneficial in patients with CAD, especially those on diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

    Reduction in Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack):
    The Nurses’ Health Study, a study of 121,700 women between the ages of 34 and 59 which was conducted by Manson and co-workers,69,805 used food frequency questionnaires to demonstrate a relationship between dietary intakes of foods rich in vitamin E and beta carotene, and the reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

    A recent analysis of the same data by Stampfer et al470 revealed that the protective effect of vitamin E was attributable to supplemental vitamin E at pharmacological levels exceeding 100 IU per day. Since dietary intakes of alpha tocopherol in the United States typically range from 4 to 16 IU per day, the former level of intake would be extremely difficult to achieve from diet alone.804 Those women who took 100 mg. vitamin E supplements (in addition to 15mg of beta carotene daily) experienced a 36% reduction in myocardial infarction, and women with the highest dietary vitamin E intake, and who consumed vitamin E supplements daily for two years, had a 41% reduction in risk (multivariant risk 0.59).

    The Health Professionals Follow-up Study,471 involving 51,529 male health professionals, demonstrated similar cardiovascular benefits of a diet rich in antioxidants. As in the Nurses’ Health Study, these male participants’ antioxidant vitamin intake was assessed by a dietary questionnaire, and coronary heart disease was assessed by medical record review. After controlling for age and coronary risk factors, higher dietary vitamin E intake levels were associated with a significantly lower risk for CAD. For men consuming more than 60 IU (an amount usually requiring vitamin supplementation), the risk of myocardial infarction or cardiac death was 36% less (multivariant risk 0.64) than in those men consuming 7.5 I.U. per day. CAD risk was lowest for the men with the highest dietary vitamin E intake who additionally took at least 100 IU of vitamin E supplements daily for two years.

    Low serum Vitamin E may be a greater risk factor for myocardial infarction than either high blood pressure or elevated serum cholesterol alone, according to research sponsored by the World Health Organization, and reported by Gey et al67 in the Multinational Monitoring Project of Trends and Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease (MONICA) study. In the MONICA study, Gey and co-workers67 compared plasma antioxidant levels among 16 different groups of 100 men each from regions with a six-fold difference in CAD mortality and reported a strong inverse correlation (p=0.002) between plasma vitamin E and mortality from ischemic heart disease which was independent of lipid levels.

    This inverse relationship for CAD mortality was strongest for vitamin E. Low serum vitamin E alone was an accurate predictor for fatal myocardial infarction in 60% of cases studied. Death from Acute Myocardial Infarction was accurately predicted in 80% of patients with both low serum vitamin E and elevated serum cholesterol; and fatal outcomes were accurately predicted in 90% of patients with low serum levels of both vitamin E and A in conjunction with high serum cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure. These findings were consistent with earlier scholarship published by Gey.580

    Restenosis:
    Cavarocchi and associates681 found that pretreatment of coronary bypass patients with 2,000 IU of vitamin E significantly inhibited the generation of destructive oxygen free radicals during surgery, and DeMaio and co-workers583 found that vitamin E supplementation reduced the incidence of restenosis in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

    Angina:
    Rimersma and co-workers469,643 found an inverse relationship between the risk of angina pectoris and vitamin E levels. Individuals with serum vitamin E levels in the lowest quintile (28.2 µM/L). Similarly, Byers870 reported that an increased dietary intake of vitamin E reduced death from myocardial infarction.
    CAD:
    A prospective study of antioxidant vitamins and the incidence of CAD in women, which was conducted by Manson et al,805 used food frequency questionnaires to estimate dietary intake of vitamin E, and found that the incidence of CAD was lowest among women with the highest intake of alpha tocopherol.
    Reduced Risk of Cancer:
    An inverse relationship between serum vitamin E levels and cancer has been found in seven epidemiologic studies,580,669,670,679,685,686,687 and vitamin E supplementation has been shown to suppress indexes of lipid peroxidation in the blood of both smokers and non-smokers, without effecting plasma lipoprotein concentrations.899 Because low density lipoprotein is one of the main transports for vitamin E and cholesterol in the blood stream, pharmacologic and certain dietary interventions resulting in reductions in LDL and serum cholesterol may reduce serum vitamin E in individuals whose diets are not supplemented.488,490 Hypolipidemic drug therapy may act as a vitamin E antagonist and reduce serum vitamin E.844
    ALS:
    Regular use of vitamin E supplements was associated with up to a 62% lower risk of dying of ALS in a study of 957,740 individuals 30 years of age or older participating in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study II. (Ann Neurol. 2005 Jan;57(1):104-10.)
    The Balanced Approach:
    Perhaps a reasonable approach would be a three-tiered effort:

    To moderately increase vitamin E levels with healthy dietary sources of the vitamin (which may allow for an equivalent level of 15-45 IUs per day from optimizing diet)
    The addition of MODERATE levels of supplementation with NATURAL (d-isomer) mixed tocopherols (which are closer to the mix seen in diet) and
    Use of minimum levels of vitamin E that have shown beneficial effect (100 IU or greater) and not exceeding levels which have been associated with risk (greater than 400 IU) and certainly not greater than 1,600 IUs where increased risk seems to be more clearly defined in some studies.

    This is in line with recent recommendations made this month by Hancock and co-workers who analyzed a large database of numerous clinical studies, (Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Apr;81(4):736-45) and writing for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) in Washington, DC declared:
    “… dietary supplements of vitamins E and C are safe for the general population…. Many clinical trials with these vitamins have involved subjects with various diseases, and no consistent pattern of adverse effects has occurred at any intake… Thus, we conclude from clinical trial evidence that vitamin E supplements appear safe for most adults in amounts less than or equal to 1,600 IU ….” Additionally, this is in agreement with recommendations of Denton Harmon, M.D. Ph.D., the father of the Free-Radical Theory of Aging (D. Harmon, J. Gerontol. 11, 298-300 (1956).) who recommends 400 IU of vitamin E daily (Life Extension Magazine, Interview, January 1998).

    DISCUSSION: What is Vitamin E?
    Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of all cells. Vitamin E protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues. Vitamin E is widely accepted to be the primary physiological antioxidant in man. 472,488,844,845,846

    Vitamin E exists in eight different forms, each with its own biological activity and functional use in the body(Traber MG and Packer L. Vitamin E: Beyond antioxidant function. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62:1501S-9S). Alpha-tocopherol is the name of the most active form of vitamin E in humans. It is also a powerful biological antioxidant (Traber MG. Vitamin E. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, ed. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1999:347-62). Vitamin E in supplements is usually sold as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form that protects its ability to function as an antioxidant. The synthetic form is labeled “D, L” while the natural form is labeled “D”. The synthetic form is only half as active as the natural form (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2004. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 16-1).

    Epidemiology Regarding Vitamin E:
    Pacht and colleagues498 found deficient levels of vitamin E in chronic cigarette smokers. Similarly, Riemersma and associates469 found low vitamin E levels among angina patients who were smokers, and Brown et al899 found that smokers sustained an increased free radical load (characterized by increased indices of lipid peroxidation) because of their exposure to large quantities of reactive free radicals in the gas and tar phases of cigarette smoke. The researchers determined that this increased lipid peroxidation was reduced in vitro following vitamin E supplementation. These findings are in accordance with other clinical research which suggests that smoking reduces plasma vitamin E levels, and increases oxidative stress. 590,591

    Excessive alcohol consumption may have an adverse effect on serum antioxidant levels which is independent of nutritional status. Excessive consumption of alcohol has been associated with low serum vitamin E levels,499,889 malondialdehyde (MDA) markers of oxidative stress and free radical activity.889 Numerous studies have shown that alcoholics have lower serum beta carotene,901 alpha tocopherol,889 selenium,889 and ascorbic acid889 concentrations than control subjects who drink moderately.

    Supporting the hypothesis that heme iron acts as a pro-oxidant in vivo, and validating previous clinical research, Ascherio et al823 found that a high intake of antioxidant vitamin E may prevent the adverse cardiovascular effects of excess heme iron consumption,830,831,832,833 and concluded that oxidative stress resulting from smoking837 and hyperglycemia associated with diabetes834,835,836 may enhance it.

    Nutritional recommendations:
    According to many nutritionists who have evaluated this data, 150 to 200 IUs a day is probably beneficial and safe for most individuals wanting to supplement their diet. That is more than three times what people can get from a healthy diet (good sources include: nuts, cooking oil, sweet potatoes, mayonnaise, wheat-germ oil, fish, eggs, fortified cereals) and low-dose multivitamins. Almonds may help to increase vitamin E in the blood and reduce lipid levels (J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 Mar;105(3):449-54). Kiwi fruit contain high amounts of vitamin E and may be cardioprotective (Platelets. 2004 Aug;15(5):287-92).

    Good Sources of Vitamin E

    Food Serving Size Milligrams % RDA

    Egg, whole, fresh 1 large 0.88 5.8

    Almond oil 1 tablespoon 5.3 35.3

    Corn oil 1 tablespoon 1.9 12.6

    Corn oil (Mazola) 1 tablespoon 3 5

    Cottonseed oil 1 tablespoon 4.8 32

    Olive oil 1 tablespoon 1.6 10.6

    Palm oil 1 tablespoon 2.6 17.3

    Peanut oil 1 tablespoon 1.6 10.6

    Safflower oil 1 tablespoon 4.6 30.6

    Soybean oil 1 tablespoon 1.5 10

    Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon 6.1 40.6

    Vegetable-oil spray 2.5 second spray 0.51 3.4

    Wheat-germ oil 1 tablespoon 20.3 135.3

    Tomato juice 6 fluid ounces 0.4 2.6

    Apple with skin 1 medium 0.81 5.4

    Mango, raw 1 medium 2.32 15.4

    Macaroni pasta, enriched 1 cup 1.03 6.8

    Spaghetti pasta, enriched 1 cup 1.03 6.8

    Almonds, dried 1 ounce 6.72 44.8

    Hazelnuts, dried 1 ounce 6.7 44.6

    Peanut butter (Skippy) 1 tablespoon 3 5

    Peanuts, dried 1 ounce 2.56 17

    Pistachio nuts, dried 1 ounce 1.46 9.7

    Walnuts, English 1 ounce 0.73 4.8

    Margarine (Mazola) 1 tablespoon 8 53.3

    Margarine (Parkay, diet) 1 tablespoon 0.4 2.6

    Mayonnaise (Hellmann’s) 1 tablespoon 11 73.3

    Miracle Whip (Kraft) 1 tablespoon 0.5 3.3

    Avocado, raw 1 medium 2.32 15.4

    Asparagus, frozen 4 spears 1.15 7.6

    Spinach, raw 1/2 cup 0.53 3.5

    Sweet potato 1 medium 5.93 39.5

    Tomato, red, raw 1 tomato 0.42 2.8

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    What Is Methylsulfonylmethane

    2010-10-06 / Medications / 0 Comments

    Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, is a sulfur-containing organic compound that is produced by certain primitive plants. It can be found in small amounts in certain food items and beverages and is sold in the form of a dietary supplement.
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    As a dietary supplement, it is commonly used in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin which is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis although its biochemical effects have not yet been extensively explored.

    MSM is shown to treat certain illnesses such as osteoarthritis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, interstitial cystitis and snoring but further studies and research are needed to prove its use as a medical therapy.

    Previous experiments showed that a daily dose of 1,500 mg of MSM is effective in relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. A double-blind experiment was conducted on patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee and results showed that the patients exhibited a significant improvement in their physical activity and a reduction in pain without experiencing severe discomfort.

    An experiment was also conducted to evaluate the effect of MSM on seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever where 25 subjects were given a daily dose of 2,600 mg of MSM for 30 days. The results show that a significant improvement in the symptoms experienced was observed among those suffering from this illness.

    The FDA has approved, since 1978, the use of dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO to be used as treatment for interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome by introducing it into the bladder. MSM is a metabolite of DMSO, therefore it is possible that MSM is the main active ingredient that makes DMSO treatments work effectively for the patients.

    A study was also conducted to test a clinical trial of an MSM-containing throat spray for snoring which was found to be effective in controlling loud and vigorous snoring but further studies have to be conducted to prove this claim.

    Because of its polarity and thermal stability, MSM is used as a high-temperature solvent for both organic and inorganic substances.

    It has been shown through nuclear magnetic resonance that MSM, when taken orally, is easily absorbed into the bloodstream and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. It has also detected substantial amounts of MSM in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid

    The dietary supplement and health food industry highly promotes MSM as a natural source of sulfur. It is this characteristic of MSM that provides added flexibility and permeability to the gastro-intestinal tract thus preventing diarrhea, constipation, nausea and hyperacidity.

    MSM is also believed to reduce the incidence of cataract by allowing the appropriate level of fluids to flow through optical tissues and blood vessels thus, removing toxic substances on the way. MSM is also believed to strengthen hair and nails, and aides in the rapid healing of wounds.
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    Previous research show that MSM is effective in eliminating Giardia from the body, the parasite that causes giardiasis, a kind of diarrheal infection of the small intestine.

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    HGH Pills

    2010-10-04 / Medications / 0 Comments

    There is nothing like the beauty and vigour of youth. It is when we are young that we are most beautiful, most productive, and most energetic. But for many of us whose youth time has already stolen, there might still be hope – thanks to HGH pills. But do these pills really work as promised?
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    Before we proceed, let us first find out what HGH pills are all about. HGH is short for human growth hormones. HGH supplements are simply HGH boosters – pills which provide your body with a boost of growth hormones. Human growth hormones are actually peptide hormones naturally produced by the pituitary gland. They are produced in abundant amounts during youth, where it is said to be most needed. This hormone stimulates growth, cellular regeneration and energy, and everything we associate with youthfulness and strength.

    As we age, the pituitary gland’s ability to produce these hormones gradually deteriorates. When this happens, the unwanted effects of aging set in – wrinkles, loss of lean body mass, accumulation of fat, loss of energy, lack in sex drive, poor vision, memory loss and so on. With this, it follows that if we could only sustain the production of growth hormones, then aging can be slowed down at a more tolerable pace.

    Before HGH pills became available in the market, the only option for fighting unwanted aging was through HGH injections. HGH injections are synthetic forms of growth hormones which are delivered directly to the bloodstream in hopes of replacing the lost production of natural HGH. HGH injections are rather costly, and have been found to have dangerous side effects.

    HGH supplements, on the other hand, are pills that have been formulated to counter the unwanted effects of aging. While these supplements vary in terms of formulation, they seek to do one thing: to naturally increase the production of HGH in the body. These pills contain a blend of natural herbs and amino acids which work synergistically to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce growth hormones. As the pills increase HGH production, we can regain back the strength, energy, sexual vitality, and physical aesthetics which aging has ripped us with.

    Going back to the original question: do HGH pills really work? HGH supplements have been clinically proven to work in fighting aging. There have been many studies and research endeavors which provide scientific backing. They are proven to work with the body by stopping the cause of aging at its very root.

    However, these pills can only work for you if you choose the right product to trust and take. Today, there are hundreds of HGH-related products available in the market for consumers to choose from. Sadly, HGH products have not been created the same. While some HGH pills have been designed by reputable companies to help boost HGH, some products are downright ineffective. If you want to bring back your lost vigour and beauty of youth, you have to make the right choice of HGH pill brand to take. Make sure to do your research before making a final choice.

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    Pure Oregano Oil

    2010-10-01 / Oils / 0 Comments

    If you plan on using pure oregano oil there are three very important things you must know before you start using this natural oil. First, know the level of purity and potency of the oil. Second, you should have a full understanding of the proper dosage to take for your ailment. Third, understand the specific benefits to using this natural herb. After reading this article you will be able to determine if your oregano oil is of the best quality, what the correct dosage is for your ailment and what benefits you will receive from taking this all natural herb.

    First when consuming pure oregano oil it is very important to know the level of potency of your oil. While there are several brands available, you should know that the level of potency is not the same. In other words, all oils are not created equal. For example some oils contain binders and certain fillers, which reduce the effectiveness of the product. There are few oils that are one hundred percent pure. Before making your purchase, ask your merchant if the oil contains any binders or fillers. Also consider where the oil was cultivated. Oregano is a perennial plant that grows wild in the Mediterranean region and in Asia. It is also cultivated in the United States.

    Another thing to consider is the required dosage. Raw oil of oregano can be consumed two ways. First, it can be taken orally. Take two to four drops in two ounces of water or juice (cranberry, apple, blueberry or pomegranate). For optimal result, the juice should be consumed twice a day for seven days. One can also take the oil directly by applying two drops under the tongue. However, this is not recommended for the weak at heart due to the burning effect of pure oregano oil. For external use, apply a drop directly on the infected area of the skin. Or dilute one drop with olive oil then apply to the irritated area of the skin. Remember, pure oil of oregano can leave a burn mark, depending on the sensitivity of the skin.

    The benefits of oregano oil far outweigh the temporary discomfort it may bring after application. It can be used to treat infections as well as fungus. There are countless testimonials of patients suffering with severe allergies and sinus infections who have found relief by taking two drops for a period of time. Pure oregano oil also destroys foot, finger, and nail fungus when applied directly to infected area. Other benefits include: elimination of mucus, improved respiratory health, reduced chances of the cold and flu, increased joint and muscle flexibility, destroyed organisms responsible for digestive problems and gingivitis, just to name a few.

    Pure Oregano oil is by far one of the most versatile and beneficial herbal product you can use. However, before you make a purchase and start using this natural oil, consider the three very important points discussed. First, know the level of purity and potency of the oil by asking your merchant. Second, you should have a full understanding of the proper dosage to take for your ailment. Third, understand the oil’s specific benefits.

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