Our body's cells are constantly in competition with substances called free radicals. Free radicals can cause untold damage to your body, harming just about everything inside your body. Some free radicals are made inside the body, while others are caused by the food we ingest and the air we breathe.
To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants. Antioxidants are elements that scavenge free radicals and terminate the damage they cause to the body's cells. They also turn the free radicals into waste by-products, resulting in their elimination from the body. Because antioxidants prevent cellular damage, considered to be the conduit for cancer, aging, and other diseases and conditions, they are vital to our body's good health. Antioxidants also have the amazing ability to repair previous damage to cells.
We extract antioxidants from food. Fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods deliver hundreds of antioxidants to our bodies. The most common vitamin antioxidants come from vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Since the body cannot manufacture these vitamins, they must be supplied from our diet and/or supplements.
*BETA-CAROTENE is a precursor to vitamin A (the body turns precursors into vitamin A). Because the body converts the beta-carotene into vitamin A, there is no set requirement of its dosage. Beta-carotene is found in many foods that are orange in color such as carrots, cantaloupe, squash, pumpkin, mangos, and sweet potatoes. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, liver, spinach, tomatoes, and whole grains are also rich in beta-carotene. (Vitamin A has no antioxidant properties and can be toxic if taken in excessive doses.)
*VITAMIN C is a very powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and neutralizes free radicals, reducing the risk for several types of cancer. It helps make the collagen needed for healthy bones and blood vessels, and it controls infections. The best food sources for vitamin C are citrus fruits or juices, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified with vitamin C.
*VITAMIN E, another powerful antioxidant, protects your cells against the effects of free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has also been shown to play a role in immune function and DNA repair. Good sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and fortified cereals.
As research into the role of antioxidants continues, the message will become much clearer.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
"Magnesium Facts"
Magnesium is a mineral important for muscle contractions, a healthy nervous system, immune system and strong bones. It is involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body.Excessive intake of magnesium from food does not happen; however, if intake of magnesium supplements is high over time, then muscle weakness, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, risk of kidney failure, and irregular heartbeat may occur.What happens when Magnesium intake is too low? Deficiencies are rare in healthy adults, but may be seen in individuals with gastro-intestinal malabsorptive conditions, burns, surgery, renal disease, hyperthyroidism, and alcoholism. Symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, decreased appetite, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and numbness. Magnesium occurs abundantly in foods. Good sources include seeds, nuts, legumes, dark green vegetables, soy products, and whole grains. Magnesium is one of the body's major electrolytes, essential for metabolism, and an aid to the growth of bone as well as nerve and muscle health. Researchers now believe magnesium is responsible for the health of the heart, blood pressure, circulation, and overall relaxation including muscle relaxation. Professional athletes or anyone who engages in heavy physical labor must keep magnesium levels up, as the mineral facilitates oxygen delivery to working muscle tissue.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
"Stress" Vitamin B Supplements
A mixture of eight different nutrients makes up the B-complex vitamin. Our bodies need these nutrients daily. The nutrients are Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin and Folic Acid. Some beliefs are that these nutrients share a common bond, but the truth is that some of these vitamins have a unique and separate function for your body. Since each on is does a different function for the body it is important to look at them separately.
B1 - Thiamin works to help with healthy nerves, improve mood, improve heartburn and strengthens the heart. It is also essential for the carbohydrate metabolism of your body. Food sources of B1 are whole grains, seeds, pork, legumes and nuts.
B2 - Riboflavin is for red blood cell formation. It also helps with fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Riboflavin also helps to improve the skin and preventing cataracts. Food sources of B2 are Avocados, beef, dairy products, eggs, fish, fortified breads & cereals, liver, and mushrooms.
B3 - Niacin is to help lowering cholesterol and it helps depression, insomnia and arthritis. Food sources of B3 are eggs, enriched grain products dairy products, and high protein food such as beef, chicken, fish & nuts.
B5 - Pantothenic Acid works on our Central Nervous System. It also assist in energy production and helps fight chronic fatigue. This also fights migraines, allergies and heartburn. Food sources for Pantothenic Acid are fish, legumes, organ meats, poultry, whole grains, and yogurt.
B6 - Pyridooxine is needed for every function of the body but it plays a major role in forming red blood cells. It also is used to relieve PMS and asthma attacks. Food sources for Pyridooxine are Avocados, bananas, chickpeas, fish, potatoes, poultry, and meat.
B12 - Cyanocobalamin is to help your body prevent pernicious anemia which is caused by a B12 deficiency. Food sources for Cyanocobalamin are cheese, eggs, fish, meat, organ meats, oysters, sardines, and yeast.
Biotin is important for nail and hair growth and health. Food sources for Biotin are barley, cauliflower, legumes, liver, nuts, oatmeal, rice, soy, and whole wheat.
Folic Acid is a great necessity during pregnancy to protect against birth defects. It also stabilizes homocysteine levels. Food levels for Folic Acid are beans, green vegetables, orange juice, and whole grains.
If you are not eating enough of these foods in your daily diet it is very important that you supplement everyday with a B-12 capsule. B-12 is very important to our normal nerve growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. It also is very important for our memory and learning. The folic acid in B-12 lowers the possibilities of neural tube defects during pregnancy. Now you can see why it is called a complex B-12 vitamin. The complexity of this vitamin makes it vital to our body everyday.
B1 - Thiamin works to help with healthy nerves, improve mood, improve heartburn and strengthens the heart. It is also essential for the carbohydrate metabolism of your body. Food sources of B1 are whole grains, seeds, pork, legumes and nuts.
B2 - Riboflavin is for red blood cell formation. It also helps with fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Riboflavin also helps to improve the skin and preventing cataracts. Food sources of B2 are Avocados, beef, dairy products, eggs, fish, fortified breads & cereals, liver, and mushrooms.
B3 - Niacin is to help lowering cholesterol and it helps depression, insomnia and arthritis. Food sources of B3 are eggs, enriched grain products dairy products, and high protein food such as beef, chicken, fish & nuts.
B5 - Pantothenic Acid works on our Central Nervous System. It also assist in energy production and helps fight chronic fatigue. This also fights migraines, allergies and heartburn. Food sources for Pantothenic Acid are fish, legumes, organ meats, poultry, whole grains, and yogurt.
B6 - Pyridooxine is needed for every function of the body but it plays a major role in forming red blood cells. It also is used to relieve PMS and asthma attacks. Food sources for Pyridooxine are Avocados, bananas, chickpeas, fish, potatoes, poultry, and meat.
B12 - Cyanocobalamin is to help your body prevent pernicious anemia which is caused by a B12 deficiency. Food sources for Cyanocobalamin are cheese, eggs, fish, meat, organ meats, oysters, sardines, and yeast.
Biotin is important for nail and hair growth and health. Food sources for Biotin are barley, cauliflower, legumes, liver, nuts, oatmeal, rice, soy, and whole wheat.
Folic Acid is a great necessity during pregnancy to protect against birth defects. It also stabilizes homocysteine levels. Food levels for Folic Acid are beans, green vegetables, orange juice, and whole grains.
If you are not eating enough of these foods in your daily diet it is very important that you supplement everyday with a B-12 capsule. B-12 is very important to our normal nerve growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. It also is very important for our memory and learning. The folic acid in B-12 lowers the possibilities of neural tube defects during pregnancy. Now you can see why it is called a complex B-12 vitamin. The complexity of this vitamin makes it vital to our body everyday.
PHYTOPLANKTON "The Miracle Food"
Firstly we need to know were energy comes from. Where does energy come from? To answer these questions we need to begin with the ultimate source of energy - The Sun. We harness the sun's energy through direct contact and diet. Plants absorb the sun's energy through photosynthesis and are later consumed by animals and humans, thus conveying the sun's energy.
Phytoplankton could be the most important superfood available to harness solar energy and deliver essential nutrients. All cells work the same way and have the same energy needs, whether that cell works the brain or shapes our little toes, they have different outputs and functions but they basically work the same way.They all require energy! Consequently, our cells depend in all respects from the energy derived from our Sun. Its energy is diffused throughout our planet, fueling life at all levels.
"Cell communication" is how our 100 trillion cells coordinate their metabolism. They do this through a system of "messages". They form a vast network of communication. The psycho-Neuro-Immune-Endocrine system of cell communication to coordinate metabolism is now considered to be the cornerstone of Health. Cell communication takes place mainly in the outer cell membrane. Naturally, the cell membrane becomes an extremely important part of cell communication and function. Cells are totally dependant on the environment in our bodies. Said environment is created by our lifestyles. A compromised cell membrane cannot produce energy effectively. Simply put, all cell function will be compromised allowing a greater chance of disease.The high density of nutrients found in marine phytoplankton are vital for cell detoxification and maintaining the human cell membrane in structure and function. The micronutrients and electrolytes in phytoplankton are exactly what our cell membranes need to carry out their metabolism. Not surprisingly,the composition of human plasma is similar to that of seawater.
WHAT IS PHYTOPLANKTON?
Marine microbes remain elusive and mysterious, even though they are the most abundant life form in the ocean, form the base of the marine food web, and drive energy and nutrient cycling.
Scientists at NASA theorize that billions of years ago, these microorganisms marked the beginning of life on earth. Our oceans are adrift with these microscopic, single celled plants that use energy from the sun and nutrients extracted from surrounding water to make their own carbohydrates through a set of chemical reactions called photosynthesis.
Concentrated Marine Phytoplankton,is a complete whole food containing a combination of rich nutrients, amino acids, rare trace minerals and vitamins. It provides everything our bodies require to keep cells healthy, vital and strong. The high density of nutrients found in Phytoplankton maintains human cell membranes in structure and function. This is vital for cell detoxification and for the overall metabolism of human cells. It is a renewable and sustainable source that helps restore, strengthen and balance our entire system. It has many elements that many of us now lack, including carotenoids, chlorophyll, enzymes and cellular material not found in this combination in other "super green" foods. This is the only known product to take natural marine phytoplankton communities containing a complete suite of marine trace elements in proportion to those found naturally in human plasma.
The mineral elements and electrolytes in phytoplankton are almost tailor-made for the human body. Our bodies need these elements to perform as nature intended. Left to its own devices, the human body has a marvelous system called homeostasis which keeps all systems in balance. Take away any critical component and the body experiences malfunctions that cause less than optimal performance which, in turn, may lead to disease. In fact, the causes of diseases have been simplified to very specific mechanisms, all of which center on cell membrane function and structure. Inflammation, Oxidation, Toxicity and Mitochondrial dysfunction keep cell membranes from doing their job effectively. Phytoplankton has the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory micronutrients needed to fuel metabolism and detoxification.
The Earth's atmosphere and its topsoil were formed by microorganisms inhabiting our oceans, wherefrom all life originated. These microorganisms are commonly known as "algae" or "plankton" derived from a Greek root meaning "wanderer" or "floating life" because plankton are tiny open-water plants. Besides producing enough micronutrients and minerals to form our topsoil, these unique tiny organisms are rich and nutritious enough to feed huge mammals, such as whales. Blue whales, bowhead whales, baleen whales, grey whales, humpbacks and right whales all eat plankton. These mammals live between 80-150 years and stay healthy, strong and sexually active throughout their lives.
Recently after discovering a commercial available Phytoplankton, I started taking this supplement. I have been sleeping through the night, I have much more energy, I have low craving for Carbohydrates and I have also lost 8 pounds. This Natural Food Supplement is worth looking into.
Phytoplankton could be the most important superfood available to harness solar energy and deliver essential nutrients. All cells work the same way and have the same energy needs, whether that cell works the brain or shapes our little toes, they have different outputs and functions but they basically work the same way.They all require energy! Consequently, our cells depend in all respects from the energy derived from our Sun. Its energy is diffused throughout our planet, fueling life at all levels.
"Cell communication" is how our 100 trillion cells coordinate their metabolism. They do this through a system of "messages". They form a vast network of communication. The psycho-Neuro-Immune-Endocrine system of cell communication to coordinate metabolism is now considered to be the cornerstone of Health. Cell communication takes place mainly in the outer cell membrane. Naturally, the cell membrane becomes an extremely important part of cell communication and function. Cells are totally dependant on the environment in our bodies. Said environment is created by our lifestyles. A compromised cell membrane cannot produce energy effectively. Simply put, all cell function will be compromised allowing a greater chance of disease.The high density of nutrients found in marine phytoplankton are vital for cell detoxification and maintaining the human cell membrane in structure and function. The micronutrients and electrolytes in phytoplankton are exactly what our cell membranes need to carry out their metabolism. Not surprisingly,the composition of human plasma is similar to that of seawater.
WHAT IS PHYTOPLANKTON?
Marine microbes remain elusive and mysterious, even though they are the most abundant life form in the ocean, form the base of the marine food web, and drive energy and nutrient cycling.
Scientists at NASA theorize that billions of years ago, these microorganisms marked the beginning of life on earth. Our oceans are adrift with these microscopic, single celled plants that use energy from the sun and nutrients extracted from surrounding water to make their own carbohydrates through a set of chemical reactions called photosynthesis.
Concentrated Marine Phytoplankton,is a complete whole food containing a combination of rich nutrients, amino acids, rare trace minerals and vitamins. It provides everything our bodies require to keep cells healthy, vital and strong. The high density of nutrients found in Phytoplankton maintains human cell membranes in structure and function. This is vital for cell detoxification and for the overall metabolism of human cells. It is a renewable and sustainable source that helps restore, strengthen and balance our entire system. It has many elements that many of us now lack, including carotenoids, chlorophyll, enzymes and cellular material not found in this combination in other "super green" foods. This is the only known product to take natural marine phytoplankton communities containing a complete suite of marine trace elements in proportion to those found naturally in human plasma.
The mineral elements and electrolytes in phytoplankton are almost tailor-made for the human body. Our bodies need these elements to perform as nature intended. Left to its own devices, the human body has a marvelous system called homeostasis which keeps all systems in balance. Take away any critical component and the body experiences malfunctions that cause less than optimal performance which, in turn, may lead to disease. In fact, the causes of diseases have been simplified to very specific mechanisms, all of which center on cell membrane function and structure. Inflammation, Oxidation, Toxicity and Mitochondrial dysfunction keep cell membranes from doing their job effectively. Phytoplankton has the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory micronutrients needed to fuel metabolism and detoxification.
The Earth's atmosphere and its topsoil were formed by microorganisms inhabiting our oceans, wherefrom all life originated. These microorganisms are commonly known as "algae" or "plankton" derived from a Greek root meaning "wanderer" or "floating life" because plankton are tiny open-water plants. Besides producing enough micronutrients and minerals to form our topsoil, these unique tiny organisms are rich and nutritious enough to feed huge mammals, such as whales. Blue whales, bowhead whales, baleen whales, grey whales, humpbacks and right whales all eat plankton. These mammals live between 80-150 years and stay healthy, strong and sexually active throughout their lives.
Recently after discovering a commercial available Phytoplankton, I started taking this supplement. I have been sleeping through the night, I have much more energy, I have low craving for Carbohydrates and I have also lost 8 pounds. This Natural Food Supplement is worth looking into.
Friday, October 19, 2007
OMEGA 3 or EFAs "The Link In Staying Healthy"
If you are suffering with cardiovascular diseases, skin problems, allergies or mental disorders, chances are that the culprit is lack of omega 3 EFAs or Essential fatty acids.
Omega 3 or EFAs are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are good fats and are as crucial for human life as minerals and vitamins. However, omega 3/EFAs cannot be synthesized by our body directly and we need to obtain them from our diets.
Omega 3 efas consist of Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid and Alpha-linolenic acids. ALA acids need to be converted or broken down into DHA and EPA to be absorbed by our body's cell membranes. Since our body does not produce omega 3 EFAs, it is important that they be supplemented through our diet.
There is a gross imbalance of omega 6 and omega 3 in our diets. Our omega 3 to omega 6 ratio should be 3:1 ideally, but it is the opposite for most Westerners who survive mainly on processed food.
Scientists believe that lack of omega 3 fatty acids is the main cause behind most of the Western degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, depression, arthritis and skin allergies.
To correct this imbalance, you first need to know the various dietary sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. The richest source of omega 3 fats are cold water fishes such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and Hoki. Other seafood such as scallops, shrimps and crabs are also a good source of omega 3 efas. Plant-based sources include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, tofu, soybeans, walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil and sunflower oil.
Hoki fish found in the Southern oceans of New Zealand is especially rich in DHA and EPA. Fish oil extracted from Hoki fish is known to have 40% more DHA than other fish oils.
Coming from the pristine waters of New Zealand, fish oil extracted from Hoki fish is relatively free of toxins such as mercury, metals. However, manufacturers of this product use molecular distillation to remove all traces of toxins.
Why do I need Omega 3 efas?
Omega 3 fatty acids form an integral part of our cell membranes. The Human brain is 8% fats by weight. DHA is the main building block of brain cells and EPA enables communication between nerve cells and brain.
Regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids can increase your I.Q, help you concentrate better, treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and increase your memory. Eating a diet rich in omega 3 lowers the triglycerides and increases the HDL or good cholesterol level in blood. This prevents against a variety of coronary heart diseases. Omega 3 efas also helps in better blood circulation and inhibits clotting of platelets or blockage of arteries.
Skin allergies and disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can be treated completely with the help of fish oils. They also increase the metabolism rate in the body and help obese people loose weight easily.Thus, for a healthy heart and brain, you need to make omega 3 EFAs a part of your daily diet. Just make sure you purchase only Pharmaceutical brand, molecularly distilled omega 3 supplements.
Omega 3 or EFAs are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are good fats and are as crucial for human life as minerals and vitamins. However, omega 3/EFAs cannot be synthesized by our body directly and we need to obtain them from our diets.
Omega 3 efas consist of Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid and Alpha-linolenic acids. ALA acids need to be converted or broken down into DHA and EPA to be absorbed by our body's cell membranes. Since our body does not produce omega 3 EFAs, it is important that they be supplemented through our diet.
There is a gross imbalance of omega 6 and omega 3 in our diets. Our omega 3 to omega 6 ratio should be 3:1 ideally, but it is the opposite for most Westerners who survive mainly on processed food.
Scientists believe that lack of omega 3 fatty acids is the main cause behind most of the Western degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, depression, arthritis and skin allergies.
To correct this imbalance, you first need to know the various dietary sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. The richest source of omega 3 fats are cold water fishes such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and Hoki. Other seafood such as scallops, shrimps and crabs are also a good source of omega 3 efas. Plant-based sources include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, tofu, soybeans, walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil and sunflower oil.
Hoki fish found in the Southern oceans of New Zealand is especially rich in DHA and EPA. Fish oil extracted from Hoki fish is known to have 40% more DHA than other fish oils.
Coming from the pristine waters of New Zealand, fish oil extracted from Hoki fish is relatively free of toxins such as mercury, metals. However, manufacturers of this product use molecular distillation to remove all traces of toxins.
Why do I need Omega 3 efas?
Omega 3 fatty acids form an integral part of our cell membranes. The Human brain is 8% fats by weight. DHA is the main building block of brain cells and EPA enables communication between nerve cells and brain.
Regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids can increase your I.Q, help you concentrate better, treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and increase your memory. Eating a diet rich in omega 3 lowers the triglycerides and increases the HDL or good cholesterol level in blood. This prevents against a variety of coronary heart diseases. Omega 3 efas also helps in better blood circulation and inhibits clotting of platelets or blockage of arteries.
Skin allergies and disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can be treated completely with the help of fish oils. They also increase the metabolism rate in the body and help obese people loose weight easily.Thus, for a healthy heart and brain, you need to make omega 3 EFAs a part of your daily diet. Just make sure you purchase only Pharmaceutical brand, molecularly distilled omega 3 supplements.
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