A new study by the National Academy of Sciences indicates that pomegranate may very well be good for your heart. Past studies have proven that pomegranate is a substantial antioxidant and a great source of potassium and vitamin C. This new study seems to indicate that pomegranate increases nitric oxide production which in turn causes […]
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is obtained from the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant (Oenothera biennis) which is cultivated in North America, Europe, and some regions of Asia. Historically, Native Americans used the plant both as a food and as a treatment for indigestion, hemorrhoids, sore throats, tonsillitis, and bruises. Scientists have isolated an essential […]
Fish oils are found in the tissues of fatty fishes. Especially rich sources are cold water species such as mackerel, herring, sardine, pilchard, and salmon. What is special about these oils is that they contain abundant amounts of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids of the omega-3 type, the most important of which are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) […]
Motion sickness is a common ailment associated with travel in cars, trains, planes, and boats. Its basis is largely unknown but is believed to be caused by a combination of inner ear disturbances and over-stimulation of the optic nerve due to either real or apparent movement. Even the increased popularity of computer games has brought […]
As with most herbal supplements, the popularity of Bilberry goes back many hundreds of years, with recorded usages for medicinal purposes dating from the early 16th century. Traditionally, Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus) was used as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery with its astringent qualities being observed to reduce the inflammation associated with these and other […]
The use of fiber in a well-balanced diet is essential to the well-being of the colon. Waste from the body is obviously disposed of through the colon. A healthy colon will function by getting rid of waste in a timely manner, not allowing it to “build-up” within itself. Fiber (the parts of fruit, vegetables, grains, […]
Essential Fatty Acids are needed to take part in virtually every function of our body. From our mental capacity to our daily energy, governing our growth rate, converting food into fuel for our bodies through oxidation, taking part in hemoglobin production and in damage prevention from the “hard fats”, the list could continue on and […]
Do you suffer from frequent heartburn? Here are a few tips for getting control over your heartburn and acid reflux disease. 1. Drink lots of water. 2. Eat more raw vegetables. 3. Do not eat for 3 hours before bedtime 4. Elevate the head of your bed 5. Check your medication- Ask your doctor if […]
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that is currently being evaluated for its ability to treat a wide range of health problems. Anecdotal evidence and results from animal and laboratory studies indicate that alpha lipoic acid is likely to be highly effective in several areas, but more results from human clinical trials are […]
There are many claims that green tea is beneficial in keeping the heart healthy; but what evidence is there to back up those claims? Here are the results of some recent studies: A joint US/Chinese study published in 2003 in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that, after 12 weeks of taking green tea extract, […]
Enzymes are the “work horse” of the human body, as they are the catalyst to any chemical reaction which takes place inside the body. A protein which is rounded in it’s molecular shape, each enzyme has a specific and particular function, whether in circulation in the prevention of excess blood clotting, or in tissue repair […]
Niacin or nicotinic acid is known by the more common name of Vitamin B3, and forms an important member of the water-soluble B-group vitamins. Niacin has been shown to be useful in the treatment of skin and gastrointestinal disorders, circulatory problems, and mental and emotional disorders. In addition, niacin is an essential vitamin involved in […]
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Cholesterol but Were Afraid to Ask! Cholesterol has everybody talking, with modern medicine recommending ever-lower levels and pharmaceutical companies promoting ever-increasing numbers of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Do you know what cholesterol really is, why we need it, and why elevated levels are far from the “final word” on heart […]
CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-type nutrient found in the body. First identified in the late 50’s by Karl Folkers, who conducted over 30 years of research on the subject, CoQ10 is seen as an antioxidant, which is used by the body to produce energy. In a nutshell, the cells in the body need energy to […]
The term “Probiotic” is generally accepted to mean “good for life.” Probiotics are naturally occurring “good” or “healthy” bacteria that work within the immune system and especially in the digestive system (where 70% of the immune system is located) to keep the body in a balanced state. Probiotics are generally food products containing the healthy […]
Policosanol is an exciting recent addition to the list of products used in the ongoing battle against cholesterol. It is a totally natural product, derived primarily from the waxy coating of sugar cane. Originally popularized in Cuba, policosanol is now approved as a cholesterol lowering treatment in over two dozen countries. Clinical trials have shown […]
Red Yeast Rice has proven to be effective in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. One 8-week study showed that individuals who received Red Yeast Rice had a 22.7% reduction in overall cholesterol. In that study, LDL (bad cholesterol) dropped 30.9%, while HDL (good cholesterol) increased by 19%. Additional studies indicate that Red Yeast […]
The efficacy of Grape Seed Extract in the treatment of common vascular conditions such as heart disease, stroke, reduced peripheral circulation, macular degeneration, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids is well known. The action of oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), the active ingredient of Grape Seed Extract, serves to increase blood flow to all areas of the body. In […]
Lycopene, a naturally occurring member of the carotenoid family of compounds, is responsible for the red color of tomatoes, guava, rosehip, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Carotenoids in general are noted for their antioxidative ability, but none are as effective as lycopene. Numerous scientific studies—ranging from large-scale epidemiological surveys to well-controlled human clinical trials—have demonstrated the […]
During the normal metabolic activity of our bodies, a process called oxidant stress occurs. Oxidant stress is the name given to the cellular process that results in the formation of reactive byproducts. These byproducts are types of oxygen that can take one of three forms – molecular oxygen, superoxide, and peroxide. These oxidants, or free […]