Since the early 1970s, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been praised for their heart health benefits. Studies have linked DHA and EPA from fish oil to improvements in blood lipid levels, a reduced tendency of thrombosis, blood pressure and heart rate improvements, and improved vascular function; now, new data suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 acids could reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat.
A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health has concluded that increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heartbeat in adults, by approximately 30 percent. “Our findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids could be beneficial for the prevention of onset of atrial fibrillation in older individuals, a group at particularly high risk,” said Dr. Darius Mozaffarian, who led the study. Data from 3,326 American men and women with an average age of 74 was analyzed, with the highest average levels of omega-3 fatty acids corresponding with an atrial fibrillation risk reduction of about 25 percent.
Researchers found that as the patients’ percentage of omega-3 acids continued to rise, the risk of atrial fibrillation fell. Wrote Dr. Mozaffarian, “When evaluated continuously as percentage of total fatty acids, each 1% higher total [of omega-3 fatty acids] was associated with 9% lower risk of atrial fibrillation.”
Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are already taken as supplements for their heart health benefits. This new data gives yet another reason to protect your heart.
Omega 3
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
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Unlike some services, MA Auctions’ customers never have to purchase individual bids – …
Friday, March 16, 2012
Pycnogenol for Pain Reduction?
As a former athlete in numerous contact sports including football and boxing, my input on the issue of joint health definitely comes from experience. An unfortunate consequence of being so active is the impact on your overall joint health and the large amounts of frequent inflammation. Surgery is an option, but it is expensive and potentially risky.
Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain reducing effects by shutting down the production of two enzymes (COX-2 and 5-LOX) that are linked to inflammation. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, Type-2 diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.
Other ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate would be ideal to use along with Pycnogenol in a joint supporting supplement. Combining the pycnogenol, which will reduce inflammation, with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, which rebuild cartilage, could prove a great combination for a variety of joint-oriented ailments.
Dr. Raffaella Canali of the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in Rome, Italy, conducted a study on pycnogenol. Dr.Canali’s study involved volunteers aged between 35 and 50 consuming 150 milligrams per day of pycnogenol. “Looking at the main mediators of inflammation, namely cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, the researchers noted that the pine bark extract ‘blocked’ the COX-2 and 5-LOX pathways.”
The body’s inflammatory response is a natural process. It is an essential component of the body’s defense system, and can be triggered from numerous internal and external factors. As the research shows, Pycnogenol helps support the body’s defense system by inhibiting over active inflammatory responses associated with the normal aging process. This is a very promising ingredient that could improve the lives of people around the world not only with general health, but possibly with pain-free living.
You can get Pycnogenol in OPC-3 sold at http://www.shop.com/cone
Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain reducing effects by shutting down the production of two enzymes (COX-2 and 5-LOX) that are linked to inflammation. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, Type-2 diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.
Other ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate would be ideal to use along with Pycnogenol in a joint supporting supplement. Combining the pycnogenol, which will reduce inflammation, with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, which rebuild cartilage, could prove a great combination for a variety of joint-oriented ailments.
Dr. Raffaella Canali of the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in Rome, Italy, conducted a study on pycnogenol. Dr.Canali’s study involved volunteers aged between 35 and 50 consuming 150 milligrams per day of pycnogenol. “Looking at the main mediators of inflammation, namely cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, the researchers noted that the pine bark extract ‘blocked’ the COX-2 and 5-LOX pathways.”
The body’s inflammatory response is a natural process. It is an essential component of the body’s defense system, and can be triggered from numerous internal and external factors. As the research shows, Pycnogenol helps support the body’s defense system by inhibiting over active inflammatory responses associated with the normal aging process. This is a very promising ingredient that could improve the lives of people around the world not only with general health, but possibly with pain-free living.
You can get Pycnogenol in OPC-3 sold at http://www.shop.com/cone
Carotenoids Reduce Cataract Risk
Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin have long been known to support healthy vision. Occurring naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables, they exist in the eye as pigments in the macula and retina, protecting the eye from free radical damage. In addition to maintaining clear, healthy vision, new research suggests that the two compounds play a significant role in preventing cataracts.
After testing nearly 1,700 subjects, researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and Lapland Central Hospital found that lutein and zeaxanthin were associated with more than a 40% reduction in cataract risk. In the study, 1,689 people between age 61 and 80 were tested for eye health and level of lutein and zeaxanthin. 113 cases of age-related cataracts were found, 108 of which were nuclear cataracts. When compared to the subjects’ levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, the highest levels represented a reduction of cataract risk by 42% and 41%, respectively.
Zeaxanthin was originally thought to be more important than lutein for lens health; however, the researchers found that the two compounds provide very similar levels of protection. “The ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein is much higher in the lens than in the plasma, suggesting that the lens of the eye mainly accumulates zeaxanthin,” they explained. “But both lutein and zeaxanthin protect liposomal membranes from light-induced oxidative stress.”
Protecting the body from aging is an ongoing process, and the impact that aging can have on eye health is easy to overlook. Fortunately, compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin make maintaining normal vision easy, in both the present and future.
After testing nearly 1,700 subjects, researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and Lapland Central Hospital found that lutein and zeaxanthin were associated with more than a 40% reduction in cataract risk. In the study, 1,689 people between age 61 and 80 were tested for eye health and level of lutein and zeaxanthin. 113 cases of age-related cataracts were found, 108 of which were nuclear cataracts. When compared to the subjects’ levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, the highest levels represented a reduction of cataract risk by 42% and 41%, respectively.
Zeaxanthin was originally thought to be more important than lutein for lens health; however, the researchers found that the two compounds provide very similar levels of protection. “The ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein is much higher in the lens than in the plasma, suggesting that the lens of the eye mainly accumulates zeaxanthin,” they explained. “But both lutein and zeaxanthin protect liposomal membranes from light-induced oxidative stress.”
Protecting the body from aging is an ongoing process, and the impact that aging can have on eye health is easy to overlook. Fortunately, compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin make maintaining normal vision easy, in both the present and future.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
B-Vitamins: The Building Blocks of Energy
In nutrition—more than many other areas—it is sometimes too easy to place flash ahead of substance. Everyone likes to see, talk and think about the newest research and the latest innovations. While this is understandable—newer things are naturally more likely to generate a lot of excitement and energy—a little perspective goes a long way. Sometimes the things that can give us the needed energy are already in reach.
The B-complex is a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12). These vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which provide energy for the muscles and brain. The B vitamins also aid in amino acid metabolism and act as coenzymes—compounds that unite with a protein component called an apoenzyme to form an active enzyme. These active enzymes are catalysts in the chemical reactions that transfer all available energy from food to the body. This is part of why the B-complex has come to be known as “the energy vitamin”.
The other feature of B vitamins which helps them earn this name is the support they provide in the proper formation of every cell in the body—particularly in nerve cells. B6 and B12 contribute substantially to the formation of the myelin sheath around nerve cells, insulating them and speeding the transmission of synaptic signals throughout the brain.
In addition to this support of the actual structure of nerves, vitamins B6 and B12 also work with vitamin B9 to aid in the manufacture of three very important neurotransmitters. Two of these are serotonin and dopamine, which work in tandem to regulate mood, motivation and cognitive abilities. Serotonin is a primary contributor to feelings of happiness and well-being, and plays a secondary role in memory and learning.
Dopamine, on the other hand, is primarily involved in motivation, attention and working memory while serving as support in the biochemistry of mood and well-being. Together, they function as a complementary pair. The third neurotransmitter—gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA—regulates general excitability in the nervous system, making sure that all nerve cells are primed for full firing.
All of these neurotransmitters are crucial for optimal brain function and depend on readily available B-vitamins as precursors. B-vitamins are so functional in this regard it is even thought that supplementing with them offers potential benefit in moderating the symptoms of ADHD. As might be expected, a symptomatic lack of physical and mental energy—fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, anxiety and depression—can all be signs of a B-vitamin deficiency. The fact that B-vitamins are water-soluble and are being constantly eliminated makes it especially important to have adequate intake and regular replenishment.
In summary, B-vitamins are as applicable to the physical aspects of energy as the mental. They are critically important not only for physically expediting the metabolism of energy, supporting nerve structure and providing for maximal neural conduction, but also for providing the brain with the chemical signals necessary to make it energized, invigorated and motivated.
The B-complex is a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12). These vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which provide energy for the muscles and brain. The B vitamins also aid in amino acid metabolism and act as coenzymes—compounds that unite with a protein component called an apoenzyme to form an active enzyme. These active enzymes are catalysts in the chemical reactions that transfer all available energy from food to the body. This is part of why the B-complex has come to be known as “the energy vitamin”.
The other feature of B vitamins which helps them earn this name is the support they provide in the proper formation of every cell in the body—particularly in nerve cells. B6 and B12 contribute substantially to the formation of the myelin sheath around nerve cells, insulating them and speeding the transmission of synaptic signals throughout the brain.
In addition to this support of the actual structure of nerves, vitamins B6 and B12 also work with vitamin B9 to aid in the manufacture of three very important neurotransmitters. Two of these are serotonin and dopamine, which work in tandem to regulate mood, motivation and cognitive abilities. Serotonin is a primary contributor to feelings of happiness and well-being, and plays a secondary role in memory and learning.
Dopamine, on the other hand, is primarily involved in motivation, attention and working memory while serving as support in the biochemistry of mood and well-being. Together, they function as a complementary pair. The third neurotransmitter—gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA—regulates general excitability in the nervous system, making sure that all nerve cells are primed for full firing.
All of these neurotransmitters are crucial for optimal brain function and depend on readily available B-vitamins as precursors. B-vitamins are so functional in this regard it is even thought that supplementing with them offers potential benefit in moderating the symptoms of ADHD. As might be expected, a symptomatic lack of physical and mental energy—fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, anxiety and depression—can all be signs of a B-vitamin deficiency. The fact that B-vitamins are water-soluble and are being constantly eliminated makes it especially important to have adequate intake and regular replenishment.
In summary, B-vitamins are as applicable to the physical aspects of energy as the mental. They are critically important not only for physically expediting the metabolism of energy, supporting nerve structure and providing for maximal neural conduction, but also for providing the brain with the chemical signals necessary to make it energized, invigorated and motivated.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Handling Hangovers Healthfully
In the course of social drinking, many of us accidentally overstep our limits at some point, to arrive at a pretty unpleasant morning after. The painful feeling of a hangover, however, is an indicator of something that actually happens every time alcohol is consumed, in excess or not. For those who have ever been curious about what exactly is behind hangovers and how they might be alleviated, here is an explanation of them, along with some suggestions for a solution.
The consumption of alcohol carries with it a negative impact on many organs, including the brain (which contributes to the foggy feeling that comes with a hangover) and the liver. Consuming excess alcohol, however, will also damage virtually all the other systems of the body. Alcohol’s dehydrating effect sometimes takes the blame for this—alcohol can trick the body into expelling up to four times the normal amount of fluids, eliminating vitamins and electrolytes in the process.
There is more to the story, however. As alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it transforms to acetaldehyde—a toxic substance of the same family as formaldehyde. While the liver can normally break down smaller quantities of this substance, more than one alcoholic drink per hour is likely to exceed the livers natural capacity. Additional support for the liver can be provided by milk thistle, a naturally occurring botanical extract which can enhance the body’s ability to purge toxins. It has become popular for this very reason in many detoxing-based wellness programs.
Also produced in mass quantities during alcohol metabolism are the dangerous, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Perhaps as much as the alcohol itself, these metabolic byproducts can contribute to hangovers through increased inflammation—something like sunburn, but occurring on the inside. Free radical damage, however, can be countered with antioxidants—among these are the vitamins A, C and E. Some botanicals display these properties as well; perhaps the best known among these is green tea.
On that morning after, therefore, the best way to begin a comeback is with rehydration, replenishment of vitamins (especially those with antioxidant potential) and possibly some green tea, which not only offers antioxidant protection but will deliver a mild dose of caffeine—all the better to get moving with. While the caffeine should help to clear mental fogginess as well, those seeking additional support would also benefit from ginkgo biloba, an extract shown to promote focus and attention with additional blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Although we don’t always see these nights coming, it’s worth mentioning that hangovers can be avoided much easier if these same measures are taken ahead of time, as well as after the fact. Having your nights out surrounded with higher levels of antioxidants in the system and a liver that is primed and ready will likely mean less depletion during drinking, and less suffering afterward. In other words, for best results, plan around your party—your body will definitely thank you for it!
The consumption of alcohol carries with it a negative impact on many organs, including the brain (which contributes to the foggy feeling that comes with a hangover) and the liver. Consuming excess alcohol, however, will also damage virtually all the other systems of the body. Alcohol’s dehydrating effect sometimes takes the blame for this—alcohol can trick the body into expelling up to four times the normal amount of fluids, eliminating vitamins and electrolytes in the process.
There is more to the story, however. As alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it transforms to acetaldehyde—a toxic substance of the same family as formaldehyde. While the liver can normally break down smaller quantities of this substance, more than one alcoholic drink per hour is likely to exceed the livers natural capacity. Additional support for the liver can be provided by milk thistle, a naturally occurring botanical extract which can enhance the body’s ability to purge toxins. It has become popular for this very reason in many detoxing-based wellness programs.
Also produced in mass quantities during alcohol metabolism are the dangerous, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Perhaps as much as the alcohol itself, these metabolic byproducts can contribute to hangovers through increased inflammation—something like sunburn, but occurring on the inside. Free radical damage, however, can be countered with antioxidants—among these are the vitamins A, C and E. Some botanicals display these properties as well; perhaps the best known among these is green tea.
On that morning after, therefore, the best way to begin a comeback is with rehydration, replenishment of vitamins (especially those with antioxidant potential) and possibly some green tea, which not only offers antioxidant protection but will deliver a mild dose of caffeine—all the better to get moving with. While the caffeine should help to clear mental fogginess as well, those seeking additional support would also benefit from ginkgo biloba, an extract shown to promote focus and attention with additional blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Although we don’t always see these nights coming, it’s worth mentioning that hangovers can be avoided much easier if these same measures are taken ahead of time, as well as after the fact. Having your nights out surrounded with higher levels of antioxidants in the system and a liver that is primed and ready will likely mean less depletion during drinking, and less suffering afterward. In other words, for best results, plan around your party—your body will definitely thank you for it!
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