Saturday, December 29, 2007

Vitamins Will Be Chafed Into The Skin

The new method was developed by scientists from the Israeli Microbiological company Tagra.
With their efforts have been established the micro-capsules containing a nutritive substance (i.e. vitamin), and surrounded by some coverage.

This coverage has a special feature: the capsules (their shape resemble with some peculiar soft powder) can be jammed in the hands, rubbed with the fingers - they remain untouched.

But if such a tiny capsule just barely gets in cream, gel, or any similar substance to them, the protective coating immediately becomes flexible and mitigated. When the capsules are then taken in hands, and the person begins to rub them into her skin, they collapse, and the nutrients get directly into the skin.

It must be said that there is no interaction between the cream or the surrounding world, and the substances inside the capsules, as long as the capsule coverage is not broken. So, in case of taking micro-capsules, there cannot happen any unnecessary and too early contacts that may affect the quality of the contents of the capsule.

In the micro-capsules can be put anything: any natural or artificial vitamins for the skin, substances that are used to care for skin, and the like. All they fully maintain their healing force, no matter how long they stay inside those capsules.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Do Vitammins Have Anti-depressing Effect?

Any emotionally-nervous stress exceeds the consumption of vitamins, and their deficit increases the impact of stress on the body, and first of all we need to fill the Group B vitamins supply, which play an important role in the nervous system, as well as antioxidant-vitamins (C, E , beta). But, if the body gets the necessary dose of vitamins, do not expect additional effects by increasing the dose.

A very important factor in the fight against stress manifestations is your diet.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs, which can cause bad mood. It is not a secret that an ideally balanced diet can be achieved only with the use of biologically active food additives. Active components of food additives (vitamin supplements) correct diet in a way that,
first: activate the body's own anti-stress mechanisms;
secondly: implement elements with properties to suppress the stress effects.

Remember: Taking vitamins does not mean it will help to handle stress. Its cause can be in many other issues - so find it first (the cause) and then act for getting rid of it.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Vitamins and Sex

It is important to remember that if you do not feel very good, your sexual attraction will suffer just like the rest of the body. Many statements were made on the interconnection of vitamin E and the sexual activity. The studies have indeed shown that it increases the ability to fecundation for women and helps men to restore male sexual potency.

The fact that Vitamin E really affects the sexual attraction for men and women, still requires proof, but many people are taking vitamin E convinced about its efficiency and very happy about this.

Another nutrient that deserves attention is Zinc. The largest percentage of Zinc is found in the men prostate, and the lack of this mineral can lead to testicular atrophy and cause changes in the prostate gland.

Group B Vitamins help us to release energy, have beneficial effects on the nervous and immune systems, metabolism. They also stimulate sperm maturation and participate in the processes of puberty.

With the admission of large doses of Vitamin C people begin to feel greater sexual desire and may experience more intense orgasms. But remember that the large doses also can have bad effects. Be careful!

Vitamin A helps improve the generation of large amount of seed fluid. Also, vitamin A is a necessary ingredient for the synthesis of sex hormones, for the both sexes.

The vitamins, which support our energy level also contribute a lot to the sexual activity.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Sour, Sweet or Salty Food?

If you sometimes are longing for the acid, the salty or the sweet meals, it means that yor body gives you specific signals. But how to understand them?

Sweet foods

Food produces with the sweet taste is, first and foremost, a powerful antidepressant. The habit to eat sweets when emotionally hurt or disturbed is typical especially for women. If you find that you have this passion, perhaps you should look for the cause in psychological discomfort, and try to resolve issues of conflict in the family and at work.

The consumption of sweet is just an escape from some problems, but leading to others - extra weight, diabetes and others. The amount of eaten sweet has to be reduced gradually, replacing it with light physical loads or detracting on interesting occupations.

When there is an urgent need of "sweets", it is better to have dried fruits, which supplies the organism with necessary substances and does not bring harm. If that was not enough, you can eat a piece of dark chocolate, a marmalade - only comply with the measure, try to eat not more than 20-30 grams per day of these delicacies.

Sower (Acidic) foods

If there is a desire for "sourness", it may be that you immunity asks the assistance. This way the body is trying to fill the deficiency of vitamin C. That is why the appetite for meals with acidic taste can be a signal of the beginning of the cold or increasing body temperature. For example, cranberries can effectively cope with various inflammations, especially urological types.

The sudden passion for the acidic food may manifest signs of any kind of toxemia. When the poisonous substances get into the body, the immune system cells are trying to neutralize them and "call" on the assistance of vitamin C. So don't be surprised when desiring to eat a lemon having nausea - it indeed may bring relief.

By the way, if you were for lunch and couldn't help to eat too fatty foods, finish it with a sour cheese or something. Almost all sour (acidic) products decompose fats and improve the food digestion.

Salted foods

Ironically, but true: often salted meals are wanted when dehydrated. The use of salt, that is, sodium, is the easiest way to keep the fluid in the body. Slightly salted water will also be the salvation in the heat impact, because sodium maintains the temperature balance of the body. The constant lack of sodium in the body leads to the consumption of olives, as well as marinades of all types.

Marine boundless love for cabbage, often replacing salt, may indicate a lack of iodine in the body. In addition, perhaps drawn to the "solenenkoe" because of the disruption of the thyroid gland. If those passions are not linked to pregnancy, it is best to appear vrachu-endokrinologu.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Cheese - the source of proteins and vitamins!

First, it must be said that the cheese is unusually rich in vitamins. It contains vitamins A and B, and other amino acids, without which the human body can not manage, such as tryptophan, methionine and lysine.

In hard cheese there is a lot of calcium, phosphorus, zinc. To get the daily norm of calcium, for adult persons it is sufficient to eat only 80 grams per day of this kind of cheese.

As for proteins, the cheese cosists 22% of them. Cheeses can be described as a remarkable, universal source of proteins. In addition, the protein contained in cheese is completely absorbed.

Moreover, in cheese is present a so-named protein - casein, which forms the casomorphin - a substance with properties reminiscent to morphine, but when acting similar on the body, all the good effects are the same , without negative properties of the drug. And cheese also contains fatty acids that reduce the risk of cancer.

Ancient Romans thought the cheese is not only a remarkable way to improve digestion, but also an excellent antidote to poisoning! And the peoples of the Caucasus put much of smelly cheese on the wedding table because, in their view, this cheese is supposedly acting like an aphrodisiac.

But if these are just rumors, it was proven the fact: all who have allergy to milk, can calmly eat cheese in the food.
Allergic reactions to cows' milk almost exclusively is caused by lactose, which in the milk is in surplus, but is not present in the cheese, despite the fact that other substances and the properties of milk are preserved in cheese in its original form!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Take Care Not To Overdose On Vitamins

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is very popular and a good habit. The United States government established the guidelines for each vitamin and mineral of how much to take within safe levels. But there are a lot of persons who believe that these levels do not correspond to the reality, they think these are too low and the take mega doses of vitamins.

It is recommended for us to ingest the majority of our vitamins and minerals from the real food. This way it is hardly to overdose with them. None of us should think that we can make up for a nasty diet by taking a few pills. In case it is not possible for you to have a balanced diet, or if you are pregnant, it's a good idea to consume extra vitamins.

Vitamins and minerals have an important role in fighting diseases and healing many ills. It is also believed that they can prevent cancer, ease arthritis, stop aging, grow back hair, and many other conditions. With this thought people are spending billions of dollars on Vitamin and mineral supplements, hoping this will cure all their ailments.

The Food and Drug Administration was hesitating in the increasing of RDA of many vitamins for the reason that many studies showed that taking more vitamins than needed is not always better. Some of the vitamins are really harmful in case they are taken in doses more than their levels, but others are harmless. For example taking more than 10000 mg of Vitamin E can increase the possible bleeding.

The Vitamin C is believed as a "safe" vitamin to take in mega doses, and there are many people who take tons of it because it can cure a cold and it can prevent cancer. But the Food and Drug Administration believes that too much Vitamin C is possible to cause diarrhea. Studies also are having some clues that taking overdoses of anti-oxidants during the chemotherapy for cancer, it is possible that you actually are feeding the cancer cells and make them resistant to the chemotherapy.

The best approach to the vitamin and minerals supplements is to take only the wise dose, and if you think you need more of a certain vitamin, consult you doctor before taking overdoses of it, especially in case you are pregnant, about to have a surgery or have a health condition.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Autumn Vitamins for Strong Immunity

As I said in the last post , we have to take care of our vitaminization now for being strong all the autumn and winter.

Choosing a vitamin complex

In Autumn, first of all are needed vitamins which enhance our immunity. This is all well-known vitamin C (ascorbic acid), as well as vitamins A (retinol), E (tocopherol) and B6 (pyridoxine). They increase the body's resistance to viral and bacterial infections, and help cope with colds and flu. Immunity and micro elements can be strengthen with: zinc, selenium, copper. These vitamins and trace elements are needed to all: from babies to the elderly.

Pharmacies offer a wide range of effective vitamin complexes. They typically need to be taken only once a day. For pregnant women there are special vitamin complexes, but anyway before taking them consult your doctor. Vitamins for children usually have bright attractive package, and the drops (or pastilles) can have a funny shape. Most of the complexes are extracts of natural or infusions of immune-simulators: Echinacea, ginseng, eleuterokokka. Such complexes can be recommended to the elder persons.

Autumn Vegetables: enhancing immunity

Autumn vegetables are generous to us with the needed immunity enhancing vitamins. Vitamin C can be found in fresh cabbage, sweet peppers (it is ranked first with the content of vitamin C in vegetables). Vitamin C is destroyed with long-term exposure to high temperatures and in contact with metal (aluminum pots). To get the daily rate of vitamin C, one fresh sweet pepper or 200 grams of fresh cabbage salad is sufficient. Perhaps you can even cook a fresh cabbage juice: it will not only alleviate the vitamins' needs, but also help with the first signs of cold and inflamed throat.

For vitamin A supplies are needed carrots. 1 glass of carrot juice a day has a general strengthening, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer effects, refreshing the skin color. It is valuable not only the carrots' roots, but its leafy tops too. Take the green leaves from 3-4 carrots, scald them with boiling water, then mill with onions through the mincing machine. This vitamin mix is a great spice for rice, spaghetti, meat dishes.

Vitamin E is the most powerful natural antioxidant. Unlike vitamin A, vitamin E poorly can be accumulated in the body, so it is difficult to"stock" it for later. It is important ensuring to receive vitamin E in the body continuously. Vitamin E is found in abundance in vegetable oils (sunflower, flax, cornmeal, olive, almond). Apart from the use of vegetable oils for cooking, it is necessary to use one table-spoon of fresh oil a day.

Vitamin B6 is a real immunity vitamin, it is found in many vegetables: potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beans, beans, peas. From vegetable juices can be prepared exotic vitamin compositions. For example, take 2 carrots, 1 beet, a few leafs of cabbage and prepare a vegetable juice. To give it a different taste, you can also add half of lemon juice or orange juice.

Beside improving immunity, you should consider what vitamins will be practically impossible to find in the winter. It is the vitamin D, which is synthesized in the body only by the action of sunlight. While vitamin D is necessary, above all, to prevent rickets in children, in adults it prevents the loss of calcium, supports the strength of bone. Lack of vitamin D can affect the general feeling: there irritability, anxiety, depression.

Fortunately, vitamin D successfully accumulates in the body. When there is a possibility, you should take sun baths for 15-20 minutes a day. Recommendation is particularly relevant to children (up to 10-12 years) and women after 35-40 years.


Sunday, September 9, 2007

Autumn Vitaminization

As the cool weather is approaching , doctors recommend a course with vitamins. What vitamins to choose? Are the plants good sources of vitamins? To successful Autumn vitaminization, we should know what vitamins we need and how better take them.

Myths about Autumn vitamins

There are several myths that prevent the fall vitaminization to be done fully and intelligently.

Myth 1. Why take vitamins in Autumn? We have had enough vegetables and fruit during the summer.

The body requirements of vitamins in vary from season to season. In autumn and winter we need more vitamins for the support of the immune system. In addition, the season of fresh fruits and vegetables ends. Fortunately, some vitamins are accumulated in the body, so doctors recommend to undergo intensive course of vitamins twice a year: in the spring and in the fall. Fall vitaminization allows stocking vitamins, and serves to prevent the common cold, autumn and winter depression.

Myth 2. Vitaminization is required only for children, the elderly or ill people.

Even the young, full of power women may have a serious lack of vitamins. In fact, taking oral contraceptives greatly reduces the absorption of vitamins. That is why doctors identify women as having the risk of avitaminosis and strongly recommend autumn course of vitamin therapy. Increased demand for vitamins also have people who are in stress situations, athletes, smokers, as well as those who frequently consume alcohol.

Myth 3. Vegetable sources are incomplete, insufficient to intensive vitaminization. You should use pharmacies complexes.
Using fresh vegetables and fruits to vitaminizate has its advantages. First, you get vitamins in their natural form, together with the necessary materials for their digestion. Secondly, vitamins in foods are completely and gradually absorbed, as the food digests. Unlike vegetable sources, many pills literally are "shooting" with vitamins, their concentration is so high, that only a part of them are digested. Thirdly, plant food activates intestinal functionality, which in itself is important for the health.

Myth 4.The pharmacy vitamins are synthetic vitamins. Taking vitamin complexes brings harm.

The "pharmacies" and "vegetable" vitamin molecules are absolutely identical. Therefore, in the absence of plant sources of vitamin their fellow pharmacists are the right alternative (i.e, late autumn and winter, when fresh vegetables and fruits are not available).

In the next post I will bring some tips on how to choose a vitamin complex, what are the autumn vegetables for enhancing the immunity.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The Importance And Benefits Of Vitamin K

One of the not no famous vitamins, but also vital for our healthy living is Vitamin K.
Its most important role is in the blood coagulation. It heps us stop bleeding and getting healthy again after we get cut. Persons with deficiency in Vitamin K have the tendency to excessive bruising and/or nose bleeding. These can cause grave problems if are seriously hurt, as they bleed for a long time.

Approximatively half of our daily dose of vitamin K, is taken from leafy, green vegetables as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, sweet potatoes, apricots. Also it is contained in vegetable oils like olive, canola and soybean oils.

Other easy to find sources of K vitamin are yogurt and some cheese; a liquid form of this vitamin is found in green tea and - surprisingly- in coffee.

I know we all are trying to avoid fats, but sometimes they are needed. Some nutrients are fat soluble -like vitamin K, A, D, E and F. With other words, for their absorption it is necessary to come into contact with some oils, fats.

There are more K vitamins: K!and K2 are fat-soluble and can be found in natural sources; K3 is the synthetic version for t people who cannot consume vitamin K naturally because they lack bile, an enzyme necessary for fat-soluble vitamins absorption.

Vitamin K has another important function: to improve the bone health and reduce risk of bone fractures, especially for post menopausal women, as they have the risk to get osteoporosis.

The majority of us will never have to worry about our body's vitamin K intake, but it's always good to know.
Although it is not so popular, Vitamin K has also been found to have cosmetic benefits.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Eye Supplements In Addition To Vitamin A

We all take our eyes and sight for granted, and that's ok cause we are born with them, but we only pay attention to them when some illness or trauma occurs. Sometimes it can be too late as our whole life is affected. There are many methods to take care of our vision, one of the prior importance is nutrition.

Of course we cannot control all the factors that involves the eye's health, but there also are a lot of them that we can prevent. Natural vision problems are caused by age, smoking, sunlight, obesity as well as the intake of many medications. The age related worsening (the most popular) can be delayed by means of nutrition.

It was proven that antioxidants from certain foods have an especially healthful effect on our eyes. Unfortunately far not everyone eats enough fresh produce - either because of the busy style of life, or just can't afford it.

Nowadays its very easy to find all the vitamins and supplements on the market, among them the A, C and E vitamins (antioxidants) have an influence on the eye health.

Vitamin A can be found in meals like eggs, liver, milk, carrot. It is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and helps us to see in dim light, preventing night blindness for pregnant women.
Our eyes deteriorate without adequate supplies of vitamin C. An indication of its importance is the fact that the concentration of vitamin C in the vitreous humor (the clear liqud in the eyeball) is about twenty-five times our serum level (the level in our blood), the retina 100 times.
The antioxidant qualities of vitamin C help prevent crystallization and accumulation of foreign molecules that result in the blurred vision of cataracts.

People with lower levels of vitamin E in their blood have a higher risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Not less important for the vision are the beta carotene, selenium, cupric and zinc oxide, lutein. Smokers should take care to take enough luteine as it is important to the retina.

Eye sight vitamins can be bought without a prescription unless it is a high dosage for certain people who have AMD and require an extra dosage. Over the counter vitamins are usually not expensive and provide most or all of the vitamins and nutrients listed on our eye nutrition page. Normally dosages range from 1 to 4 pills a day but these will vary with the amounts of vitamins and minerals in each pill. It is also good to note that although these vitamins and minerals are good for us, a moderate amount is all we need because taking too much of them can be dangerous.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Herbs And Vitamins For Better Memory And Longer Life

It is becoming increasingly popular to take supplements containing herbs and vitamins for better memory and longer life. Not only are well known traditional remedies for specific aging problems being used, but there is a lot of investigation and research being carried out in Asia and Europe on the natural and herbal remedies of yesteryear.

There have been several new remedies suggested over recent years for short and longer term loss of memory, and most of these are also recommended to improve intelligence and mental capability. The so-called ‘smart pill’ ginkgo biloba is a case in point, and this plant is under constant investigation with regard to its effect on Alzheimer’s sufferers.

The number of different herbs and plants, and the type of chemicals they contain, is massive, including various nutrients, antioxidants, hormones, enzymes and amino acids. The list of herbs under investigation is almost unlimited, though you have to be careful with some of them. Kava kava, for instance, helps stress and anxiety, and has been shown to have a positive effect in suppressing the growth of cancer cells.

For other reasons, however, it is banned for sale in parts of Europe, including England, though the reasons for this are currently under review. It is commonly used throughout the Pacific for its soporific effect, but can cause skin and other problems if overused. Where it can be purchased, however, its use is thought to prevent the onset of some cancers including leukaemia.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

Another supplement that is contentious in its use is the Human Growth Hormone. This is used as a supplement in adults suffering from GH deficiency, and has been promoted as an anti-aging supplement. Whether or not it has this effect is still open to debate, though it certainly increases lean muscle mass and bone density in those with a deficiency. The first step in an anti-aging program should be to ensure that your GH level is as it should be.

GINKGO BILOBA

The real mind boosting herbs and supplements are those that claim to boost the memory, cure memory loss and treat Alzheimer’s disease. The queen of them all is probably ginkgo biloba, studies on which have provided evidence that it can be beneficial in improving the brain and memory function in early stage Alzheimer’s, and in age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). It is also believed to help in cases of certain types of glaucoma. These benefits might be due to the effect is has of increasing the circulation of the blood to the brain.

Ginkgo is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the central nervous system from the effects of aging, and protect the cardiovascular system through the destruction of free radicals in the blood. Free radicals can be responsible for mental deterioration and dementia in the elderly. Gingko biloba contains a number of different active antioxidants and chemicals that improve blood circulation to the brain.

COENZYME Q10

It is not only the ancient remedies that are being found to have a scientific reason for their effectiveness in treating specific conditions, and Coenzyme Q10 is one of the relatively newer additions to nature’s arsenal. This substance is contained in every cell in the body, and it has been found to provide protection to the brain from Parkinson’s disease and other conditions that cause degeneration of the brain cells. This can help to improve memory, and reduce the effects of aging, though it does not relieve any existing Parkinson’s symptoms.

Studies into the effects of Coenzyme Q10 are still under way, and it has been shown to be a strong antioxidant. It is also believed to reduce high blood pressure though this is still under review, and studies into the potential uses of the supplement are continuing.

BILBERRY

Although used extensively over the ages for a large number of ailments, bilberry is generally regarded by experts as being another strong antioxidant. In fact most supplements that have an anti-aging effect appear to be antioxidants. This is because aging is closely associated with the presence of free radicals in the blood, and even the traditional antioxidants vitamins C and E can have an anti-aging effect on the body.

Bilberry has been used for the treatment of arteriosclerosis and various eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts, and is commonly available. It contains flavonoids that can reduce the risk of blood clots, and hence of strokes and heart attacks. Although many of the medicinal properties claimed have yet to proved, bilberry is widely used as an herbal supplement.

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants, and it is considered by the Chinese to stimulate the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The effect of increased insulin levels is to reduce the sugar levels in the blood, and reduce oxidation damage to certain cells in the body. It is being regarded as a possible natural treatment for diabetes that should reduce sugar imbalances and therefore have an anti-aging effect.

DHA

DHA is dicosahexaenoic acid, otherwise known as DHA, and is found predominantly in fish oils. Trials are currently under way with this material on humans in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease where it appears to reduce the formation of plaques in the brain. DHA used be found in cattle and eggs, but this has reduced considerably due to cattle being taken off grass some time before slaughter and there is less DHA in factory eggs.

The synthetic supplement is synthesized from beet though is more expensive than the marine source. This supplement is also effective in those that suffer from heart disease.

There are many other natural supplements that have an anti-aging effect or that improve the memory. Most work by means of their antioxidant content, and there are new studies being carried out continually throughout the world. China is a rich source of such remedies, and as that country opens up more will be known about the scientific basis behind their pharmaceutical applications.

There is little doubt that the use of herbs and vitamins for better memory and longer life has a strong scientific basis, and that we still have a great deal to learn about the remedies used before the introduction of mass produced pharmaceuticals.

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Monday, July 30, 2007

Benefits of Vitamin B5, Sources and Deficiency

Vitamin B5 is also known as pantothenic acid. Its name is derived from the Greek word pantos meaning "from everywhere," as small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in nearly every food.

In its functional form, vitamin B5 gets combined with another small, sulfur-containing molecule to form coenzyme A (or CoA). This conversion allows vitamin B5 to participate in a wide variety of chemical and organic reactions. Coenzyme A is needed to carry out various metabolic functions, and for the generation of energy in the form of ATP from fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Roger J. Williams, the discoverer of pantothenic acid suggested that Vitamin B5 might be helpful in the management of certain medical disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Functions of Vitamin B5

* Vitamin B5 is also known as the anti-stress vitamin at times. It is one of the eight water soluble B complex vitamins.
* Vitamin B5 helps production of the cellular antioxidant glutathione, and is therefore an essential vitamin for all life forms.
* Helps in the break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy - thus a stamina enhancer.
* This vitamin plays an important role in production of adrenal hormones in the adrenal glands.
* Vitamin B5 helps to produce neurotransmitters, cholesterol required for proper nerve and muscle performance.
* It is also responsible for haemoglobin production and metabolism of toxins by the liver.
* It plays an important role in cell division, DNA reproduction and RNA transcription.
* It regulates the formation of stress hormones and hair pigmentation.

Deficiency of Vitamin B5

It is an unlikely that an adult will have a deficiency of vitamin B5 because of the availability of B5 in many foods, plus the fact that it is also produced by our intestinal bacteria.
However, a deficiency of Vitamin B5 causes fatigue, muscle weakness, personality changes, psoriasis, and headache. Vitamin B5 is often used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, edema, swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints.

Pantothenic acid is also recommended to prevent stress and relieve insomnia, arthritis, food intolerance and teeth grinding.

Oral application of pantothenic acid helps relieve many skin problems and cure wounds.

Who are at risk of Vitamin B5 deficiency?

* Women who are on birth control pills are recommended to take extra doses of Vitamin B5.
* Smokers and alcoholics also fall under this category.
* People undergoing stress, prone to allergies or eating too many refined foods might develop a shortage of this vitamin.

Symptoms of Vitamin B5 deficiency

· painful & burning feet
· skin abnormalities
· numbness and poor coordination
· abdominal and muscle cramps
· vomiting
· anaemia
· insomnia and depression
· stunted growth
· restlessness

Most of these symptoms and signs get resolved with external administration of pantothenic acid.
Vitamins B12, folic acid and biotin are required for proper use of vitamin B5 in the body's biochemical activities. In addition, vitamin C somewhat helps prevent B5 deficiency.

Dosage of Vitamin B5

Since deficiency of pantothenic acid is rare, so there is no recommended daily intake for this vitamin. Pantothenic acid is mostly included in B-complex multivitamins. The RDA for men is 10 mg and women is 8 mg.

Normal daily intake of pantothenic acid for adults is 4 to 7 milligrams. Vitamin B5 should be taken with water, preferably after eating.

Pantothenic acid does not usually cause any side effects, but pregnant and lactating mothers should be careful to consume only the normal daily intake.

Vitamin B5 can be found in multivitamins, B complex vitamins, or sold individually under the name of pantothenic acid and calcium pantothenate. It is available in a variety of forms including tablets and capsules, and must be taken under medical supervision.

Dietary sources of Vitamin B5 -

The term pantothenic acid is derived from the Greek word pantos, meaning everywhere. Vitamin B5 is widely distributed in plant and animal food sources, where it occurs in both bound and free forms.
Pantothenic acid is richly found in peanuts, liver, kidney, cauliflower, mushrooms, seeds and other nuts, pumpkin, mushrooms, legumes, sweet potato, milk, soya, cheese, egg yolk, fish, chicken, wholegrain bread and cereals, and bananas. The richest sources of the vitamin are the ovaries of cod and tuna fish.
Breakfast cereals are also a good source if they have been fortified with pantothenic acid.
Do not add soda to the water used for cooking vegetables - it will destroy the pantothenic acid.

Vitamin B5 storage

Vitamin B5 is relatively unstable in food, and significant amounts of this vitamin can be lost through cooking, freezing, and commercial processing.
Vitamins are easily destroyed and washed out during food preparation and storage. Store vitamin supplements at room temperature, in a dry place that is free of moisture.

By: Tom alter

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Sunday, July 22, 2007

Nutritional Supplements: Are They for You?

By: Brue Baker

When deciding whether you need or want to take nutritional supplements, there are a few things you should know first. First of all, you should know what vitamins and minerals can do for you, and what they cannot.

Many people think if they take vitamins, minerals and other forms of nutritional supplements that they can eat anything they want and not have to worry about an otherwise balanced diet.

First, vitamins and minerals in any form can't replace food, so you still have to eat properly to obtain the necessary proteins, carbohydrates and sugars that your body needs for optimal functioning. While vitamins and minerals don't contain calories, they don't provide energy either.

Nutritional supplements should never be substituted for nutrients found in foods either. Many people don't realize that our bodies don't manufacture vitamins or minerals, even though our body systems need them to survive on a molecular level. The only way we get enough of these essential ingredients is through a properly balanced diet, at times enhanced with supplements.

You can compare the necessity of vitamins and minerals to the spark plugs in your car. If they're not firing just right, your car will still run, but not smoothly or to the best of its capacity. Nutritional supplements offer the same benefits to the workings of the human body. You can't see them, but they are a vital component to the workings of everything in your body, from cell structures to organ systems.

For those who eat a properly balanced diet, it may not be necessary to take vitamin and mineral supplements. But let's be honest. These days, who eats properly all the time? Considering that we get a bulk of those vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, and that most people don't eat enough of either, it's important to ingest supplements in order to prevent health problems that begin through poor nutrition.

A vitamin or mineral deficiency in your body can cause all sorts of problems, from acne to disease processes. Those who smoke or drink also need increased vitamins and minerals to counteract the damage caused by alcohol or nicotine. Young children experiencing growth spurts need proper amounts of vitamins and minerals to ensure bone health, muscle growth and organ tissue development. Older people need to replenish stores of vitamins and minerals that their bodies don't process so well any more, and everyone in between needs to maintain proper levels of nutritional components to provide optimal health benefits.

Most vitamin and mineral supplements come in a variety of forms, from capsules to tablets to gel-caps. Some are big, some are small, but to be honest, most of them smell and taste funny. However, most people take them with juice or water, but always read the labels to make sure you are following dosage and dietary instructions, as some should be taken on a full stomach, others on an empty one.

There are a number of popular nutritional supplement brands out there, and when considering any of them, it's a good idea to know and understand what vitamins and minerals are, what they do for your body, and to determine if the brand you choose will deliver the product that you are paying for. Take the time to research national nutritional supplement brands, don't believe everything you read, and above all, when in doubt, ask your primary care provider for advice.

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Monday, July 16, 2007

Are You Depressed, Anxious, or Tired? You Might Be Deficient in Vitamin B6

B6 or Pyridoxine is a powerhouse of a vitamin! According to Dr. Ellis from Mount Pleasant, TX, who studied vitamin B6 for more than 30 years, "Vitamin B6 is as important to your body as oxygen and water." Like many other B complex vitamins, Pyridoxine is very important in fat, protein, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, and hence getting enough of it can help you to have enough energy. It also supports many aspects of nerve health, including nerve problems with those with epilepsy, carpal tunnel syndrome and psychiatric disorders.

B6 is also a major factor in helping red blood cells to regenerate, and seems to be a primary immune system stimulating factor, which has been shown in particular to help defend the body against liver cancer.

Vitamin B6 is vital in helping the body produce various neurotransmitters, and hence is important for memory. It also seems to help avoid or reduce glucose intolerance, which is when your blood sugar spikes abnormally high after eating. Dr. Ellis' research also shows that it may help reduce asthma attacks since it seems to lower the body' histamine levels. It also seems to help protect the body from artheriosclerosis because it reduces a chemical in the bloodstream that damages the walls of the arteries.

It can also help promote healthy skin, reduce acne and morning sickness. B6 inhibits histamine production, and hence may help with allergies and asthma. In addition it seems to be helpful in cases of PMS, acting as a natural diuretic.

Extra Vitamin B6 Requirements

B6 seems to be especially helpful for the elderly, and those with PMS, menopausal symptoms, and those with heart and blood sugar problems.* It also seems to be needed in higher amounts by smokers, those under a lot of stress, and those exposed to high levels of environmental chemicals (that would be most of us today!). This is one of those vitamins that we seem to need in higher levels in today's modern world, because of all the stress and pollution!

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Deficiency Symptoms of Pyridoxine

Depression and anxiety, as well as anemia and lethargy and have been linked to pyridoxine deficiency. Carpal tunnel syndrome and numbness and tingling in the knees, shoulders and hands can also be a sign of a deficiency of vitamin B6. Some additional symptoms include PMS, insomnia and kidney stones.

Food Sources & Supplementation of Vitamin B6

Nutritional yeast, whole grains like whole wheat and brown rice, bananas, eggs, poultry and organ meats, avocados, nuts and legumes like peanuts and walnuts. If you decide to supplement, we recommend only a food-based vitamin B complex, since taking the B vitamins separately has been shown to sometimes cause imbalances in the body that can actually have an adverse effect over the long term.

Note: An excessive intake of B6 has been noted to cause adverse symptoms such as numbness in the hands and feet and other symptoms of nerve damage. Always check with your doctor before taking high levels of B6 supplementation, and even better, in our humble non-medical opinion, don't take synthetic B6, only use natural source B supplementation.

Article Source: http://www.articlestoreprint.com

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

The Pill Vitamin Versus Liquid Vitamin

In recent years, a number of companies have introduced liquid vitamin supplements, some of them claiming that these products far outperform the traditional vitamin pill. While some companies took their claims too far (and were charged accordingly), the debate continues as to which type of vitamin is the most effective.

The main advantage of a liquid supplement is the speed and ease of absorption by the body. Since there is no need to break down a solid, the vitamins are absorbed immediately. Liquid fans also claim that the absorption rate is much higher, making the supplements more effective.

There are also those who hate swallowing big vitamin pills or simply can't swallow them due to a medical condition. For instance, people who have had gastric bypass surgery find it hard to keep a pill down. Throat surgery can also make swallowing solids painful. For people like this, liquid vitamins are the only viable option.

But liquid supplements have their drawbacks. One of the main problems is that the vitamins and minerals do not keep their potency as well in liquid form. That means that the liquids have a shorter shelf life than pills.

There are also enzymes contained in some vitamin tablets that aid in the absorption of the nutrients. These enzymes can't be included in liquid vitamins because they only last for a day or so in liquids. While with pills, the enzymes retain their effectiveness for the entire shelf life of the products.

The claim of faster and more complete absorption of liquids is also challenged by some experts. While it's true that we digest liquids more quickly than solids, this does not necessarily lead to a more effective product.

The most effective place for vitamin absorption is at the beginning of the small intestine. There are some claims that much of the contents of liquid vitamins is destroyed by stomach acids before it even gets this far. Pills, meanwhile, are coated to keep them from dissolving completely before they reach the small intestine.

While we live in a world where immediate effects are usually considered a good thing, their relevance for vitamins is questionable. After all, our bodies don't suddenly have vitamin emergencies. If one vitamin supplement is absorbed into our systems an hour sooner than another, it's unlikely to have any noticeable effect on our overall health.

When it comes to our health, nobody likes to guess what is best. But until enough time has passed to show for certain whether there is a difference between the effects of liquid and tablet vitamins, you'll simply have to go with the one that makes the most sense for you. As long as you are focused on a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, the format of your vitamin supplement shouldn't be a critical decision.

Article Source: http://www.articlestoreprint.com

Monday, July 9, 2007

Calcium, What's The Big Deal?

The big question about Calcium, exactly what is Calcium and why is Calcium so important to you and I?

What is Calcium?

Calcium is one of the most abundant micro-nutrient found in our body. 99% of our body’s total calcium is stores in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% of calcium is then found throughout our body in blood, muscles, and the fluid in between cells. Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction and the secretion of hormones and enzymes. There are much more usage of Calcium, but to put simply, Calcium is important for Bone repair/formations and the contraction of muscles. Calcium is also the answer to strong and dense bones.

Different Types of Calcium, Which is Best?

Calcium is an element and it comes in various forms. There’s Calcium citrate, Calcium phosphate, Calcium Gluconate, Calcium Carbonate, and e.t.c. The list can go on and on, but which is the most common one that is best absorbed by the body?

There is something called the elemental weight. Calcium phosphate has an elemental weight of 31-38% whilst Calcium carbonate has an elemental weight of 40%. Let’s use Calcium Carbonate (Most common form of Calcium found in the market) as an example, if you take 500mg of Calcium carbonate, only 200mg of elemental Calcium is available for absorption. I’ll make things simpler by giving you an analogy; let’s presume that you’re now going down to the fuel station to pump some petrol for your car. There are 2 types of Petrol and both are mixed with water. For every liter of petrol, Petrol X contains 20% petrol whilst Petrol Y contains 40% petrol. We do know that cars require petrol to move and not water. So the obvious choice will be Petrol Y. The same goes to us, our body can only utilize elemental Calcium, and therefore, Calcium Carbonate is one of the better choices of Calcium supplements to take.

Vitamin D & Calcium Absorption
Taking Calcium alone is not as effective taking calcium with a good dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps improve Calcium absorption. To put things simply, let’s imagine things this way. Before calcium is absorbed by our body, it needs go through a door which is locked and requires a key to open it. Vitamin D is the key to opening this door to allow calcium into your body and from there allows the body to utilize the Calcium.

What NOT to Consume Calcium With
We should not be consuming Calcium with Zinc and Iron. This is so as our body prioritizes Calcium over the other two minerals. I advise you to take Zinc and Iron at a time when your body has little Calcium, preferably 30mins-60mins after drinking your milk. When purchasing multivitamins, do also look at the Nutrition fact sheet to see if any of this minerals are stashed together.

How much Calcium is Needed?
If you’re just an average adult, I would recommend taking anything from 800mg – 1200mg of Calcium a day. However, if you’re an athlete or bodybuilder, you should be taking up to 2000mg – 2300mg of Calcium a day. Good sources of protein include Milk, yoghurt, cheese. Taking more than 2500mg of Calcium may cause you to get wet stools.

Benefits
Calcium will help you maintain a healthy bone mass, delay the onset of osteoporosis and recent research articles have also shown that Calcium aids weight loss.

By Darcy Dal

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darcy_Dal

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

How To Know If You Need Vitamin Supplements

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is perhaps one of the most controversial issues regarding healthy living. The lack of vitamins in your diet can be unhealthy, but too many vitamins can also put your health in danger. So, how do you know if taking vitamin and mineral supplements is necessary for you? Ask yourself the following questions in order to determine if you may need vitamin supplementation for a healthier lifestyle:

Am I Stressed? If you are constantly stressed-out due to work, relationships, family or any other situation, your adrenal glands may be working overtime. This can potentially cause fatigue and headaches.

Treatment: Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplements can help with this problem.

Is My Immune System Up to Par? Do you constantly find yourself catching colds and the flu more frequently than others? You may need to boost your immune system with vitamins and minerals which provide the nutrients needed to fight these viruses.

Treatment: Vitamin C supplement, Zinc and Manganese will do the trick.

Do I smoke? I’m sure you’re aware that this habit is unhealthy but smoking uses up vitamin C and puts you at higher risk of osteoporosis.

Treatment: Vitamin C supplements and calcium supplements will help reduce your chances of osteoporosis and provide you with the adequate amount of vitamin C.

Am I Pregnant? Pregnant and hormonal women often lack in vitamin B-6. If you do not receive enough of this vitamin it can be harmful to you and your baby.

Treatment: Take a vitamin B-6 supplement, but make sure not to take doses of more than 500mg per day without a Doctor’s recommendation.

Am I on a Diet? If you are on a low-carb, low-fat or any form of diet you are probably not receiving the vitamins necessary for healthy living. Individuals on diets very rarely eat foods from all the major food groups and if they do, they usually do not eat the required amounts.

Treatment: Depending on the type of diet and the foods you eat, you may require a multi-vitamin supplement or specific supplements of Vitamin A, B, C, D, E or K.

Answering yes to any of the questions above does not necessarily mean that vitamin or mineral supplements are crucial to healthy living. The situations listed above are merely a guideline to help individuals who already feel as though they are lacking the vitamins and minerals in their diets. It is important to remember that vitamin supplements are meant to accompany food and are in no way meant as a replacement for a healthy diet.

Health-related information changes frequently, and while every attempt has been made to ensure the content in this article is up to date and accurate, you should always check with a doctor or nutritional expert before undertaking any substantial change in diet or lifestyle.


By: Jeff Matson

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Monday, July 2, 2007

Vitamin E: Why There’s No Need To Fear Nature’s Great Protector

It would be a great pity if recent media scare stories highlighting the supposed risks of vitamin E supplementation prevented people, particularly the elderly, from ensuring that their diets include adequate supplies of this vital nutrient.

These stories all centred on a single study, which was not new research but a meta-analysis of 19 previous reports focussed on subjects already identified as suffering from chronic diseases. The applicability of its findings to the usefulness or otherwise of vitamin E in helping to prevent disease and maintain optimum health in the well population must therefore be open to serious doubt. And this one study must also be considered alongside the many which have reported the different health benefits of vitamin E since its discovery in 1922.

Numerous of these studies have demonstrated the benefits of vitamin E to cardiovascular health in terms of protecting against the onset of heart disease, in restricting the advance of the disease, and in reducing the risk of second and further heart attacks in those already affected. In common with other anti-oxidants, vitamin E also appears to protects against atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries which is the common precursor of serious heart problems. In fact vitamin E appears to have a general blood thinning and anti-coagulant effect similar to but much gentler and more natural than drugs such as warfarin. Vitamin E thereby helps to protect against highly dangerous clots forming in the arteries serving the brain and heart; clots which can lead to stroke – still one of the main causes of premature death and disability in the western world.

But the benefits of vitamin E reach far beyond the heart and circulatory system. Being fat-soluble, vitamin E is also needed in large quantities by the brain, the trillions of cells of which are particularly rich in fat. Brain function is highly dependent on the efficient functioning of cell membranes, largely formed of fatty tissue, to allow transmission of messages between cells. Free radical damage to cell membranes, worsening rapidly with age, is therefore regarded as one of the principal causes of impaired cognitive function and may even be implicated as a contributory factor in Alzheimer's disease. As an anti-oxidant, vitamin E is an important protector against free radical damage and it's not surprising, therefore, that numerous studies have reported superior cognitive function and memory as consequences of vitamin E supplementation.

As cancer is well known as predominantly a disease of degeneration, it is not surprising that powerful anti-oxidants such as vitamin E should offer a degree of protection against it. And indeed, numerous studies have clearly linked enhanced levels of vitamin E in the body with a reduced incidence of common cancers, particularly that of the prostate. As a powerful anti-oxidant vitamin E may also protect against the damage to healthy cells that is an inevitable accompaniment of necessarily aggressive chemo and radio cancer therapies.

And as if all of this wasn't enough, vitamin E has also demonstrated possible benefits in the treatment of diabetes, in combatting the pain of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and in maintaining good vision, particularly in old age. Vitamin E is also regarded as a general immune system booster.

But for all these identified benefits, concerns persist in some quarters about the potential dangers of vitamin E, and are generally focussed on the possible toxicity of very high intakes. And it's true that being fat-soluble, vitamin E can be stored in the body, giving rise to a potential for toxicity if ingested in excessive quantities over time. But there are good grounds for thinking that these concerns are probably misplaced.

Rich dietary sources of vitamin E are foods such as leafy green vegetables, certain types of nuts, vegetable oils and whole grains. The typical modern, highly processed, Western diet, high in fat and refined carbohydrate, and produced from intensively farmed, poor quality soils, is unlikely to provide even an adequate, let alone an excessive supply of the vitamin.

Moreover, both the Institute of Medicine and US Dietary Guidelines have identified a regular daily intake of 1,500 IU as the maximum at which no risk should arise to the health of healthy individuals. To put this in context: most commercially available supplements will provide only between 200 and 400 IU.

So with the ever increasing danger of free radical damage as the body ages, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate supplies from diet alone, it appears that any problems arising from vitamin E are far more likely to be those of deficiency rather than excess.


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Thursday, June 21, 2007

Healthy Hair Vitamins

There a number of different specific hair vitamins and minerals that can play a major role in helping a person have a healthy head of hair. If a person does not have sufficient hair vitamins then the deficiencies can lead to thinning hair or even total baldness in the most severe cases. The fact is that the state of a person’s hair reflects the overall condition of their body. Extra hair vitamins are likely to be needed if a person is generally unwell or is undernourished as their hair will show damage too and may even stop growing.

Some of the most important hair vitamins that a person needs to have healthy hair include B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid. The best way to ensure that a person receives enough of these essential hair vitamins are for them to be taken as vitamin supplements. It is not just hair vitamins that are necessary for healthy hair though as there are a number of minerals that are essential, including magnesium, sulphur, silica and zinc.

The most essential hair vitamin is vitamin a but the best form of this is to include in the diet is beta-carotene. This is because the hair vitamin A can be toxic if consumed in large quantities but beta-carotene has no such problems and is converted by the body into vitamin A that can be used to promote healthy hair. Of course, vitamin A is not just a hair vitamin, it is also needed for a number of other functions including normal growth of bones, skin, nails and the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers.

Protein is another essential hair vitamin. This is because hair itself is essentially protein. The amount of this hair vitamin that a person consumes in their diet can affect the hair directly. If a lot of protein is included in a person’s diet then this hair vitamin will lead to improved hair growth and a far fuller head of hair. However, a person who has a diet that is lacking in this hair vitamin will suffer from thinning hair and slow hair growth.

Of course, it is not just hair vitamins and minerals that are needed to ensure that a person has healthy, strong hair. There are a number of researchers who have found that there are direct links between the overall health of a person and the condition of their hair. If a person is under a lot of stress or suffers from a lack of sleep then their hair is also likely to suffer and it is likely that their diet will not provide enough hair vitamins to counter these effects. Hair vitamin and mineral supplements can be the solution to weak and damaged hair.
Prevent hair loss or hair thinning

By: Tania

Article Source: http://www.articles411.com/

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Vitamins And Minerals Are Health Magnets For Our Body's Circulatory System

Our body’s circulatory system is made up of the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. This circulatory system transports oxygen, nutrients, water and blood throughout our bodies as well as assists in the removal of waste products. Obviously keeping this system in tip top shape is essential to its efficiency and to our health.

One of the things we can do to help keep our circulatory system healthy is to make sure that we are properly nourishing it with healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C is responsible for strengthening the walls of the blood vessels throughout the body. This has to do with its role in the production of collagen, which is an essential connective tissue. Copper is a mineral that is necessary for the process of making the body’s connective tissue. Biotin is critical to the health of the circulatory system, as well as to the circulatory system’s performance, as it has a function in a number of essential enzyme processes.

Vitamin E helps to promote the healthy functioning of the circulatory system in a couple of ways. It helps to dilate the veins and it has a role in the controlling of blood clotting. Another important aspect of Vitamin E is its antioxidant properties, something that it shares with Vitamin C. These vitamins, with the help of other antioxidants, serve in the essential capacity of bringing free radicals, which if left unchecked can damage body tissue, under control.

Potassium, long known as being beneficial to the heart also serves other parts of the circulatory system. One important function of potassium is to control blood pressure and fluid stability in the circulatory system. Sodium shares in these important functions of maintaining the blood’s balance and pressure. We hear so much about the negatives of sodium that it’s easy to forget that sodium is, in reality, a mineral that is essential to the body’s functioning, particularly in the circulatory system. The key to sodium is moderation, a little is necessary but too much could be dangerous.

It’s apparent that the circulatory system is essential to a healthy body. It makes sense to support its functions with a diet that meets the recommended daily levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Because the proper balance of nutrients is so vital to the functioning of our bodies and its supporting systems, choose your nutritional supplements carefully. Choosing top quality ingredients will insure that you are doing your body good and not spending money unwisely. Make your circulatory system happy, feed it!

By: Holly Dodd

Article Source: http://www.isnare.com/

Friday, June 15, 2007

Vitamins For Your Skin

Everything we eat and drink, or for that matter, some things that we do not eat or drink, have an effect on our skin. Dry skin, acne, psoriasis, and skin eruptions are just a few of the problems that can be helped with vitamins. Vitamins A, C, D, and E are especially important and are often prescribed for dull, lifeless skin. Vitamin A is often prescribed as a very effective treatment for acne. Even today, some people find that over-the-counter and prescription concoctions too harsh and drying for the face. These same people can safely consume a daily dose of vitamin A and their acne will greatly diminish. Selenium is a mineral found in cereals, nuts and eggs. Dietary intake of selenium prevents cancer in laboratory animals. It also shows signs of enhancing the performance of chemotherapy and slowing down the aging process. In terms of sun damage, daily doses of selenium have demonstrated an ability to ease the burning effect of the sun's radiation.

Vitamins are safe, cheap and highly effective. There are 8 different forms of Vitamin E - the synthetic form is only half as powerful as the natural version. It is an incredibly important vitamin for your body health and should therefore be taken in proper doses daily. Vitamin is necessary for proper skin balance. Too little of it causes the face to be oily. Biotin is sometimes prescribed when skin is dull and the pallor is gray. Most people get enough biotin without even trying. It's found in many foods including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice, plus your body also makes some biotin on its own. Most vitamins are water-soluble and are quickly eliminated from the body. It is safe to consume varying quantities of these vitamins. Other vitamins are fat-soluble. That means that they are stored in the body and can build up over time. Mega-doses of these vitamins should be avoided.


Vitamins that Help Skin:

1. Vitamin A.
2. Vitamin C.
3. Vitamin D.
4. Vitamin E.
5. Niacin.
6. Biotin.
7. Vitamin K.

Skin Conditions that respond well to Vitamins:

1. Dry skin.
2. Acne.
3. Psoriasis.
4. Skin eruptions.


By: Juliet Cohen

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Thursday, June 14, 2007

Simple Sources of Natural Vitamins

Both foodies and farmers know that vitamins don't only come in bottles. Our modern marketing and consumerism machines try to get us to believe that vitamin supplement pills are the only answer, but we all know the truth: natural sources are better.

Many people do not have enough natural vitamin sources in their diet and therefore often suffer from a deficiency of one or more needed vitamins. You've heard this before: the key to gaining the correct amount of vitamins from natural vitamin sources is to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

For those on special diets, it may be true that supplements are the best option, as some diets make it difficult to get the right nutrients in the right amounts all the time. It might be too cumbersome for those people to cook in such a way as to get all they need from food alone. Nevertheless, for most people, it is very easy to get all the nutrition we need from ordinary everyday foods.

It is important to be knowledgeable about the different types of vitamins and their best natural vitamin sources so that you can incorporate as many of these as possible into your regular diet. Water soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body and therefore need to be replenished on a daily basis. Thus it is natural vitamin sources for these vitamins that are the most essential to learn. Many of these natural sources are already in your kitchen pantry, so it may not be hard for you to get started! Here are some common food sources for vitamins:

* Natural vitamin B8 sources can include molasses, vegetables, meat, whole grains, nuts, milk, brewer’s yeast, citrus fruits

* Natural vitamin B1 sources can include brewer’s yeast, brown rice, whole grains, organ meats, egg yolk, blackstrap molasses

* Natural vitamin B3 sources can include potatoes, peanuts, brewer’s yeast, poultry & fish, lean meats, milk, rice bran

* Natural vitamin B15 sources include brewer’s yeast, brown rice, rare steaks, sunflower, pumpkin & sesame seeds

* Natural vitamin B2 sources can include organ meats, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, legumes, nuts, blackstrap molasses

* Natural vitamin B15 sources can include pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds, rare steaks, brown rice, brewer’s yeast

* Natural vitamin B9 sources include dark-green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, organ meats, salmon, oysters, milk

* Natural vitamin B13 sources can include liquid whey, and root vegetables

* Natural vitamin B4 sources can include brewer’s yeast, egg yolks, organ meats, legumes, wheat germ, fish, soybeans

* Natural vitamin B15 sources can include brown rice, brewer’s yeast, rare steaks, pumpkin, sunflower, & sesame seeds

* Natural vitamin B17 sources can include peaches, whole kernels of apricots, cherries, apples, plums

* Natural vitamin B9 sources can include root vegetables, dark-green leafy vegetables, organ meats, oysters, salmon, milk

* Natural vitamin B5 sources include salmon, organ meats, egg yolks, legumes, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, whole grains

* Natural vitamin B7 sources can include liver, legumes, unpolished rice, whole grains, sardines, brewer’s yeast, egg yolks

So you can see there are a variety of ways to get what your body needs. Pill form supplements are not bad; it is simply that natural source vitamins are so much better. You can explore new foods and ways of cooking, and your body will love you for it.

Article Source: http://www.articles411.com/

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Vitamin C -- The Most Famous of Vitamins!

By David Leonhardt

We call Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, "the most famous of vitamins" because it really is the best known. It is the first one schoolchildren learn. It is the most cited cure for the common cold. Most people can rhyme off at least a few foods that contain vitamin C. And vitamin C is the single most searched nutrient on the Internet.

HISTORY OF VITAMIN C: Nobel Prize winning biochemist Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi first isolated vitamin C in 1928. (As someone of Hungarian descent, I find this a touch exciting.)

Vitamin C first got its reputation for beating the common cold in 1970, when fellow Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling published his bestselling book "Vitamin C and the Common Cold". In it, he suggested that taking vitamin C at levels well above the USA RDA (now 60 milligrams per day) could strengthen the immune system and help ward off the common cold.

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C: Vitamin C helps form collagen, a glue-like fibrous protein in bone, cartilage, tendons and other connective tissue. Vitamin C helps give structure and maintain such body parts as bones, cartilage, muscle, veins, capillaries and teeth.

But recent studies have also linked "adequate dosages" of vitamin C to preventing a number of common cancers, of helping boost the nervous system, of prolonging life, of reducing the risk of heart disease, of softening the symptoms of respiratory diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, and of keeping skin and glands healthy.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN C: Most animals manufacture their own vitamin C. Primates, such as humans, gorillas, and monkeys, have somehow lost this ability.

Which is why we need to get our vitamin C from our diets.

It is well known that citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines, limes, mandarins and others contain vitamin C.

In fact, vitamin C comes almost exclusively from fruits and vegetables.
Other good sources are tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, rutabagas, cantaloupe, kiwi, papayas, potatoes and watermelon.

One place that is NOT a good source are vitamin C pills, which the body just cannot absorb properly. This is a water soluble vitamin best taken in its natural juice or in a liquid supplement (or both!).

OPTIMUM USAGE OF VITAMIN C: Fortunately, if you consume too much of a water soluble vitamin, your body will get rid of excess. It also means that your body does not store it for long periods of time. You can't "stock up" on it, and you can reach a saturation point quickly; you need vitamin C several times a day.

Being a water-soluble vitamin, you lose it when you boil foods. For instance, if you boil your broccoli, you will lose the vitamin C. However, if you boil your broccoli in a soup, you will get the broccoli's vitamin C in the broth.

Do not soak or store fruits or vegetables in water, for you can lose the vitamin C that way. In short, the fresher cut the fruit or vegetable, and the less cooked, the more vitamin C you will get.

Like all vitamins and minerals, Vitamin C is most effective when combined with other nutrients. For example, one of the big benefits of vitamin C is that it helps the body digest and absorb iron, an essential mineral for good health.

It has also been found that vitamin C and E work together to help stave off Alzheimer's disease.

This is one of the reasons it is so important to take vitamin supplements that contain as many different nutrients as possible, so the body can absorb them together and enjoy the maximum benefits from each one.

VITAMIN C DOSAGE: Most experts agree that the US RDA is only a fraction of what it should be, and that daily vitamin C levels up to 1,000 or even 2,000 milligrams per day are safe and healthy.

Essential Nectar contains 250% of the US RDA, mixing it with 233 other natural, plant-based nutrients...making it a good vitamin C supplement for your diet.

Article Source:http://www.article-search-online.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Vitamins Are The Spice Of Life

Many people have busy schedules and do not have the time to eat properly. Their diet does not contain the right ingredients to provide vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to function. To fill this need, there are vitamins available for people to take to supplement the lack of vitamins in their diet.


These vitamins are supplied in pill form, liquid elixirs, liquid vitamin supplements, and powder form. Some of these vitamins are sold in a multi-vitamin tablet form and contain all of the necessary supplements that a body will need to function properly. These multi-vitamins are sold by many manufacturers and in many doses, but the most popular dosage is 500 mg tablets.


There are commercial advertisements that ponder whether you have enough milk in your diet. Vitamin D is found in milk products and is said to help prevent people from getting diseases like multiple sclerosis. Calcium vitamins are sold in two varieties, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. For calcium carbonate to be effective it must be taken with meals. These vitamins can be taken at any time of the day.

Many people wonder what the benefits are in taking vitamins and herbal supplements. They think their diet is sufficient in vitamins and nutrients and can not justify spending more money on something that they have plenty of in their bodies. The fact is that our bodies do not get enough vitamins, even if we eat a well-balanced diet.

People take vitamins because they help prevent many diseases and help slow the effects of aging too. Some vitamins are not manufactured properly and may lose their potency if they are exposed to heat and light. Vitamins that are found in meat, vegetables and other food groups loose their effectiveness when exposed to heat when they are cooked on a stove.

Vitamins are virtually useless to drug abusers because vitamins can not be absorbed into the body properly. Cigarette smoking affects the way a body absorbs vitamins into the body. Many junk foods contain no nutritional value at all. Fast food restaurants serve food that is high in fat content and low in vitamins. Without the proper amount of vitamins in their diet, children do not grow to their full potential.

Some vitamins will affect how the body absorbs iron into the body. Milk is one of the food sources that hinder iron absorption. If people plan to take iron pills, then they will have to take them when milk is not being ingested. A two to three hour wait is sufficient between dosages.

People rely heavily on the US RDA requirements that are placed on many food packages to determine whether their dietary intake is sufficient to have a healthy life. People do not understand that US RDA requirements might be well below what your body actually needs to live and function properly. The scale that is listed on the food product packets and boxes might be for just one day of nourishment, not a yearly consumption level, or might not consider the total nourishment level different age groups might need to live a healthy life.

By: Linda Polansky -

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