Evening Primrose Oil and the Importance of GLA
Evening primrose oil is rich in fatty acids, especially gamma linolenic acid, commonly known as GLA. The gamma linolenic acid in evening primose is very important since it effects a lot of the enzyme activity in the body. Enzymes are important since they trigger every process that takes place in the body, including the production of prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are hormone like substances that are responsible for:
- inhibiting cholesterol
- inhibiting inflammation
- lowering blood pressure
- inhibiting platelet aggregation
- regulating estrogen, progestogen, and prolactin in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
Prostaglandin deficiency or imbalance may result in:
- reproductive problems
- eczema type lesions
- poor wound healing
- problem with the circulatory system,
- poor skin conditions
- many other cellular and enzymatic disorders
Linoleic acid is converted into gamma-linolenic acid, the same substance found in evening primrose oil, and then to dihomogamma-linolenic acid, and then to arachidonic acid. Di-homogamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid are present in the cell structures and they are the precursors of prostaglandins.
This process is supposed to work efficiently in the body, but research shows that these factors inhibit the production of GLA:
- consumption of alcohol
- diabetes
- a diet rich in saturated fat
- a diet rich in processed vegetable oils
- a lack of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B in the diet - these are all necessary for GLA formation
- viral infections, radiation, cancer
- stress
This is where evening primrose is valuable. It has been found that the GLA from this oil is more efficient precursor to arachidonic acid than the linolenic acid found in sunflower seed oil.
Studies of evening primrose has found that it may be beneficial for:
- improving the condition of the hair, nails, and skin
- improving certain kinds of eczema
- relieving premenstrual tension
- lowers blood pressure
- enabling insulin to work more effectively
- prevents inflammation and controls arthritis
- reducing the production of cholesterol
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12:00 PM |
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Do you Get Enough Ascorbate Acid/ Vitamin C Everyday?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant responsible for more than 300 metabolic functions in the body, but it cannot be manufactured by the body. It needs to be obtained from the diet or supplement.
Avocados, cantaloupe, black currants, beet greens, dandelion greens, collards, Brussel sprouts, grapefruit, dulse, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions, oranges, papayas, sweet peppers, persimmons, pineapple, radishes, rosehips, spinach strawberries, turnip greens and watercress are good sources of vitamin C.
Plenty of herbs contain vitamin C as well, such as alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, fennel seed, eyebright, fenugreek, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, skullcap, and yellow dock.
Vitamin C has many functions in the body. It is essential in the cholesterol metabolism, the formation of teeth, ligaments, blood cells, and body tissues. It is involved in the assimilation of iron, maintenance of vision, and in cell respiration. It has also been confirmed in studies that vitamin C has the capability to eliminate lead and other poisons from the body. It is a great detoxifier, and it can even be used as an aid in neutralizing a black widow bite. It is in included in our first aid kit.
Studies have shown that vitamin C can reduce symptoms of asthma. It also acts as a natural anti-histamine for allergies. Vitamin C promotes healing, build healthy ligaments and connective tissues, and aids in the prevention of bruising.
Wound healing is faster because when Vitamin C is added to cultured human skin fibroblasts, the collagen synthesis increases eight times. Due to its healing effect every sport injury greatly benefits from high doses of vitamin C.
The body has a need to replace collagen due to all wear and tear we expose the body to. The wear and tear is higher in long distance runners, running athlete, weight training, and hill sprinting as well as many other activities. Vitamin C helps build collagen for healthy ligaments and connective tissues.
Dr. B. Sokoloff showed in a study sponsored by the American Heart Association, that triglyceride levels in the blood could be reduced by 50-70% by taking two-three grams a day.
Matthias Rath, M.D, in his book "Why Animals Don't Get Heart Attacks..But People do", states that the ability to increase the production of collagen elastin and other reinforcement molecules is the most important function of vitamin C in preventing strokes and heart attacks. He also says that atherosclerosis is an early form of scurvy. The depletion of vitamin C leads to a gradual breakdown of the body's connective tissues, including the blood vessels. Sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body on the other hand leads to optimum production and function of collagen molecules. When the blood vessels walls are stable atherosclerotic deposits do not develop.
As we seen vitamin C is a very useful antioxidant with many uses. It enhances the immunity as well as aids in the production of anti-stress hormones. It promotes healing of wounds and burns, protect against abnormal blood clotting and bruising. It also counteract free radical damage.
So, how much is recommended per day? Well, it all depends who's recommendation you follow. The RDI for nutrients are barely a maintenance dose and doesn't provide sufficient amount of nutrients that we need. Factors such as medications, especially analgesics, antidepressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids that may reduce levels of vitamin C are not being considered . Smoking also depletes the levels of vitamin C.
Here is a chart from the Vitamin C foundation and as you can see the RDI recommended by the government is way low compared to what should be taken for optimal health. You can also see that Linus Pauling, the Nobel Price winner and well known experts in vitamin C recommended a higher amount as well.
RDI Source/Population
60-95 mg U.S. Recommended Intake
200 mg Levin/NIH Recommendation
2500 mg Hickey/Roberts minimum
3000 mg Foundation's daily recommendation
6000-12000 mg Levy's daily recommendation
6000-9000 mg Pregnancy
6000-18000 mg Heart Disease
14000-30000 mg Cancer
20000-300000 mg Cathcart/Levy Cure for Infectious Diseases
We like to use vitamin C in a non acidic powdered form and we add calcium ascorbates to our shakes. In our quest for optimum health my husband and I try to find supplements, foods, and herbs that provide as powerful nourishment as possible to a reasonable price. We believe vitamin C is one of those with amazing properties.
Check out Linus Pauling Institute for more information about studies of vitamin C for conditions like stroke, lead toxicity, gout, cataracts, cancer, coronary heart disease, immunity, and diabetes.
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2:30 PM |
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Why Top Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts Use this Celloxygenating Formula (Cellfood)- Why You Should Too..
My husband and I were introduced to Cellfood a couple of years ago. After reading information about Cellfood we decided to give it a try. We realized that this is a very powerful product that is easy to use on the go. I just add some drops to water bottles in the morning, and I don't have to worry about how to get sufficient nutrients throughout the day.
So what is so great about Cellfood and why are top athletes around the world using it? Let's find out why professional athletes and health and fitness enthusiasts are using it. Oh, it is not just for active people, many with chronic conditions have reported improvement in health using Cellfood. Honestly, I think everyone should use it.
Cellfood broshure:
"Cellfood provides significant benefits to help support enhanced athletic performance in all sports and physical activities."
Cellfood is made from all-natural plant sources from clean seas and sea vegetation between New Zealand and Antarctica, and from fossilized plants and mineral springs. It contains 78 minerals, 34 enzymes, and 17 amino acids. It provides powerful electrolytes as well. For optimal performance in endurance sports the working muscles need oxygen, and Cellfood releases plenty of oxygen and hydrogen well needed.
It is a legal substance that is all natural, and it is an approved supplement for all level of athletic activity whether it is competition or fitness. None of the ingredients are banned in Olympic, International, collegiate or scholastic competition.
Cellfood is added to water or other liquid. Once ingested it weakens the electron bonds of water molecules in the body, and this releases hydrogen and oxygen directly into the cells. The nutrients in Cellfood are in pure and bioavailable form that reach deep cellular levels.
As you can see, Cellfood oxygenates, deeply detoxifies and nourish the cells.
Cellfood's unique water splitting technology has three significant benefits that are worth mentioning:
- Released oxygen cleans cells, provides cellular energy around the clock, and stimulates cellular respiration.
- Released hydrogen repairs, solidifies, and builds vital tissue cells and the immune system.
- Free radicals are considered to be one of the major causes of aging and disease. Cellfood releases negatively charged oxygen molecules which will attract free radicals, they will join with them and form stabilized oxygen.
A clinical study of athletes in both 18-30 and 31-50 proved that Cellfood will reduce antioxidant stress. The oxidative stress of the younger group reduced by 27% and the free radical level in the 31-50 group reduced by 10%. Exercises create free radical activity so the free radical activity is higher in elite athletes to begin with.
Different ways that Cellfood helps the body:
Cellfood supports:
- enhance energy levels
- breathing function
- removal of lactic acid for better athletic performance
- nutrient absorption
- helps faster recovery from injury
- free-radical removal
- bacteria/parasite elimination
- cellular oxygenation
- decreased heart rate
- blood cell + platelet increase
- alertness and mental focus
- immune system function
- ph balance
- increase brain functioning, alertness, concentration
- provides electrolyte activity
- sustains endurance and stamina
- enhances digestion and overall metabolism
As I mentioned earlier, I think everyone should take Cellfood. It is an amazing formula and it should be part of every natural health building program. Disease is a result of toxic overload and nutrient depletion, especially on a cellular level. As we've seen, Cellfood has the ability to neutralize free radicals, and provide nutrients on a cellular level.It's 129 nutrients provides food for building our cells. It is a product used by top athletes, people with health challenges, as well as being part of a preventative health building program.
Cellfood is an easy and cost effective oxygen therapy, and it does not create free radicals. Some oxygen therapies and products tend to flood the body with oxygen, creating harmful free radicals. Cellfood uses the free radicals to create more stable oxygen instead.
The nutrients in Cellfood:
Released Oxygen
Oxygen is vital to the healthy functioning of our body— it fuels all of its systems, fires its chemical reactions, and eliminates wastes and toxins. Cellfood enhances the critical bioavailability of oxygen to the body through its unique ability to 'dissociate' water molecules within the body— resulting in the release of abundant nascent oxygen, and hydrogen, directly to the cells.
Trace Minerals and Elements
Actinium, Antimony, Argon, Astatine, Barium, Berylium
Bismuth, Boron, Bromine, Calcium, Carbon, Cerium
Cesium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper
Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Fluorine, Gadolinium
Gallium, Germanium, Gold, Hafnium, Helium
Holmium, Hydrogen, Indium
Iodine, Iridium, Iron, Krypton,Lanthanum, Lithium
Lutetium,Magnesium,Manganese, Molybdenum, Neodymium, Neon, Nickel, Niobium, Nitrogen
Osmium, Oxygen, Palladium, Phosphorous, Platinum, Polonium, Potassium, Praseodymium, Rhenium, Rhodium
Rubidium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Scandium, Selenium
Silica, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, Sulfur, Tantalum, Tellurium
Terbium, Thallium, Thorium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten
Vanadium, Xenon, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc, Zirconium
Metabolic and Digestive Enzymes
Hydrolases, Carbohydrases: Maltase, Sucrase, Emulsin.
Nucleases: Polynucleotidase, Nucleotidase.
Hydrases: Fumarase, Enolase.
Peptidases: Aminopolypeptidase, Dipeptidase, Prolinase.
Esterases: Lipase, Phosphotase, Sulfatase.
Copper Enzymes: Tyrosinase, Ascorbic Acid, Oxidase
Iron Enzymes: Catalase, Cytochrome oxidase, Peroxidase
Enzymes containing coenzymes 1 and/or 2: Lactic Dehydrogenase, Robison Ester, Dehydrogenase
Enzymes which reduce cytochrome: Succinic Dehydrogenase
Yellow Enzymes: Warburg's Old Yellow Enzymes, Diaphorase, Haas Enzyme, Cytochrome C reductase
Amidase: Urease
Mutases: Aldehyde Mutase, Glyoxalase
Desmolases: Zymohexase, Carboxylase
Other Enzymes: Phosphorylase, Phosphohexisomerase, Hexokinase, Phosphoglumutase
Amino Acids
Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid
Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine
Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan
Tyrosine, Valine
Electrolytes
Electrolytes support the healthy electrical integrity of the body's natural colloidal systems, including the blood itself. They impart a negative charge to the red blood cells, separating them to restore their maximum functioning.
More information on:
Cellfood.Com
10:16 AM |
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Capsicum and the Main Ingredient Capsaicin
Capsicums are a genus of plants from the night shade Solanaecae family. Capsicums are used in both cooking and healing around the world. C. annuum and C. frutescens species are mostly used in cooking but others are used as well.
Cayenne, C. annuum, is a perennial shrub that likes warm climates, but it is also widely cultivated around the world as an annual. According to the American Spice Trade Association, the name cayenne is misleading since several different peppers are called cayenne. Red pepper is a more accurate name according to them, and it its powdered form it is referred to as red pepper as well.
According to experts like Steven Horne, capsicum is a major stimulant for the circulatory system and has earned a reputation as a "cure-all" in the West. Horne also mentions that capsicum is very useful for trauma, shock and heart attacks. Both Horne and Lepore. N.D, say capsicum can be used internally and externally for wound healing. The powder can be sprinkled on bleeding wounds to stop bleeding. It has also historically been used for pain, poor circulation, congestion, fever, infections, shock and colds just to mention a few uses.
Some therapeutic properties are: analgesic, anti-arthritic, coagulant, anti-coagulant, hypotensive, stimulant, vulnerary, diaphoretic, hemostatic, stomachic.
Capsicum act as a catalyst herb in herbal combinations and is therefore included in many formulas for female complaints, thyroid balance, infections, arthritic relief, respiratory blends, and male tonics. It's stimulant property increases the circulation which enhance the digestion, and the herbs are absorbed faster and made more effective.
The main active ingredient in capsicums is the alkaloid called capsaicin, which is pungent and bitter. It has anti-bacterial properties since it is a phenolic chemical. Pure capsaicin is toxic and even one drop would burn right a whole right through you. The alkaloids capsicine also present are responsible for the stimulant action.
Read more about capsaicin's unique anti-inflammatory effect that is now of interest to scientist due to its value in obesity related diseases.
The amount of capsaicin in each pepper is measured in parts per million which is converted into Scoville units. It shows how many times you have to dilute it until the liquid is no longer hot when tasting it. So, peppers with a higher amount of capsaicin are hotter, naturally the more capsaicin the hotter the pepper. Habaneras are the hottest peppers with a Scoville units of 100, 000- 400,000, followed by the Jamaican peppers and Scotch Bonnets at 60,000-250,000 Scoville units. Powdered cayenne "only" has 30,000-50,000 Scoville units.
It is not hard to include capsicums and take advantage of the healing benefits of capsaicin. Start by adding peppers to your cooking, make fresh salsa, make hot sauces, sprinkle on food, add to stews and spaghetti sauces for example. You can also take supplements if you don't like hot food. Start slowly and remember it can irritate your skin.
If you want to know how cayenne promotes thermogenesis go to our company blog, Naturally Sports & Wellness.
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11:26 AM |
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Spirulina, Bee Pollen and Alfalfa - My Favorite Superfood Supplements
Plenty of foods and supplements are considered super foods. They are considered super foods because they contain all or almost all the nutrients the body needs. Here are a few of my favorite super food supplements we like to use in our family. Not only are they extremely high in nutrients, but they are also fairly inexpensive considering what a powerhouse of nutrients they are.
Spirulina has been my favorite for a few years. I like to add a few capsules to our shakes in the morning. Spirulina is a micro-algae that has a unique variety of nutrients like no other plant or herb. It contains 60 - 70% complete protein compared to a steak's 25% complete protein. Another plus is that spirulina contains vitalized protein while the steak provides denatured protein. This means spirulina's nutrients are intact while many nutrients in the steak are destroyed when cooked. It is a high energy food and it is easily assimilated if digesting animal protein is a problem.
Some of the nutrients in spirulina are gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acid. It also contains B12, amino acids, iron, nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Other valuable constituents are chlorophyll and phycocyanin. Vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B6, B9 are other nutrients found in spirulina.
Being high in antioxidants, it counteracts damaging free radicals and promote wellness. In addition to nutrients mentioned, spirulina has high amount of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, chromium and selenium. Spirulina is part of our health building program, but it has historically been used for exhaustion, adrenal support, cholesterol reduction, cleansing, appetite control, and blood sugar control.
Alfalfa has among the highest amount of minerals in the plant world. It has been referred to as the king of herbs and it has been used for thousands of years. According to Dr. Lepore, N.D, it is one of the best herbs to combat allergies. Lepore also recommends it for Rheumatoid Arthritis due to its high content of potassium and sodium. He refers to it as an almost miracle herb.
It's nutrient content is hard to beat, it covers most of the valuable nutrients the body needs. First of all, it contains 8 digestive enzymes, which aids in assimilation of nutrients. Apart from trace minerals it has a tremendous amount of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and silicon.
It has virtually all the known vitamins, especially vitamin A,E, K, D, B 6. It also contains amino acids.
It is an alkalizing herb. It has historically been used for allergies, arthritis, glandular problems, bowel disorders, over-acidity, osteoporosis, asthma and much more. Large amount can thin the blood and don't use it if you take blood thinners. This is a great all round herb that is perfect for a tight budget. Great for general health building.
Bee Pollen has plenty of B- Vitamins like B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, and B-12. It contains every nutrient known, and some are Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Folic Acid. It also has about 20% protein and amino acids. Magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, silica, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine and manganese are also present as well.
It is a high energizing supplement and it is widely used by athletes around the world. It supports the immune system and the glands. According to Steven Horne, it combines well with spirulina and licorice for energy and to stabilize blood sugar levels. We use it for extra immune support and as an energy boost.
Thanks for visiting!
Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She received her aromatherapy education at the American College of Health Care Sciences. Johanna also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information. Explore her new aromatherapy new blog and find out how you can get her e-book for free. Johanna is also the founder of the new network blog, Living Well Moms, and her posts are published every Monday.
3:48 PM |
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The Endurance and Anti- Fatigue Potential of Noni Juice
First of all, what is Noni and where does it come from?
Noni grows in most tropical regions around the world but the highest quality noni fruit comes from the South Pacific. It is an evergreen shrub and its white flowers turn into white creamy fruit the size of a small potato. In Polynesia they have used most parts of the plant for centuries but it is the fruit that is used for the juice. Encapsulated Noni made from the roots, fruit and leaves is also available.
Morinda critrifola and Morinda officinalis are the species with all the health benefits. Over 150 compounds with therapeutic value have been identified by scientists. The two compounds Anthraquinones and scopoleptin have according to Isa Navarre been helpful against bacteria, inflammation, fungus, and allergies. Terpenes is another compound found in Noni fruit that helps rejuvenate cells according to Navarre. Dr. Ralph Heinicke also discovered and named another compound proxeronine. Proxeronine helps the body make xeronine which Dr. Heinicke also discovered. Xeronine is an alkaloid that is very important since it strengthens and regulate protein in our cells.
The WR Terrell Owens made noni well known to the public when he admitted he was drinking noni juice as he healed from his sprained ankle and broken leg. From an athlete's point of view noni has many benefits. An athlete put a lot of stress on its body, and it is important to supply the body with sufficient nutrients.
Stimulating an immune respone is one of the major benefits of noni. It contains phytonutrients which nourish the cells, organs and tissues. Antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of free radical damage caused by strenuos exercise, aging, pollution and other chemicals. It is also anti-inflammatory and alkalizing which are valuable properties when doing sports. An acidic body is more likely to become injured, and training causes a mild inflammation.
Interestingly enough a study has been done to investigate noni's endurance and anti-fatigue potential. Morinda Citrifolia was historically used to increase endurance during long trips on the sea.
In one study, Noni juice increases athlete endurance via antioxidant mechanism, by Brett J. West, C. Jarakae Jensen, 40 highly trained athletes (ages 18-27) were divided into two groups of twenty.
One group consumed blackberry juice while the other group consumed noni juice. 100 ml of either blackberry or noni juice was consumed for three weeks. At the beginning of the experiment for each athlete, the time-to-exhaustion in the treadmill (increasing resistance), urine chemiluminescence analyses and blood analyses were tested. This was also done on day 10 and 21.
The time-to-fatigue of the blackberry group didn't increase, but in the noni juice group in increased by 22%. The blood analysis showed that the lactate level increased in the blackberry group on day 21. In the noni juice group the chemiluminescence decreased by 25%, which showed an great decline in lipid peroxidation. Which was credited to noni juice's antioxidant activity. According to the authors of the study, "this confirms the hypothesis that improvement in physical performance and energy is associated with noni juice's antioxidant properties." Jensen and West further state that this demonstrates noni's ability to improve endurance in highly trained athletes.
My oldest son started his football practice yesterday so I decided to give him an extra boost of NSP's Noni Juice.
Other benefits are that it promotes healthy skin and joints as well, a great bonus for a 16 year old football player.
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