Are your omega-3 supplements fake?

By Markham Heid for Prevention.com

Your daily omega-3 supplement may be swimming with more than just fish oil. A new report from ConsumerLab.com, an independent tester of health and nutritional products, finds many omega-3 capsules don’t include all the nutrients they claim to, are loaded with extra fat, and are even contaminated with levels of carcinogens that exceed EPA standards.

“Our analysis found problems with roughly 31% of omega-3 supplements,” says Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com. Among the 35 products tested, four contained 20 to 30% less omega-3 than the label indicated, and one included spoiled fish oil. Another product that claimed just 1 milligram of fat actually contained 1,000 milligrams.

And it gets worse. “For the first time, we also found omega-3 products contaminated with PCBs,” says Dr. Cooperman. PCBs are man-made, carcinogenic compounds that are found in almost all fish products, and although every supplement tested contained some PCBs, two contained levels deemed unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

But don’t toss your supplements out to sea just yet, says Dr. Cooperman.

Keep reading to find out why…

Anti-Aging Nutrition: What You Can Do

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Anti-aging nutrition is not an exact science. There is no one formula that all people must conform to in order to reach their bodies’ peak performance. Consuming foods high in nutritional value is a must though if we intend to remain healthy as we grow older. Some of the best anti-aging foods are antioxidant foods. These are typically foods such as fruits and vegetables, but if you seem to find it difficult to eat a well balanced diet that includes those items, then using an anti-aging natural supplement can also be a means of assisting you to remaining healthy and feeling youthful, well into your later years.

The typical American diet these days leaves much to be desired in the way of nutrition. Fried foods, loads of starches and carbohydrates, and even vegetables are usually cooked (processed). This removes much of the nutrients naturally contained in them. For instance, MSM is a sulfur that our bodies need. In fact, about 80% of all sulfur in our body is MSM. It can be readily obtained from many sources, even meat, but because MSM is such a delicate element, heating the food we eat destroys its effective use, leaving it with no value to our bodies. So what we end up with are our bodies being deficient in a vital substance because it is cooked out of our foods, and there we have the typical problem with most American diets. Too much processing, to little nutrients.

As we see, although taking an anti-aging natural supplement will certainly boost the level of vitamins and minerals we may be lacking, the most common reason we are lacking this is because the anti-aging foods we eat are too few and too processed. So here are a few anti-aging tips:

Here are the top 10 things to try and avoid in a healthy diet:

1. Caffeine
2. High levels of sugar intake
3. Deep fried food
4. Cigarettes
5. Alcohol
6. Olestra
7. Aspartame
8. Hydrogenated oils
9. Processed foods including: TV dinners, meats, etc.
10. Excessive carbohydrates: pasta, rice, bread, etc.

And here are the top 10 things to try and include in your anti-aging nutrition diet:

1. Water; the most invaluable substance in a healthy body. It is a necessity to all our life functions.
2. Raw fruits; especially berries which are extremely high in antioxidants.
3. Raw vegetables; in particular, green leafy vegetables have many nutrients (vitamins and minerals).
4. Raw nuts and sprouted grains; try a sprouted grain bread called Ezekiel which is an excellent source of vitamins and fiber without the use of flour.
5. Fish and Omega-3 fish oils; healthy oils which actually reduce cholesterol levels.
6. MSM; necessary to our bodies, but too often cooked out of our foods.
7. Brown rice (first set in water for approx. 24 hours to make it alkaline)
8. Super foods such as spirulina
9. Olive oil
10. Fruit juices; be careful not to drink too much. Though it is natural sugar, it is sugar none the less.

What Does Vitamin D Do?

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

It is well known that our bodies produce vitamin D as our bodies are exposed to the sun. But how many of us today really get out enough from the office, from our homes, from all the indoor activities we participate in, for our bodies to really make all the vitamin D we need? Aside from answering that question, the first question many people may even have is, “What does vitamin D do?” The answer to that question can simply be – a lot, but a more detailed answer includes vitamin D’s outstanding and proven ability to perform as a problem prevention supplement.

Although vitamin D is actually a hormone, it is labeled a vitamin and it has been known to have a positive effect on numerous conditions including heart problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even the Big C (cancer). It has also been found to reduce the risk of problems that lead to premature labor and even infant fatality for women who are pregnant. Studies have also shown that vitamin D3 is able to reduce the chance of heart related problems that have to deal with blood pressure and cholesterol issues. When it comes to aging, vitamin D3 has benefits in that it strengthens bones and enhances bone mass which tends to get smaller as we grow older. In addition to these particular benefits, vitamin D3 benefits are also found in strengthening our immune system to prevent diseases. With all these, more and more people are getting interested to know the vitamin D3 benefits.

Vitamin D3 is a vitamin that is fat soluble and is able to be retained in our tissues for future use. There are different forms of vitamin D3 that can be purchased from stores. Vitamin D3 can be used on the skin in a topical cream form as a beauty supplement. In such a form, it’s useful for smoothing the skin and removing discolorations. It also helps in maximizing the moisturizing of your skin which can be very good for people that have experienced skin problems due to sun damage. The results you’ll see from the use of vitamin D3 topical creams as a beauty supplement will vary depending on the condition of the skin, but overall the cream is known to have excellent results and is even good for simple problems such as the relief of itching skin irritations.

The body requires vitamin D and if you’re lacking it, there can be some major problems. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include: depression, pain in the bones, chronic widespread pain and allodynia, a heightened and painful response to pressure. Read the labels for recommended use of Vitamin D3. Vitamin D supplement side effects are rare, but in the case of such severe overdose, side effects can include problems with the stomach, vomiting, headaches, and even depression. In addition, if it is overly taken for an extended period of time, the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood may appear and symptoms related to this problem include irritable bowel, heart palpitations, and kidney stones.

Vitamins for Skin Elasticity to Achieve Youthful Skin

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Wrinkles are the lines and marks on the skin that makes a person appear old and lose appeal. Wrinkles form when the skin loses its elasticity as one grows older. The elasticity of skin is the measure of its strength and ability to return to its original structure. There are many supplements for skin elasticity in the market to today. More and more, companies that are engaged in the development beauty regimen include these vitamins in their product line.

MSM supplements or Methyl Sulfonyl Methane are some of the most important supplements for beautiful skin. MSM is a biological sulfur that can be found naturally in different food that we already eat daily. Meat, fish, milk, vegetable and fruits are packed with MSM. One problem with MSM though, it is easily lost when subjected to heat or food processing therefore, people do not get its full benefits from their daily food intake. It is imperative therefore to get it from supplements available. MSM rids the body of toxins that are damaging to the skin. Skin elasticity is improved with MSM intake because MSM helps in the production of collagen, a strong fibrous protein considered as the skin’s natural binder. Collagen naturally restores the skin’s elasticity therefore delaying the appearance of fine lines. Other vitamins for the skin works hand in hand with MSM. Since Vitamin C also aids in the formation of collagen, then it is best taken with MSM.

Like collagen, another protein that keeps the skin elastic and flexible is elastin. Elastin helps the skin return to its original form. Vitamin C also aids in the production of elastin.  Studies show that Vitamin C works best when taken together with vitamin A and E.  While vitamin C is busy producing collagen and elastin, vitamin A and E on the other hand, will take care of the healing process of damaged skin. Both Vitamin A and E are crucial in repairing and protecting the skin tissue. The 3 vitamins mentioned help the skin retain moisture therefore preventing dry, flaky skin. Hydrating or increasing the moisture of the skin through these vitamins increases the skin’s elasticity. It is very common to see moisturizers in the market today containing vitamin A, C and E. Vitamin health supplements with A, C and E are readily available in the market but can also be obtained naturally through the food we eat. Examples of food rich in Vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli and cabbage. Examples of Vitamin A-rich food are carrots, liver, spinach etc. Vitamin E on the other hand can be obtained from food like whole grains, egg yolk and nuts among others. Overall, Vitamin A, C and E are considered some of the best vitamins for skin.

Over the years, more beauty experts place their attention on the importance of skin elasticity supplements as the source of youthful beauty. With MSM and the right vitamins for skin elasticity, beautiful, younger looking skin is easily attainable.

What Are Antioxidants?

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Many people ask the question, “What are antioxidants?”  Antioxidants are protectors of our cell tissues, our DNA and other important compounds by stopping the chain of events that occur in the body when oxidation takes place.

Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which atoms lose electrons. When atoms (molecules) usually split, they split with paired electrons, but when weak atoms split that have weak bonds, they may split unpaired. This causes what are called free radicals in the body. Typically, free radicals will strike at the nearest molecule and attempt to take its electron to be paired with. When the molecule that is attacked has this electron taken, it then becomes a  free radical itself. This chain of events continues to disrupt the normal state of events that take place in a living cell. Even though oxidation reactions must occur in our bodies, it can bring about great damage if it occurs too frequently. This is also why all species of plants and animals have a system of multiple types of antioxidants contained within them. If plants or animals have low proportions of antioxidants, oxidation stress occurs and there is damage or death of cells. Thankfully there are some remedies we can take to reduce this damage, such as natural health supplements.

Antioxidants prevent further oxidation reactions from occurring and that is why they are used in many of the best supplements for skin and health. A general consensus in the medical community weighs heavily on the belief that antioxidants are extremely beneficial in maintaining bodily health and preventing diseases, and though some later large clinical trials did not detect any benefit, the consumer population’s vote has weighed in heavily with the firm belief that consumption of natural antioxidant supplements play a major role in the health of the human body.

Antioxidants can be found in various forms. There are natural antioxidant supplements you can purchase in health food stores, but some of the best antioxidants are simply found in antioxidant foods such as fruits, cereals, vegetables, seeds and nuts. These antioxidant-rich foods contain large sources of Vitamin A, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of Vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most accessible of all antioxidants. It is very readily found in  numerous fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E (tocopherols, tocotrienols) is a great antioxidant for skin and often found in vegetable oils. Bioflavonoids are a natural antioxidant supplement that are commonly found in tea, coffee, fruit soy, olive oil, cinnamon, chocolate, oregano and in red wines. Carotenoids feed on free radicals and are found in fruits, vegetables and eggs. All of these help to defend and prevent damage caused by the free radicals that our bodies naturally produce and when they are exposed to toxins in our environment.

Whey protein for women: It’s not just for bodybuilders anymore

By Well+GoodNYC

It used to be that whey protein (isolated proteins from cow’s milk) was a staple of bodybuilders who liked how the supplement’s super fast absorption helped them quickly bulk up.

These days, though, you’re just as likely to see women blending the powder into their breakfast shakes or adding it to their post-barre-class smoothie.

But is the muscle-builder of meatheads good for women who just want some protein on the fly? We talked to three New York City wellness experts to get their take:

Frank Lipman, MD, founder and director of Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center

Whey protein is a perfect protein: It contains all the essential amino acids for a daily diet. It also boosts the immune system by increasing your body’s production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant essential for helping detoxification. For women, a whey protein shake for breakfast with greens and an avocado or some other fat is a perfect way to start the day. But make sure you get whey protein from grass-fed cows, not corn-fed cows, which can cause allergies.

Keep reading…

Biotin: What you should know about this popular supplement

By Elizabeth Nolan Brown for Blisstree.com

When I polled women last week on what vitamins and supplements they take, I was surprised how many folks were taking biotin. So was one of my cousins—who wrote me asking, “What is biotin? And should I be taking it?” Good questions!

Let’s explore …

What is biotin?
Biotin is one of the lesser-known of the B-Complex vitamins (it was originally known as ‘Vitamin H,’ and is also sometimes referred to as Vitamin B7). It’s water soluble, meaning the body doesn’t store it, and it’s found in small amounts in a variety of foods. Good dietary sources of biotin include egg yolks, swiss chard, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, carrots, almonds, brewer’s yeast, sardines, onions, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, mushrooms, goat’s milk, cow’s milk, raspberries, strawberries, halibut, oats and walnuts.

What does biotin do?
Biotin helps enzymes in the body that break down or metabolize fats, carbohydrates, sugars and amino acids. It helps your body make efficient use of sugar (by converting it into usable energy), and helps synthesize fat in cells, which is important for the skin. It’s also sometimes used to help treat intestinal problems (irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, chronic diarrhea), seizures, and skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.

Most people I’ve talked to take biotin because they say it has a beneficial effect on their skin, hair and nails, helping skin shine and hair and nails grow faster and longer (though there’s little scientific evidence to support this).

What are the signs of biotin deficiency?  Keep reading to find out…

The Pros and Cons of a Vegan Diet

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

The vegan diet has gained popularity in recent years as the “ideal diet.” The removal of animal products from a vegan’s food intake makes it a healthy alternative to the usual meat diet for many health buffs.

There are two main types of vegans, the ethical and dietary vegans. Vegans with ethical sensibilities do not use any animal products because they believe that doing so would reinforce the idea of animals as mere “commodities.” The second type of vegans, as with strict vegetarians, only eliminate meat from their diet.

Research has shown that well-planned vegan diets protect the body from many degenerative diseases such as heart and mental diseases. Health associations such as the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada consider such a diet as appropriate for people of all ages. However, they warn potential vegans that poorly-planned vegan regimens can result in vitamin deficiencies.

Vegans usually use ingredients such as tempeh, tofu and seitanin, which are found in most East Asian dishes. Plant-based products can replace ingredients derived from animals such as milk and dairy.

Examples of plant-based products are plant milk and cream from soya, grain and almond, which take the place of cow’s milk and cream. Cheese analogues can replace cheese, while starch-based products, flax seeds, and apple sauce can substitute eggs.

“Mock meats,” which are readily available in health stores and supermarkets, can take the place of meat products. These veggie meats, made from ingredients such as soy or gluten, can be made into veggie sausages, bacon, burgers, and nuggets.

To avoid nutrient imbalance, the “Four New Food Groups” for vegans was conceived by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The committee advises both vegans and vegetarians to eat at least three servings of vegetables daily, including dark green and leafy vegetables such as broccoli; dark yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots; five servings of whole grains (bread, rice, pasta); three fruits; and two legumes (beans, peas, lentils).

It has been recommended that vegans eat foods fortified with Vitamin B12 or take a supplement. Iodine supplementation may also be necessary for vegans in countries where salt is not normally iodized. Vegans may likewise be at risk of choline deficiency and may benefit from choline supplements.

Vegetarians who eliminate meat and dairy from their diets should take in almost twice as much iron daily than those who eat animal products. Iron is less well absorbed from vegetarian regimens (ten percent absorption from vegetarian diets compared to eighteen percent from omnivorous diets).

It is likewise suggested that vegans eat three servings daily of a calcium-rich food such as fortified hazelnuts, almonds and soy milk. They should also take calcium and vitamin D supplements as needed.

A vegan diet has truly many benefits, including improved health and well-being. However, it is important for vegans to take the necessary supplements to make their diet optimal and well-balanced.

Fish Oil Benefits the Heart and Mind

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Doctors are always telling us, in addition to exercising, to eat the right foods. This normally includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and fish. The fatty oil found in fish is called omega-3 oil and it has certain elements that promote a healthy heart and brain. But for those who don’t care for the taste of fish, there are fish oil supplements in pill and liquid form.

The fish typically used in these supplements are tuna, mackerel, cod, salmon, trout and flounder. Some manufacturers favor fish raised on a farm specifically for its oil production.

Fish oil has several uses including the ability to lower cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil can make a radical difference in the lives of people suffering from high cholesterol and coronary issues.

It can also reduce inflammation in the body with as little as three grams per day. Inflammation can be seen in illnesses like psoriasis and lupus. Fish oil benefits also include  eliminating joint pain caused my osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis if the supplement is non-synthetic.

Internally, fish oil is good for your blood and circulatory system because it lowers triglyceride levels in the blood; this reduces the risk of coronary disease. Externally, fish oil can help the appearance of your skin. It helps to regulate the production of oil, increases hydration, reduces acne, decreases wrinkles, and protects our skin from UVA sun damage.

Fish oil also has its mental benefits. Some doctors recommend fish oil supplements to pregnant women to reduce the chances of post-partum depression. Because of the health benefits of fish oil, this allows mothers to breastfeed after giving birth without worrying about the effect the fish oil will have on their infants.

While fish oil has its many benefits and good uses, it is not without its minor side effects. There are fatty acids in fish oil that will cause your blood to thin. By itself, this is not a serious side effect. However, if the fish oil is accompanied by medication that does the same thing, it can become dangerous.

Fish oil can also cause minor problems with digestion and gastrointestinal discomfort. In laymen’s terms, it may cause burping, a stomachache or diarrhea. There have been a few reports of allergies related to fish oil, but the key to alleviating these problems is buying the highest quality supplements.

Avoiding Spirulina Side Effects

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Spirulina, a natural product and a health supplement, normally does not cause any problems to the body. However, it is always best to be on the safe side and stay away from possible spirulina side effects.

So what is spirulina and what does this contain?

The amino acid, phenylalanine, is present in spirulina. People suffering from phenylketonuria, a particular type of metabolic illness, should take care in avoiding spirulina. Patients with phenylketonuria could not process and metabolize phenylalanine—the amino acid, if taken, may build up in their brains and lead to impairment.

Since spirulina is considered a food supplement, its manufacture and quality are not supervised and regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, it should be noted that spirulina is actually a type of cyanobacterium, which notoriously produces toxins such as microcystins. The US Food and Drug Administration warns that there are no existing regulations and standards ensuring the safety of this dietary supplement.

Aside from people with phenylketonuria, patients suffering from severe allergies to seafood and products such as seaweed should also limit the intake of spirulina. Those with hyperparathyroidism and high fever should also avoid it.

What are the possible side effects of spirulina intake?

One probable consequence is slight fever, because the body needs to burn excess protein from the product. A little dizziness, constipation or stomachache, thirst, and skin itchiness (resulting in slight rashes) may also be experienced.

While such side effects should be avoided, there are actually a number of people who are recommended to consider spirulina. Kids and teens, who fail to eat a balanced diet of vegetables and fruits, are an example. They need the extra vitamins to help them grow fast, and spirulina could help provide these nutrients.

Special patients such as pregnant women and senior citizens are also advised to take spirulina. Aside from needing extra nutrients, pregnant mothers and seniors also have difficulty taking in complete and balanced meals daily.

Athletes and working men and women, who need extra nutrition to sustain their high energy levels, may also take this food supplement. Since spirulina is relatively easy to prepare, busy people will not have to spend extra time concocting nutritious meals.

People with special needs such as sick patients and vegetarians (who need extra sources of nutrition) are also good candidates for spirulina intake.

How can one take spirulina?

Spirulina must only be ingested with water—not with “colored” liquids such as soda, tea, coffee or juice. Soda, alcoholic beverages or caffeine—which could destroy spirulina’s enzymes and nutrients—should not be taken for half an hour after ingesting the food supplement. One must also remember to take at least an extra half liter of water per day.

It does not matter if you take spirulina once or twice daily, so long as you take enough for a day. The recommended dosage for adults is five to ten tablets per day, while children should take three to five tablets daily. If you have special requirements for extra nutrients, please consult your doctor or your pharmacist.

Spirulina side effects are, in fact, easy to avoid if you are careful and well-researched.