Posted by admin on September 8th, 2008 in Supplemental Vitamins

Innovative Nutrients to Revitalize Your Skin

There are many people jumping on the band wagon for finding the best anti-aging products to help turn back the hands of time.  What many people do not realize is that green tea can play a huge part in helping them do just that.  Green tea contains innovative nutrients to revitalize your skin.  Green tea has become one of the world’s most popular drinks.  People are drinking it hot or over ice and many products offer an assortment of green tea flavored with such things from plums to honey. 

While many people are aware of the benefits that their bodies can get from green tea, it is not well known that it is also very beneficial for your skin as well.  The tea leaves of green tea contain a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol.  This antioxidant is also known to be very effective where free radicals are concerned.  There have been many studies done on the effects of topical applications of green tea and the studies found that it helps to protect against one of the top aging factors, which is the sun’s ultraviolet rays. 

There was one particular study that was done on volunteers with green tea extract, the volunteers who were treated with green tea extract and then exposed to artificial sunlight, showed that they were protected from sunburn more than those that were not treated with it.  The researchers performed these tests 30 minutes after the topical cream was applied.  The studies also showed that the skin was further protected against DNA damage that was radiation induced.  From these studies, the researchers have found that green tea extracts can protect people’s skin from the damaging effects of sunlight. These are very significant findings in favor of using green tea on your skin.

Green tea can help keep the skin safe from damaging skin cancers with its powerful properties.  You can use it with confidence that your skin is not absorbing harmful chemicals in the process of protecting it from cancer. One good thing about green tea is it can be used side by side with most any treatment plan as it is all natural.  You will still want to check with your doctor before starting any new treatment to be sure that it will not work against any treatment plan that you’re on. 

Not everyone wants to use products for skin care that contain chemicals. For some people, it is just a matter of preference but others are chemical sensitive and must use natural alternatives. Green tea is just such an alternative. It also allows for a two way method of skin care. Drink it to care for your skin from the inside and apply it to your skin to care for it from the outside. Not many products can make that claim. Even if you use green tea for other reasons, it is going to help your skin. If you think about it, your skin tells the world what your general health is. The healthier your skin is, the healthier you are likely to be and vice versa.

There could hardly be a more pleasant way to care for your skin than using green tea. It tastes good as a drink and smells and feels good as a tincture applied to the skin. Green tea is very versatile. It can be found in many products on the market, including cleansers, or you can make your own.  No matter how you use it, it is good for you.

Anti-aging products have been around for quite some time so it is refreshing to see that there are natural choices that people can make.  They can get great effects from green tea without having to spend a fortune for the skin care products that many people buy.   We cannot hide the fact that we are all aging in our own time and from our own lifestyles but with the help of things such as green tea, we can slow the aging process down considerably.  Your skin is perhaps the most delicate organ you have in and on your body, so you want to be sure to do what is best for it and takes care of it as much as possible.  A good, healthy diet and plenty of exercise are important for your whole body, including your skin.  Be sure to get plenty of rest and keep your body hydrated so your skin can look its best, making you glow from the inside out.

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Posted by admin on June 10th, 2008 in Choosing a Vitamin Supplement

Comparing  Liquid Vitamins: GBG, Vibe and Pro Vitamin Complete

Almost everyone that you meet today will tell you that they would love to turn back the hands of time and find a wonder cure for the aging process that eventually takes its toll on all of us. There are many vitamins, minerals, creams and supplements that claim to aid in slowing the process of aging. Each product covers just a few aspects of the big picture of anti-aging. There are very few products on the market that combine all of the necessary nutritional ingredients to help your body be as young and as vibrant as it could be. In this article we will be comparing three such products that claim to have such attributes, GBG’s 10 IN ONE, Vibe from Eniva Corporation and Pro Vitamin Complete which is made by Pro Image International.

The liquid supplement called Vibe comes complete with four major nutrient components that target the main areas of human health and the anti-aging process. Each of the four nutrient components has its own special name with its own special set of ingredients. By combining all four sets of nutrients, Vibe promises to give the best possible way to nourish your body.  

Just one ounce of Vibe is equivalent to the nutrients that are found in the following foods: the antioxidants of 35 Cherries, and the antioxidants of 5 cups of Green Tea, the Vitamin E of 71 Cantaloupes, the calcium that comes from eating 25 Asparagus, the nutrient foliate which is found in 10 cups of Green Beans, the amount of Vitamin A that is found in 11 Tomatoes, the selenium that is found and 30 pieces of Broccoli, the antioxidants that are found in 96 Blueberries, the zinc you would get from 19 slices of Wheat Bread and the Vitamin C that you would get eating 12 Oranges. 

That truly is an outstanding amount of nutrients that would not only help promote joint integrity as well as healthy bones but it will nourish your hair and your skin as well. This supplement was designed to support normal and healthy cellular replication as well as producing healthy and strong cartilage, skin and collagen.  

The nutrient components of this natural supplement is broken into four groups with the first being made up of natural vitamins and nutrients that reduce the signs of aging and is called AntiOX. The second component of nutrients focuses on immune health and is called SoloMax. The third component of nutrients is called HeartPRO, and it helps to support the cardiovascular system to keep it strong and healthy. The final component or set of nutrients that is involved in this supplement is called CollaMAX, these nutrients help support cell health and collagen integrity thus giving a person healthy hair and skin.  

Pro Vitamin Complete claims to offer a total of 178 naturally occurring nutrients. Some of the nutrients that you may find would be a blend of whole grain foods, a blend of essential fatty acid, a blend of proprietary multi-fiber nutrients, a blend of ionic trace minerals, proprietary herbal complex, a blend of liquid protein amino acid, a blend of vegetable and fruit Phytonutrient Enzyme Blend. This is a time tested and proven supplements that dates back as far as 1901. 

GBG’s 10-in-One Liquid Multi Formula is a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with all the essential vitamins and minerals included with 5mg of Trace minerals. GBG’s 10-in-One has incorporated into its liquid formula nutrients for the health of the cardiovascular system, a stress formula that combats the effects of the a hectic lifestyle, a super-antioxidant formula with super anti-aging nutrients, immune enhancer nutrients, energizer nutrients, memory and mood enhancers, an digestion aid with pure Aloe Oil, a vision support formula with Lutein, and finally a bone and joint formula with sulfur-rich- MSM. 

One of the most important things you can do for your body is to nourish it. Many people find it cumbersome to try to nourish their body when that involves taking many different supplements to get the one overall effect.  With Such products such as GBG’s 10-in-One, Vibe and Pro Vitamin Complete, vitamin companies are now offering the best of the nutrients needed to keep your body and skin working and looking at its best. It is known that your body requires a certain amount of nutrients and vitamins to function properly as well as to fight off illnesses.  

Also such products let you have just one product to take to get the benefits from many different nutrients. No one likes to take a variety of supplements, in many different forms. These products make it much easier to be able to get all the great benefits from just taking one product. It all depends on personal preference as to which one you should choose and what benefits you’re looking to achieve.

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Posted by admin on June 9th, 2008 in Choosing a Vitamin Supplement

How Are Vitamin Supplements are Made and Choosing the Right Vitamin Supplement

Vitamin supplements are just another kind of dietary supplement but with its primary content made up of the specified vitamin it promotes. Like all other dietary supplements, vitamin supplements have labels with this particular disclaimer displayed: this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. So from there on, it should be clear to you that vitamin supplements can’t heal illnesses or diseases of any sort, but it can promote good health.

What are Vitamins?
Before we move on to tackling vitamin supplements, lets make sure you understand what vitamins are in the first place.

Vitamins are organic compounds found either within your body or in external sources like food. There are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble. Vitamins play catalytic functions in your body; in other words, it helps make good things happen.

The Role of Vitamin Supplements
In many countries, vitamin supplements are placed under the food category instead of drugs. This is correct because once again, vitamin supplements are not intended to heal anyone of anything. If you see any vitamin supplement labeled otherwise, chances are that those products haven’t been properly evaluated by the US Department of Food and Drug Administration.

You should take vitamin supplements if your body is inherently deficient of a specific vitamin. Naturally, vitamin supplements will help with the created gap. It’s also good to take vitamin supplements if your diet isn’t balanced and healthy due to hectic schedules.

Vitamin supplements shouldn’t be considered as adequate replacements of actual vitamins found in foods. Vitamins found in foods are in its purest form which allows you to enjoy 100% benefit from it. Also, vitamins in foods can interact with other vitamins and substances in a way that vitamin supplement are unable to. Also, eating healthy foods let you increase intake of other essential minerals that aren’t offered by vitamin supplements.

How to Choose the Right Vitamin Supplements

Tip #1 Always look for the USP label on whatever vitamin supplement you wish to take. USP stands for US Pharmacopeia and it simply means that the FDA had successfully approved and licensed its distribution and use since it passed the departments safety and quality control tests.

Tip #2 Labels for vitamin supplements or any other dietary supplement for that matter which contain the following details. If any category is missing, you’re probably holding an unsafe product in your hands.

Statement of Identity What is it? If its a vitamin supplement, this must be clearly noted as well as which vitamin its supplementing the body with.

Net Quantity of Contents How many capsules or tablets does it contain? How many milligrams does each tablet contain? If it’s in liquid form, what is its quantity?
Disclaimer Besides the other disclaimer already provided above, the vitamin supplement should include these words: this statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Directions of Use It’s impossible for any vitamin supplement to be produced without any specific directions of use. When can you take it and should there be any other conditions to meet before you can take it?

Supplement Facts Panel This includes the chart you commonly see on labels, detailing the ingredients used for making the vitamin supplement. Research each ingredient. Don’t be lazy with this because its your health at stake!

Manufacturing Information Lastly, your vitamin supplement label should include details about who manufactured the product, where and when it was manufactured and its expiration date. Contact details should also be provided in the event that you have inquiries or concerns regarding the product. Research about the manufacturing company and inquire with the Better Business Bureau about them.

Tip #3 Natural isn’t always good. Even if you see that a vitamin supplement is labeled as natural in big bold letters, this doesn’t mean you’re completely safe. Think of wild poisonous mushrooms; they’re natural alright, but they’re toxic as well.

Vitamin supplements are essentially good as long as you take them for the right reasons. Again, remember not to use them as a replacement for healthy living. To avoid making the wrong decision, research extensively before purchasing any product, or better yet, consult your doctor for advice.

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Posted by admin on June 9th, 2008 in Vitamin Deficiencies

When Do You Need Vitamins the Most?

Everyone needs vitamins and if you have a healthy diet and lifestyle, you’ll usually get all the vitamins you need from your food. But there will be stages in your life when you’ll need more of specific vitamins.

Pregnancy A pregnant woman’s body undergoes lots of changes because of the unborn child she’s carrying. During this stage, she has an extra need for folic acid, one of the B vitamins, as well as calcium and iron. Vitamins A, C, and D will help her absorb minerals better.

Old Age As your age increases, your bones get older and weaker as well. To fortify your bones, you need an extra dose of calcium and vitamins can help you get as much calcium as you can from food.

If you expect work to prevent you from eating healthily, taking multivitamins will ensure that you meet your daily nutritional requirements.

How to Recognize Vitamin Deficiencies
There are times when your body will suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Here are indicators to watch out for and determine which vitamin you need.

Vitamin A If you can’t see clearly at night and your skin appears rough or dry, you’re suffering from Vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin C If your wounds take too much time to heal and you’re suffering from teeth and gum problems, nosebleeds, and skin hemorrhages, you might have an inadequate intake of vitamin C.

Vitamin D Soft bones, muscular weakness, and slow and irregular healing of fractures and kidney difficulties are all possible signs of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin E If you don’t have the usual vigor you had for sexual activities and you notice problems with your heart and muscles, you could be suffering from vitamin E deficiency.

Thiamin Known as the morale vitamin, Thiamin deficiency will greatly affect your nervous system and mental attitudes. If you’re suffering from mental depression together with gastrointestinal problems, an increased intake of Thiamin might just be the solution you’re looking for!

Riboflavin Oily skin, digestive and skin problems as well as bloodshot eyes are just some of the indicators of Riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin is one of the vitamins in the B family.

Cobalamin If you’re feeling dizzy, sleepy, and exhausted for no reason not to mention having problems with your memory and mood swings, you could be suffering from Cobalamin deficiency.

Niacin If you don’t have enough Niacin, this could lead to headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, and even bad breath!

Of course, you should always consult your doctor for official confirmation of your suspicions.

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Posted by admin on June 9th, 2008 in For weight Loss

Vitamins as a Weight Loss Supplement: Is it True?

Statistics show that more than 60% of the American population is considered overweight, and that every year almost half of it vows to lose weight. No wonder why fad diets and nearly all available diet programs are popular.

But do you know that dieting can actually reduce the amount of nutrients you receive each day? Most people tend to eat less whenever they want to lose weight, and this means less nutrient intake.

So you need vitamins for a weight loss supplement. Here’s why:

1. Vitamins help boost weight loss

Experts say that obtaining the right amount of vitamin supplements facilitate weight loss. Some diets focus on certain kinds of foods. Hence, you may not be getting the right amount of vitamins in your diet. So it is important that you take vitamin supplements to replenish the lost or lacking nutrients in your body.

Moreover, some vitamins promote weight loss by stimulating the other organs to facilitate the process, usually the thyroid glands. These glands activate the metabolic rate needed by the body to burn fats and calories.

2. Boosts metabolism

Some vitamins act as metabolism boosters. Most dieters starve in order to lose weight. This shouldn’t be the case because when your body is in the starvation stage your metabolism slows down. Hence, no amount of calories or fats is burned. That is why it is harder to lose weight.

Moreover, you become weak and tired, so the tendency is not to exert so much physical effort. In the end, you won’t be burning much calories either because your body isn’t working its way out and burning calories and fats.

With the so-called B-vitamins, you don’t just get the energy that you need; your metabolic rate is also increased.

3. Vitamins increase your energy

B vitamins, such as vitamin B5 can increase your energy. This energy helps you get through the day even if you are on a diet program.

4. Control weight

Vitamins help in regulating insulin levels and blood sugar. This results to decreased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. In this way, you lose harmful fats in the body and develop lean mass.
Vitamins don’t just facilitate normal body processes. They also help you lose weight. So with the right amount of vitamin supplements, you are definitely on your way to success.

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Posted by admin on April 16th, 2008 in Essential Vitamins

Lucky Thirteen: the Essential Vitamins

Vitamins are important molecules that can allow our bodies to function properly. For instance, some vitamins work as catalytic molecules: they bind to important enzymes, and, as cofactors, work to make molecular reactions happen. Vitamins can also work as substrates: they are acted upon by different enzymes in the body, so that when they are broken down, their individual subunits can help the different body organs work better.

Vitamins can also serve as co-enzymes or carriers of molecules from one enzyme to another.

We can obtain vitamins through the food that we eat, although the latest technology has allowed scientists to produce some vitamins in the laboratory. These vitamins can be packaged individually as pills, or they can be packed with other vitamins into a multi-vitamin tablet that people can use to supplement their diets. Research has also shown that we all have a recommended daily intake or allowance of essential vitamins, a group of thirteen important molecules that our bodies absolutely need in order to function properly and survive.

Vitamin A, which belongs to the retinoid group of vitamins, is soluble in fat. Vitamin A can be found in many orange foods, such as carrots or squash. Experts recommend a daily dose of nine hundred to three thousand micrograms of Vitamin A; an overdose of Vitamin A can result in a disease known as hypervitaminosis A, which, among others can cause people to have yellow or orange skin. Individuals who lack Vitamin A can suffer from night blindness; in fact, doctors recommend that children consume a lot of carrots so that these children’s eyes can develop properly.

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex group of vitamins. A debilitating disease called beriberi results when we take less than 1.2 milligrams of Vitamin B1 a day. So far, there is no upper limit for Vitamin B1 consumption.

Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, is another B-complex group member and a water-soluble vitamin. Like the rest of the B-complex vitamins, riboflavin functions in keeping the integrity of the immune system. It has so far no upper limit for consumption, although taking less than 1.3 milligrams of Vitamin B2 a day can result in a disease called ariboflavinosis.

Another B-complex vitamin is niacin, or Vitamin B3. Water soluble and an immune system sustainer, niacin also functions in growth in young children. The allowable daily dose for Vitamin B3 is from sixteen to thirty-five milligrams; below this range, pellagra can result.

The water-soluble Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is another B-complex vitamin that not only functions in growth and immune system development, but can contribute to strength and energy as well. We are all required to consume at least five milligrams of Vitamin B5 each day; lower consumption can result in paresthesia, or numbness in certain parts of the body.

Pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, also functions in proper growth and development, especially in young children. A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, pyridoxine must be consumed at a minimum of 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams a day; consumption of the vitamin beyond the hundred milligram mark is considered an overdose, and can result in some eye or perception disorders. Conversely, anemia can occur when the proper amounts of pyridoxine aren’t consumed.

Vitamin B7, or biotin, is another water soluble B-complex vitamin. Although no biotin-deficiency related diseases have been found, we are required to consume at least thirty micrograms of Vitamin B7 every day.

Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, is extremely important for developing children and pregnant mothers. This B-complex vitamin must be consumed at about four hundred to a thousand micrograms a day, or severe birth defects may result in pregnant mothers.

Cyanacobalamin, or Vitamin B12, functions in proper growth and development. About 2.4 micrograms of this water-soluble B-complex vitamin must be consumed each day. Anemia often results from Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a highly important water-soluble essential vitamin that can be found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. Only ninety to two thousand milligrams should be consumed each day, or kidney damage can result. Vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy, which is manifested in cracked skin and a damaged immune system.

Vitamins D, E, and K are all fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin D helps support the body’s skeletal system by working in concert with calcium; it also aids in supporting the immune system. At least fifteen milligrams of Vitamin E must be consumed each day; Vitamin E aids in cell regeneration and wound healing, and is often credited with bringing life and youth to skin. Lastly, Vitamin K can aid in wound healing and blood clotting.

All these vitamins can be obtained from a balanced diet that is filled with lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. Always consult with your doctor on what vitamins you should be taking in higher amounts. With a healthier diet, you can have a better lifestyle, with thanks to essential vitamins that keep your body going.

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Posted by admin on April 16th, 2008 in Supplemental Vitamins

Good Things in Small Packages: Knowing your Supplemental Vitamins

Thanks to technology and more knowledge about vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that the human body should have, doctors now have a wider, wonderful arsenal of ways to keep us healthy. One of these is vitamin tablets, which we can take during or after meals in order to supplement the nutrients that we get from our food. Because of our speedier, but often dangerous lifestyle, we tend to eat less nutritious food that is more convenient that healthful. As a result, we miss out on important vitamins that we can get only from the freshest fruits and vegetables, and the leanest meat.

Taking supplemental vitamins or dietary supplements, therefore, can help ensure that we receive the right amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies are required to have each day. The contents of vitamin supplements are well measured, so that taking one pill can help you receive the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Most of the essential vitamins have a minimum requirement for daily consumption; some vitamin deficiencies can lead to debilitating, sometimes even fatal diseases.

For instance, we need at least ninety milligrams of the essential vitamin ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. Although we can obtain this vitamin from regular servings of orange or lemon juice, vegetables, and sometimes even from fortified candies, we don’t always have the chance to pick up fresh fruit or vegetables, drink fresh juice, or buy Vitamin C fortified candy. We aren’t able to constantly monitor our Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to a number of disorders, among them scurvy, which can cause the skin and nails to crack; and some immune system disorders, as the immune system needs ascorbic acid in order to function.

We can therefore see how important supplemental vitamins are. They can make life more convenient for us, so that if we miss out on the regular doses of essential vitamins, we can still take a small pill and get the vitamins that our bodies need. This convenience shouldn’t deceive you, however: taking supplemental vitamins doesn’t exempt anyone from eating fresh fruit and vegetables along with lean meats in the context of a balanced diet. As their name implies, supplemental vitamins merely support a good diet; the supplemental vitamins don’t replace them.

Supplemental vitamins, moreover, shouldn’t be taken indiscriminately. Indeed, many doctors discourage buying supplemental vitamins over the counter unless a patient has been checked and assessed completely. This is because some vitamins can only be taken in moderate amounts, beyond which they can, in turn, exacerbate certain medical conditions. Further, some vitamins can interfere with medications; for instance, some painkillers can be destroyed by acids, so if you are taking ascorbic acid, you may need to wait a while before taking your painkillers.

Because of the promise of dietary supplements, some countries have passed legislation in the hope of curbing indiscriminate use of supplements. For instance, the United States government requires that all advertisements featuring dietary supplements should also contain a disclaimer that the dietary supplement isn’t designed to treat any specific diseases, that the supplement isn’t made to prevent or cure any disorder, and that the supplement has no health claims that have been evaluated or discovered by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA.

Many bottles of supplemental vitamins sold in the United States not only have this disclaimer, but also contain descriptions of the vitamins in the supplement. This is because some vitamins present in supplements are different in molecular form and chemistry from the vitamins that are found in food. Moreover, most bottles of supplemental vitamins exhort the consumer to always consult with his or her physician before taking any supplemental vitamins.

If you are consuming supplemental vitamins, take only one pill a day, or as recommended by your doctor. Avoid self diagnosis. Read the label of your vitamin bottle, and look through the amounts of vitamins present in each pill. You will need to consume some vitamins at a recommended amount, or you may suffer from vitamin poisoning. For instance, iron is often added to vitamin supplements, but at extremely high doses, iron can damage the kidneys.

Moreover, look at the rest of the nutrients and, possibly, herbal additives in the vitamin supplement. Some supplements come with ginseng, an herb that has been found to increase energy, but which can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure. Always check with your doctor on what herbs are good for you, and what you might have to avoid. Although vitamin supplements cater to keeping you healthy, you should still do your utmost to ensure that you aren’t endangered by them.

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