Heart Health

February is heart health month so of course we start to see more posts on heart-healthy recipes and natural ingredients. One thing you might notice is that many of these natural compounds fall into the category of antioxidants. This is a broad term that includes any substance that that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in our bodies as results of normal cell energy production or from external damaging influences (i.e. UV radiation, chemicals etc.). The cardiovascular system is especially sensitive to the effects of free radicals.

When it comes to our cardiovascular health, many of us don’t have a high awareness of the prevalence and risks of developing blood clots. There is a tendency to focus on the health issues we can see, not on those we can’t. When plaques build up on the walls of an artery it can become blocked, and eventually rupture. The resultant blood clot can deprive vital tissues – the heart, brain, or peripheral arteries – of vital oxygen. Some signs of blood clots are chest pain, light headedness, being out of breath, leg tenderness and leg swelling. Risk Factors for

Women in their 30s often don’t hit the minimums for essential vitamins and nutrients. This may be due to unhealthy eating habits left over from their 20s or it may be because women in their 30s are often completely focused on their careers. This inattention to dietary needs often leads to vitamin deficiencies that can reduce overall health or even lead to more serious health consequences later in life. If you find yourself in this stage of life, here are some supplements to consider taking. Antioxidants Antioxidants combat the circulation of free radicals in the body. These free radicals lead to

Once you get into your 40s, your body undergoes some changes that you need to keep up with. These wellness challenges include additional stress, reduced energy levels, sex drive changes, heart health changes, urinary tract challenges, prostate health risks, aging skin and fatigue. Remember that these things can come on gradually, but they can be stopped or hindered with the correct supplementation. Here are some recommended supplements for each condition. Stress Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Adaptogenic herbs are ones that specifically help to fight the effects of stress. Ashwagandha has

Astaxanthin is a natural compound and antioxidant that belongs to the carotenoid family. Found naturally in seafood, algae, and plants, this keto-carotenoid is said to be one of the most beneficial compounds to consume on a regular basis. From skincare to eye health, and from neurological benefits to anti-inflammatory properties, astaxanthin brings an array of advantages to the table for its users. Here are a few benefits of astaxanthin to help you understand how exactly this natural compound supports your health, and how could it contribute to your and your loved ones’ well-being. It is Exceptional for Skincare Since it

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 metabolic/enzymatic reactions in the body. Its name comes from the district of Magnesia in Greece, an area that contains a vast amount of magnesium ore. Magnesium plays a key role in cardiovascular health (normal blood pressure and steady heart rhythm), bone health, the transmission of nerve impulses, immune function, and the production of cellular energy. Most people are deficient in magnesium, but are totally unaware of it. This is further compounded by low levels in foods and low-quality supplements. While there are blood tests that can assess magnesium levels in the

What’s Already Known On This Topic? High blood pressure (or hypertension) is the leading risk factor contributing to death worldwide, primarily from heart disease and stroke. Effective lowering of blood pressure, even by small amounts, is however proven to reduce these events, and can thus save lives in middle and older age. Along with the well-recognized nutrition and lifestyle factors that contribute to higher blood pressure, there is much interest in the role of genetic factors. This aspect is receiving greater attention in recent years with the emergence of “genome-wide association studies” or GWAS, an approach that involves rapidly scanning

Proteins provide nutritional benefit as essential components of a healthy diet. The body metabolizes proteins to make hormones, antibodies, enzymes and various tissue/organ components includ-ing muscle. Proteins consist of long chains of amino acids – building blocks linked to-gether with peptide bonds. In their natural form, proteins are not easily absorbed from the digestive tract into the blood stream. Digestive enzymes in the stomach and in-testine must first break apart the peptide bonds. The process of digestion breaks proteins into shorter chains of amino acids called peptides, which the body can easily absorb. Nutritional efficiency (the percent-age of protein in