Coughs could be very annoying. It destructs me with whenever I work on some thing. It even irritates me during office hours. Plus, it accompanied with sneezing, teary eyes and sore throat. It also hinders my work leaving me desperate and restless. Coughing is very embarrassing in public especially when you are in front of a crowd. I had such moments too. Even worse was during my final oral recitation in my seminar workshop when I coughed so hard that I have to request our speaker to give me another chance to explain the subject matter. No commercial medicine had healed me. Instead of getting better, I felt more ill with usual synthetic medications. Until I discovered one day a herbal solution. A Lagundi introduced by my friend which is very helpful for my coughs. It may take a bit long to cure my coughs, but the results are above expectation.
Stretching up to about five meters tall, Lagundi plants grow in the Philippine land. Well, mostly in the unexploited ones where herbs like this thrive naturally. I boiled the leaves and drank the decoction. For one week, I never ceased this treatment. The results are evidently positive. I no longer have the sneezing and coughing-in-public stuffs. Though it tasted bitter, it was still worth it. Though I can still feel phlegm in my airways, it improved my breathing. Then, I went under water therapy just to soften the phlegm so I can easily spit it out.
Lagundi has been approved to be one of the healing herbs. Good try for me. I got my solution fast without the expensive pharmaceutical drugs. It is just free.
Lagundi or Vitex negundo is a large shrub native to the Philippines which has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Research on lagundi conducted by the Philippine Department of Health has suggested that the plant has a number of practical uses, and the use of lagundi is actively promoted by the government as a result. Outside of the Philippines, preparations of lagundi are sometimes available at stores which supply herbal medicines, or through practitioners of herbal and alternative medicine.
This plant is native to the swamps of the Philippines, where it can sometimes grow quite tall. It has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk, and the leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. The leaves, root, flowers, and seeds of lagundi all appear to have medicinal value.
Preparations of lagundi have been used for a wide variety of complaints traditionally, although scientific research has concentrated on its use for respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally accepted in the Philippines to be useful for coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems, and the Philippine government actively promotes it as an alternative to Western cough medicines. Some doctors also prescribe lagundi to assist in the treatment of asthma, as regular doses appear to reduce the strength of asthma attacks. As an analgesic, lagundi also appears to have some efficacy. It has been compared to drugs like aspirin in trials which show that lagundi may be useful in the treatment of things like pain after dental extractions. Some people like to take lagundi before going in for extractions, in an attempt to preempt the associated pain and discomfort.
Lagundi is prepared by boiling it, steeping it, and then straining it. At home, people make lagundi teas from the leaves, often producing a large amount and bottling the excess to use later. Commercially, lagundi can be purchased in the form of syrup or capsules to make it easier to handle. It is also blended in with cough medicines and other herbal remedies.
As with other herbal medicines, lagundi should not be taken without consulting a doctor, as it may potentially conflict with other medications or it may be contraindicated for a particular condition. If your doctor is resistant to herbal treatments, you may want to seek out a practitioner who supports complementary medicine so that you can get sound advice about whether or not lagundi is safe for you.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Acai Berry's Powerful Medicinal Content
The acai berry (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) is a small grape-sized berry that grows in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil. Natives of the region have harvested this berry as part of their diet for hundreds of years.
The much desired acai fruit is only 10% of the actual berry. The other 90% is made up of the seed or pit. The acai berry is harvested by the thousands and put through a process that separates the pulp from the seed to produce a thick, edible puree.
Uses of Acai Berry:
a. For weight loss:
Boosts body metabolism: The acai berry contains Omega fatty acids – the same medically recommended fats found in fish oil, olive oil and flaxseed. These fatty acids can’t be produced by the body, and must be obtained from the food we eat. Instead of being stored as fat, they are used by the liver to “kick-start” the metabolism. If you’re a slow starter when it comes to losing weight, or if you’ve reached the frustrating “plateau” phase of weight loss, adding some form of acai to your diet might be just the ticket to get over the hump.
Aids Digestions: The acai berry contains a generous amount of fiber which promotes a healthy digestive system and helps cleanse your system of fatty foods.
Suppresses Appetite: The acai berry has a generous amount of fiber. High fiber foods like acai help you to feel fuller faster and cut down on nagging cravings, needless snacking, and late night trips to the refrigerator.
Builds Muscle Tone: The acai berry is rich with amino acids, which your muscles need in order to function properly and grow from exercise. These amino acids combined with the fatty acids in the acai berry allow your body to burn fat more efficiently and help your muscles grow. Muscle, of course, makes your body look fit and toned. In addition, the more muscle your body has, the more calories you will burn, and the faster you’ll lose weight.
Increase Energy and Stamina: Jiu-jitsu practitioners and soccer players in Brazil often have a large meal of acai berry pulp before a competition. Why? Aside from being a perfect source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry lead to a drastic increase in energy levels and stamina. If it gives them enough energy for a competition, it’s going to really help keep your energy level up for cardio and exercise.
Although it’s not the miracle weight loss solution that some claim, the acai berry has been medically and scientifically proven to contain ingredients that aid in weight loss. Not only does it provide a valuable boost to the metabolism, it also suppresses appetite, helps build muscle, and gives a much-needed shot of energy and stamina for those fat blasting workouts.
b. For Sex.
In Amazon the acai drink has been label by its natives and commonly referred to as “Amazon Rainforest Viagra”.
The Amazon native certainly wasn’t lying. People in Brazil wholeheartedly believe that acai gives strength, energy, endurance, and is great for sex. Some doctors even recommend acai to couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant!
The berry is packed with high levels of iron, calcium, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. The nutrients impart a huge boost of energy and stamina while the antioxidants cause the entire body (including sexual response) to function better. It’s simply high performance fuel for any activity (especially the bedroom). So is it just the powerful boost of stamina and energy that makes acai such a great aphrodisiac? Possibly, however, natives swear that there is something in acai that boosts the sex drive and simultaneously improves the mental state.
c. Endurance, energy and more:
Brazilian people are some of the most active and healthy in the entire world. Walk the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and you’ll invariably see fit (and usually half naked) people swimming, surfing, playing soccer, cycling, jogging, and practicing Brazilian JiuJitsu. You’ll also notice that many of them are eating bowls of dark purple acai from one of the many juice bars that line the beaches.
d. For Cancer:
The popularity of the acai berry is growing every day. As a result, more and more nutritionists and scientists are researching its unique nutritional qualities and healing abilities. It was only a matter of time before someone ran experiments regarding the acai berry’s ability to fight cancer.
Now that you know how the acai berry theoretically fights cancer; let’s talk about that experiment we mentioned earlier.The University of Florida published a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that found that acai berries triggered a self destruct response in up to 86% of human cancer cells.
Assistant Professor Stephen Talcott says “This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope. We are encouraged by the findings, however. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.” The University will now study the effect of acai antioxidants on healthy human subjects.
While the acai berry certainly isn’t proven to cure cancer, exciting research indicates that, at the very least, the high level of antioxidants may help your body fight it. Hopefully further research will reveal more benefits of this amazing food.
e. Free Radicals & Antioxidants
Because of acai berry’s high level of antioxidants, and if you eat or take this amazing food, your body, of course, has a way to fight back by strengthening the cells and fight off free radicals.
Free radicals are nasty little molecules that come from pollutants, pesticides, cigarette smoke, etc. They attack the cells in the body and can even damage DNA. Free radical damage within cells has been linked to a range of disorders including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.
Acai Berry Diet Side Effects
Acai berry by itself is completely free of side effects. However, some increasingly popular acai products contain guarana.Guarana, also a wonderful discovery from the Amazon, is a syrup that’s often used as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. But it does contain caffeine, so be aware that any negative side effects of caffeine also apply to any acai product mixed with guarana.
The recent surge in popularity of the acai berry for diet and weight loss purposes will no doubt lead to acai being put in all sorts of diet pills and weight loss supplements. Keep in mind that the acai in these products will probably be in there as a minor ingredient along with goodness knows what else. Your best bet is to stick with a quality acai-only supplement. You’ll get all of the positive health and weight loss benefits without having to worry about harmful ingredients or side effects
The much desired acai fruit is only 10% of the actual berry. The other 90% is made up of the seed or pit. The acai berry is harvested by the thousands and put through a process that separates the pulp from the seed to produce a thick, edible puree.
Uses of Acai Berry:
a. For weight loss:
Boosts body metabolism: The acai berry contains Omega fatty acids – the same medically recommended fats found in fish oil, olive oil and flaxseed. These fatty acids can’t be produced by the body, and must be obtained from the food we eat. Instead of being stored as fat, they are used by the liver to “kick-start” the metabolism. If you’re a slow starter when it comes to losing weight, or if you’ve reached the frustrating “plateau” phase of weight loss, adding some form of acai to your diet might be just the ticket to get over the hump.
Aids Digestions: The acai berry contains a generous amount of fiber which promotes a healthy digestive system and helps cleanse your system of fatty foods.
Suppresses Appetite: The acai berry has a generous amount of fiber. High fiber foods like acai help you to feel fuller faster and cut down on nagging cravings, needless snacking, and late night trips to the refrigerator.
Builds Muscle Tone: The acai berry is rich with amino acids, which your muscles need in order to function properly and grow from exercise. These amino acids combined with the fatty acids in the acai berry allow your body to burn fat more efficiently and help your muscles grow. Muscle, of course, makes your body look fit and toned. In addition, the more muscle your body has, the more calories you will burn, and the faster you’ll lose weight.
Increase Energy and Stamina: Jiu-jitsu practitioners and soccer players in Brazil often have a large meal of acai berry pulp before a competition. Why? Aside from being a perfect source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry lead to a drastic increase in energy levels and stamina. If it gives them enough energy for a competition, it’s going to really help keep your energy level up for cardio and exercise.
Although it’s not the miracle weight loss solution that some claim, the acai berry has been medically and scientifically proven to contain ingredients that aid in weight loss. Not only does it provide a valuable boost to the metabolism, it also suppresses appetite, helps build muscle, and gives a much-needed shot of energy and stamina for those fat blasting workouts.
b. For Sex.
In Amazon the acai drink has been label by its natives and commonly referred to as “Amazon Rainforest Viagra”.
The Amazon native certainly wasn’t lying. People in Brazil wholeheartedly believe that acai gives strength, energy, endurance, and is great for sex. Some doctors even recommend acai to couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant!
The berry is packed with high levels of iron, calcium, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. The nutrients impart a huge boost of energy and stamina while the antioxidants cause the entire body (including sexual response) to function better. It’s simply high performance fuel for any activity (especially the bedroom). So is it just the powerful boost of stamina and energy that makes acai such a great aphrodisiac? Possibly, however, natives swear that there is something in acai that boosts the sex drive and simultaneously improves the mental state.
c. Endurance, energy and more:
Brazilian people are some of the most active and healthy in the entire world. Walk the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and you’ll invariably see fit (and usually half naked) people swimming, surfing, playing soccer, cycling, jogging, and practicing Brazilian JiuJitsu. You’ll also notice that many of them are eating bowls of dark purple acai from one of the many juice bars that line the beaches.
d. For Cancer:
The popularity of the acai berry is growing every day. As a result, more and more nutritionists and scientists are researching its unique nutritional qualities and healing abilities. It was only a matter of time before someone ran experiments regarding the acai berry’s ability to fight cancer.
Now that you know how the acai berry theoretically fights cancer; let’s talk about that experiment we mentioned earlier.The University of Florida published a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that found that acai berries triggered a self destruct response in up to 86% of human cancer cells.
Assistant Professor Stephen Talcott says “This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope. We are encouraged by the findings, however. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.” The University will now study the effect of acai antioxidants on healthy human subjects.
While the acai berry certainly isn’t proven to cure cancer, exciting research indicates that, at the very least, the high level of antioxidants may help your body fight it. Hopefully further research will reveal more benefits of this amazing food.
e. Free Radicals & Antioxidants
Because of acai berry’s high level of antioxidants, and if you eat or take this amazing food, your body, of course, has a way to fight back by strengthening the cells and fight off free radicals.
Free radicals are nasty little molecules that come from pollutants, pesticides, cigarette smoke, etc. They attack the cells in the body and can even damage DNA. Free radical damage within cells has been linked to a range of disorders including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.
Acai Berry Diet Side Effects
Acai berry by itself is completely free of side effects. However, some increasingly popular acai products contain guarana.Guarana, also a wonderful discovery from the Amazon, is a syrup that’s often used as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. But it does contain caffeine, so be aware that any negative side effects of caffeine also apply to any acai product mixed with guarana.
The recent surge in popularity of the acai berry for diet and weight loss purposes will no doubt lead to acai being put in all sorts of diet pills and weight loss supplements. Keep in mind that the acai in these products will probably be in there as a minor ingredient along with goodness knows what else. Your best bet is to stick with a quality acai-only supplement. You’ll get all of the positive health and weight loss benefits without having to worry about harmful ingredients or side effects
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Silymarin for the Liver
There is a new hope today for those people suffering from liver diseases. Also a good food supplement to protect our liver and keep it healthy for any type of liver infections that may enter into our body. This is the Silymarin. Let me explain what Silymarin is.
Silymarin refers to the extract from the seeds of the plant Silybum marianum, also called "milk thistle". It has been used for over 2,000 years. During the Middle Ages the seed of the milk thistle was commonly used to treat liver diseases. It has also been extensively researched in Europe for over 30 years. Studies abroad and in the United States have suggested that Silymarin nutritionally supports healthy liver function. There have been over 300 scientific studies of silymarin that documents:
•Treatment of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism
•Treatment of chronic hepatitis
•Treatment of poisoning due to eating wild mushrooms
•Helping the liver repair itself
Most of the scientific studies of silymarin were published in Europe.
The active ingredients of milk thistle are chemicals called flavonoids. The flavonoids in milk thistle are silybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Together, they are called silymarin.
Antioxidant effects
Milk thistle prevents toxins from entering the liver by guarding the organ's numerous doorways-the membranes of liver cells. By slowing the rate at which the liver absorbs harmful substances, the toxins are excreted through the kidneys before they can cause liver damage. Much of Milk Thistle's protective effect is due to the flavonoid complex silymarin, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, combining with and thus neutralizing harmful free radicals that result from normal metabolic processes and from the breakdown of toxic substances. At least 10 times as potent as vitamin E, silymarin also helps increase levels of two additional antioxidants, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Silymarin may increase glutathione content in the liver and intestines by up to 50 percent. Silymarin also increases the activity of SOD in erythrocytes (red blood cells) and lymphocytes (white blood cells) formed in the lymphatic tissue in patients with liver disease. Because silymarin is a potent antioxidant in the stomach and intestines, it may also have a role to play in treating inflammatory conditions such as colitis and ulcers.
When damage has already been done, Milk Thistle aids the liver in repairing injured cells and generating new ones. It does this by stimulating protein synthesis through the enzyme RNA polymerase I. Silymarin also protects the liver by acting as an antioxidant and by promoting the growth of new liver cells. It appears to help keep harmful substances out of liver cells. Milk thistle can also help prevent or reverse liver damage caused by alcohol, recreational drugs, pesticides, some poisons, or hepatitis. Milk thistle's regenerative ability is essential for treating serious conditions such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and toxic fatty deposits in the liver.
Of the many compounds that make up the silymarin complex, silybin and silychristin are the two most potent ones. Unfortunately, these compounds are relatively poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Some studies suggest an absorption rate of just 20 to 50 percent, which explains why it is so important to take standardized Milk Thistle extracts to ensure high concentrations of the active ingredients.
Other Diseases that can be Treated by Silymarin:
1. May inhibit hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and reduce blood lipids.
2. It is a natural for treating a wide array of Gall Bladder diseases and Symptoms. It can calm down an inflamed Gall Bladder while at the same time clearing out any stagnation that might be present. (It is important to verify that there are no Gall Stones present which would be too large for the gall bladder to pass; visit your local physician and get a clearance from them to proceed)
3. It dramatically reduce death rates, which are typically from 30 to 50%, down to less than 10%.13 in Amanita mushroom poisoning This mushroom destroys the liver if left untreated.
4. It can protect the pancreas against certain forms of damage. In a controlled trial of human diabetics, patients experienced decreases in blood glucose and insulin requirements.
5. It is a gentle and mild laxative due to its ability to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract. This herb can have actions ranging from lubrication and softening of the stools to a mild laxative effect, to actually balancing individuals that alternate between diarrhea and constipation. This formula has been seen to improve bowel regularity and stool consistency in individuals with this type of alternating presentation. This is due to the astringent nature of the Dandelion Root combined with the softening and moistening nature of the Milk Thistle).
Side Effects:
There are no clearly documented serious side effects of milk thistle. Even very high doses do not seem to have any negative effects. However, some people get an upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, or more gas when they start using silymarin. If this happens, cut back on your dosage and then increase it slowly. A few people have allergic reactions to milk thistle. This is more common for people who have an allergy to another plant in the same family, like ragweed.
Silymarin refers to the extract from the seeds of the plant Silybum marianum, also called "milk thistle". It has been used for over 2,000 years. During the Middle Ages the seed of the milk thistle was commonly used to treat liver diseases. It has also been extensively researched in Europe for over 30 years. Studies abroad and in the United States have suggested that Silymarin nutritionally supports healthy liver function. There have been over 300 scientific studies of silymarin that documents:
•Treatment of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism
•Treatment of chronic hepatitis
•Treatment of poisoning due to eating wild mushrooms
•Helping the liver repair itself
Most of the scientific studies of silymarin were published in Europe.
The active ingredients of milk thistle are chemicals called flavonoids. The flavonoids in milk thistle are silybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Together, they are called silymarin.
Antioxidant effects
Milk thistle prevents toxins from entering the liver by guarding the organ's numerous doorways-the membranes of liver cells. By slowing the rate at which the liver absorbs harmful substances, the toxins are excreted through the kidneys before they can cause liver damage. Much of Milk Thistle's protective effect is due to the flavonoid complex silymarin, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, combining with and thus neutralizing harmful free radicals that result from normal metabolic processes and from the breakdown of toxic substances. At least 10 times as potent as vitamin E, silymarin also helps increase levels of two additional antioxidants, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Silymarin may increase glutathione content in the liver and intestines by up to 50 percent. Silymarin also increases the activity of SOD in erythrocytes (red blood cells) and lymphocytes (white blood cells) formed in the lymphatic tissue in patients with liver disease. Because silymarin is a potent antioxidant in the stomach and intestines, it may also have a role to play in treating inflammatory conditions such as colitis and ulcers.
When damage has already been done, Milk Thistle aids the liver in repairing injured cells and generating new ones. It does this by stimulating protein synthesis through the enzyme RNA polymerase I. Silymarin also protects the liver by acting as an antioxidant and by promoting the growth of new liver cells. It appears to help keep harmful substances out of liver cells. Milk thistle can also help prevent or reverse liver damage caused by alcohol, recreational drugs, pesticides, some poisons, or hepatitis. Milk thistle's regenerative ability is essential for treating serious conditions such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and toxic fatty deposits in the liver.
Of the many compounds that make up the silymarin complex, silybin and silychristin are the two most potent ones. Unfortunately, these compounds are relatively poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Some studies suggest an absorption rate of just 20 to 50 percent, which explains why it is so important to take standardized Milk Thistle extracts to ensure high concentrations of the active ingredients.
Other Diseases that can be Treated by Silymarin:
1. May inhibit hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and reduce blood lipids.
2. It is a natural for treating a wide array of Gall Bladder diseases and Symptoms. It can calm down an inflamed Gall Bladder while at the same time clearing out any stagnation that might be present. (It is important to verify that there are no Gall Stones present which would be too large for the gall bladder to pass; visit your local physician and get a clearance from them to proceed)
3. It dramatically reduce death rates, which are typically from 30 to 50%, down to less than 10%.13 in Amanita mushroom poisoning This mushroom destroys the liver if left untreated.
4. It can protect the pancreas against certain forms of damage. In a controlled trial of human diabetics, patients experienced decreases in blood glucose and insulin requirements.
5. It is a gentle and mild laxative due to its ability to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract. This herb can have actions ranging from lubrication and softening of the stools to a mild laxative effect, to actually balancing individuals that alternate between diarrhea and constipation. This formula has been seen to improve bowel regularity and stool consistency in individuals with this type of alternating presentation. This is due to the astringent nature of the Dandelion Root combined with the softening and moistening nature of the Milk Thistle).
Side Effects:
There are no clearly documented serious side effects of milk thistle. Even very high doses do not seem to have any negative effects. However, some people get an upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, or more gas when they start using silymarin. If this happens, cut back on your dosage and then increase it slowly. A few people have allergic reactions to milk thistle. This is more common for people who have an allergy to another plant in the same family, like ragweed.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Food Supplement for the Eyes
This time we will discuss about one of the composition of some food supplement today – the Lutein. The knowledge about the substance is of great help for those who want to take the food supplement but don’t know what lutein is all about. For those who don’t know what lutein is, let’s discuss it today.
Lutein is a yellow or orange pigment found in some fruits and vegetables. It is a carotenoid (same family as beta carotene which is found in carrots) commonly found in deep green vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is also found in egg yolks, animal fats and the corpus luteum. Lutein is a lipophilic molecule and is generally insoluble in water. It has powerful antioxidant properties which specially beneficial to the eyes and it promotes healthy retinas. Lutein is a fat soluble pigment and a primary carotenoid in the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for central vision. It may act as a filter to protect the macula to potentially damaging forms of light. Consequently Lutein appears to be associated with protection from age-related degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in older adults).
In January 2008, it was reported in Archives of Ophthalmology indicated that higher intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin and vitamin E are associated with decreased risk of cataract. Lutein is necessary for good vision. A diet rich in lutein may lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein may also help prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, the thickening of arteries, which is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. The hypothesis for the natural concentration is that lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration.
Carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits like kiwi, peas, grapes, corn and vegetables are sources of lutein. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli also contain high amounts of lutein. All are an important part of a healthy diet.
Dark green vegetables – 15 – 47% lutein
Egg yolk– more than 85%
Corn – 60%
Yellow-orange bell pepper - 37%
Kiwi fruits, grapes, spinach, orange juices, zucchini and different kind of squash – 30 -50%
Suggested daily use is 6 mg. of lutein per day from food. Lutein in supplemental form should be taken with food to improve absorption. No lutein toxicity has been identified and there’s no known drug interactions with lutein. Lutein is also available as a dietary supplement. The Age Related Eye Disease study found that high doses of lutein, combined with other antioxidants, may help slow down the progression of macular degeneration.
For those people who want to have a good eye vision, it was recommended to eat green and yellow fruits and vegetables or if necessary, and if you have a low lutein-riched vegetable diet intake, a food/medicine supplement with lutein is highly recommended.
Lutein is a yellow or orange pigment found in some fruits and vegetables. It is a carotenoid (same family as beta carotene which is found in carrots) commonly found in deep green vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is also found in egg yolks, animal fats and the corpus luteum. Lutein is a lipophilic molecule and is generally insoluble in water. It has powerful antioxidant properties which specially beneficial to the eyes and it promotes healthy retinas. Lutein is a fat soluble pigment and a primary carotenoid in the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for central vision. It may act as a filter to protect the macula to potentially damaging forms of light. Consequently Lutein appears to be associated with protection from age-related degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in older adults).
In January 2008, it was reported in Archives of Ophthalmology indicated that higher intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin and vitamin E are associated with decreased risk of cataract. Lutein is necessary for good vision. A diet rich in lutein may lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein may also help prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, the thickening of arteries, which is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. The hypothesis for the natural concentration is that lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration.
Carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits like kiwi, peas, grapes, corn and vegetables are sources of lutein. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli also contain high amounts of lutein. All are an important part of a healthy diet.
Dark green vegetables – 15 – 47% lutein
Egg yolk– more than 85%
Corn – 60%
Yellow-orange bell pepper - 37%
Kiwi fruits, grapes, spinach, orange juices, zucchini and different kind of squash – 30 -50%
Suggested daily use is 6 mg. of lutein per day from food. Lutein in supplemental form should be taken with food to improve absorption. No lutein toxicity has been identified and there’s no known drug interactions with lutein. Lutein is also available as a dietary supplement. The Age Related Eye Disease study found that high doses of lutein, combined with other antioxidants, may help slow down the progression of macular degeneration.
For those people who want to have a good eye vision, it was recommended to eat green and yellow fruits and vegetables or if necessary, and if you have a low lutein-riched vegetable diet intake, a food/medicine supplement with lutein is highly recommended.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Knowledge and Awareness on L- Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a main ingredient today in many diet pills and supplements, including Berry Trim Plus, Fitrum, Cosmo, Herbalife products and many more. It is also one or the main ingredients in juice drinks in the market today like Del Monte’s Fit and Right, Fab and others. Why most juices products and food supplements do included L-Carnitine as one of their main ingredients? Does it help to trim our body with excess fats? Does it make us slimmer? We will let us know here what L-Carnitine is all about.
Background:
L-carnitine is a nitrogen-containing, short-chain carboxylic acid—technically, it is not an amino acid. It is a water-soluble, vitamin-like compound that is readily synthesized in the body from lysine and methionine. Carnitine is not an essential nutrient because it can be synthesized in the body thru liver and kidneys and must be transported for use to other tissues in the body, It is found in the highest concentration in tissues that uses fatty-acids as the main dietary fuel such as skeletal and cardiac muscles. One of the key uses of L-carnitine supplement is for fatty acid oxidation – helping users burn unwanted body fats. Fatty acids are one of the key energy sources the body uses and oxidation is the process by which they’re broken down to create energy. L-Carnitine plays a vital role in the transport of fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Based on this function,carnitine supplementation will enhance lipid oxidation and thereby improve endurance performance by sparing endogenous carbohydrate. The fatty acids cannot penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane (where they are burned for energy) and the key role of L-carnitine is to transport fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane to allow oxidation of the fats. L-carnitine functions in a three-part enzyme complex (carnitine acyltransferase I, carnitine translocase, and carnitine acyltransferase II) that is responsible for transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane where oxidative enzymes are active.
However, carnitine supplementation with supraphysiological doses above and beyond that which the body requires, does not result in increased fat oxidation at rest or during exercise in well-nourished individuals; thus, it appears that we can synthesize the necessary amounts from a diet adequate in its precursors (lysine and methionine). Those medically diagnosed as carnitine-deficient may benefit from a supplement, but this condition is uncommon.
Sources of L-Carnitine:
L-Carnitine plays a fundamental role in energy production and it’s used to support all body functions which require high level energy of our body. It is present in many foods we eat everyday such as meat, vegetables and grains. Perhaps the best source is meat, particularly beef, sheep, and lamb. Other animal foods such as milk, cheese, and poultry contain somewhat less carnitine, while fruits and vegetables have negligible amounts. In light of this, one must recognize that a diet containing sufficient amounts of essential amino acids will provide the necessary building blocks for our bodies to synthesize sufficient quantities of carnitine.
Example: Beef has about 145mg of L-carnitine per every 100 mg compared to only 2.6 mg per every 100gm of mushroom. If you’re a vegetarian you are in a disadvantage as compared to those regularly eats meat in their regular diet.
L- Carnitine Deficiency:
Our body can produce only a little amount of L-carnitine on a daily basis especially for those who have a highest concentration of skeletal and heart muscles. Individuals who eat less or no meats will benefits from L-Carnitine supplementation. Although deficiencies are uncommon, muscle cramping and fatigue are some signs of deficiency.
Benefits:
•Plays important role in energy production
•Helps in weight loss and fat burner
•Transports long chained fatty acids to mitochondrial membrane to generate energy
•Enhance cellular brain energy
•Decreases the effects of depressions
•Helps prevent cataracts
•Support all bodily functions which needed high energy demand
•Improve mental performance
•Helps slow the effects of aging
Side Effects:
There are few documented side effects as follows:
•Increased blood pressure
•Faster heartbeats
•Diarrhea in case of large amount of intakes
•Fever
Conclusion:
L-carnitine supplementation does not appear to support claims of enhanced aerobic or anaerobic exercise performance. While it is true that it plays a vital role in energy metabolism, additional carnitine from exogenous sources does not appear to yield any benefit above and beyond the necessary physiological dose.
Athletes and non-athletes consumers wishing to explore carnitine's purported benefits must be aware that the dietary supplement industry is not regulated and, therefore, product safety is not guaranteed; that is, just because it is sold in stores, consumers cannot be certain that the contents of the bottle (dose or purity) is consistent with its labeling. With this lack of regulation creating such a conducive climate for misleading and false claims, the public is well-advised to research all products thoroughly before making a decision. After all, an educated decision is a wise decision.
With so many weight loss options available, it's hard to know what to do. The reality of popular diet products and programs is that few work in the long term because they don't focus on the sustainable strategies of balanced nutrition, exercise and personal motivation. For those who want to loose weight, don't be discouraged, there are good plans out there that can help you achieve your goals.
Background:
L-carnitine is a nitrogen-containing, short-chain carboxylic acid—technically, it is not an amino acid. It is a water-soluble, vitamin-like compound that is readily synthesized in the body from lysine and methionine. Carnitine is not an essential nutrient because it can be synthesized in the body thru liver and kidneys and must be transported for use to other tissues in the body, It is found in the highest concentration in tissues that uses fatty-acids as the main dietary fuel such as skeletal and cardiac muscles. One of the key uses of L-carnitine supplement is for fatty acid oxidation – helping users burn unwanted body fats. Fatty acids are one of the key energy sources the body uses and oxidation is the process by which they’re broken down to create energy. L-Carnitine plays a vital role in the transport of fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Based on this function,carnitine supplementation will enhance lipid oxidation and thereby improve endurance performance by sparing endogenous carbohydrate. The fatty acids cannot penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane (where they are burned for energy) and the key role of L-carnitine is to transport fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane to allow oxidation of the fats. L-carnitine functions in a three-part enzyme complex (carnitine acyltransferase I, carnitine translocase, and carnitine acyltransferase II) that is responsible for transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane where oxidative enzymes are active.
However, carnitine supplementation with supraphysiological doses above and beyond that which the body requires, does not result in increased fat oxidation at rest or during exercise in well-nourished individuals; thus, it appears that we can synthesize the necessary amounts from a diet adequate in its precursors (lysine and methionine). Those medically diagnosed as carnitine-deficient may benefit from a supplement, but this condition is uncommon.
Sources of L-Carnitine:
L-Carnitine plays a fundamental role in energy production and it’s used to support all body functions which require high level energy of our body. It is present in many foods we eat everyday such as meat, vegetables and grains. Perhaps the best source is meat, particularly beef, sheep, and lamb. Other animal foods such as milk, cheese, and poultry contain somewhat less carnitine, while fruits and vegetables have negligible amounts. In light of this, one must recognize that a diet containing sufficient amounts of essential amino acids will provide the necessary building blocks for our bodies to synthesize sufficient quantities of carnitine.
Example: Beef has about 145mg of L-carnitine per every 100 mg compared to only 2.6 mg per every 100gm of mushroom. If you’re a vegetarian you are in a disadvantage as compared to those regularly eats meat in their regular diet.
L- Carnitine Deficiency:
Our body can produce only a little amount of L-carnitine on a daily basis especially for those who have a highest concentration of skeletal and heart muscles. Individuals who eat less or no meats will benefits from L-Carnitine supplementation. Although deficiencies are uncommon, muscle cramping and fatigue are some signs of deficiency.
Benefits:
•Plays important role in energy production
•Helps in weight loss and fat burner
•Transports long chained fatty acids to mitochondrial membrane to generate energy
•Enhance cellular brain energy
•Decreases the effects of depressions
•Helps prevent cataracts
•Support all bodily functions which needed high energy demand
•Improve mental performance
•Helps slow the effects of aging
Side Effects:
There are few documented side effects as follows:
•Increased blood pressure
•Faster heartbeats
•Diarrhea in case of large amount of intakes
•Fever
Conclusion:
L-carnitine supplementation does not appear to support claims of enhanced aerobic or anaerobic exercise performance. While it is true that it plays a vital role in energy metabolism, additional carnitine from exogenous sources does not appear to yield any benefit above and beyond the necessary physiological dose.
Athletes and non-athletes consumers wishing to explore carnitine's purported benefits must be aware that the dietary supplement industry is not regulated and, therefore, product safety is not guaranteed; that is, just because it is sold in stores, consumers cannot be certain that the contents of the bottle (dose or purity) is consistent with its labeling. With this lack of regulation creating such a conducive climate for misleading and false claims, the public is well-advised to research all products thoroughly before making a decision. After all, an educated decision is a wise decision.
With so many weight loss options available, it's hard to know what to do. The reality of popular diet products and programs is that few work in the long term because they don't focus on the sustainable strategies of balanced nutrition, exercise and personal motivation. For those who want to loose weight, don't be discouraged, there are good plans out there that can help you achieve your goals.
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