Purple potatoes pack serious antioxidants compared to their white-fleshed counterparts

Purple potatoes pack serious antioxidants compared to their white-fleshed counterparts

You may or may not have noticed a new potato in town at your local grocer or more likely at your local health food store. It is native to South America and is called the purple potato, named for its deep purple skin as well as the purple flesh within it. There are several types of the purple potato including the Purple Majesty, Purple Viking and Purple Peruvian varieties.



Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals purple-potatoes



The rule of thumb with fruits and vegetables is that the deeper and richer the color, the more nutritious the content tends to be. The purple potato is no exception to this rule. It is rich in the antioxidant that is characteristic of deeply colored blue or purple produce called anthocyanin.



This compound is from the powerful flavonoid family of antioxidants and is found in other nutritional powerhouse foods such as blueberries and pomegranates. It is most well-known for its immunity boosting and cancer fighting properties.



Further, this deeply pigmented antioxidant has shown great promise in protecting the integrity and structure of DNA and encouraging the production of cytokines which are vital to proper immune response. It also shows impressive anti-inflammatory properties, helps to protect the health and integrity of the capillaries and strengthen membranes, and may have a role in regulating estrogenic activity which can help lower risk of hormone-related disease.



Study shows purple potatoes aid in lowering blood pressure


A small study that was presented at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Denver in 2012 found that eating these potatoes lowered the blood pressure of the subjects who consumed them compared to non-consumers. This is likely due to their therapeutic effect on the capillaries and blood vessels as mentioned earlier and the purple potato’s high concentration of another phytochemical called chlorogenic acid which has been linked to lower blood pressure in mice.



Potatoes are typically associated with weight gain and by some as a “forbidden food” due to their high starch content. So to many it was a surprising outcome that consuming six to eight small purple potatoes per day not only lowered the blood pressure of the participants but also caused no weight gain at all.



Is there a flavor or texture compromise for the increased nutrition?



So you may be thinking since the purple potato has so much more nutrition than the standard white potato that there must be some flavor or texture compromise? It turns out that the purple potato tastes remarkably similar to standard white-fleshed potatoes.



It has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamier texture when compared to traditional potatoes. This makes it ideal for baking, mashing, pan frying and doing pretty much anything else that you might do with a standard potato. It can be delicious when blended with various herbs and garlic and makes a great mashed potato dish since it has a creamier texture when cooked.



As with other varieties of potatoes, try to keep the skin on when cooking. Keeping the skin on when cooking helps seal the nutrients and moisture in the potato. In addition, the skin of any potato is rich in fiber and may also contain additional vitamins and minerals. The skin of the purple potato is rich in vitamin C and contains a lot of the polyphenols and potassium that makes it so beneficial.

Sources: http://www.undergroundhealth.com/purple-potatoes-pack-serious-antioxidants-compared-to-their-white-fleshed-counterparts/

Natural Extracts Lower Blood Pressure

Olive Leaf Extract: A Natural ACE Inhibitor

Extracts from leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) contain compounds known as secoiridoid glycosides.⁶ When ingested, these substances break down into molecules with the ability to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and its harmful effects on blood vessels.^6,19 Studies now show that olive leaf extract is effective at lowering blood pressure, just as would be expected from an ACE inhibitor.²⁰

 

In preclinical trials, researchers found that when they gave rats an olive leaf extract at the same time as hypertension-inducing chemicals, it prevented them from developing experimentally induced hypertension.²¹ Similarly, in rats that had already been hypertensive for six weeks, administration of olive leaf extract normalized blood pressure, even when the rats continued receiving the hypertension-inducing chemical.²¹ Animal studies have also shown that olive leaf extract is effective at reducing the signs of metabolic syndrome, a major cardiovascular risk factor.²²

 

Human studies have been extremely encouraging as well. A cleverly designed human trial using identical twins demonstrated the antihypertensive effects of olive leaf extract, with one twin serving as a control.⁸ Treated twins received either 500 or 1,000 mg/day of the extract while the other received advice regarding a “favorable lifestyle.” 

After eight weeks, compared to their controls, twins taking 500 mg/day saw an average drop in systolic pressure of 6 mm Hg, while the twins taking 1,000 mg/day saw an average drop in systolic pressure of 13 mm Hg. In the group taking the higher dose, blood pressure fell from an average of 137/80 at baseline to 126/76 after eight weeks and LDL cholesterol was also reduced. 

Olive leaf extract was recently compared directly with the ACE inhibitor captopril in patients with Stage I hypertension and it was found to be almost equally as effective.²⁰ The extract dose was fixed at 500 mg twice daily for the eight weeks of the study, while captopril dosing started at 12.5 mg twice daily, and increased to 25 mg twice daily if needed for blood pressure control. 

At the end of the study, both groups experienced significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as compared to baseline. The olive leaf extract group experienced a mean systolic blood pressure reduction of 11.5 mm Hg, while the captopril group reduced systolic blood pressure by 13.7 mm Hg. Diastolic pressures fell 4.8 mm Hg in the olive leaf extract group and 6.4 mm Hg in the captopril group. The differences between groups were not statistically significant.²⁰

 

In addition, triglyceride levels fell significantly from baseline in the olive leaf supplemented group but not in the drug group. This important study showed that olive leaf extract was similar in effect to the ACE-inhibiting drug, but with the added benefit of triglyceride reduction. 

A subsequent human study showed that olive leaf extract could also improve insulin sensitivity by 15% in overweight middle-aged men, an important step in further reducing cardiovascular risk.²³ It also led to a 28% improvement in pancreatic responses to blood sugar. 

Sources: http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2014/10/Two-Natural-Plant-Extracts-Lower-Blood-Pressure/Page-01

Mangosteen - Queen of Fruits

By: Willow Tohi

The mangosteen, technically the purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), is the fruit of a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. About the size of a tangerine, it has an inedible deep reddish-purple rind when ripe. The fragrant white flesh inside is juicy, sweet, tangy, and somewhat fibrous, like a peach. Because of the tree's susceptibility to cold temperatures, only a few trees have been successfully grown in the U.S., in extreme southern Florida. Most mangosteen fruit comes from Thialand, with some coming from similar climates in South America, such as Colombia.

Because the fruit itself is difficult to find here, most Americans get their mangosteen from juice, as the fruit doesn't have a long shelf life after being removed from the tree. It is also becoming available in frozen or dehydrated forms. Some mangosteen juice products are made using the whole fruit, including the inedible purple exocarp, or rind. By including polyphenols extracted from the rind, additional phytochemical value is added, such as xanthonoids and tannins, both offering many health benefits.

The juvenile mangosteen fruit does not require fertilization. It grows on trees that reach anywhere from 20 to 80 feet, after about six to eight years of maturity. It grows in the shade of the canopy over several months. The chemistry of the exocarp contains several polyphenols, including xanthones and tannins that give it astringency, which discourages insects, fungus, bacteria, and animals while the fruit is immature. (http://www.mangosteen.com/historyandfolklore.htm)

The role of mangosteen in folk medicine

The leaves, bark, rinds, and fruit of the mangosteen have been used for thousands of years in Asian folk medicine. It was used to remedy things like diabetes, dysentery, fever, diarrhea, cystitis, skin infections such as eczema and psoriasis, wounds, and digestive system ailments. Often, a tea was made from the rind for internal use or a poultice was made for application to the skin.

Explorers to the Malyay Archipelago came across the mangosteen but had trouble transporting it back to their home countries due to the fragile nature of the extremely perishable fruit. The seed even dies if it is allowed to dry. Still, attempts were made to export the live plant before the 1800s. Needless to say, it took a very long time for the rest of the world to learn about mangosteen. The mangosteen fruit is sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Fruits." Some believe this is because, as legend has it, Queen Victoria was brought some mangosteens from an explorer and was quite taken with them, though this has never been proven. Others believe it is because the health benefits of the fruit itself make it the "Queen of Fruits." (http://www.mangosteen.com/historyandfolklore.htm) Still others claim the nickname comes from the fruit's sweet, amazing taste.

Why scientists are interested in this superfood

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in mangosteen make it a valuable weapon in the fight against chronic disease. Extensive research on antioxidants has verified the value of consuming them to fight the free radical damage that occurs at the cellular level, contributed to aging, degenerative disease, and even cancer. Xanthones, found in mangosteen, are also known as adaptogens. They are antioxidants considered to be more powerful than those found in traditional sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. (http://www.naturalnews.com/009179_mangosteen_fruit_cure.html)

Scientists have conducted numerous studies on the phytochemicals and nutrients in mangosteen for decades. Xanthones have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), and thrombosis (formation of blood clots). This is likely due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and vasorelaxant activities of the xanthones. Researchers have also found that some of the xanthone activity inhibits the causes of inflammation and acts as a pain reliever.

Laboratory research shows that mangosteen xanthones and xanthone derivatives inhibit the growth of various cancer cells, including: leukemia, liver, breast, colon, stomach, and lung, having anti-tumor activity. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22622784)

Mangosteen also has antibacterial properties, and has been shown to inhibit tuberculosis and staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic-resistant "superbug" known to cause pneumonia as well as bone, skin, and bloodstream infections (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22494050). Ongoing research is being done on applications of mangosteen xanthones for asthma, diabetes, and obesity.

Mangosteen is available as a food in canned, frozen, or dehydrated form. Some specialty stores may have the fruit when it is in season. As a supplement, it can be found in capsule, tablet, and cream forms. It is most popular as a beverage, mixed with other juices or alone. Because of the power of the nutrients, it is a good idea to consult your health practitioner when adding it to your diet if you are on prescription medication, or have a delicate medical condition. Adding mangosteen to your diet is a very tasty way to better your health.

Sources for this article include:

http://healthyfood-list.blogspot.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/009179_mangosteen_fruit_cure.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangosteen

http://www.mangosteen.com/historyandfolklore.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22622784

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/042586_mangosteen_queen_of_fruits_phytonutrients.html#ixzz3Lf4DGzwM

Is It Possible to Take Too Many Antioxidants?

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

If you've ever heard of free radicals, you know they're the enemy.

Our atmosphere contains a great deal of oxygen, which means oxygen radicals are found everywhere, which is why oxidative stress to some degree is unavoidable. Free radicals can damage the body's cells, and are believed to be at least partially responsible for some neurological disorders, as well as some cases of diabetes, arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

A natural defense against free radicals is taking in antioxidants. But how much should you have? Is it possible to take it too far? This is a question many Canadians are asking.

How Much Is Too Much?
Antioxidants are found in vitamins A, C and E. They are also found in minerals like selenium and in plant chemicals, including carotenoids and flavonoids.

As an example, let's look at two nutrients with strong antioxidant activity within the body: vitamin C and vitamin E. Research has indicated that nutrition affects the availability of vitamins C and E, which aid in the reduction of oxidative stress. They may also be able to reduce incidences of disease. Eating foods rich in antioxidants may also modulate risk factors for coronary heart disease and other ailments. Antioxidants like those in vitamins C and E are important to your health. However, you only need to take in enough to balance the free radicals in your body.

In a study using lab mice, researchers have found that overloading natural antioxidants could lead to eventual heart failure. When your body’s cells are working properly, they produce the right amount of the antioxidant known as reduced glutathione. If they produce too much, then reductive stress will develop. By lowering the reduced glutathione level in mice that had failing hearts, researchers prevented their heart failure. Balancing the amount of antioxidants and free radicals is the key.

The Role of Diet
Cell damage happens as you age -- this is natural. Antioxidants help to protect the cells of your body from this damage. Other cell damage can occur from cigarette smoke and pollution. It can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The way you can offset those effects is by getting all the nutrients your body needs.

You don't need to supplement your antioxidant levels if you eat a healthy diet. It will give you the vital vitamins and minerals your body needs. Many healthy foods contain the antioxidants your body needs to fight off dangerous free radicals. Using natural antioxidants may reduce the risk of taking in too many antioxidants for your body to use. Make sure you include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts and healthy fats in your diet. Tea, particularly green tea is a great source of antioxidants, like EGCG.

Food rich in vitamin A include carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Note the bright orange color, which is the result of carotenoids. To increase your intake of vitamin C, include raspberries and strawberries in your diet. Fruits like mango, grapefruit and papaya are helpful, too. As for vegetables, pick up some Brussels sprouts, spinach and green or peppers. To get more vitamin E in your diet, try some avocados and aim to eat fish twice a week, especially tuna, salmon and mackerel. You might also enjoy sprinkling sunflower seeds or almonds in your cereal or on your salads. Adding selenium to your daily diet is as easy as enjoying beans, nuts, eggs and fish throughout the day. No foods you haven't heard of before.

Antioxidant Supplements
If you have food sensitivities and allergies or don't like the foods mentioned, supplements can be a great way to add more antioxidants to your diet. You can find single vitamin supplements, like A, C and E as well as individual antioxidant supplements like lycopene, which commonly comes from tomatoes, or resveratrol, which can be found in grapes. Your doctor can help you determine the best dosage for your needs and for how long to take the supplement. If you're pregnant, nursing or currently being treated for a medical condition, it's especially important to speak with your physician first before adding any supplement.

Check out our entire selection of antioxidant supplements at eVitamins Canada and let us know what products you like best!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/is-it-possible-take-too-many-antioxidants-767#.VIkiAMm17uc

What Are Antioxidants? The Benefits of These Free Radical Fighters

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

As of late, antioxidants have ruled the health world as the popular kid. We like saying the snack we're having or the skin cream we use is packed with them. But what are they?

Think of antioxidants as a home security system for your body. They prevent the bad guys from getting in and when they do, antioxidants alert the good guys to help take care of it. With new research linking the positive effects of antioxidants with preventing diseases like Parkinson's and pancreatic cancer, there's never been a better time to learn more about them.

What They Do
An antioxidant is not a specific compound or physical object, rather, many different things fall into the antioxidant category. Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are all considered antioxidants because of their actions in the body. An antioxidant defends the cells of the body against free radicals, which are molecules produced from toxins in the environment or by the breakdown and digestion of certain foods. Left to run a muck inside you, free radicals can damage the cells, causing them to age and leading to diseases like heart disease and cancer. Too many free radicals also means an impaired immune system, making you even more susceptible to bacteria and viral infections.

Where to Get Antioxidants
Antioxidants can be found in all sorts of foods we encounter daily. The benefit of getting your antioxidants through food sources is the mixture of antioxidants you get in each food. These antioxidants are also better absorbed and utilized by the body. Want to start an antioxidant-rich diet? Here are some of the best foods and drinks to shop for, recommended by the Mayo Clinic:

• Drinks -- Green tea, red wine, pomegranate juice and coffee
• Vegetables -- Spinach, pumpkin, kale, broccoli, potatoes (red, white and sweet, not peeled), red cabbage and artichokes
• Fruits -- Tomatoes, apples (keep the peel), avocados, cherries, pears, plums, kiwi and pineapple as well as berries like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
• Beans -- Red, black, kidney and pinto 
• Grains -- Oat-based products
• Nuts -- Walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and almonds
• Herbs -- Cloves, ginger, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric

For an added bonus, enjoy dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are also certain supplements you can take to get an individual antioxidant's benefits. Some of the most popular and beneficial supplemental antioxidants include resveratrol, selenium, vitamins C and E, beta carotene, manganese and alpha lipoic acid (ALA).

The Latest Research
As mentioned before, having sufficient antioxidants can help reduce your risk for developing cancer, heart disease or macular degeneration. These two studies, both released this month, reflect the continuing research surrounding antioxidants and disease prevention:

• Parkinson's disease:
  In an animal study conducted by Dr. Bobby Thomas, a neuroscientist at the Medical College of Georgia and published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, a medication called synthetic triterpenoids prevented development of the disease. The drug helped to reinforce the antioxidant Nrf2 that helps to prevent inflammation and therefore oxidative stress and brain cell death associated with this disease. 
• Pancreatic cancer:
  Published in the July issue the medical journal Gut, this study found found individuals who consumed a diet rich in selenium were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer and those who consumed a high amount of selenium as well as vitamins C and E were 67 percent less likely to develop the cancer. The study was conducted for almost 20 years, beginning in 1993, following the diets of 23,500 people who kept journals of their consumption.

No matter how you get them  -- food, drinks or supplements -- you should look for ways to add antioxidants to your diet. They're your body's first line of defense against disease, and with all that's out there today, we need all the help we can get.

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/what-are-antioxidants-benefits-these-free-radical-fighters-394#.VIkgJcm17uc

Does green tea have caffeine? Seven things you need to know

If you want to completely eliminate caffeine from your diet, you will have to add green tea to your list of forbidden foods. However, if you merely want to reduce your caffeine intake, you may want to substitute green tea for coffee as your morning pick-me-up beverage. Consider these facts about green tea:

1. As long as the number of cups you drink remains the same, replacing your morning coffee with a cup of green tea will reduce your caffeine intake by about 70%. One cup of coffee contains 100-150mg of caffeine; a cup of green tea has only about 25mg of caffeine. However, there are many variables affecting these numbers. For example, the caffeine content of different types of green tea can vary; also a longer brewing period can result in more strongly caffeinated tea.

2. Green tea contains two other stimulants in addition to caffeine. These substances, theobromine and theophylline, may affect heart rate and the central nervous system in a way somewhat similar to caffeine. These substances are also found in chocolate.

3. The combined stimulant effects of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline in green tea may be balanced by another substance in the tea, the amino acid L-Theanine which simultaneously calms the nervous system and enhances concentration abilities.

4.Take some time to consider your reasons for wanting to eliminate caffeine from your diet. If you experience negative effects such as anxiety, irritability or insomnia after drinking coffee, consider whether these might be related to the number of cups you drink per day, the time of day when you consume coffee, and what you add to your coffee to sweeten it. You may want to try cutting down on the number of cups you drink per day, switching to another beverage after early afternoon and/or cutting down on the sugar you add to your coffee. There is increasing evidence that caffeine is not as much of a dietary culprit as experts previously thought. For example, some studies indicate caffeine intake may have a protective effect against Parkinson's disease as well as liver and colorectal cancers.

5. If you feel certain that the caffeine in coffee is having a negative effect on your health, or if your health goals include weight loss or better dental health, you may want to switch from coffee to green tea, either entirely or midway through the day. Green tea boosts metabolism, helping the body burn fat more efficiently. Unlike coffee, which gives people bad breath, green tea has a natural antibiotic effect, killing bacteria in the mouth, which not only combats bad breath but can contribute to better dental check-ups. Also, green tea can help protect against heart disease.

6. As with any foods, careful selection of the most natural product helps you receive more of the potential health benefits. Most prepared teas in cans or bottles are pre-sweetened, often with high fructose corn syrup. Also, Japanese green tea leaves are often treated with fluoride. Try to select tea bags or loose tea leaves which are not chemically treated. How you prepare the tea can also have an effect: many health experts believe boiling water destroys the flavonoids in green tea which give it its healing potency. You may want to heat the water without bringing it to a full boil to preserve the positive effects of green tea.

7. If you want to receive the healing benefits of green tea without any caffeine, you can purchase decaffeinated tea. Green tea which is labeled as "naturally decaffeinated" has been treated with the chemical solvent ethyl acetate. A healthier choice is green tea where the caffeine has been removed through a process of "effervescence" using carbon dioxide (CO2) and water.

Sources: http://www.naturalnews.com/034227_green_tea_caffeine.html

Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead

During cold and flu season, many people turn to over the counter medications to relieve their symptoms. There's another way to combat seasonal illness that utilizes herbs and other natural remedies. While many people prefer the former, some choose the latter since natural remedies generally have fewer side effects and can be just as effective. Below, you’ll find a list of natural remedies that you can try if cold or flu symptoms are making you miserable.

Echinacea
American Indians have used the echinacea plant for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. It's a native plant from the North America Plains, but nowadays, you can find it almost anywhere. This herb stimulates the production of properdin. This is a chemical that activates the immune defense against viral and bacterial attacks. Not only that, it also has antibacterial quality that makes it an effective treatment for various types of viral and bacterial infections including colds and flu. Echinacea can also effectively cleanse the blood by sweeping away dead cells as well as release white blood cells to combat infection.

Olive Leaf
Scientifically known as Olea europaea, this herb originated in Ancient Egypt. It was used in the early 1800s to fight high fevers. Some decades later, it was used as treatment for malaria. Over the centuries, olive leaf has become popular as a potent herb to fight diseases and infections. Various studies have been done to probe the powers of the olive leaf. Findings tell us that this plant extract can regulate levels of blood pressure, increase energy, support cardiovascular system and enhance the defensive mechanism of the immune system. It also has excellent antiviral compounds that can block viruses as they try to invade the host. Moreover, it has the ability to penetrate into infected cells to put a stop to any viral replication process.

Hawthorn
Hawthorn was primarily known as a heart ailment remedy back in the first century. During the early 1800s, American doctors used it to treat diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart failure, high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries were some of the health issues that hawthorn was used for. Nowadays, the leaves and flowers are used less for heart ailments but still used in other medicinal treatments. Since this plant contains antioxidants like quercetin and oligomeric procyandins (OPCs), it can help in the destruction of free radicals that cause damage to the cell membranes. It also works to strengthen the immune system, so the body has a better chance of fighting off viral infections like cold and flu.

Garlic
Garlic has long been considered an effective remedy for cold and flu symptoms. A pungent herb that was originally used in Ancient Egypt, it was given to the slaves that built the Great Pyramids when they fell ill. Garlic has can boost the immune system and help the body fight infections effectively. Garlic also has antibacterial properties and contains powerful compounds such as allicin, one of the most potent natural antibiotics that can be found in the plant kingdom.

Onion
A close relative of garlic, onion also has the same infection-fighting properties. It also contains similar antiviral powers. For this reason, many alternative medicine proponents recommend the use of onions and leeks in cooking especially for people who have colds and flu.

Ginger
Ginger has antiseptic, antioxidant, antiviral and pain relieving properties that make it one of the most effective natural remedies for cold and flu. It can also be used for treating sore throats as well as inflammation of the mucous membranes. Ginger also gives off a mild sedative effect that can ease pain and fever symptoms and enable you to rest properly. Drink it in tea form or soak fresh ginger in hot water. You can also use ginger when cooking or as an ingredient in a refreshing smoothie.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well known cold and flu fighters. It's a powerful antioxidant that's extremely effective in providing relief for cold and flu symptoms. You can get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables like oranges, pineapples, grapes, ginger, bananas and cantaloupe. Incorporate dark leafy veggies into your meal.

Cold and flu symptoms are irritating, but they don't have to interrupt your life for long if you consider any of these potent natural remedies.

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/natural-cold-flu-remedies-198#.VIgqeMm17uc

How to Beat Jet Lag this Holiday Season

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

Traveling can take quite a toll on your body. Poor sleep and the exposure to germs in places like airports can weaken your immune system and raise your stress levels. Follow these tips throughout your travels to feel your best before, during and after your trip.

Before You Leave
Planning for your trip means more than choosing which outfits to bring. Taking the right steps to prep your body will set you up for success.

• Strengthen your immune system in the weeks leading up to your trip with additional antioxidants like vitamin C, adaptogen herbs like holy basil and mushrooms like maitake.
• Stock up on plenty of your supplements to bring along, especially since you may be indulging in foods you don't normally consume.
• Try a more relaxing workout the night before travel, like yoga, which will stretch you out -- sore, cramped muscles are no fun while traveling.

While You're In Transit
Now that you've prepped your body, it's time to get on the road. What you do during travel will impact how you feel afterward in every way.

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, as they'll further disrupt your sleep schedule later.
• Dress comfortably in layers to promote relaxation and store up your energy for when you arrive. Breathable fabrics are best.
• Get up and stretch every hour, no matter your mode of transit. Not only does in promote proper circulation while you're traveling but also sore muscles and swelling after.
• Pack hand sanitizer and an immunity booster to help bolster your body's natural defenses in germ-filled areas.
• Let your body breathe by ditching the heavy makeup and pack some moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out.

Once You Arrive at Your Destination
After arriving in your time zone, you need to take care of yourself to help your body adjust faster, so you don't miss out on any time with friends and family.

• Try to stay up as long as possible, going to bed at the normal time in your new time zone.
• Continue drinking lots of fluids to rehydrate and reduce any bloating or swelling from the flight.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber to assist your digestive system, which can become sluggish. A probiotic is also a good idea for digestive support as well as immunity.
• Do your best to get some regular exercise. Use your own body weight to strength train and pack a jumprope for some cardio that doesn't take up much space.

After You Return Home
Once you get back from your vacation, there are a few simple steps you can take to properly readjust and get back to normal as soon as possible.

• Use a natural sleep aid like melatonin for up to two weeks to reset your sleep cycle back to your regular pattern.
• Return to your normal workout routine gradually, allowing your body ample time to adjust.
• Drink some green juice each morning to get some extra nutrients.
• Continue taking your probiotic to keep your body's natural defenses heightened and restore your digestive system back to regularity.
• Drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

You can find the supplements mentioned in this post at eVitamins. Shop today for great savings. Happy traveling!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/how-beat-jet-lag-holiday-season-1082#.VIgh5cm17uc

Black Seed Is Centuries-old Herbal Remedy

Black Seed Is Centuries-old Herbal Remedy

Black seeds (Nigella sativa) look similar in shape and size to a sesame seed and pack plenty of healthful properties into that tiny package.

This aromatic spice is used to support the health of the digestive and respiratory systems, especially the liver and kidneys. Taking black seed also helps proper circulation and keeps the immune system heightened to fight off threats of illness. This seed also contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, which support the heart and the brain.

The best black seed oil is cold pressed to keep all the nutrients intact. Shop for black seed supplements from your favorite brands and save big!

Product Information

The broncho-dilating effects of Black Seed herb have been known for centuries by traditional healers throughout the world. Two of the primary active ingredients in Black Seed, nigellone and thymoquinone have been attributed its broncho-dilating (relaxes and opens breathing passageways) and secretion-dissolving (loosens mucos) effect. Thus making it a suitable natural alternative for all types of allergic and infectious disorders of the respiratory tract, such as asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, hacking cough, and other cold-like symptoms. Unlike some other herbal alternatives, Black Seed is completely safe to use, with no side effects. It is an herb for kidney and liver support as well.


NOTES: Discover the Secret of Black Seed

Black Seed truly is an Amazing Herb! For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil has been used by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, and Africa to support their health. An aromatic spice, similar looking to sesame seed except black in color, it has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and for general overall well-being. Black Seed is also known as Black Cumin, Black Caraway Seed, Habbatul Baraka (the Blessed Seed), and by its botanical name "Nigella Sativa".

Since 1959, over 200 studies at international universities and articles published in various journals have shown remarkable results supporting its traditional uses recorded almost 1,400 years ago.
While the Black Seed is highly effective by itself, ongoing studies with the combination of other herbs have produced remarkable results.

Amazingly Black Seed's chemical composition is very rich and diverse. Aside from its primary ingredient, crystalline nigellone, Black Seed contains 15 amBlackino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, both fixed oils (84% fatty acids, including linolenic, and oleic), and volatile oils, alkaloids, saponin, and crude fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. There are still many components in Black Seed that haven't been identified. But research is going on around the world.