5 Herbs That Easily Lower Blood Pressure

5 Herbs That Easily Lower Blood Pressure

We yearn to live our lives with excitement and passion. Our range of daily activities keep us mobile and self-revitalizing. We like running around, performing well at work, shouting at the top of our lungs and feeling the adrenaline course through our veins.

However, the bad habits we create for ourselves while living it up will catch up with us in due time. High blood pressure develops from a combination of factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, eating fatty foods and lack of appropriate physical activities. Family history and aging also causes our bodies to perform in sub-optimal conditions as compared to the years of our vigorous youth.

If left unattended, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and gravitate to life-threatening conditions such as heart problems, stroke and cardiac arrest. You shouldn’t wait for it to happen to you when you least expect it. Start taking proactive measures immediately to manage your blood pressure. It could be the best decision you could make for your longevity.

The common reliance on prescription drugs has produced no permanent cures for high blood pressure. You may want to consider nature’s solutions to keep your body in a state of wellness and equilibrium. The following five herbs will help you experience worry-free excitement through lower blood pressure once again when taken constantly:

1. Passion Flower

Passionflower is effective in lowering blood pressure since it reduces stress and anxiety, which are factors that can directly cause an elevation in blood pressure. It is used as a natural sleeping aid for those having bouts of sleeplessness.

2. Lavender

By massaging the body with lavender oil, you can dramatically reduce blood pressure by 50 percent. Lavender works as a vasodilator by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels, thereby causing the blood pressure to lower. Lavender oil can be applied throughout the body or by bathing using either lavender flowers or the oil itself. You can also boil lavender leaves and flowers for use internally as a tea, which has the added benefits of treating insomnia or an upset stomach.

3. Holy Basil

Stress plays a destructive role in overall cardiovascular health and the adaptogenic properties of holy basil can help alleviate stress-related damage. It prevents stress-induced biochemical changes, improves energy levels and endurance, supports healthy immune functions and promotes healthy gastric tissue which is often subjected to damage during times of stress. It also has many beneficial actions on the heart as a blood thinner and promotes good circulation. When taken daily, it can lower high blood pressure by helping optimize cholesterol levels.

4. Valerian

Valerian contains a natural tranquilizer as it relaxes muscles and lowers blood pressure. Consuming valerian daily consumption of valerian will aid in a state of overall relaxation and elimination of stress. This process will, in turn, decrease blood pressure in people experiencing hypertension.

5. Oregano

Oregano contains carvacrol which is very effective in lowering blood pressure. It reduces you heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and both your diastolic and systolic blood pressures as well. Oregano is also a viable alternative to salt in your meals, as the sodium in salt is a leading cause of high blood pressure. A high-sodium diet can lead to high blood pressure as each teaspoon of salt has more than 2,300 mg of sodium. Oregano is a sodium-free food, so it does not contribute to a higher blood pressure. A low-sodium diet for individuals with high blood pressure has a limit of 1,500 mg per day.

Source
http://naturehacks.com/5-herbs-that-lower-blood-pressure/

Eating Lemon Peels Can Lower Bad Cholesterol, Get Rid of Toxins and Provide 8 Other Health Benefits

Eating Lemon Peels Can Lower Bad Cholesterol, Get Rid of Toxins and Provide 8 Other Health Benefits

Sure, you are probably aware of the fact that squeezing some lemon into your water can provide you with a number of health benefits. It helps to speed up the metabolism and aids in digestion, among other things.

However, did you know that it’s not just the juice of the lemon – or even the meat of this citrus fruit – that is good for you? The peel actually possesses some amazingly impressive health benefits.

Here’s a look at 10 of the wonderful benefits that lemon peels can provide.

Lowers Bad Cholesterol – Not all cholesterol is bad for you; there’s actually good cholesterol that helps to keep your heart healthy. However, if you have high levels of LDLs, the bad cholesterol, lemon peels could actually help to lower them. Lemon peels are high in flavonoids, which are awesome at lowering that bad cholesterol.

Boost Bone Health – Lemon peels are an excellent way to boost the health of your bones. They contain a high amount of calcium – the stuff that your bones need to regenerate – as well as a high dose of vitamin C.

Gets Rid of Toxins – Toxic elements get into the body and they can make you weak, lower your immune system and actually contribute to a greater likelihood of being addicted to alcohol. The citrus bioflavonoids in lemon peels can help to flush out those toxins and create a healthier environment.

Lowers Stress Levels – Oxidative stress can do terrible things to the body. Eating lemon peels can reduce that oxidative stress and thus boost your health.

Combats Cancer – Did you know that lemon peels are actually used to prevent and treat cancer? It’s true! Lemon peels contain salvestrol Q40 and limonene, two compounds that can help combat cancer cells that may be present in the body.

Maintains and Improves Oral Health and Hygiene – If you want to have a brighter, whiter smile, better smelling breath and healthier teeth, then you want to add some lemon peels to your diet. They are high in vitamin D, which is vital for your oral health and hygiene. They are also high in citric acid, which helps to fight oral health problems.
  
Aids in Weight Loss – If you want to shed some weight, add some lemon peels to your diet. They have Pectin in them, which helps to promote weight loss.

Keeps the Heart Healthy – You can keep your heart healthy by consuming lemon peels. They have high levels of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure. They also help to prevent heart disease, heart attacks and diabetes.

Keeps the Skin Healthy – Want to keep your skin looking young or fight off acne? Use lemon peels. Apply them to your skin and you’ll have a glowing complexion.

Cleanses the Liver – The liver is super important to your health. Lemon peels can help to clean out fats in the liver and keep it healthy.

Sources:
http://www.newhealthguide.org/Eating-Lemon-Peel.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-lemon-peels/
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/health-benefits-and-uses-of-lemon-peel/

Sweet Potatoes Are Perfect For Diabetics

15 Reasons Why Sweet Potatoes Are Perfect For Diabetics

Sweet potatoes are a particular type of potatoes from the same order as regular ones with the difference that they are part of different species and a different family. You can find sweet potatoes in a variety of colors.

The most frequently found are the ones with white-cream and yellow-orange color. There are also sweet potatoes with purple flesh and they are extremely abundant in antioxidants. The most important thing about them is that they have excellent nutritional values.

15 Nutritious Facts:

1. Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for diabetics since they contain natural sugars that decrease and stabilize the insulin resistance in diabetics. They are also good for the regulation of the sugar levels.

2. Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibers which are good for digestion. They also prevent colon cancer and help with constipation.

3. Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids which help in producing Vitamin A. This vitamin regenerates the respiratory system. So, people with respiratory problems, especially smokers should consume sweet potatoes more often.

4. Vitamin D is also contained in sweet potatoes. This vitamin is good for the teeth, heart, skin, bones, energy levels as well as for the normal function of the thyroid gland.

5. In general there can be an improvement of the heart functioning with the help of the potassium. This vitamin lowers the impact of the sodium, regulates blood pressure and makes a balance of the electrolytes.

The sweet potato has Vitamin B6 that prevents heart attacks, strokes and degenerative diseases.

6. The potassium in the sweet potatoes is good for healthy tissues and muscles. It also helps in reducing swelling and cramps, provides with energy and relaxes the muscles. It also regulates heartbeats and nerve signals.

7. Beta –carotene in the sweet potato acts like an anti –oxidant. It helps with arthritis, gout and asthma, protects against lung and breast cancer and it also reduces aging effects.

8. Since sweet potatoes are rich in folic acid, they are a great source of folic for healthy fetal development. Pregnant women should consume more sweet potatoes.

9. The potassium content in potatoes increases the flow of oxygen, regulates the balance of the body’s water and normalizes the heartbeats. The magnesium content on the other hand acts as an anti-stress agent.

10. Vitamin C is crucial for the entire body’s function and sweet potatoes have abundance of it.

11. Sweet potatoes are also rich in iron that has a crucial role in the producing of red and white blood cells. That’s why they help against anemia.

12. Did you know that you can use the water from the boiled potatoes for treating your skin? Especially for irritation of the skin, cleaning the pores and absorbing impurities.

The Vitamin C contained in the sweet potato will produce collagen while the vitamin E will help in the improvement of the complexion of the skin. Anthocyanins will help you in removing wrinkles and purifying the dark circles around the eyes.

13. If you suffer from painful pre-menstrual symptoms, the iron and manganese in sweet potatoes will soothe them.

14.Having problems with damaged hair and dandruff? The beta-carotene will prevent them and it will also stimulate hair growth.

15. Since sweet potatoes have an abundance of the vitamins vital for the enzyme, protein and carbohydrate metabolism you should consume them more often. However, you need to consult a doctor if you have ever had oxalate urinary tract stones.

Source: www.dailynutritionnews.com

Health Benefits of Dates

Health Benefits of Dates

The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia,  sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Dates are good for gaining weight also. Dates are rich in several vitamins, minerals and fiber too. These delicious fruits contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are all beneficial for health. Some health specialists have said that eating one day per day is necessary for a balanced and healthy diet.

The massive health benefits of dates have made them one of the best ingredients for muscle development. People consume dates in several ways, such as mixing the paste of the dates with milk, yogurt or with bread or butter to make them even more delicious. The paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during a time of recovery from injury or illness.

According to a modern medical survey, it is now accepted that dates are useful in preventing abdominal cancer. Many Muslims break their fast by eating dates and water according to their cultural traditions. Breaking fast by eating dates helps avoid overeating of food after the fast is finished. When the body begins to absorb the high nutritional value of the dates, feelings of hunger are pacified. Also, the nervous system can get a lot of help from consuming dates, since they have such significant amounts of potassium.

Dates are one of the very best sweet and versatile foods that can regulate the digestive process. It can significantly boost energy levels in people within half an hour of consuming it. The American Cancer Society recommends an intake of 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day, which can be supplied through dates. It is also said that taking one date per a day will help you to maintain your eye health all your life. They are commonly known to be quite effective in guarding against the problem of night blindness.

Nutritional Value of Dates

Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals. Its a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc are found in dates.  It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K.

Health Benefits of Dates

Constipation: Dates are often categorized as a laxative food. This is why dates are so frequently eaten by people suffering from constipation. In order to achieve the desired laxative effect of dates, you should soak them in water over night. Then, eat the soaked dates in the morning like syrup to get the most optimal results. Dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation.

Bone Health and Strength: The significant amounts of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Dates contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. So, eat your dates and give a boost to your bones!

Intestinal Disorders: The nicotine content in dates is thought to be beneficial for curing many kinds of intestinal disorders. Continuous intake of dates helps to inhibit growth of the pathological organisms and thus, they help stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. In terms of digestive issues, dates contain those insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as many beneficial amino acids which can stimulate the digestion of food and make it more efficient, meaning that more nutrients will be absorbed by the digestive tract and enter your body for proper usage.

Anemia: Dates have a high mineral content, which is beneficial for many different health conditions, but their impressive levels of iron make them a perfect dietary supplement for people suffering from anemia. The high level of iron balances out the inherent lack of iron in anemic patients, increasing energy and strength, while decreasing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.

Allergies: One of the most interesting facets of dates is the presence of organic sulfur in them. This is not a very common element to find in foods, but it does have a worthwhile amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies. According to a study done in 2002, organic sulfur compounds can have a positive impact on the amount of suffering people experience from SAR (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis), which affects approximately 23 million people in the United States alone. Dates are a great way to somewhat stem the effects of those seasonal allergies through its contributions of sulfur to the diet.

Weight Gain: Dates should be included as a  part of a healthy diet. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential vitamins. If dates are consumed with cucumber paste, you can also keep your weight at a normal, balanced level, rather than over-slimming. One kilogram of dates contains almost 3,000 calories, and the calories in dates are sufficient to meet the daily requirements for a human body. Of course, you should not eat just dates throughout the day. If you are thin and slim and want to increase your weight, or if you are trying to build your muscles to impress some girl, or you have become weak due to a serious medical problem – you need to eat dates!

Energy Booster: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Therefore, they are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy. Many people around the world use dates for a quick afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic or sluggish.

Nervous System Health: The vitamins present in dates make it an ideal boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. Therefore, dates are a wonderful food source for people as they begin to age and their nervous system becomes sluggish or unsupported, as well as for people who want to keep their mind sharp.

Healthy Heart: Dates are quite helpful in keeping your heart healthy. When they are soaked for the night, crushed in the morning and then consumed, they have been shown to have a positive effect on weak hearts. Dates are also a rich source of potassium, which studies have shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart related diseases. Furthermore, they are suggested as a healthy and delicious way to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, which is a major contributing factor heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, when taken twice a week, dates can seriously improve the overall health of the heart.

Sexual Weakness: Studies have shown that dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk over night, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. This mixture becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sexual endurance and reducing sterility caused by various sexual disorders. The science behind this phenomenon is largely due to traditional usage which stimulated formal research. In 2006, Bahmanpour studied the effects of date palms and their oil on sexual functioning and found that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components of dates are what increase sperm count and motility, as well as promoting increased testes size and weight. So, if you are looking for a masculine boost, eat some dates, because they are a great natural aphrodisiac!

Night Blindness: The benefits of dates are extensive, and are commonly employed to fight off various conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. When the leaves of the date palm are ground into a paste and rubbed on and around the eyes, or when dates are ingested orally, it has been shown to reduce the frequency of night blindness, and this solution is commonly used in rural areas where dates grow as an alternative medicine.

Intoxication: Dates are commonly used as a remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates provide quick relief and have a sobering effect in case you feel as though have consumed an uncomfortable amount of alcohol. They can also be used the following morning to prevent severe hangovers. Again, they should be rubbed and soaked overnight for the best results.

Diarrhea: Ripe dates contain potassium, which is known as an effective way of controlling diarrhea. They are also easy to digest, which further helps alleviate the unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhea. The soluble fiber in dates can also help relieve diarrhea, by providing bulk to the bowel movements and promoting normal, healthy functioning of the excretory system.

Abdominal Cancer: Research has pointed towards dates being a legitimate way to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. They work as a useful tonic for all age groups, and in some cases, they work better than traditional medicines, and are natural, so they don’t have any negative side effects on the human body. They can be quickly and easily digested for a quick boost of energy.

Although dates carry tremendous nutritional values, great care should be taken in their selection because their surface is very sticky, which often attracts various impurities. Therefore, you should only consume dates that are processed and packaged properly. Also, make sure to wash them thoroughly before you eat them, as this will help remove the impurities present on the surface.

Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

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

MegaFood Products Suit Range of Dietary Needs

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

In today's society, no two people eat the same. Whether for personal, medical or religious reasons, consumers are tailoring their diets to remove certain food groups or ingredients that don't suit their needs or their health.

MegaFood has taken note of these changes and made adjustments to their most popular products to make them suitable for a wider audience, removing common allergens, chemicals and animal products.

Here are all the important certifications MegaFood products have and what they mean for the customer:

Non-GMO
When a product is labeled as non-GMO, this means the product doesn't contain any genetically modified or engineered organisms. Foods that are commonly genetically modified include corn and soybeans, which can be found in many supplements in some form.

Non-GMO Project Verified
This labeling takes non-GMO a step further. The Non-GMO Project began in 2008, allowing products to be evaluated by a third party to determine if they were, in fact, free of genetically modified organisms. Products that are determine to be non-GMO by this organization are given a seal customers can look for on the product.

In June of this year, several of MegaFood's products were non-GMO verified by the Non-GMO Project, including Blood Builder. MegaFood's production facility was also recognized by the Non-GMO Project. This facility is now a certified handler of non-GMO ingredients and productions, according to a press release.

Vegetarian
Someone who is vegetarian typically doesn't consume the meat or flesh of any animals. This usually excludes red meat and poultry from the diet and may also exclude seafood. Eggs and dairy products are usually left in the diet as a source of protein.

Vegan
If you follow a vegan lifestyle, this means avoiding all animal ingredients and byproducts. For a product to be vegan, it cannot contain meat, dairy, eggs or animal products or substances like gelatin or oil for animals. Since vegans typically don't consume any type of animal or insect – this may also exclude products like honey, which is produced by bees and commercially collected.

Soy Free
As previously mentioned, various forms of soy can be found in processed foods and supplements, as derived from whole soybeans. Some people are allergic to soy or avoid it for other reasons, like the fact a lot of soybeans are genetically modified. Soy can also have a phytoestrogen effect on the body, acting like the hormone estrogen.

Dairy Free
Dairy ingredients include milk and eggs, which are common allergens that can cause potentially dangerous side effects. They can also cause digestive upset, such as cramping, bloating and gas, in some individuals who don't tolerate them as well. Dairy is typically avoided by all vegans and some vegetarians.

Herbicide and Pesticide Free
Herbicides and pesticides have become a part of modern farming. These chemicals are used to ward off insects and other parasites that can destroy crops, help the organism withstand the elements and to help it grow larger and faster. Organic farming doesn't use any of these chemicals.

Kosher
For a food product, like a supplement, to be considered Kosher, it must be produced according to a specific set of guidelines. These guidelines cover how animals are raised, slaughtered and processed and how fruits, vegetables are grains are grown and harvested. These guidelines are a part of Jewish dietary law, or kashrut, and aim to limit the consumption of hazardous or unclean foods that don't contribute to the overall health of the individual.

Gluten Free
Gluten is a substance found in wheat, barley and rye which helps dough to rise and creates that springy texture. This gluten can be toxic to certain individuals, causing digestive distress. In those with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease, gluten causes the body to attack the intestines, permanently damaging them and preventing the absorption of vital nutrients.

Look for the labeling pertaining to each of the certifications listed here on MegaFood products to determine which ones are right for your needs and lifestyle. Not all products have all of these certifiecations. The researchers at MegaFood continue to develop products suitable for people of all dietary needs and restrictions.

Check out our selection of MegaFood products at eVitamins and stay tuned for further updates!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/megafood-products-suit-range-dietary-needs-759#.VIkpYsm17uc

Deva Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin and Mineral 

Product Information

Get your baby's life off to a healthy start with the Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin and Mineral One Daily from Deva. These 100-percent vegan daily supplements are designed to provide the most essential nutrients to both mother and child without exposing them to animal products. Vegan and vegetarian women often struggle to get the proper daily amount of vitamin B12, folic acid and other nutrients that ensure proper health and fetal development. Every vitamin and mineral in the Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin and Mineral One Daily aids helps baby grow properly while mom stay healthy, too. Start the journey to motherhood off right with the Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin and Mineral One Daily from Deva. Order it today from eVitamins and save big!

WARNINGS: Always consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements on our website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

NOTES: Contains no yeast, wheat, gluten, starch, sugar, salt, hexane, dairy, egg, fish; artificial preservatives, flavors or fragrance; animal products, byproducts or derivatives. All Deva products are 100% vegan, vegetarian and certified by the Vegan Society, the non-profit organization that actually invented the word "vegan."

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

High Blood Pressure and Women's Health

By Dr. Steve Vasilev, MD
One in three American adults has high blood pressure, and around half of all adults with a diagnosis of hypertension or high blood pressure are women! This runs a bit contrary to common thought, but is actually easily explained by a few different factors:

1. Age Variations 
High blood pressure is thought to occur more often in men than women. Before age 50, women have a lower risk of hypertension than men. However, after age 55 the reverse is true. It’s possible this is due to the protection offered by higher estrogen production in premenopausal years. But the good news at any age is that it takes a higher average blood pressure in women to get symptoms of cardiovascular disease than men. The reasons for this are unclear.

2. Medication 
There are some medications that put women at higher risk for hypertension with the most common being oral birth control. This increased risk is amplified if you’re also a smoker and overweight. It’s the main reason you would need your blood pressure checked before starting or renewing an oral birth control prescription. There are other common medications to be wary of, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, and some drugs for migraines and weight loss. This is why it’s very important to discuss any new medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some can cause more problems than they’re worth.

3. Pregnancy 
Women can develop temporary bouts of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Known as gestational hypertension, it’s a very serious condition and must be monitored closely. Gestational hypertension may require treatment and may also mean you have an increased risk of hypertension and stroke later in life. This is a very special form of hypertension and since any treatment can affect both you and your developing baby, it isn’t something to ignore.

4. Post-menopause 
Once a woman is postmenopausal, blood pressure starts to rise as well as hypertension related kidney disease. The mechanism for this is uncertain, but thought to be related to dropping estrogen levels. Although estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is no longer the indiscriminate standard for everyone, you should discuss whether or not you would benefit from ERT with your doctor. Having said that, postmenopausal hypertension is a complex disease, likely related to many factors that aren’t yet clear and can be harder to treat.

5. Race
For both genders, ethnic background affects risk for developing high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates people of Mexican American and non-Hispanic Caucasian decent tended to have “normal” blood pressure levels compared collectively to people of non-Hispanic descent or African Americans. This isn’t something you can escape, but prevention still goes a long way no matter what your race.

Prevention is crucial because it can be very effective in avoiding major problems later in life. If early hypertension is ignored, it can quickly progress and easily lead to such life-threatening issues as stroke, heart attack, damage to the kidneys, major vision problems and more. At the very least, self-monitor your blood pressure using free resources (many pharmacies have “DIY” blood pressure stations). Ideally, get checked at least once per year for high blood pressure and regularly discuss your overall health with your physician.

As far as what you can do to prevent hypertension on your own, there is a lot! In fact, although it’s important to work with your doctor to maintain health, a doctor can’t hand you a prescription pill that will do all the work for you in preventing high blood pressure. It is largely up to you.

For starters, the big three are exercise, healthy diet and staying away from bad habits that can negatively impact your health. That may sound trite, but it’s true. Try to eat as much of a plant-based diet as possible, stay away from fast food, get moderate exercise at least three times per week, avoid cigarettes and develop ways to manage life’s stress. As far as managing stress, consider yoga or other mind-body relaxation techniques such as bio-feedback.

The above will get you 80 percent of the way to a healthy, hypertension-free life. If you want to add some additional benefits, consider these supplements and botanicals that can help support healthy blood pressure:

• Coenzyme Q10 (otherwise known simply as CoQ10, ubiquinone or ubiquinol)
• Fish oil supplements (ideally from krill, but any is better than none)
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Garlic
• Hawthorn

If you follow this general advice above, you’ll have a great chance of avoiding high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease and get back on a healthy track if you have hypertension. Working closely with your doctor can help you better manage your blood pressure, if you’ve already been diagnosed.

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/high-blood-pressure-women-s-health-670#.VIkdXMm17uc