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."

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

Oatstraw Extract and Chicoric Acid for Energy, Stress

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

 

The quest for more energy and less stress seems never ending. As we cram more and more into our schedules, the business takes a toll on our bodies that's hard to ignore. However, with the recent news about the safety of energy drinks and supplements (and all the positive news surrounding coffee) many of these busy people also don't know what to take to wind them up or down.

On the January 14 episode of "The Dr. Oz Show," Dr. Mehmet Oz introduced some new energy boosters and stress fighters as alternatives to energy drinks and other products that can have negative health impacts. Two immediately stuck out as unfamiliar and worth a second look: oatstraw extract and chicoric acid.

Oatstraw Extract
Produced from Avena sativa, oatstraw extract gives you the boost you need by going right to the brain. This extract is known to increase brain function by encouraging greater blood flow to the brain to enable activity (greater oxygen from the blood means greater activity) and by preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters. The more active neurotransmitters, the more lively your brain.

Dr. Oz recommended adding 2 tsp of liquid extract to your coffee or juice in the morning and then repeating once later in the day if needed. The liquid extract is nice because it has virtually no flavor, so you can still enjoy your beverages. A side benefit? Oatstraw extract is known to increase sex drive, perhaps inspiring the phrase "sow your wild oats," as Dr. Oz pointed out.

Chicoric Acid
This active compound found in some plants is a known stress fighter for its ability to reduce levels of coritsol (the stress hormone) and boost levels of molecules that support feelings of happiness and calm, like dopamine and serotonin. This action makes chicoric acid a natural antidepressant. Another great benefic of chicoric acid is its demonstrated ability to reduce inflammation that can cause stress-related pains.

Perhaps the most well known source of chicoric acid is chicory root, which is a common coffee substitute, especially in the southern United States. Basil also possesses chicoric acid, as pointed out on the show, as well as dandelion root. However, you can also find supplements available if you're not interested in any of those foods.

Other Ways to Boost Energy and Cut Stress
In addition to these remedies, you can combat energy slumps and crippling stress through diet and lifestyle changes. Try these tips to give yourself a boost:

 

• Go to bed, get up and eat at the same time everyday.
• Sleep at least seven hours a night.
• Exercise first thing in the morning to wake yourself up or take a walk during your lunch hour.
• Pack meals and snacks rich in protein and fiber.
• Practice meditation at night to prepare your body for deep, restful sleep.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Making these changes can really impact how you feel throughout your day. Shop for oatstraw and chicoric acid supplements at eVitamins and we'll be back soon with more Dr. Oz!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/oz-recap-oatstraw-extract-chicoric-acid-energy-555#.VIkbw8m17uc

6 Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

By Rachel Zachar

As many of us are already beginning to experience the frigidness of winter, it's common to start noticing the physical effects that winter has on our bodies. In many winter climates, the dry air and lack of sunshine can negatively impact our skin, hair and even overall wellbeing. Here are some ways to keep the winter from wreaking havoc on your health.

1. Take zinc.
Winter is prime time for cold and flu season. Zinc may be able to slightly reduce the amount of time a cold lasts and help to lessen the severity of symptoms. Taking zinc at the onset of symptoms may be able to provide some benefits. According to Prevention magazine, using zinc lozenges may be able to aid with preventing the cold virus from accelerating and making a home in your airways, causing you to become sick.

2. Moisturize your skin.
Arid winter air is a common culprit of dry, cracked and flaky skin. With a lack of moisture in the air comes extreme dryness, which can cause your skin to become red, itchy and irritated. During winter, it's extremely important to step your moisturizing game up a notch, reaching for heavier products than you would during the spring and summer. Lotions and body creams that are specifically formulated for dry skin and contain nourishing ingredients like jojoba, green tea and chamomile can help saturate your skin with intense hydration.

3. Keep hair hydrated.
Hair often becomes dry, brittle and staticky in the winter, so it's important to fight those effects with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Those with ingredients like shea butter can be particularly beneficial in helping to condition hair so it is less likely to dry out and lose crucial moisture. The richness of shea butter is great to use on normal hair and can help keep it soft and lustrous.
 

4. Get vitamin D.
Cloudy, gray skies work against you in the winter, as they are devoid of vitamin-D-providing rays of sunshine. Since it's likely you'll be holed up indoors for a good portion of the winter, your vitamin D levels may start to wane. If you're deficient in vitamin D, you may experience symptoms such as aches and pains in your bones, a low mood, head sweating, gut trouble and weight gain, according to Dr. Mercola. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help replenish your levels.

5. Avoid germs.
Keeping your hands free from germs is important all of the time, but particularly more so in the winter when you're at an increased chance of catching a cold or the flu. When washing your hands, however, it's important to not scrub them too much, as soap and water can cause drying effects and create chafed, chapped hands. Additionally, antibacterial gels can cause intense drying, so it's best to avoid them as much as possible. After washing your hands with lukewarm water, make sure to use a moisturizing hand cream to hydrate your skin's protective barrier and prevent against redness, cracking and even infection.

6. Fight winter depression.
With the changing seasons and less sunlight, some people experience depression related to the seasons, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  The Mayo Clinic describes SAD as a type of depression that often occurs in the fall or winter and manifests through symptoms such as hopelessness, lack of energy, lost interest in favorite activities, difficulty sleeping, sluggishness and difficult concentrating, among others. To combat SAD, options like light therapy, psychotherapy or medications are often recommended. Staying busy and active in well-lit environments may also be able to provide some support in preventing against seasonal affective disorder.

This winter, make sure you keep your body and mind in great overall condition. Stock up on  your favorite supplements and wellness products at eVitamins, and have a healthy day!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/6-ways-stay-healthy-this-winter-1071#.VIgjLcm17uc

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

How to Improve Your Prostate Health Naturally

How to Improve Your Prostate Health Naturally

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor

As a man ages, he starts hearing more and more about the need to look after the health of his prostate. While its prostate cancer that makes the news, nearly all men experience non-life threatening prostate issues in their lifetime.

The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ located beneath the bladder, surrounding the urethra. After age 40, typically, it's common for the prostate to grow bigger, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the urethra and can lead to uncomfortable or difficult urination.

A growing number of men are learning the importance of preventative care when it comes to their prostate health. You can take a comprehensive approach to improving your prostate health using simple remedies such as herbs, vitamins and minerals to prevent an enlarged prostate or reduce symptoms.

If you're interested in this kind of approach, here are the top supplements to try for continued prostate health:

1. Saw Palmetto -- Known as one of the leading herbs for improving prostate health, saw palmetto contains natural substances that assist in reducing the size of the prostate gland. It also works as a gentle diuretic, which can help men with prostate disorders urinate with greater ease.

2. Stinging Nettle -- A plant you may be able to find in your backyard, stinging nettle can be effective in reducing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and may also slow down the growth of prostate cells. The root of the stinging nettle plant is rich in vitamin C, trace minerals, chlorophyll, potassium and iron -- all of which are important for prostate health.

3. Pygeum -- This type of evergreen tree is found in Africa and the bark of the pygeum tree has been used for centuries for disorders of the bladder, including those caused by an enlarged prostate.

4. Zinc -- Studies show men with an infection of the prostate, a condition known as prostatitis, tend to have very low levels of zinc in their bodies. A zinc deficiency also commonly leads to an enlarged prostate. Foods such as pumpkin seeds, toasted wheat germ, oysters and peanuts are high in zinc -- you can also try a pumpkin seed oil supplement.

5. Vitamin C -- This essential nutrient has strong antioxidant properties within the body, helping to reduce infection, especially within the prostate gland. Vitamin C also works as an effective diuretic, to promote urination.

6. Lycopene -- An antioxidant that can be found in watermelon, tomatoes, and grapefruit, researchers have found a correlation between reduced risk of prostate cancer and the consumption of foods that contain lycopene. You can try adding lycopene in supplement form, or with these phytonutrient-rich foods, along with berries, pomegranates and broccoli.

7. Amino Acids -- Alanine, glutamic acid and glycine are found naturally in men with a healthy prostate. You can boost your prostate health by trying an amino acid supplement, available in capsule, tablet or powder form. Amino acids  protect the tissues of the body and are commonly included in workout supplements.

8. Marshmallow Root -- Not the candy, this herb can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory that may promote improved function of the genitor-urinary tract, which plays a key role in prostate health.

To maintain prostate health for the long term, it's also important to refrain from unhealthy habits such as smoking or living a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise and a healthy diet low in fat and processed foods will also have a considerable effect on your prostate health as well as your overall health.

Take the first step to making prostate health a priority and check out all of these prostate-supporting supplements and more at eVitamins. Just because prostate issues are common, it doesn't mean they have to be your new normal.

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/how-to-improve-your-prostate-health-naturally-440#.VIe0l8m17uc

6 Great Things About Grapefruit By Rachel Zachar,

When you think about common fruits that can provide benefits for your health, you might not immediately think grapefruit. However, grapefruit contains many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that can step up your health game. In addition, new research has illustrated that drinking the juice of grapefruit can supply significant support for multiple aspects of your health, including weight loss and blood sugar regulation. Let's explore some of the great ways grapefruits may be able to enhance your wellness.   1. Protects your skin Grapefruit is brimming with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and magnesium. The antioxidant vitamin C works to protect your skin from sun damage and also improve its overall appearance, tone and texture. In addition, grapefruit can provide hydration and contribute to forming collagen, one of the substances that is responsible for your skin's elasticity, firmness and fullness. Grapefruit essential oil can be applied to the skin after you dilute and combine it with a carrier oil like jojoba or avocado; however, it's best to do this before bedtime because wearing grapefruit on your skin and going out in the sun can cause strong, adverse reactions.    2. Lowers LDL cholesterol Pectin fiber is a form of fiber that can reduce hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and it's another ingredient found in grapefruit. By cutting down LDL “bad” cholesterol, grapefruit can also knock out many triglycerides and encourage healthy cholesterol levels. According to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, red grapefruit might be more effective than blond grapefruit at lowering blood triglycerides because of its lycopene content or other nutrients.   3. Provides heart support With the nutrients vitamin C, lycopene, potassium and fiber, grapefruit can provide significant support for maintaining the health of your heart. Potassium in particular can contribute to lowering blood pressure, and the other nutrients in grapefruit can improve your blood lipid levels, fight ischemic stroke and also prevent narrowing of the arteries—all of which can have an effect on your heart.    4. Fights diabetes According to recent research from UC Berkeley, grapefruit juice may be able to lower blood glucose and insulin levels, helping to regulate your blood sugar and fight diabetes. The presence of flavonoids and other nutrients in grapefruit may play a part in its effect on blood sugar.   5. May contribute to weight loss You may have heard about grapefruit being a contributor to weight loss in the past, but now there is more solid evidence for the claim. UC Berkeley researched the effect that drinking grapefruit juice had on test rats who were fed high-fat diets. The study demonstrated that rats on high-fat diets that drank grapefruit juice gained 18 percent less weight than water-drinking rats on high-fat diets; in addition, the rats that drank grapefruit juice on a high-fat also illustrated a 13 to 17 percent decrease in blood glucose levels and a threefold decrease in insulin levels. Pending human research, this new study could help solidify the connection between grapefruit juice and weight loss.    6. Supplies antioxidant protection Grapefruits are loaded with antioxidants, which can provide defense against cell-damaging free radicals and oxidation. Antioxidants work to scavenge free radicals and remove them from your body, preventing your cells from enduring damage. In addition, antioxidants can help prevent cancers caused by free radicals and benefit your immune system for an overall improvement in fighting illness.    Overall, grapefruits can provide many benefits for your health, with their nutrient-rich composition; red grapefruit is typically perceived to have more antioxidants and vitamins than the other types of grapefruit. However, consuming grapefruit is not right for everyone. If you're on any medications, it's advisable that you do not eat grapefruit or drink its juice, as it can cause adverse reactions. In addition, when applying grapefruit oil to your skin, it's important to first talk to a professional about the proper way to dilute it and do a test patch to ensure that you do not experience any allergic reactions. Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/6-great-things-about-grapefruit-1038#.VIenyMm17uc