Heart Supplements

What are the best brain foods and dietary supplements that can help sharpen your powers of concentration - even enhance your memory, attention span and brain function?

There’s increasing evidence to suggest you can maintain a healthy brain by adding ‘smart’ foods and beverages to your diet.

For instance, caffeine is a popular stimulant that energizes your brain and helps you to focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you an unmistakable buzz - although its effects only last a short while. Not only that, overdoing caffeine can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Glucose metabolized from sugars and carbs in your diet is your brain's preferred fuel source - which is why a glass of something sweet can stimulate memory, thought processes and mental ability. But go easy on the sugar so it doesn’t pack on the pounds.

Studies show that eating breakfast regularly instead of skipping it improves short-term memory and attention - especially if it contains high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits.

Fish is a great protein source that’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. Higher levels of dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks, a slower rate of mental decline and enhanced memory, especially with age. To boost both brain and heart health, consume two servings of fish weekly.

Nuts and seeds are great sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, believed to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which boost concentration. Up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate will easily give you all the mental benefits you need without excess calories, fat or sugar.

A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and reduce risk of plaque buildup - while also enhancing blood flow to the brain. Whole grains also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Not only that, the fat in avocados is the good monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.

Research in animals shows that blueberries protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.

Lack of essential nutrients can decrease your ability to concentrate. Similarly, eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. To fully benefit your brain, always consume a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.

While initial reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene and magnesium are promising, supplements are really only useful to people whose diet is lacking in specific nutrients. In this respect, health experts are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral and herb combinations.

To boost your powers of concentration, start your day with a meal of 100% fruit juice, whole-grain bread or bagel with salmon and a cup of coffee.

Along with eating a well-balanced meal, experts also suggest the following brain-boosting tips:

• Getting a good night's sleep;
• Staying well hydrated;
• Exercising regularly to sharpen thinking processes;
• Meditation for clear thinking and relaxed productivity.

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You may already have heard of resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant and anti-aging compound found in wine, fruits like pomegranate, some nuts and cocoa and how it promises remarkable health benefits.

Typically associated with grapes and red wine, some health experts believe resveratrol may be the solution to the puzzling ‘French Paradox’ - the observation that the French enjoy excellent heart health even though they eat rich, fattening food, smoke a lot and love to drink red wine.

Indeed, studies have shown that resveratrol protects the body from damaging molecules that trigger harmful inflammation.

Normally, inflammation is the body’s natural response to invading bacteria and viruses. However, an improper diet and environmental toxins can lead to a harmful condition known as chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to chronic diseases including heart disease.

Unlike most antioxidants, reservatrol can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and nervous system - helping the body fight off free radical damage, high BP, heart and blood vessel damage, Alzheimer’s disease onset and much more.

Interestingly, low doses of resveratrol were seen to mimic the effects of a restricted calorie diet (defined as 20-30 percent fewer calories than normal) in mice. Restricted calorie diets have previously been shown to increase longevity in laboratory conditions.

Red grapes produce resveratrol as a defense against fungi.  Grapes with extra thick skins and numerous seeds make the most, which is why red wine has a lot of resveratrol…and why enjoying a glass or two is actually good for your health. Just remember that red wine is only beneficial for your health when consumed in moderation.

If you’re not a big red wine drinker, resveratrol is also found in cocoa, dark chocolate, green teas and peanuts.

Resveratrol is also available in supplement form. However, it’s important to remember that not all nutritional supplements are created equally, so you need to be careful when choosing one.

Finally, taking supplements should never be a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. But when it comes to protecting your health, resveratrol is clearly an important nutritional anti-aging asset you can’t afford to do without.

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Did you know you can easily lose weight - along with boosting your skin, liver, kidney, heart and brain health - simply by adding a few spices to your food?

Regular use of these three flavorful spices in your diet will boost your overall health, along with melting away excess pounds around your waist.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is the bright yellow spice that both flavors and gives its color to most south Asian curries. Made from the root of the plant curcuma longa, it has been used in traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda (‘The Science of Life’) for centuries. Extracts of curcuma longa are routinely used to treat dyspepsia, liver disease, flatulence, urinary tract disease, to purify the blood and directly on the skin for many ailments.

Turmeric is the highest source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects the liver from free radical damage. Turmeric also helps the body metabolize fats by reducing fat storage in liver cells. 

Recently curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric and its chemical derivatives, the curcuminoids, have been shown to have powerful healing properties in the brain - with tremendous implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Experts believe that age-related diseases of the brain are triggered by waste products of oxidative damage and inflammation. Curcumin reverses the actions of these waste products, making it a highly promising anti-aging candidate.

GARLIC

Garlic is a miracle food. It contains the compound allicin which acts against bacterial infections, along with reducing unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Garlic also contains the powerful antioxidants C and E, and the mineral selenium.

Not only that, garlic lowers levels of the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and raise levels of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol in the short term. It keeps LDL cholesterol in blood from oxidizing and damaging the lining of blood vessels, which is the first step in the formation of plaque leading to heart disease. It may also dissolve clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic kills many bacteria, fungi and yeast. Further, animal studies show that garlic slows progression of colon, lung and esophageal cancers.

CINNAMON

Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture showed that one-quarter To 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with food helps to metabolize sugar up to an astonishing 20 times better than without cinnamon.  Excess sugar in the blood leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fat storage.  By balancing blood sugar levels, cinnamon keeps mood and energy levels stable.

It’s very easy to get all these health benefits in your life - simply start adding a quarter teaspoon of turmeric and a clove or two of fresh garlic to vegetable dishes, soups, stir-fries, stews and curries. Similarly, along with sweet foods and desserts, small amounts of cinnamon can also be used in savory Asian-inspired foods like curries, stir-fries and stews. 

One out of very two people struggles with weight, need some help? Check out these dietary supplements that can assist you with your weight management goals.

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Three Spices for Health and Weight Loss.

Energy drinks are very popular nowadays, especially with teens and athletes - perhaps you’re a fan as well.

A recent study looked at the benefits and risks that come with regular energy drink consumption. In 2003, 16% of teens reported consuming them regularly - however, consumption had risen sharply to 35% by 2008. In fact, one study found that 50% of students drank at least 1-4 of these drinks in a typical month.

A sharp increase in energy drink-related emergency room visits led to demands that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) look into the effects of energy drinks on health.

Currently, the amount of caffeine added to energy drinks is not regulated by the FDA, so labeled amounts are often inaccurate. Also, the claims made by manufacturers on the ability of such drinks to maintain energy levels have not been verified.

The study authors examined the most common ingredients - caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, sugars and B vitamins - and assessed their effects on health.

Levels of caffeine, the main ingredient, vary widely between brands. Energy drinks may contain higher levels of caffeine than indicated on the label.

A typical cup of coffee contains 80-120 milligrams of caffeine, while tea has 50 mg and a 12-ounce cola roughly 65 mg. On the other hand, a 16-ounce Red Bull contains 154 mg while a 24-ounce Wired X505 contains 505 mg. While there is no prescribed safety limit for caffeine, excessive consumption has been linked to high BP, premature birth and even possibly sudden death.

Guarana is a South American plant that contains a caffeine-like compound called guaranine. One gram of guarana is equal to 40 mg of caffeine. In spite of this, guarana is usually not included in the total caffeine tally. And since the FDA has not tested guarana for human consumption, its risks and benefits are almost completely unknown.

Sugar in the form of sucrose, glucose, or high fructose corn syrup ranges from 21 grams to 34 grams in every 8 ounces of a typical energy drink. Teens who consume 2 or 3 drinks daily could be taking in 120-180 mg of sugar - or 4-6 times the maximum recommended daily intake - placing them at risk for obesity and dental problems.

Taurine is a common amino acid that supports brain development and regulates mineral and water levels. The amount of taurine consumed from energy drinks is higher than from a normal diet - as yet there is no evidence that this is unhealthy. In fact, many energy drinks that claim to be healthy contain excess, unregulated amounts of vitamins or minerals you can normally get from your diet.

The problem is, you never really know how much of these ingredients you are consuming, because the quantities are masked behind the term 'proprietary blend' or 'energy blend.'

Ginseng is believed to boost athletic performance, strengthen the immune system and improve mood. According to the study authors, there is not much proof of this - and there isn't enough ginseng in energy drinks anyway.

B vitamins and other additives in energy drinks can improve mood and even fight heart disease and cancer, but again their amounts in energy drinks aren’t enough to have any meaningful effects.

Adolescent consumers have no idea what these ingredients do. They assume that because they can buy it off the shelf, it must be safe for them. In reality, very little is known about the risks and benefits of various additives in energy drinks and how they affect health when consumed over the long term. Not much is known either about how energy drinks and alcohol interact as well as how they affect medications and antidepressants.

Therefore, study authors have urged physicians to be aware of energy drink consumption and suggest educating both teens and their parents on the potential negative health consequences of consuming energy drinks regularly.

Are you looking for a natural energy drink - check out the best natural energy boosting supplement here?

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What’s in Your Energy Drink?

The Mediterranean diet uses olive oil for cooking and is typically rich in fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, whole grain bread and unrefined cereals. Dairy products, eggs, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, with little or no red meat and moderate consumption of wine.

Combined with a healthy lifestyle - increased physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking - this diet has previously been shown to lower death rates caused by heart disease.

Further, the Lyon Diet Heart Study tested the effectiveness of a Mediterranean-type diet in people who had already suffered a first heart attack. During a 4-year follow up period, patients following this diet showed an amazing 50-70% reduction in their risk of recurrent heart disease.

Now the results of the PREDIMED study, aimed at assessing how effectively the Mediterranean diet prevents heart disease, show that when supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or tree nuts it reduces the risk of death by heart attack, myocardial infarction or stroke by 30 percent.

A total of 7,447 people with major risk factors for heart disease participated in this new study. They were divided into three groups: those who consumed either a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), or a low-fat diet.

A dietician visited the patients every three months, who also attended dietary training group sessions. Moreover, they were provided with shopping lists, menus and recipes adapted to each type of diet and each season of the year.

Participants who followed the two types of Mediterranean diet freely received either extra-virgin olive oil up to one liter per week or 30 grams of nuts every day. After five years, those who followed the two types of Mediterranean diet both showed a significant reduction in their risk of risk of death by heart attack, myocardial infarction or stroke.

These results are both novel and promising because they prove that a high-vegetable fat diet is healthier for the cardiovascular system than a low-fat diet.

Maybe it’s time you added extra-virgin olive oil and nuts to your diet? What is your favorite Mediterranean recipe?

Are you looking to easily add extra fruits and vegebales to your daily routine?

When it comes to Omega 3’s, the rule is: the more, the better. The recommended daily amount of Omega 3 is 1,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined.  If you’re concerned about your heart or brain health, you should probably take about 2,000 mg of Omega 3 fish oil per da . Unless you eat several meals of fish every week, your dietary intake probably doesn’t come close to that. That’s why it’s best to take supplements.

However, not all fish oil supplements are created equal.  To keep prices low, many fish oil suppliers get their stock from the cheapest possible sources.  Other manufacturers use unstable commodity oils that begin to oxidize – or rot – as soon as they’re exposed to oxygen, light, and heat.  That’s why so many fish oil supplements may give you an upset stomach or that uncomfortable fish burp after taking them.

The richest sources for essential EPA and DHA are small cold water fish such as anchovies, mackerel and wild sardines. These small fish contain the ocean’s highest natural oil content. Plus, they are usually free of the pollutants and toxins found in larger species of fatty fish.

Also, make sure the fish oil you buy includes antioxidants to help maintain stability and protect against a fishy aftertaste.

Are one of the millions of Americans that struggles daily with lack of energy or chronic fatigue, then you are likely very familiar with those constant feelings of being tired and drained. But rather than turn to coffee, so-called energy drinks, or harsh stimulants for a quick pick-me-up, you might instead try supplementing with All Day Energy Greens! Not only boosts your energy, but enhances mental clarity, focus, and immune system!

Harvard School of Public Health explains: “It’s hard to argue with the health benefits...

“...of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Lower blood pressure; reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and probably some cancers; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and a mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep appetite in check.”

The problem is that only a fraction of Americans get the veggies and fruits they need every day. The CDC recently reported that less than 1 in 10 people consume enough vegetables every day!

ALL DAY ENERGY GREENS delivers a whopping 38 fruits, veggies, herbs, enzymes, and even probiotics in a single spoonful.

Just sprinkle it in your favorite juice or water and enjoy! It takes 60-seconds... and you get a whole
 day’s worth of your fruits and veggies. That’s SO smart... and SO convenient.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FIVE FRUITS AND VEGGIES TODAY? Probably not! ALL DAY ENERGY GREENS helps guarantee you never miss another day!

1. Adding a Green Energy supplement such as All Day Energy Greens as a once-a-day drink not only provides your body with the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit, it also contains 38 herbs, vitamins and minerals. The end result is a day-long supply of natural energy as All Day Energy Greens counter the body’s acids, flush out toxins and improve digestion.

2. Avoid smoking. You know smoking threatens your health. But you may not know that smoking actually siphons off your energy by causing insomnia. The nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, so it speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and stimulates brain-wave activity associated with wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep. And once you do fall asleep, its addictive power can kick in and awaken you with cravings.

3. Make sure you drink plenty of water during or after this exercise as dehydration in itself can cause exhaustion. Add a few drops of natural energy-boosting monatomic minerals which quickly gets to work to re-mineralize, re-alkalize, re-vitalize and re- energize your body and bring it back into balance.

4. Control stress. Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. Talking with a friend or relative, joining a support group, or seeing a psychotherapist can all help diffuse stress. Relaxation therapies like meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, and tai chi are also effective tools for reducing stress.

5. Breathe deeply in the fresh air. Your blood cells will take up this oxygen and enliven your whole body with it. If you are able to tolerate it, sleep with the bedroom window open during good weather.

6. Avoid sugar when possible, and especially artificial sweeteners (they are poisonous to the body).

7. Get rid of clutter in your life, pare things down, make them more simple. Decide what your priorities will be.

8. Cleanse your liver. Your liver is responsible for detoxifying your body of all toxic substance that come into it. It has to keep toxins out of the bloodstream. Because society's habits have become so toxic, the liver needs a good cleaning much more often.

A nutritional supplement that contains live bacteria - known as a probiotic - may help burn off some of that stubborn visceral belly fat, according to a new study published in the Journal of Functional Foods.

This study was funded by Micropharma, which makes probiotic supplements.

The results indicate that this probiotic could be an effective weight loss tool. Normally we digest most of the food and absorb most of the calories we consume. Because this probiotic supplement interfered with intestinal fat absorption, fewer calories become available to pack on the belly fat.

However, it’s worth noting that this study only looked at a small number of people who were only slightly overweight to begin with. The slimming effect was also modest.

In other words, people aren't going to be able to just eat probiotics to reduce weight and there’s no reason to believe that probiotics will eliminate the need to maintain proper lifestyle habits, such as a healthy diet and exercise.

The term probiotic means ‘for life’.

Probiotics are beneficial forms of gut bacteria - found mainly in cheese, yogurt, fermented and unfermented milks, and kefir - that form the basis for microbial populations in the small and large intestines of animals, including us humans, conferring health benefits. Other probiotic containing foods include juices, cereal, smoothies and nutrition bars.

According to health experts, probiotics help with proper digestion of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, boost the immune system, relieve depression and even fight sinus infections.

Some evidence is emerging that probiotic bacteria may help burn fat and could play a role in the treatment and prevention of overweight and obesity.

In this study, 28 overweight volunteers were given a daily serving of yogurt. Half of them were given yogurt spiked with either the bacteria L. fermentum or L. amylovorus. After a month and a half, those who ate the L. fermentum probiotic supplements had lost 3 percent of their body fat, while those who ate L. amylovorus had lost 4 percent of their body fat relative to the study's start. Most of that loss was visceral belly fat.

Visceral belly fat - stored deep inside the body behind the abdominal muscles and surrounding the organs - is biologically active and releases hormones and chemicals called adipokines, which in turn cause more fat gain and muscle loss.

Men typically tend to have more visceral belly fat than women, placing them at a much higher risk for insulin resistance, type II diabetes and heart disease.

The liver secretes soapy chemicals called bile salts, which mix with fat in the intestines and help digest it. This particular probiotic supplement destroys bile salts, which is how it interferes with fat absorption - and unlike other weight-loss drugs that prevent intestinal fat absorption, they didn't cause unpleasant digestive side effects.

The researchers didn't follow the subjects for long, so we don’t know if they kept the pounds off.

Also, it’s worth remembering that not all probiotics burn fat. Each probiotic works in a different way, for totally different results. This particular probiotic supplement reduced belly fat, but other probiotics may do other things.

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Probiotic supplement prevents fat absorption.

The best vitamin supplement for a healthy heart are B vitamins.

The vitamin B complex is a group of 11 separate, water-soluble nutrients: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B12, biotin, folic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), choline, and inositol.

Of these, vitamins B6 and B12, as well as folic acid and niacin are the most beneficial for heart health.

B6 helps block blood clotting, lowers blood pressure, and reduces blood cholesterol levels. It also works to reduce homocysteine levels, which is a good thing, as this toxic substance has been shown to increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

B12 is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. Like B6, it too reduces homocysteine levels, as well as improving arterial function, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and promoting blood vessel dilation.

Folic acid is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. It also supports the adrenal glands to enhance energy and stamina, helps to maintain healthy homocysteine levels and arterial function, and supports normal cholesterol levels, blood vessel dilation, and decreased plasma viscosity. 

Niacin has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. It also helps dilate your blood vessels, which increases blood flow and helps lower blood pressure.

Aim for 10-12 mg of B6, 50-65 mcg B12, 400 mcg folic acid, and 10-25 mg of niacin daily. Just be sure to take B vitamins with breakfast or lunch rather than at night, as they can be too stimulating.

Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the physical harm caused by smoking, according to a Greek study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology.

This study looked at the effects of a four-week long oral therapy of 2 grams each day of omega-3 fatty acids on arterial wall properties of cigarette smokers. Arterial function is an independent marker of heart disease risk. Short-term treatment with omega-3s was seen to improve arterial stiffness and slow down smoking-induced damage to the elasticity of blood vessel walls in smokers.

These heart protective properties of omega-3s appear to be due to a combination of multiple mechanisms, including both anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects.

Further, a recent meta-analysis was conducted on over 39,000 patients with cardiovascular problems who were administered omega-3 dietary supplements for at least a year. This supplementation therapy significantly reduced risk of death in these patients due to heart disease and all other causes. In fact, omega-3s were clearly more effective than statin drugs in reducing heart disease-related deaths.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), even people without a documented history of heart disease should consume a variety of oily fish rich in omega-3s, such as sardines, wild salmon, herring, mackerel and tuna at least twice per week.  

Almonds, walnuts, flax seed, canola oil, soybean oil and green leafy vegetables are plant sources of omega-3s. They contain a short-chain form of omega-3s known as alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. ALA needs to be processed by your body into the longer form of omega-3s before you can benefit from them.

While the only way to protect your body from the harmful effects of tobacco is to stop smoking, eating a healthy diet rich in omega-3s can clearly reverse some of the physical harm caused by smoking, including lowering the risk of heart disease.

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Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the physical harm caused by smoking.

There are a variety of vitamin supplements that can be added to smoothies that have all sorts of healthy properties. These ingredients can all be purchased at your local whole foods store or through natural supplement websites.

Brewers Yeast: A great source of selenium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc.

Bee Pollen: Contains high concentrations of vitamin B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E.

Green Tea Powder: The potent antioxidants in green tea have been said to help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol.

Spirulina: Contains over 60% all-digestible vegetable protein with a high concentration of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron and GLA, an essential fatty acid.

Wheat Germ Oil: A rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Check out this smoothie recipe, which offers a healthy and tasty balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep your engine running throughout the day! Bananas, which are an excellent source of potassium, dietary fiber and Vitamin B6, provide a rich and creamy base, and soy milk is a great source of isoflavones which aid in the prevention of many cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis.

TROPICAL TREAT - Serves Two

• Place all ingredients in a blender:
• 6 ice cubes
• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 2 scoops vanilla soy protein powder
• 1/2 cup chunked cantaloupe
• 1/2 cup chunked canned or fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup vanilla soy milk

Place lid on blender, and pulse until ingredients begin to mix. Set blender on "blend" for about 30 seconds and then move to "ice crush" or your highest blending button for 20 to 30 more seconds. Pour, and enjoy this quick and healthful smoothie – a taste of the tropics!

Black Cherry is famous for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation...so much so that studies tell us that these same compounds found in Black Cherry may also reduce the risk of colon cancer. 

Black Raspberry has been shown to be high in antioxidant power, and a warrior against disease.  This superberry helps to fight heart disease, improve vision, preserve memory, and help fend off stroke, Alzheimer's, arthritis, and other age-related health concerns.

Acai (ah-SAH'-ee) comes from the Cabbage Palm, and packs 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and about 30 times more anthocyanins than red wine!  Together they target harmful free radicals and help to stop premature aging by improving cell growth and regeneration.  The disease fighting properties of this superberry have been talked about on MSNBC News and even discussed on The Oprah Winfrey Show because the acai berry is considered to be the world's number one superfood. 

Blackberry is another superberry, known to be heart friendly by reducing oxidative stress and keeping the entire cardiovascular system at its best. 

Black Current stays busy as a powerful cholesterol buster, especially the LDL bad cholesterol—and is believed to be more effective than fish oil supplements. 

Blueberry has been shown to clear brain fog and boost memory and mental capacity. 

Cranberry has been used for centuries to protect and support the bladder, particularly helpful throughout the years. 

Lycium or Goji berries has a long history as a powerful blood tonic. Herbalists have relied on Lycium (Goji) to help with symptoms such as ringing in the ears, blurred vision, male sexual problems, and irritability. 

The Acerola superberry—known to put the brakes on aging, help reduce inflammation and kill pain, provide mineral salts and proteins, and generally gives a glowing complexion, from the inside out! 

Bilberries contain flavonoids that studies show help to strengthen capillaries, improve circulation, reduce and even reverse blood vessel deterioration and inflammation.  Bilberries are so potent that they help reinforce the entire vascular system and improve night vision!  History tells us that during WWII, pilots in the Royal Air Force used to eat bilberries to improve their night vision!

GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid, is a fascinating little amino acid-like molecule with certain properties researchers are finding are super-beneficial to human health. As a component of the brain, it works to inhibit the neurotransmission of certain chemicals, notably those responsible for producing anxiety.

Recently, UCLA researchers demonstrated that GABA may help inhibit development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, conditions that are involved in the development of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

In this early preclinical study, GABA was given orally to mice that were obese, insulin resistant and in the early stages of Type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that GABA suppressed the inflammatory immune responses that are involved in the development of this condition.

In the study, GABA improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and even helped to halt progression of Type 2 diabetes in mice. Researchers noted that GABA taken as a supplement may be effective in the treatment of obesity-related Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

The GABA study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of adverse features including inflammation, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance that are linked to an increased chance of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

According to the American Heart Association, five main markers determine metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X). It only takes the presence of three of these five markers to generate a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome:

• Low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or “good cholesterol
• Elevated triglyceride levels
• Waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women
• Elevated fasting blood glucose levels, and
• Elevated blood pressure.

Metabolic syndrome is estimated to afflict about one-quarter of adults ages 20-70, and fully half of elderly adults.

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PlosOne Journal

It’s been heralded as the “jewel of winter,” and many believe it is the actual source of Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden.

Revered for its leathery skin, odd little seeds, and miraculous juice, this quirky fruit has been used medicinally in the Middle East, Iran, India, Egypt, and Greece for thousands of years to treat disease and infection, upper respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, periodontal disease, and other conditions.

Fast forward to modern day as research confirms what these other cultures have already known: the pomegranate is sweet medicine.

According to the May 2000 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pomegranate juice consumption decreased the accumulation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the arteries of healthy, nonsmoking men by 20 percent. In mice, pomegranate juice reduced oxidation of LDL by 90 percent, and shrank plaque-ridden lesions in the mice by 44 percent.

Similar studies at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that healthy subjects who drank two to three ounces of pomegranate juice a day for two weeks reduced the cholesterol oxidation process by as much as 40 percent. This is critical, as this process often creates plaque build up that narrows arteries and results in heart disease.

In addition to drinking pomegranate juice, there are other ways to enjoy this exotic fruit. You can toss the seeds into a salad, mix one cup of sparkling mineral water with 2 tablespoons pomegranate extract and drink, or simply take a pomegranate extract supplement.

No matter which form you choose, your heart will thank you, your body will thank you, and your taste buds will definitely thank you!

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that acts a precursor to the hormones estradiol (a type of estrogen) and testosterone. It is also widely available as a nutritional supplement. While past research findings have suggested an association between increased DHEA levels and a reduction in heart disease, the majority of the studies involving DHEA have been small and/or inconclusive. However, Åsa Tivesten, MD, PhD of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and colleagues set out to substantiate the results of these smaller, less robust studies, and the results were recently presented at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting held in Houston on June 23, 2012.

Dr. Tivesten and his colleagues analyzed data from 2,416 men between the ages of 69 and 81 years enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Sweden study, which was designed to evaluate risk factors for several diseases. Blood samples obtained upon enrollment were analyzed for DHEA and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S)--the sulfate ester of DHEA which is the form of the hormone that occurs predominantly in the blood.

The results were significant. The researchers found that having a higher serum DHEA was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, as was having a higher level of DHEA-S. Men whose DHEA-S was among the lowest one-fourth participants had a 25 percent higher risk of cardiac events compared to the rest of the subjects, and those whose levels of both DHEA and DHEA-S were among the lowest fourth had a 34 percent higher risk of any major cardiovascular event, and a 41 percent higher risk of a cerebrovascular event compared to the remainder of the group.

While these results are compelling, Dr. Tivesten cautions that this study only shows an association between reduced DHEA levels and increased risk of cardiac event, and that we cannot yet assume a cause-effect relationship. The results of this study might actually mean that DHEA is protective, but it could also mean that low DHEA levels are an indication of poor health. Dr. Tivesten believes that more research needs to be done to solidify the assertion that DHEA helps protect against cardiovascular events.

A new report from scientists at the University of Michigan calls for an increase in the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C in our diets.

The scientists say they have found compelling evidence that the U.S. RDA of Vitamin C should be increased to 200 milligrams per day for adults, up from current levels of 75 milligrams for women and 90 for men.

They cite a slew of research, including a recent analysis of 29 human studies that indicate that healthy levels of Vitamin C can support immune function, reduce inflammation which can lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis, and significantly lower blood pressure. One recent analysis of 29 human studies showed that daily supplements of 500 milligrams of Vitamin C significantly reduced blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.

The Michigan scientists noted that an optimum diet with the recommended 5 to 9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, along with a 6-ounce glass of orange juice, could provide 200 milligrams of Vitamin C a day. But most Americans miss the mark when it comes to this optimum diet.

Most of us know that orange juice is a great source of Vitamin C, but many fruits and veggies also serve as excellent sources of this vital antioxidant nutrient. One that many Americans are unfamiliar with is jicama, a root vegetable enjoyed in Mexican and Central American cuisine with a delightfully crunchy texture and flavor similar to a water chestnut.

Jicama is very low in calories – only 35 per 100g serving – and an excellent source of oligofructose inulin, a soluble dietary fiber which does not metabolize in the human body (this makes it an excellent snack food for diabetics and dieters). Jicama is rich in Vitamin C, providing about 20.2 mg (34 percent of the current RDA) per serving. It also is a great source of the micronutrients magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.

Look for jicama in your grocery store, Asian or Mexican food market. At home, store them as you would potatoes, keeping them in a cool, dark place for up to 3-4 weeks – but be careful not to keep them too cold or the starch will convert to sugar

This recipe for Tangy Jicama Slaw is quick, convenient and packs a mighty Vitamin C punch with the main ingredient plus the addition of lemon and lime – potent Vitamin C partners.  Make ahead and pack it for lunch, or take it to your next summer picnic.

Tangy Jicama Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 jicama, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, minced
• 1 large lime, juiced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained, liquid reserved
• salt to taste

Directions

Combine the jicama, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, and mandarin orange segments with a small amount of the syrup from the can in a bowl; mix to evenly coat. Allow mixture to sit 10 minutes. Season with salt and stir just before serving.

Nutrition Analysis

Amount per serving: Calories 67, Total Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 0mg

What is your preferred source of Vitamin C?

Sources:
Science Daily
Allrecipes.com
Nutrition-and-you.com
 

We’ve been hearing for some time that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish – especially cold water fatty fish such as salmon – can promote heart health when eaten as a regular part of a healthy diet. Now researchers have found that a specific omega-3 known as DHA can prevent age-related vision loss as well.

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that that lab animals fed DHA did not accumulate a certain specific toxic molecule at the back of the eyes. The toxin normally builds up in the retina with age and causes vision loss.

The discovery could result in a therapeutic use of DHA to prevent vision loss in older people, according to the team, which published the results of their study in the peer-reviewed journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

"In normal aging, this toxin increases twofold as we age. But in lab tests, there was no increase in this toxin whatsoever,” said Yves Sauve, one of the researchers. “This has never been demonstrated before -- that supplementing the diet with DHA could make this kind of difference."

Inspired by their success, the researchers recently began another study, recruiting humans who have age-related macular degeneration, a condition that results in loss of central vision and is the main cause of blindness in people over 50. Examining the DNA markers in the blood of study participants, they will attempt to determine whether participants with certain genetic markers will respond better to varying levels of DHA in their diet.

If you want to add DHA and other healthy omega-3's to your diet, the best source is cold-water fatty fish including salmon, tuna, sardines and anchovies. These days, certain foods are fortified with additional omega-3s – eggs (Eggland’s Best) and butter substitute spreads (Smart Balance). You can find organic versions of these in your health food store.

For vegetarians, among the best omega-3 sources are flaxseeds and walnuts. To best preserve the omega-3 goodness, buy fresh, whole flaxseeds and store them in your fridge. As you need them, grind them in a coffee grinder or food processor. Get into the habit of adding a teaspoon or two to salads, smoothies, soups and other recipes.

What’s your favorite food source of omega-3?

Sources:
Science Daily: Fatty Acid Found in Fish Prevents Age-related Vision Loss
US News: 8 Easy Ways to Load Up on Healthy Omega3 Fats

Statins are a class of drugs are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Brand names include Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor. An estimated 15 million Americans are currently taking some form of Statin drug. While these drugs have proven effective at lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, they have also been shown to have serious side effects, including elevated liver enzymes, myalgia (muscle pain), loss of muscle function and muscular inflammation.

If so many people are turning to drugs that are potentially life-saving (by preventing cholesterol-related heart attacks) but have serious side effects, it leaves one to wonder if there is a more natural, safer alternative. Perhaps there is. Researchers at Wageningen University’s Division of Human Nutrition believe they may have found such an alternative: Omega-3 fatty acids.

In a study* recently published in The European Heart Journal, researchers enlisted 3,740 men and women using statin drugs and 413 non-users, testing the effects of 400 milligrams per day of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 2 grams per day of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA/DHA plus alpha-linolenic acid, or a placebo on the risk of major cardiovascular events in post-heart attack patients between the ages of 60 and 80 years. Participants were enrolled from 2002 through 2006 and were followed for an average of 41 months.

The results? While neither EPA/DHA and/or ALA reduced cardiovascular events compared to the placebo in those who used statins, among those who did not use the drugs, consuming all three omega-3 fatty acids was associated with less than half the rate of experiencing an event compared to placebo.

"The present study indicates that low-dose supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids might reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in statin non-users with a history of myocardial infarction," the authors conclude.

*http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/02/01/eurheartj.ehr499.abstract?sid=ddbfc150-9178-4a64-a7a6-bcd66dca0d6a

Vitamin D has been at the center of many medical research studies over the past couple of years. Probably the most important benefit scientists have identified is its apparent ability to mitigate the body’s inflammatory response. The inflammation connection is particularly important because so many medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease and auto-immune diseases are tied to inflammation. While this benefit is important, a precise mechanism for it had yet to be identified, until now.

In a study* whose results were recently published in The Journal of Immunology, researchers at National Jewish Health in Denver identified a molecular pathway through which Vitamin D inhibits inflammation.

For the study, Dr. Elena Goleva, professor of pediatrics and her associates cultured human white blood cells with varying amounts of Vitamin D or no Vitamin D before exposing them to lipopolysaccharide, a pro-inflammatory compound. They found that cells incubated without Vitamin D or with a reduced concentration of 15 nanograms per milliliter produced high amounts of the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), both of which are involved in the inflammatory response. However, white blood cells that received concentrations of 30 nanograms per milliliter or more of Vitamin D, which is a level considered by some researchers to be sufficient when measured in the bloodstream, had a decreased inflammatory response, with 50 nanograms per milliliter Vitamin D resulting in the greatest reduction. Another remarkable thing the research team observed that Vitamin D treatment up-regulated the expression of (MAPK) phosphatase-1, a compound that interferes with inflammation.

"This study goes beyond previous associations of Vitamin D with various health outcomes," stated Dr Goleva. "It outlines a clear chain of cellular events, from the binding of DNA, through a specific signaling pathway, to the reduction of proteins known to trigger inflammation. Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, arthritis and prostate cancer, who are Vitamin D deficient, may benefit from Vitamin D supplementation to get their serum Vitamin D levels above 30 nanograms/milliliter."

http://jimmunol.org/content/188/5/2127.abstract