Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Antioxidant Supplements Does NOT Increase Mortality

The Bad News

Last February this year, a review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested that some major antioxidant supplements increase mortality based on a review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

The press picked it up and the news spread like wildfire. You have probably read about it in blogs and forums. The alarming news stirred confusion especially to the people who take antioxidant supplements.

The Good News

Experts have criticized and cited flaws in the meta-analysis. One such flaw is that the majority of the clinical trials analyzed were people who were already sick.

Statistics have shown that not one have died because of Vitamins in 2005.

Click here to read the full article.

Antioxidant supplements are safe and is good for your health. No need to be alarmed by the flawed meta-analysis.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Eggs Can Prevent AMD

Age Related Macular Degeneration(AMD) is a leading cause of blindness when we get older. Most blindness occurs at the age of 65 or older. It affects the macula which is responsible for our central vision.

Oxidative stress can help deteriorate the macula. Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin dominates the area of the retina helping prevent oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Depletion of these antioxidants can result in a higher risk of acquiring AMD.

To maintain a constant supply of lutein and zeaxanthin, it is wise to include a diet which includes these antioxidants. Egg is a good source of these antioxidants.

Contrary to popular ads that eggs are not good because it produces LDL(low level density lipoproteins) or 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, several studies has proven it otherwise. Some findings when egg is taken daily are:

1. The size of both LDL and HDL(high level density lipoproteins) circulating in the blood was larger in size. Larger sized LDL prevents it from entering artery walls to form plaque.
2. Much of the cholesterol in the egg is not absorbed by the body because lecithin which is also found in the egg, interferes with its absorption.

Help protect your vision by supplying your bloodstream with a continuous supply of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. An egg a day can do that. It is however advised to consult your doctor first as it may not be good if you have other ailments at present.

LASIK Eye Surgery Video

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Cocoa Increases Blood Flow to the Brain

Cocoa may be a solution for dementia which is a state of decreasing blood flow to the brain. More cases of dementia are observed as people age.

Antioxidant flavonols found in cocoa can increase the blood flowing to the brain.

The people of an Indian tribe in Panama who are cocoa drinkers doesn't have cases of high blood pressure as noted in a study done to these people. But when members of their tribe move to the city, their blood pressure rises. The study concluded that it was due to cocoa which is high in flavonols.

To keep our brains in top shape, we may need antioxidant flavonols in which cocoa is a good source. Fruits, tea and wine are other good sources of flavonols.

Read more...


Thursday, June 21, 2007

Australia May Join the Market for Superfruits

The popularity of superfruits is continuing to grow because of its health benefits. High levels of antioxidants to scavenge free radicals of superfruits is one of the reasons why consumers are choosing it as a natural source of wellness.

Australian fruits may join the market for the growing popularity of superfruits. Scientists are considering 12 native Australian fruits that may also contain high levels of antioxidants. Preliminary measurements have shown that they contain more antioxidants than blueberries.

reference: Australian fruits

Related Posts:

Black currant is no. 1 superfruit
Watermelon has more Lycopene than Tomatoes
Alcohol Can Boost Antioxidants in Fruit
Antioxidant Lycopene Can Treat Many Diseases
Antioxidants in Juices
ORAC




Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Black currant is no. 1 superfruit


A recent study claims that black currant is the no. 1 superfruit. More antioxidant content than cranberries, oranges, apples, goji and grapes.

Promotions on the benefits for our health has created a boost in sales of these superfruits. This is also the reason why the research for the fruit which contains the most benefit for the body came to life.

Read the rest of the story and learn how to judge a fruit on its antioxidant content by its color.



Related Posts:

Australia May Join the Market for Superfruits
Watermelon has more Lycopene than Tomatoes
Alcohol Can Boost Antioxidants in Fruit
Antioxidant Lycopene Can Treat Many Diseases
Antioxidants in Juices
ORAC

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Watermelon has more Lycopene than Tomatoes

Watermelon not only quenches your thirst! It also contains lycopene - a potent carotenoid antioxidant.
A 1 cup serving may contain 7 to 10 mg of lycopene, tomatoes contain less.

Lycopene is known to be an effective quencher of singlet oxygen(a free radical). Frequent intake of this phytochemical is associated with the lower risk of acquiring diseases caused by free radicals like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and even male fertility.

Next time you eat watermelon, don't forget that it also gives your body the added protection from radicals.


If your lifestyle does not permit you from eating fruits and vegetables, consider taking antioxidant supplements.

Related Posts:

Australia May Join the Market for Superfruits
Alcohol Can Boost Antioxidants in Fruit
Antioxidant Lycopene Can Treat Many Diseases
Antioxidants in Juices
ORAC
Black currant is no. 1 superfruit



Sunday, June 10, 2007

Barbecue May Contain Carcinogens

Grilled beef is very delicious. Even the smell of smoke while it is still being grilled makes our mouth want to take a bite.
The problem with beef being grilled expecially when tempratures reach to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) form. HCAs are carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds which may be harmful for our body. Nothing to worry about, a professor in Kansas State University has found a way to decrease or eliminate HCAs from forming in grilled meat by using antioxidants.

Click here to read the solution.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Alcohol Can Boost Antioxidants in Fruit


While searching for ways to keep strawberries fresh during storage, scientists from Thailand and the U.S. stumbled on the effect of alcohol in fruits. Adding alcohol found in spirits to strawberries and blackberries boosted the antioxidant nutrients found in those fruits.

Read the full article.



Related Posts:

Watermelon has more Lycopene than Tomatoes
Australia May Join the Market for Superfruits
Antioxidant Lycopene Can Treat Many Diseases
Antioxidants in Juices
ORAC
Black currant is no. 1 superfruit


Official Proclamation on Tea as an Antioxidant


The Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD), Canada’s equivalent of the FDA of the U.S. for natural health products, has officially announced that it recognized TEA as a source of antioxidants to promote health...

read more

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Antioxidants in Juices

You get the maximum benefits of micronutrients and antioxidants found in fruits if you eat them fresh. But fresh fruits may not always be around.

An alternative is to drink fruit juices. Orange, apple and grape juices are some of the common packed preparations you find in grocery stores. They all are beneficial to our health.

I found this article by Leslie Beck which cites some studies made on fruit juices. Click the link, it's a nice read.

Related Posts:

Antioxidant Lycopene Can Treat Many Diseases
Alcohol Can Boost Antioxidants in Fruit
Watermelon has more Lycopene than Tomatoes
Australia May Join the Market for Superfruits
ORAC
Black currant is no. 1 superfruit

Friday, June 1, 2007

Antioxidants Help Maintain Healthy Eyesight

How important is your sight to you?

As we age, antioxidants in the areas of the eyes begin to deplete. The proteins in the lens of our eyes begin to be more susceptible to oxidative damage. Cataracts and AMD(Age related Macular Degeneration) are some major results of oxidative damage.

If you are over 30, you must have experienced the stage where you begin to move the reading material further away from your eyes to get the desired focus. We readily say "I think I'm getting older". That's right, as we age, our eyes deteriorates more and more because of oxidative damage.

Not to worry.

You can decrease the damage done by oxidative stress by eating more fruits and vegetables. They contain the necessary defense nutrients to combat oxidative damage like Vitamin C, lutein and other bioflavonoids.

You can also take antioxidant supplements if it is more convenient for you.

With a healthy eyesight - you can read without eyeglasses, drive a car, move around freely and of course, appreciate beauty! Let's be thankful that we have eyes to see. Let us also keep them healthy!



LASIK video