Health Benefits of Vitamin E

The health benefits of vitamin E range include skin enhancement, wound healing, immune function, and protection against various diseases. Also called alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E is believed to reduce cholesterol and plaque buildup, reducing the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient, which means the body needs it but cannot produce it on its own. However, vitamin E deficiency is rare because it is fat-soluble - it is stored in the fat tissues for up to six months before getting depleted. Common food sources include nuts, poultry, wheat products, and various vegetable oils, particularly wheat germ oil. It is also available as a health supplement. Other health benefits of vitamin E include the following:
Antioxidant
One of the best health benefits of vitamin E is its antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants help remove free radicals - unstable compounds that damage cell structure, increasing the risk of cancer and weakening the immune system. This also protects against eye diseases, diabetes and pancreatic disorders, and Alzheimer's Disease.
Cholesterol reduction
Vitamin E prevents cholesterol from being converted to plaque, which thickens the blood vessels and leads to stroke and heart disease. It also thins the blood and improves blood flow even with plaque buildup on the artery walls. Studies show that vitamin E from foods can reduce the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women, although further studies are needed to support this claim.
Skin care
Skin and lip protection are also well-known health benefits of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps retain moisture in the skin and prevents dryness, itchiness, and chapping. It also protects against UV radiation and speeds up wound healing. It can be applied topically and is a main ingredient in most creams, lotions, and sunscreens.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief
Studies suggest that vitamin E can both relieve and prevent osteoarthritis. Its effects are similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are traditionally used to relieve arthritic pain. It also improves joint mobility, preventing gout and buildup of waste material in the joints.
IMPORTANT: Vitamin E is considered a dietary supplement, which means it is not as strictly regulated as conventional drugs. Additives in some products (such as starch, silica, and gluten) can inhibit the health benefits of vitamin E and even be harmful to your health. Buy only products that are GMP-compliant and make sure they do not contain any artificial colors or flavorings.

12 Pomegranate Health Benefits

Countless studies have shown the seemingly countless benefits of fruits for a person's health. The U.S. Government recommends that people get several servings of fruits every day. Of all the fruits available in the market today, one fruit is at its height of popularity because of its legendary Greek mythology association and its exoticism-the pomegranate fruit.

Considered as one of the earliest fruits that have been cultivated along with grapes, figs, olives, and dates somewhere between 4000 B. C. E and 3000 B. C. E., pomegranate continued to be an emblem of fertility, rebirth, and health.

Dubbed as a "miracle fruit" by some fans, pomegranate has earned its popularity because it is thought to possibly help support the body's natural defenses against Alzheimer's disease, various cancers, coronary and heart diseases, arthritis and many ailments an aging person experiences. Because of its so -called anti-aging possibilities, pomegranate has had several food and beverage variations from juices, ice creams, dishes, and even in water that come in bottles.

Why is pomegranate good for you?

This handsome fruit is quite popular for its deep and purple-colored juice that is packed with lots of antioxidants that may help in maintaining a smooth and wrinkle free skin. But, aside from the possibility of helping people to maintain youthful and glowing skin by keeping the blood platelets together, there are so many health benefits of pomegranate to people of all ages. While no health claims are made regarding pomegranate whatsoever, here are some of the remedies and uses that some people hope pomegranate can help with.

1. It may help reduce the risk of having a heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies show that pomegranate juice daily may help support the normal blood flow to the heart. Because of its antioxidant properties, pomegranate keeps bad cholesterol from forming, and thus, may help keep the arteries clear of clots.

2. It may help support the body's normal defense in the prevention of certain cancers. Since pomegranates has very high levels of antioxidant called "flavenoids" that is thought to be effective in counteracting various cancer-causing radicals, more and more experts recommend this fruit as a possible part of a healthy diet. Because of flavenoids, many people are consuming pomegranate because it is believed to help support their good health.

3. It may help reduce the risks for illnesses such as atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. Because of the properties of pomegranate, conditions that are known to cause the thickening and hardening of arterial walls and damage in cartilage and joints are hoped to be helped by this fruit. Studies are needed of course to get test results. No claims are made as to what the pomegranate may or may not help.

4. It is a rich source of various vitamins. Pomegranate is a good, natural source of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.

5. It is rumored to help reduce the possibility of having premature babies. Pomegranate juice and extract is thought by some people to help expectant mothers avoid having low birth weight babies.

6. Some users claim it is beneficial for relieving minor illnesses such as core throat.

7. Other users believe it might reduce the possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease among older people.

8. It is prized in some countries for the belief that it might help in achieving and maintaining a clear skin with youthful glow, and it is believed to help soothe skin inflammation.

9. The antioxidants are thought to help support the immune system.

10. It may help support healthy blood flow because of its iron properties. Pomegranate supports the blood by supplying it with iron, thus may help prevent anemia symptoms that include exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hear loss.

11. Aside from having lots of anti-oxidants, pomegranate also might have some anti-viral properties.

12. Pomegranate juice and extract is thought by some women to help in overcoming the feeling of general malaise during menopause.

While no medical claims can be made for pomegranate, the juice is growing in popularity every day as more and more people try it and benefit from it.

By Monica Nelson

Colostrum - The Anti-Aging Miracle You've Never Heard Of

Bovine Colostrum is the "mother's milk" taken from dairy cows during the first 24 hours after calving. The liquid is characterized by a high protein, immunoglobulin and antibody content, with immune and growth factors that are highly bio-available to humans.

Colostrum is one of the most important health-giving, disease-fighting and anti-aging superfoods ever discovered.

The life-supporting power of colostrum, backed by science is proving to be so beneficial to human health, even the main stream medical community is finally beginning to stand up and take notice.

Medical professionals who are recommending this all-natural substance, understand it is a naturally perfect combination of immune factors, growth factors, and other components all designed to encourage a vibrant, healthy body.

There are over 90 known components in colostrum. The primary components, divided into two classes, are immune factors and growth factors. Colostrum also contains a precise balance of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. All of these factors work together in perfect synergy to restore and maintain health.

Immune Factors in colostrum have been shown to help the body fight off harmful invaders such as viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus. Each factor plays a specific role in our body's defense against these attackers. In addition, colostrum contains over 20 antibodies to specific pathogens including E coli, salmonella, rotavirus, candida, streptococcus, staphylococcus, H pylori, and cryptosporidia.

In addition to immunoglobulins, medical studies show that PRP in colostrum also supports an under active immune system. PRP also helps balance an overactive immune system present in autoimmune diseases.

Growth Factors help build and restore bone, muscle, nerve tissue, connective tissue, skin and cartilage. These factors have also been shown to help increase lean muscle, help the body burn fat for fuel, and assist in wound healing. Growth factors have also been shown to help slow the signs of aging!

Colostrum's growth factors may:

1. Affect the brain's mood regulating chemicals to brighten our moods. (serotonin & dopamine)

2. Assist in regeneration and improve normal growth of aged or injured muscle, bone, cartilage, skin collagen and nerve tissue.

3. Help burn fat for fuel instead of muscle tissue in times of fasting (diet), and build & retain lean muscle (non-diet).

4. Assist the internal regulation of blood glucose levels and "brain chemicals", supporting alertness and better concentration.

5. Repair our body's precious RNA and DNA and Accelerate healing of injury or trauma.

Research indicates that Colostrum can help:

1. Support immune system function

2. Combat bacteria and viruses

3. Enhance skin and muscle rejuvenation

4. Support joint and cartilage function

5. Build lean muscle mass

6. Metabolize (burn) fat

7. Enhance mood

8. Maintain healthy intestinal flora

9. Increase strength and stamina

With all of the powerful health giving benefits of colostrum, it's a supplements you'll want to try.

By Brad Bahr

Vitamin Supplements to Promote Wellness and Anti-Aging

Vitamin Supplements to Promote Wellness and Anti-Aging

Don’t be fooled by clever packaging. For example, if you read somewhere that Omega 3 Fatty Acids are important to health and nutrition, keep a few things in mind 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fish Oil can easily turn rancid, so it’s important not to buy it in bulk. Purchase no more than a 30-day supply at a time. Give it a “sniff” before taking it. It should smell a touch fishy, but not rotten.

Cold water fish like salmon are rich in Omega 3s, but can also be contaminated with PBA’s or mercury. Read the label to ensure that the product you buy has gone thru a purification process. It will usually say “purified” or “distilled” on the label.

To be truly effective, your supplement should contain both EPA and DHA, not just one or the other. The label should tell you the levels of both.

Calcium

Not all calcium is created equal and absorbed by our bodies equally. For your body to use the calcium you take in, it’s important to have

adequate amount of other nutrients, vitamin D and magnesium especially. If you are taking a multi-vitamin that should be sufficient, or find a calcium supplement that contains vitamin D and magnesium.

Joint pain relief

Studies conducted in the U.S. and around the world have found that Vitamin D, Turmeric, Rose Hips and Boswellia all contribute to reducing joint pain

Rose Hips

Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, are rich with Vitamin C. They also contain vitamins D and E, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants. Rose hip powder has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a multitude of ailments, including arthritis.

In 2007, research out of Germany & Denmark showed very positive results. Seventy-four rheumatoid arthritis sufferers participated in a six-month trial; half taking a rose hip remedy and half taking a placebo in addition to their other medications. The number of joints causing pain or discomfort fell by 40% for the group taking the rose hips, but did not change at all for the group taking the placebo. Activity levels among the rose hip group improved by 20%-25%, as well. Researchers were unclear what exactly in the rose hips produced such dramatic results, but it appears that they have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Turmeric

Used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin that is a natural anti-inflammatory. Reducing inflammation helps reduce pain in joints.

Recent studies have shown that boswellic acids have an anti-inflammatory action much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions.

Obviously, health and nutrition begins with consuming quality foods of nutritional value. But given today’s heavy use of pesticides, depleted soils, artificial fertilizers, imported foods with who-knows-what origins, in addition to the genetically modified crops of “FrankenFood” available to the public, supplemental vitamins and minerals seem a logical addition to wellness and health.

The special report, Eating Healthy to Reduce Your Pain, from Blue Spring Wellness will give you detailed information about the benefits and drawbacks of different food choices, as well as providing you with options for natural pain relief and delicious food!

by JIM ANGEL