|
What’s the difference between eating organic and conventional eating? Why would someone choose grass fed cow over grain fed cow? You may find there’s a bigger difference than you’ve been led to believe. Read below for fascinating facts on these topics and more!
Find the original post here.
Leave a Comment
|
|
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, May 14th, 2013 at 1:02 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
The benefits of flaxseeds have been known for many years but the even better news is that studies continue to discover new benefits from this wonderful tiny seed. Multiple studies have shown that flaxseeds may help reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and diabetes, and more recent research is investigating flaxseed’s ability to lower high cholesterol.
Flaxseeds contain three important components which are considered essential for optimal health: omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Many people like to sprinkle flaxseeds into their salads, sandwiches, or soups but if that doesn’t sound like a good option for you, no problem. Today, companies are adding flaxseeds to all sorts of foods, from breads to crackers, oatmeal to nutritional bars, giving you an extensive variety of options to obtain your daily dosage of flaxseeds from.
A recent study from Iowa State University’s Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) shows a new potential benefit from flaxseeds as researchers discovered it may be able to lower high cholesterol in men, creating a more natural option than cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study examined the effects of flaxseed lignan in 90 people diagnosed with high cholesterol but no other underlying health conditions. The results showed that consuming at least 150 milligrams of flaxseed lignans per day decreased cholesterol in men by around 10 percent over the three months. The participants were divided into three groups and were randomly assigned to daily consume flaxseed lignans for 12 weeks. Interestingly enough, the study points out that flaxseeds had no cholesterol-lowering effect in women, as the flaxseed lignans did not produce a significant change in cholesterol levels in women.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 at 5:29 am and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Health Foods.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Melatonin is most commonly associated to sleep and the body’s biological clock. However, a recent study has found that decreased levels of the hormone melatonin may be linked to the development of type-2 diabetes.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study concluded that women with the lowest levels of melatonin had more than twice the risk of type-2 diabetes compared to women with the highest levels of the hormone. This association held true even after the researchers controlled for other risk factors for type-2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, such as body weight and dietary habits. The results of the study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Melatonin production peaks about three to five hours after you fall asleep in the dark and almost no melatonin is produced during the day. Sleep disruptions can affect melatonin production, as can exposure to more or less daylight. People with type-2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar from foods into energy, or use it properly. Melatonin receptors are found throughout the body, including in the islet cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin. This connection suggests melatonin may also play a role in glucose metabolism, according to the study. In the United States, about eight percent of residents have diabetes, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, and typically associated with obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013 at 7:00 am and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Supplements.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Did you know 35% of cancers are potentially caused by modifiable lifestyle risk factors? Risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, obesity, and unsafe sex. Studies have shown that 70% of endometrial cancers in the US could be prevented through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and achieving a healthy weight.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS):
- 1/3 of the 500,000 annual U.S cancers deaths are result of diet and physical activity habits.
- 1/3 of US cancers deaths are result of tobacco use
- 67% (roughly 335,000) US cancer deaths each year are preventable.
Obesity contributes 14-20% of all cancer related mortality. It’s associated with an increased risk of: breast (PM), colon, uterine, esophageal, renal, gall bladder, ovararian, thyroid cancer and more.
So what are some ways to not only lose weight, but to potentially decrease your risk for cancer? Healthy changes to your diet can have a huge impact. The ACS recommends ≥ 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. 5 servings may sound like a lot; however, ½ cup of lettuce is considered one serving and half an apple is one serving.
Increasing fiber in diets has also been associated with a lower risk of cancer. Foods high in fiber include whole grains like oatmeal, popcorn and brown rice, legumes, fruits like strawberries, raspberries, apples and pears (with skin), and many vegetables. High fiber decreases caloric intake and can aid in the prevention of obesity.
One last dietary recommendation by the ACS is to decrease the amount of red meat in your diet. Red meat has been shown to increase your risk for colon, rectal and prostate cancers.
Another great way to lose weight and aid in the prevention of cancer is through exercise. Research currently shows that exercise decreases the risk of breast, colon, uterine and prostate cancers. For some, this could be as simple as getting off the couch and going for a 20-30 minute walk.
Supplements may also help. Vitamin D and mushroom extract have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of cancer. Vitamin D is anti-proliferative and increases cellular differentiation. It is found that serum levels of Vitamin D (25-OH) of at least 55ng/mL may reduce the incidence of several cancers. In other studies, shitake, oyster and winter fungus mushrooms have been proven to decrease the risk of certain cancers.
Lastly, green tea has also been studied in detail to aid in the prevention of cancer. Drinking ≥ 5 cups daily decreases the risk of breast cancer by 11% and the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 25%. One of the main constituents of green tea studied is catachin, not found in decaffeinated green tea. Celestial Seasonings green tea was found to have highest catachin content.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Monday, April 29th, 2013 at 3:08 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Once upon a time, chewable multivitamins were made for kids only. It was a smart, tricky way to ensure some children would get their vitamins and minerals without having to deal with regular pills, tablets or capsules. Companies have created funny, animal shaped chewable tablets, adding strawberry or orange flavors to make sure kids would enjoy taking their needed vitamins.
Today, chewable multiples are made for all ages and can be an easier way to take your daily supplementation. The biggest advantage of chewables over compression coated tablets is that you don’t have to swallow the pill. Multivitamins are generally pretty large size tablets or capsules and some people often have difficulties swallowing them. An attractive alternative, chewable multivitamins can easily dissolve in your mouth and most products contain added fruit flavors such as orange, apple, grape, and strawberry.
Adult chewable multivitamins are also equally as good as regular vitamins when it comes to ingredient formulas. Most products contain all the important vitamins and essential minerals that your body needs. Some products even add herbal blends to help with specific health issues. Wafers, gummies or chews, these vitamins are available in a variety of forms, sizes and flavors and price is generally the same as conventional tablets.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 at 5:00 am and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Vitamins and Minerals.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
What is rBGH? Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) is an artificial growth hormone made by Monsanto and approved by the FDA for use in boosting milk production in cows. rBGH is a synthetic (man-made) version of natural bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone produced in cows’ pituitary glands. rBGH is the largest selling dairy animal drug in America. As a matter of fact, the U.S. is the only developed nation to allow for humans to consume milk from cows given artificial growth hormones – and whey is one of the two major protein groups found in milk.
The health effects caused by consuming products containing rBGH are not 100% conclusive. However, studies have suggested that cow’s treated with rBGH have higher levels of IGF-1 (Insulin Like Growth Factor-1). IGF-1 is naturally found in humans, but high levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing colon and breast cancer.
A report published in 1991 by Rural Vermont, a nonprofit farm advocacy group, revealed that rBGH-injected cows (part of a Monsanto-financed study at the University of Vermont) suffered serious health problems – including an alarming rise in the number of deformed calves and dramatic increases in mastitis. Mastitis is a painful bacterial infection of the udder which causes inflammation, swelling, and pus and blood secretions into milk. These findings are supported by Health Canada’s 1998 report, which concluded that the use of rBGH in cows increases the risk of mastitis by 25 percent, effects reproductive functions, increases the risk of clinical lameness by 50 percent, and shortens the lives of cows. Why is this important to you?
Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. It is one of the two major protein groups found in milk, and is often consumed as a protein supplement. LuckyVitamin.com is proud to present whey products that are certified rBGH free. Just find your favorite flavor here, and enjoy – knowing that these products are free of rBGH.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 at 10:00 am and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Nuts are one of the healthiest snacks available and, like every other food, everyone has a different favorite. It’s quite difficult to label which one is the best or the healthiest nut. Chestnuts, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, filberts, hazelnuts, pecans, and pistachios all have two things in common: they are healthy and delicious.
Nuts are rich in energy, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Cashews, for example, have a lower fat content than most nuts, and the fat they do contain is comprised of oleic acid, the same type of heart-healthy fat found in olive oil. Cashews are also a great source of magnesium. On the other hand, walnuts contain high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fat and one-quarter cup of walnuts gives you nearly 91 percent of the recommended daily value for this healthy fat. Walnuts also contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that is beneficial for your immune system, and melatonin, a potent antioxidant which helps regulate your sleep.
Almonds are an excellent source of protein and healthy monounsaturated fats, and offer unique benefits for your blood sugar levels. Pecans rank highest in antioxidant content among all nuts, including vitamin E, and also contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A, folic acid and magnesium.
Since the discussion never ends, mixed nuts are a popular choice for snack food, so you can taste a little bit of each one of your favorite nuts.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013 at 3:00 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Health Foods.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Inside our guts we have tiny bacteria that make up our gut flora. This bacterium is found throughout our intestinal tract – from the mouth all the way to the colon and rectum. By the age of two our guts have acquired adult characteristics. This gut flora can be beneficial or detrimental to our health, but today we’re going to talk about the beneficial bacteria.
The species of beneficial bacteria include Lactobacillus, Bidfidobacteria, Alpha Strep, Eubacteria and many more. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are the two you’ve most likely heard of, as they are the main bacteria found in an adult gut. Bifido is the number one species in babies. The role of beneficial bacteria in the body is bountiful. Beneficial bacteria aids in developing intestinal and immune cells, fighting off pathogenic bacteria, detoxifying the body, improving digestion and helping to synthesize vitamins.
Today, it’s common to find an imbalance between beneficial and detrimental bacteria in the gut flora. Excess use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (asprin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc.), antibiotics, coffee, soda, and junk food can easily cause this imbalance to occur. And when there’s an imbalance, a variety of problems can occur.
Problems caused by an imbalance in the gut may include: loss of nutrients (such as B12 and Vitamin K), gastroenteritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), yeast or candida overgrowth, decreased immune system function, and/or increased food sensitivities. For anyone taking antibiotics, suffering from IBD, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases, probiotics should be considered essential.
Probiotics are small organisms that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestinal tract. They are a fantastic way to increase beneficial bacteria. A good daily dose of probiotics is 20-25 billion per day, best in a 50/50 Lactobacillus to Bifidobacteria ratio. Probiotics should be stored in the refrigerator and be kept out of the heat. Probiotics will last 2 years in the fridge (10-20 years in the freezer) and up to 6 months outside of the fridge as long as it is not above 84 degrees. If ordering from LuckyVitamin.com, please take advantage of our cold pack service to ensure product effectiveness. And as always, before taking a new supplement, make sure to consult with your health care physician.
1 Comment, latest by Andreas Kremser
|
|

This entry was posted
on Saturday, March 30th, 2013 at 11:00 am and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Supplements.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
In the United States, more than 30 million people have one or more migraine headaches per year. Migraines account for 64% of severe headaches in females and 43% of severe headaches in males. If you are one of the 30 million sufferers of migraines, consider consulting with your health care physician to add alternative treatment methods into your treatment plan. Studies have shown that certain vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary changes can have a positive effect on the reduction of migraines.
There are many different food triggers that can contribute to migraines. These include substances such as caffeine, sodium chloride, aspartame and amines. Many researchers are looking at the role of amines as triggers for migraine patients. In one study, tyramine and dopamine, which are amines present in certain foods, were reported to induce severe headaches. The study showed that patients were apt to develop migraines within 24 hours if they ate foods high in amines. If you suffer from migraines, foods to avoid may include: aged cheeses, chocolate, wine, many alcoholic beverages, aged meats such as sausage or salami, canned or smoked fish, banana, avocado, and tomato.
In addition to dietary changes, vitamin and supplement alternatives have been found to be effective in the treatment of migraines. Research has shown that magnesium deficiency may be a common factor among those that suffer with migraines. Increasing magnesium intake to 200mg per day was shown to have a success rate of 80% in helping patients with migraines.
As the precursor of flavin adenine dinucleotide FAD, a coenzyme involved in the electron-transport chain, riboflavin plays a role in mitochondrial energy production. Researchers have suggested that this appears to be impaired in some migraine patients. Riboflavin at a dosage of 5mg three times per day was found effective for migraine prophylaxis.
Two other supplements studied, and found to have a positive effect on migraine reduction were fish oils and Vitamin B12. In one study, fish oils at a dosage of 2-3g per day has been shown to decrease the severity and possible frequency of migraines, as well as decrease inflammation. In another study, twenty patients were given 1mg of Vitamin B12 per day. The result was half the patients were able to reduce attacks from 5 per month to 2.7.
While many doctors will try to push prescription medications for migraines, it may be worth your while to ask about alternatives.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Friday, March 29th, 2013 at 4:31 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
NADH supplements have been helping people for years. NADH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in the chemical process that generates energy, but the list of health benefits is even better. NADH supplements may help to improve mental clarity, alertness, concentration, focus, and memory. NADH is crucial in producing the body’s energy. The human body contains NADH and, just like air and food, without NADH the body’s cells die. As we age, the energy level in our cells decrease as well as the levels of NADH in the body and, therefore, the body is prone to degenerative diseases.
The primarily role for NADH is energy production but it is also crucial in the process of repairing damaged and wounded cells. NADH is the most biologically potent antioxidant in all of nature and may play a key role in cell regulation with positive physical effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, sugar metabolism, and heart rate. NADH increases the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters in the brain providing a positive physical effect on moods, memory retention, and learning.
Additionally, since NADH can generate energy, supplements are commonly used for improving athletic endurance and treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 at 1:00 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Supplements.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Herbal teas have antioxidant properties and are generally consumed for its medicinal effects, particularly its relaxant and sedative properties.
This ancient beverage has been used to promote relaxation for years but other health benefits have been associated with it as well. Herbal teas benefits seasonal allergies, skin conditions, hypertensions, insomnia, and can actually aid in weight loss too.
In addition, regular consumption of herbal teas may help to support heart health, aid with stomach and digestive problems, provide cleansing properties for the body, promote energy and wellness, nourish the nervous system, relieve stress, enhance the immune system, provide antioxidants to the body, help to avoid colds, and stimulate the internal organs.
Although brewed in the same way as tea, herbal tea is not an actual tea as it does not come from camellia sinensis, the plant from which all teas are made. Technically herbal teas are infusions, called tisanes, and are normally made from mixtures of dried leaves, spices, seeds, nuts, barks, fruits, and flowers. All herbal teas are caffeine-free and can be consumed hot or cold.
Common herbal tea ingredients include chamomile, ginseng, ginger root, hawthorne, lemongrass, mint, parsley, pau d’arco, peppermint, red clover, rose hips, sarsaparilla, and slippery elm.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Thursday, February 21st, 2013 at 3:00 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Teas.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
If you are having problems falling asleep or getting a good night of sleep, drinking a cup of passion flower tea before going to bed may be helpful.
A recent study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy shows that passion flower tea can boost overall quality of sleep due to its possible sedative effects. Passion flower has been used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia for many years but more studies are needed to fully prove its benefits.
Participants were given a cup of passion flower tea for seven days and were subjected to sleep studies. All volunteers completed anxiety and sleep surveys and some participants underwent overnight PSG, a diagnostic test that record biophysiological changes that occur during sleep.
Researchers reported that sleep quality showed a significant better ratio for the passion flower users and were confident the tea can provide short term sleep benefits in healthy adults. Passion flower supplements and teas are generally safe to be taken and can promote overall relaxation as well.
2 Comments, latest by Children’s Activity Books
|
|

This entry was posted
on Thursday, January 17th, 2013 at 12:00 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Herbs.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Triphala is a very popular herb worldwide but some people are still discovering the amazing benefits of this Ayurvedic herbal formulation. Triphala is a combination consisting of equal parts of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). This incredible herb has been used medicinally for hundreds of years in India as well as some other countries in South Asia.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is used for immune system stimulation, improvement of digestion, relief of constipation, gastrointestinal tract cleansing, and relief of gas, as well as treatment of diabetes and treatment of eye disease.
Studies performed since 2000 suggest that Triphala may be antioxidant, antimutagenic, antineoplastic, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and chemopreventive. Furthermore, a recent report reviews the evidence of Triphala for treating and preventing cancer.
Triphala’s historical use as a digestive cleanser has been backed up with numerous modern scientific studies. The components of this herb have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and its potent antioxidant capacity can protect cells against damaging effects of free radicals. Internal cleansing is important for overall health because it helps to improve digestion, reducing conditions of stagnation and excess, as well as increasing assimilation of nutrients.
Triphala supplements represent the perfect balance of Ayurvedic tradition and modern science. It used to take days, sometimes weeks, for herbalists to come up with the same formula now available inside the capsules of most Triphala supplements. In addition, regular supplementation of Triphala is generally more efficient due to the combined activity of the individual components in the human system.
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 at 5:00 pm and is filed under General Wellness & Wellbeing, Herbs.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” ~Nelson Mandela
It’s a New Year! Time for celebrating and reflecting on the past, as well as looking forward to what the future may hold. Which, if you’re like me, can leave you quite overwhelmed in the present! New Year’s goals and resolutions bring out the best in so many people – we’re motivated and ready to tackle any challenge. But I know I can only stay motivated for so long. Setting huge goals just doesn’t work for me. I’m looking to get practical this year.
I heard a story once about making changes, two degrees at a time. If you feel miles from where you want to be, make a two degree change. Keep making them step by step, you’ll end up where you want to be.
This system of change can be applied to almost any resolution. Say you’d like to lose weight, or monitor portion control this year. My first step would be to admit that I can’t rely solely on willpower (mine wanes). Then I’d find something convenient and practical to help me. For example, a cereal scoop by Healthy Steps. I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. What could be more convenient than keeping a scoop in the cereal box to help control my portions? Or a salad dressing lid to deliver the right serving for me – there’s something I wouldn’t have a clue as to how much a portion would be! In fact, the whole line of Healthy Steps products are designed to help prepare healthy, properly portioned foods at home or work, in a quick and easy way. A few of their more popular items include a healthy portion pasta basket and nut bowl, Juicer Pro and Total Tea Infuser. They’re actually quite affordable, and on sale now at LuckyVitamin.com as part of their limited time New Year’s Resolution sale.
What about you? What resolutions do you have, and how can you achieve them, step by step?
1 Comment, latest by Sean Wolf
|
|

This entry was posted
on Friday, January 4th, 2013 at 2:16 pm and is filed under Diet & Weight Loss, General Wellness & Wellbeing.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Maybe you’ve seen them in the checkout line. They’re the small and attractive dropper bottles filled with flavor enhancers for your water. It’s a fantastic idea – we all know we need to drink more water. And if we can add flavor to it without the extra calories, I’m sold. I grabbed one thinking I’d give it a try. Then I read the ingredients. Aacesulfame potassium, Red 40, Blue 1, Polysorbate 60, Potassium sorbate … On second thought, I’d better pass.
I was disappointed. But not surprised. Then to my not-so-surprise I found a fantastic replacement on LuckyVitamin.com. Pure Inventions is a new and unique line makes a liquid water enhancer, but without all the extras. (Believe me, I read the ingredients.)
Pure Inventions Liquid Droppers contain:
- NO sugar
- NO caffeine
- NO gluten
- NO sodium
- NO calories
- NO artificial sweeteners
- NO artificial ingredients
In other words, their products are pure. Their delivery system contains 60 servings in a 2 oz. bottle, which is eco-friendly and convenient. Even the goal of Pure Inventions matched exactly what I was looking for: to achieve the wellness of the whole person in a way that is easy, convenient and simple to incorporate into a hectic lifestyle.
Did I really want to purchase a product manufactured by one of the major food corporations? No. That’s why I’m glad I found Pure Inventions on LuckyVitamin.com. Instead, I can support a company started by two Certified Clinical Nutritionists and Nutritional Consultants – by people who support a natural and healthy approach to diet and lifestyle. At the same time, I can provide my family with a healthy, pure alternative to artificial preservatives and harmful dyes.
With three product lines (green tea extracts, antioxidant fruit extracts, and pure antioxidant cocoa) and 14 flavors to choose from, my only problem now is deciding which to buy first!
Leave a Comment
|
|

This entry was posted
on Thursday, January 3rd, 2013 at 2:48 pm and is filed under Diet & Weight Loss, General Wellness & Wellbeing, Health Foods.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
|