Castor oil is a vegetable oil popular for its multiple medicinal uses.

The oil is obtained from the castor bean, which is technically a seed and not a member of the bean family. Castor oil is generally a very pale yellow liquid with mild odor or taste.

People have been using castor oil as a laxative for many years. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has categorized castor oil as “generally recognized as safe and effective” also known by GRASE.

However, most people know castor oil as a skin product as it penetrates deep into the skin thanks to its low molecular weight.

Castor oil products can significantly improve skin conditions such as burns, sunburns, skin disorders, skin cuts, and abrasions. It also improves acne-healing abilities.

Castor oil is a natural emollient that penetrates the surface layers of the skin making it softer and more beautiful. The effects of externally applied Castor Oil can be enhanced through the use of a piece of wool flannel saturated with the oil and applied to the body, allowing better penetration in a specific area. Dry heat may be applied to enhance results. The application of heat further increases this penetration, allowing the oil to better impart its qualities to the body. Castor oil is also used in some personal care products such as shampoos, lipstick and lip balm.

Castor oil has been part of history too. It was the preferred lubricant for early aviation and was used by engines in the World War 1 aircraft. Castor oil was also used as one of the tools of intimidation by paramilitary groups in the Fascist Italy under the regime of Benito Mussolini.

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A recent study shows that the United States could save $18 billion a year in health spending if Americans would cut their consumption of salt to recommended levels.

The article published by the RAND (Research and Development) Corporation confirms a diet high in salt creates several health complications. High blood pressure is the most common one.

Furthermore, the report states that Americans are too sedentary and fat. They eat too much, especially salt, but too few potassium-rich fruits and vegetables. That is not news as the average American diet is known for its unhealthy standards.

The fast food industry is directly responsible for the high blood pressure problem. The makers of processed and fast food persistently promote a craving for high-salt foods, initiating the bad habit for many people.

It seems to be quite difficult to switch from a high-salt diet to a regular diet because most people complain about the lack of taste in food without salt. The process of reducing the quantity of salt from your diet should be done gradually, using the same guidelines as reducing sugar from your diet.

Many Americans often don’t know that their blood pressure is too high because they do not check it regularly, waiting for a major problem before seeking medical care. Lowering high blood pressure could prevent heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and kidney disease.

Natural supplements can help lowering high blood pressure and work efficiently for many people. Several herbal formulations are available and can be taken on a daily basis without side effects. If you are taking any prescription medication for high blood pressure, consult your physician prior using any product.

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	Irwin Naturals Complete Cardio Heart & Cholesterol Health - 84 Softgels
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Energy drinks are one of the hottest supplements these days because people struggle to keep up with multiple activities, lacking energy to work, exercise and maintain their busy lifestyle.

The majority of these drinks contain taurine, used as a functional food not only in energy drinks but also in many energy products. However, boosting energy is not the only reason taurine is added to energy products.

Taurine is a semi-essential amino acid-like compound and plays an important role in metabolism in the human body. It’s found in heart muscle, white blood cells, central nervous system and skeletal muscle.

Taurine is a component of bile, which is needed for digestion of fats and controls of cholesterol levels. In fact, it gets its name from the Latin word “Taurus”, which means bull, as the substance was first isolated from ox bile in 1827.

Furthermore, taurine supplements can help to lower blood pressure and control the movement of minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium. It’s an antioxidant and it can reinforce the immune system.

Taurine is found in eggs, dairy products, fish, and meats. It’s a building block of all other amino acids and it functions in the brain and heart to help stabilize cell membranes.

It plays in an important role in nitric oxide production, a gas that is present each time a muscle contract and blood vessels dilates. As a result, taurine supplementation is essential for body builders and people working out with focus on muscle gain.

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A recent study shows that beetroot juice can boost physical stamina and increase exercise endurance by up to 16 percent.

Beetroots are rich in the nutrient betaine, which is important for cardiovascular health. Researchers found that a nitrate in beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake to a degree that can’t be achieved by any other means.

The study was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and the findings could benefit endurance athletes, elderly people and those with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases.

Beets have been considered a super food for many years. Beets have high levels of antioxidants and carbohydrates and are low in fat. It’s also an excellent source of folic acid, potassium, vitamin C, iron, thiamine and riboflavin.

Beet supplements may help treat several health conditions. The fiber in red beets may reduce cholesterol levels. It can also help in normalizing blood pressure and support healthy blood circulation.

However, this new study adds another potential use for beet products. Professional and amateur athletes can explore the results of this research to accomplish their goals.

Regular supplementation of beetroot juice may significantly increase stamina and, consequently, improve training. But how does it work? The nitrate may turn into nitric oxide in the body, leading to a reduction in oxygen uptake and making exercise less tiring.

Finally, beetroot may act with other nutrients to reduce concentration of homocysteine, which can be harmful to blood vessels, preventing heart disease and stroke.

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One of the best sources of energy is a natural substance all cells need to live: Coenzyme Q10. Also called ubiquinone, CoQ10 is used by the human body in the process of producing cellular energy, playing a major role in fat and energy metabolism.

Some athletes believe Coenzyme Q10 is an essential supplement to improve endurance because CoQ10 can transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs.

In addition, Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant and has been used and recommended to support several conditions such as high blood pressure, macular degeneration, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, migraine headaches and high cholesterol.

Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation can regulate blood flow and prevent artery blockage, reducing heart attack risk. A daily dose of 120 mg of CoQ10 is suggested to minimize complications following a heart attack.

Some food sources contain coenzyme Q10 such as meat and fish but the amounts in food are less than what can be obtained from supplements.

How much of Coenzyme Q10 should be taken? Most adults should take anywhere between 30mg to 100mg per day. The body normally produces CoQ10 but production reduces as we age. The older we are, the smaller the production of Coenzyme 10 is and, consequently, our bodies cannot convert vitamins and minerals from food into energy.

That’s one of the reasons elderly people tend to feel tired and often do not have energy for physical activities. Supplementation may be necessary to maintain healthy cell production and prevent lack of energy.

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Do you ever do anything to maintain your eyes healthy? Most people don’t, and will only look for help when experiencing eyesight problems.

Healthy vision can be maintained and loss of vision can be reduced if you take proper preventive action. A healthy diet is essential as certain nutrients are vital and play important roles in protecting your eyes.

The retinas are composed in part from two elements found in many food sources: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and Lutein.

DHA is the most important omega-3 fatty acid and is a well known supplement in health food stores. Most people take fish oil as a source of omega-3 to control cholesterol, without knowing the same product promotes vision health.

Lutein is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family found in fruits and vegetables and is present in the central area of the retina called the macula.

The macula is responsible for central vision, used on a daily basis when we read or watch television. It’s also the most sensitive part of the retina and is more prone to deterioration as we age.

Several foods are good sources of lutein including romaine lettuce, leeks, egg yolks, kale, collard greens and peas.

Lutein supplements have been helping people to support vision health for many years. A few products offer a combination of lutein and other natural ingredients for eye health such as bilberry, blueberry, grape seed and vitamin A.

Don’t wait until you start losing your eyesight. Keep your eyes healthy and you may never need to wear glasses.

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Recent studies suggest that 5-HTP supplements may be used as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant and sleep aid.

But before we call it a “magic pill”, it’s important to understand what 5-HTP is and what it does for the human body.

5-HTP, short for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally occurring amino acid that is used by the human body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. 5-HTP is also an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism.

Serotonin is essential to regulate sleep, emotional moods, pain control and other body functions. Research suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living due to hectic lifestyle, irregular diet and stressful jobs.

Consequently, people have problems falling asleep, tend to develop poor diet practices, crave sugar and get frequent headaches. Most of these common problems can be prevented by raising brain serotonin levels. A high supply of 5-HTP can increase production of serotonin, leading to increased serotonin release.

5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet, as the body manufactures it from L-Tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in proteins. Eating foods that contains L-Tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels and supplementation may be recommended. 5-HTP supplements come from plant sources, generally Griffonia Simplicifolia a woody climbing shrub native to Africa, and are safe to be taken.

Does 5-HTP work for everyone? Not necessarily. People are different and have different diets, sleep patterns and stress levels. However, most people should benefit from 5-HTP supplements to fight depression, promote better sleep and reduce migraine headaches.

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Fish oil supplements have become very popular in the United States. People are taking more fish oil products today than ever before as researchers continue to prove the benefits from omega-3.

Health sites and magazines are publishing more studies and reports on fish oil, increasing awareness and, consequently, sales of fish oil supplements. However, people should be careful when buying such an important product for your health.

Giant chain stores, grocery stores and pharmacies are selling all types of fish oil today. Some of the brands available in these stores are very cheap and labels normally use misleading words such as “pure fish oil” or “pharmaceutical grade”, which really doesn’t mean much for the consumer.

A good fish oil supplement has to come from a reliable source; otherwise, you are paying for a product that most likely will not provide many benefits.

It’s quite difficult for the average customer to understand the difference between top-quality and unreliable brands of fish oil. A few tips may be helpful to select the best product for your money.

Check for third party tested logos of “standards for freshness and purity”, normally on the front part of the label. That ensures the product has no detected levels or heavy metals or environment toxins.

The safest sources for fish oil supplement are species low on mercury levels such as anchovies, flounder, salmon, sardine, tilapia, freshwater trout, whitefish, and arctic cod. Some other species generally have high mercury levels including tuna, grouper mackerel and Chilean seabass.

In addition, keep in mind the committed to the environment. Try to purchase supplements from companies which only sources fish species that are flourishing and not endangered.

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Chia seeds continue to stay in the spotlight. This time Dr. Oz on the Oprah Winfrey Show was talking about the health benefits of chia products. In a segment on how to fight the effects of aging, he discussed the best ways to get fiber into the diet.

“Chia is as chock full of fiber as other whole grains, but it packs in even more vitamins. One of these chia muffins has more magnesium than about 10 of those heads of broccoli, and it’s got as much calcium in it as a couple cups of milk,” Dr. Oz says. “It adds one other thing, too, by the way. It’s very rich in the next big category, which are omega-3 fatty acids.”

That’s not news for Lucky Vitamin customers who have been enjoying the benefits from this amazing product for years. Chia seeds have been one of the best selling supplements for quite sometime on luckyvitamin.com.

Originally from South and Central America, chia seeds are high in anti-oxidant and dietary fiber source. Chia supplements help the digestive system, specifically in the digestion of carbohydrates, to improve and maintain a healthy bowel system. Chia, or Salvia Hispanica, is 100% natural and is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc.

In addition, chia is one of the best natural sources of omega-3. Its seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid), as well as omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acids).

Chia seeds can be added to foods such as cereal, soup, salad, yogurt, smoothies and baked goods, such as delicious chia muffins.

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Indigestion is a common problem faced by many people in the United States.

Americans traditionally eat foods rich in fat, protein and starch, such as hamburgers, pizza and potatoes, creating difficulties for the digestive system.

Digestive enzymes can help regulating the digestive system and, consequently, stabilizing irregular bowel movement.

Many people benefit from taking powerful food enzymes to help food break down and prevent discomfort from indigestion.

Several products are available on the market but it may be difficult to choose only one supplement from so many options. Nutritional companies create special formulas offering a combination of different enzymes and vitamins to supplement body secretions and promote the utilization of food.

Pancreatic enzymes, such as protease, amylase and lipase, are the body’s most powerful food digestants, having the ability to effectively break down protein, fat and starch. They are produced by our pancreas and delivered to our small intestine where they digest our foods.

Natural digestive enzymes may also help to promote healthy digestion. For example, papaya enzymes are well known for regulating bowel movement.

Bromelain supplements are another reliable choice as it provides one of the highest natural potencies of protein-digesting enzyme available. While most enzymes are generally considered to be poorly absorbed, studies have shown bromelain is the most absorbable of all enzymes. Bromelain is derived from pineapples but supplementation is necessary to achieve optimum levels of this enzyme.

An enzyme formula containing several of these natural enzymes may be your best choice to get significant results and regulate your digestive system.

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Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae. It contains the green photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll and its chloroplast.

Chlorella is a potent food source and its supplements have been used for many years to support several health conditions.

Chlorella is a complete protein and rich in other essential nutrients such as fats and vitamins.

Regular supplementation may support the immune system, weight control and healthy cell growth and development. However, body cleansing is one of reasons people take chlorella supplements as the phytonutrients in chlorella promote detoxification, especially heavy metal excretion.

Clinical studies suggest chlorella can help detoxification in humans and animals, healing from radiation exposure. Moreover, chlorella has an alkalinizing effect upon the body, promoting the growth of lactobacilli in the intestines and, as a result, improving overall bowel health.

Chlorella Growth Factor, also known as CGF, is the algae’s capability to provide DNA. This powerful discovery has some scientists calling the product “the fountain of youth” as CGF can rejuvenate every cell of the human body. Chlorella contains 17 times the amount of DNA found in sardines, the second richest natural source of these nucleic acids.

RNA and DNA production is essential for cell production, consequently involving the immune system, tissue repair and enzyme production. The production of RNA and DNA reduces as we age and chlorella supplements can help to minimize the potential problems from the inevitable process of aging.

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Mushrooms have been used medicinally for years. Known as the most famous fungus, some types of mushrooms are edible and generally sold in groceries stores and produce markets.

Mushrooms supplements are also popular in many countries. Medical researches have utilized many species of mushrooms such as maitake, shiitake and reishi, just to mention a few. The results: an incredible and powerful product to support many health concerns.

Studies have shown the potential of mushrooms to enhance the immune system. Several natural products for immunity support use mushrooms and vitamins to provide a comprehensive formula to enhance a broad spectrum of immune activity. Moreover, multiple reports have shown that mushrooms provide anti-cancer and anti-viral properties and promote liver function.

Do you know that different types of mushrooms may support different health concerns? Yes, of course we are not talking about white mushrooms, normally delicious for many dishes but not a high source of nutrients. It’s the less common types that provide the highest number of nutrients.

For example, maitake mushrooms may protect the liver and enhances white blood cell activity. Reishi mushrooms promote antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects as well as support normal cell growth. Shiitake mushrooms may increase white blood cell activity. Oyster mushrooms are a natural source of lovastatin, which can significantly help to lower cholesterol levels.

Whichever type you select, it’s safe to say that fresh mushrooms should be added to your diet, as well as supplements if you need to fortify your immune system. Future research will continue to prove the endless list of benefits of the amazing mushrooms.

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Honey is good for you. I’m sure you heard that before but something else is even better for you: Royal Jelly.

Royal jelly is a rich, creamy, milky substance produced by worker bees for the nourishment of the queen bee.

It’s cream of the crop of beehive products. Royal jelly is the result of a mixture of honey and bee pollen, two top-shelf ingredients.

Royal jelly supplements are an excellent source of nutrients and are very gentle to the human system.

Most products have antibacterial and antibiotic components and can be safely taken on a daily basis.

Scientists have discovered that royal jelly is a rich source of proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, minerals and a multitude of vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, C, niacin biotin and folic acid. It’s almost like a multi-vitamin, all in one product.

Royal jelly has extended list of potential benefits. Regular supplementation helps to maintain lower cholesterol, enhance the immune system, promote mental alertness, improve energy levels, and reduce stress.

It’s commonly sold as a dietary supplement and is available in liquid form, tablets and capsules. Nutritionists may recommend an average of 100mg per day, the amount which has been used in most of the studies, to obtain significant results from royal jelly.

Proper cold storage is recommended since some royal jelly products are perishable and warmer storage may affect potency. Sometimes natural beeswax is added to royal jelly to aid its preservation.

Photo Credit: www.natural-honey.org

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	Montana Naturals Royal Jelly 500 mg. - 60 Capsules
	Montana Naturals Royal Jelly 1000 mg. - 60 Capsules

A recent report shows that red yeast rice can be an alternative and safe way to control cholesterol levels.

The media has finally decided to give some exposure to the success of natural supplements. On the other hand, some people have been enjoying the benefits from natural products for many years.

Most of cholesterol-lowering drugs can be a lifesaver if you are at risk of heart disease. However, some people often have to stop taking statin prescription because they experience muscle pain, the most common side effect.

Popular cholesterol drugs work, but why would you risk taking it if you can enjoy the same benefits from safe, natural formulas?

Red yeast rice is proven to be an efficient cholesterol regulator. A daily dose of 1200mg of red yeast rice can significantly reduce bad cholesterol levels in few weeks. A couple of natural supplements may help to maximize results.

Fish oil supplements may be taken as well to support cardiovascular function. An average of 1000mg of fish oil supplement is suggested and can be safely taken on a daily basis. Remember, EPAs and DHAs from fish oil can also be a great product for your skin and hair.

In addition, the co-enzyme Q10 may be an important addition to a successful formula. CoQ10 supplementation is highly recommended not only for people fighting high cholesterol but to anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle.

CoQ10 supplements may help to treat several health concerns such as high blood pressure, kidney failure, type 2 diabetes and can significantly minimize the risk of heart attack.

A simple combination of three natural and safe products: red yeast rice, fish oil and CoQ10 can lower your cholesterol without the potential dangers of prescription drugs.

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Would you be happy to find a “magic pill” to quickly get rid of joint pain? Unfortunately, there isn’t such a thing as a “magic pill”, but one product can significantly minimize joint pain: MSM.

Methylsulfonylmethane, popular known as MSM, is used around the world for relief from osteoarthritis, muscle pain, joint pain and inflammation.

MSM is a naturally occurring mineral, organic source of sulfur-containing compound, which has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties and can block pain response in nerve fibers. It can also reduce scar tissue by altering the cross linking process in collagen to allow quicker tissue repair.

Supplements containing MSM are available and have gained considerable recognition for its results in relieving arthritis. But how does MSM work?

MSM supplementation makes the cell walls flexible and elastic. If the concentration of MSM in the body is too low, the new cells lose some of their necessary flexibility, resulting in pain. MSM make cell walls permeable, allowing water and nutrients to freely flow into cells and toxins to properly flow out.

Several formulas contain MSM along with other natural ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and bromelain to maximize relief of osteoarthritis. Daily supplementation may vary from 500mg to 2000mg depending on the severity of pain.

Like any other product for joint health, be patient as supplementation may take time to produce results. Some people feel relief in as little as two weeks, but it may take up to two months for significant results, depending on diet, age and exercise program.

MSM does not cure arthritis but it may drastically reduce the swelling that causes pain.

Photo Credit: www.backactive.ca

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