Wheat Germ Flake Supplements

Wheat Germ Oil Benefits

What is wheat Germ?

The general term ‘germ’ refers to the core embryo or the kernel of a seed. Wheat germ is nothing but the embryo or kernel of the wheat, which is a rich source of protein, fiber, unsaturated fat, vitamin E, vitamin B1 B2, B6 phosphorus, zinc, thiamine, magnesium and pantothenic acid.

What are the various health benefits of wheat germ?

Owing to the large number of essential nutrients in whet germ, there are plenty of health benefits of wheat germ. Here we will discuss all the health benefits that you can gain from wheat germ.

Wheat germ flake and oil helps in reducing the blood cholesterol levels hence reducing the risks of further cardiovascular problems. Wheat germ helps to improve the storage of energy in muscles and also enhances the endurance and overall stamina of the body. Wheat germ contains octacosanol, which also helps to enhance the body reflexes and improves overall alertness. Wheat germ can be used as a nutritional supplement while on a weight loss plan as well.

Wheat germ flake supplements helps to improve the overall oxygen utilization by the body. Whet germ also helps to balance the metabolism of the body and increases the ability to cope with stress. Wheat germ contains a very high amount of vitamin E complex, which include natural antioxidants and hence help to prevent heart disease, cancer and aging. Wheat germ also protects the muscles, blood, lungs, and eyes. Wheat germ prevents blood clots and contributes in strengthening the immune system of the body.

Wheat Germ Oil Wheat Germ Oil is drawn from the heart of the finest wheat embryo by a cold pressing process. Wheat Germ is a rich source of Vitamin E, B-Complex, plus the important Protein Factors. It is one of nature’s finest dietary supplements. Wheat Germ Oil is a refined cold pressed oil which is a natural ingredient enclosed in a soft gelatin shell.

Wheat germ contains vitamin B complex, which helps in coping with stress and benefits the metabolism. Folic acid helps lowering the homocysteine levels and preventing damage to the arteries. Vitamin B also helps in digestion, healthy skin and repair of tissues. Wheat germ is a great source of natural fiber, which is very essential to maintain regular an efficient bowel functioning. Wheat germ also helps relieve constipation as well.

How can I store wheat germ?

Wheat germ contains unsaturated fats which is one of the reasons why wheat germ can turn rancid very quickly. Raw wheat germ is especially difficult to store. When stored in a sealed jar, wheat germ can last for about a year on the shelf. However when once opened the wheat germ has to be stored in the refrigerator. Even while refrigeration wheat germ should preferably stored in a tightly sealed container. Using refrigeration wheat germ can last for as much as nine months.

What are the ways to consume wheat germ?

Wheat germ can be consumed in a number of ways. Wheat germ can be added to a variety of recipes and makes for a very nutritional ingredient in many mouth-watering recipes, but very often makes a noticeable difference in the taste of the food. Wheat germ is used in the preparation of various breads, pancakes, waffles, cookies, cereals, and also milk shakes and smoothies. Since it is much lower in fat as compared to granola it is also used with yogurt and cereals.

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Garlic Oil Supplements

Many people take garlic, either in supplement form, or in their diet, for its health benefits. Garlic is promoted for improved immune system, improved cardiovascular health, and perhaps even cancer prevention. But what does the science say and can it really benefit you? And, if it doesn’t really benefit you, can it actually harm you? These are the questions addressed in this article.

How does garlic work?

Garlic has long been considered a natural remedy for many illnesses, including bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The antibiotic activity of garlic has been associated with its primary active ingredient, thiosulfinate allicin, but there are other active ingredients that have been found to have antibiotic properties, including polysulfides, which have been shown to kill certain cancer cells. Scientists are still trying to understand the exact biological activity of these polysulfides, and many are hopeful that this understanding will help lead to ‘natural’ antiobiotics, fungicides and anticancer agents, with fewer side effects. .

What researchers have learned is that garlic has effects on many health conditions, such as high blood lipids, blood pressure and fungal, bacterial and viral infections, to name just a few. The effectiveness is determined by the amount of allicin, which triggers the production of other active constituents. Intact, fresh garlic cells contain an amino acid called alliin, which is actually odorless. However, when the cells are broken, they react with an enzyme, producing allicin, which is the smelly part. The more alliin, the more allicin is produced. The amount of allicin is dependent on the method of preparation. Crushing the garlic increases the allicin, but freeze-drying results in producing very little. Some companies will enterically coat their product to protect the active chemicals from stomach acid. The process to produce odorless garlic extract also reduces the amount of alliin. However, when looking for a garlic supplement, aged garlic extracts usually are standardized to S-allyl-L-cysteine content, which has also been shown to be an effective active ingredient.

Garlic Oil Supplement You know that garlic is beneficial, but the odor may have kept you away from this natural supplement. A special cold processing technique makes it possible for us to provide you with all the benefits of 100% garlic without the offensive odor or taste. Available in (500 mg.) or (1000 mg.) softgels.

What does the science say?

There has been a lot of research into the effectiveness of garlic constituents and how it works. Studies have primarily investigated the effectiveness of fresh garlic, powdered products and aged garlic extracts. Here is some of what has been found:

* For atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), taking low doses of garlic powder daily, around 300 mg per day, appears to lessen age-related decreases in aortic elasticity. This elasticity is important for keeping the vessels healthy.

* Multiple studies have investigated fresh garlic and various garlic supplements and colorectal and gastric cancer. The overwhelming evidence shows that eating garlic is beneficial, but most studies do not find the same benefit from supplements of any kind. Fresh garlic may also lower the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%, but more research is necessary. Garlic in any form doesn’t seem to decrease the risk of breast cancer or lung cancer, however.

* Garlic supplements may help reduce blood pressure by 2% to 7% after 4 weeks.

* Eating high doses of garlic over 20 weeks may actually help reduce the likelihood of tick bites. So, if you plan a hiking trip, start 20 weeks early to ward them off on your trip. However, the amount studied was eating 1200 mg per day, which comes to more garlic than anyone would usually eat.

* It appears that a garlic jell might be as effective as Lamisil for various skin conditions.

* There have been many studies looking at how garlic may help with high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. These studies are very mixed, however. Early studies were showing a positive trend until more modern researcher started looking at these studies and found serious flaws. One analysis of all the studies suggested that there may be short-term benefits on blood lipids after 1-3 months, but no benefit after 6 months. When only the higher-quality studies were examined, the conclusion was that there is no reduction in cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

* For any other condition, research has either shown garlic to not be of any benefit or there is just not enough research to say one way or another.

* Something that studies do consistently seem to show is that often there is no active ingredient in the odorless products.

How should you take it?

Generally, the most effective form of garlic is fresh. Fresh garlic typically contains 1% alliin, where most aged garlic extracts only contain 0.03% alliin. So, for those who like to work with numbers, here are the details:

For every milligram of alliin, 0.458 mg of allicin is typically generated. Therefore, a dose of 4 grams of fresh garlic (approximately 1 clove) containing 1% alliin will produce about 18,300 mcg of allicin. A dose of garlic extract of 600 mg, containing 1.3% alliin will produce 3,600 mcg allicin. So, you decide.

To now answer the question how to take and how much, again, here is what the majority of research has concluded:

* For high blood pressure and high blood lipids, a garlic oil supplement of 600-1200 mg divided up and taken three times a day may be effective, but aged garlic extract of 600 mg to 7.2 grams per day has also been used. Aged garlic extract contains less alliin than the powdered form.

* To prevent stomach or colorectal cancer, fresh or cooked garlic of 3.5 to 29 grams per week is recommended.

* Garlic in the form of the garlic constituent ajoene as a 0.4% cream, a 0.6% gel or a 1% gel has been shown effective for such conditions as tinea infections, warts and corns.

Will it harm you?

In studies, garlic has been used safely for up to 7 years in healthy subjects. For the most part, garlic can be safe, especially as a food ingredient. Just about anyone can take garlic in its food form. Nursing mothers may notice unhappy babies, as garlic can affect the taste of breast milk. Other negative side effects include breath and body odor, mouth and gastrointestinal burning or irritation, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The biggest concern with garlic is its effect on bleeding time. Therefore, if you intend to have surgery, discontinue it one to two weeks before surgery. Documentation of garlic’s effect on platelet function is very well-known. As a consequence, anyone taking any medications or herbs that affect bleeding, such as warfarin (Coumadin), fish oil tablets, vitamin E, willow bark, aspirin, Plavix, should discuss this use with their health care professional. Garlic has also been shown to be extremely reactive with antiviral medications.

Garlic a day keeps the doctor away

So, after all of this, what is the basic conclusion? Eat your garlic! Enjoy it in stir fry, raw, cooked, baked, you name it, just enjoy it! If you have a health condition that requires you to take any medications, it’s always best to discuss how garlic will alter the absorbency of that medication. Also remember that herbs are just natural drugs and either discuss them with your doctor or do your research. With a few precautions, however, garlic oil supplements are an excellent addition to any healthy lifestyle.

How to make Garlic Oil

Learn how to make your own garlic oil.  

Buy Garlic Oil by Now Foods on Bulk Discount

NOW’s Garlic Oil is extracted and concentrated from the bulb of Allium sativum. Garlic is rich in Sulfur compounds, amino acids and trace minerals. 

Psoriasis Home Remedies

Garlic Oil - Yes, garlic rears its smelly head again, but believe me, this little clove is a essential ingredient in home remedies for psoriasis. Simply apply garlic oil to the affected area every evening.

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Red Yeast Rice Plus Co Q-10 Supplement

Red Yeast Rice - Benefits and Risks

History

Red fermented rice, red kojic rice, red koji rice or red yeast rice is bright reddish purple fermented rice. This rice gets its color from being cultivated with the mold Monascus purpureus. The red yeast rice is sold as whole dried grains or as a ground powder and can be found in jars in the Asian market. This product was commonly used for red food coloring in Chinese and East Asian cuisine much before chemical food coloring was produced.

The first documentation of the use of red yeast rice dates back to the Tang Dynasty in 800 A.D. There is also evidence and detailed description of its manufacture in the ancient Chinese pharmacopoeia. Here it has been drafted that red yeast rice is proposed to be a mild aid for blood circulation, spleen and stomach health and gastric problems.

Red yeast rice - How is it produced?

As mentioned earlier this rice is produced by cultivating Monascus purpureus on polished rice. This is done after the raw soaked rice is fully soaked in water and the grains are saturated. After this process, the rice is either directly inoculated or steamed in order to sterilize it before inoculation. During inoculation the processed rice is mixed with Monascus purpureus spores or powdered red yeast rice. Once this process is over the mixture is incubated in an environment that is around room temperature for a period of 3 to 6 days. This time is usually enough for the rice to be fully cultured with Monascus purpureus. This can be noticed with each rice grain turning bright red in its core and reddish purple on the outside. Zhi Tai is the term coined for red yeast rice when it is in a dried and powdered form. When the rice is extracted with alcohol it is called Xue Zhi Kang.

Red Yeast Rice Plus CO Q-10 Red Yeast Rice Plus Co Q-10 combines two powerful ingredients into one dynamic formula. Coenzyme Q-10 plays an important role in cellular health, helping to produce energy for the cell. Co Q-10 is also important for antioxidant and heart health. Red Yeast Rice has been a part of the traditional Chinese diet for centuries.

What are the benefits associated with red yeast rice?

Red yeast rice is said to reduce total cholesterol levels by restricting the liver’s production of cholesterol. This feature of the red yeast rice may help to prevent heart diseases and other complications that are associated with it.

What are the side effects linked with red yeast rice?

Some of the side effects and dangers of red yeast rice may include:

• Indigestion
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Bloating and Gas
• A feeling of dizziness
• Pain in the muscles
• Pain in the joints
• Inflammation of the liver
• Some damage to the peripheral nerves
• Dark Urine
• Yellowing of the skin/eyes

Apart from the side effects mentioned above, red yeast rice may also cause Rhabdomyolysis, which is a breakdown of muscle tissue that can eventually lead to muscle failure. This side effect does always occur. Red yeast rice can cause myopathy too, very much similar to what statin drugs do.

What are the risks associated with red yeast rice?

People who fall into the categories below may be at risk of developing problems if they consume red yeast rice.

• Nursing and pregnant women
• Diabetics
• People with liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
• People with acute infections
• People with kidney disease
• People with allergies
• People who have had an organ transplant

If you have been taking red yeast rice and experience tenderness or muscle pain, you should discontinue it and check with your doctor immediately.

Should I consult my doctor before I start red yeast rice?

Yes, It is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist and inform him/her about all prescription and non-prescription medications that you might be using. Let him/her decide what is good for you!

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Organic Lecithin Supplement

Lecithin or phosphatidycholine (PC) is a phospholipid, first discovered in the 1800s by a French scientist called Maurice Gobley. He extracted the compound from an egg yolk and in 1850 the compound was named lecithin from the word lekithos, which is the Greek term for egg yolk.

This lecithin was first used commercially as an emulsifying agent for a number of years. It could extend the life of many processed foods so the food industry began to add it to all kinds of food products including baked goods, nut butters, candies, chocolates, protein drinks, prepared foods and instant soups. The lecithin would also be added to recipes for flavor and also to be an emulsifying agent.

Lecithin Lecithin is considered an excellent source of choline, a B-vitamin. Lecithin Benefits Provides choline, an essential B-vitamin Supports healthy nervous system function Promotes normal brain function

In the 1930’s when there was a boom in soyabean consumption, the byproduct of the soyabean processing was discovered to include 1.8 percent of hydrophosphatides. If this sludge was put through a process called ‘degumming’ organic lecithin could be extracted and it would be an alternative to the lecithin from eggs. With this new development, lecithin really gained in popularity.

In fact the organic lecithin from the soybean turned out to be a safer product. The animal’s lecithin goes through the kidneys and may come in contact with all sorts of toxins. The soyabean lecithin hasn’t got that kind of potential pitfall so presently soybean lecithin makes up the main part of lecithin sold commercially.

Aside from food, organic lecithin has a multitude of other uses and has been added to paints, metal tape, animal feeds and cosmetics. In addition to that, it is sometimes used as a supplement in things such as capsules, granules or pills.

There are a number of effects that are related to lecithin. For one, it keeps fat dispersed in food. It prevents the oils from separating. In fact, one theory is, that it in this way it may help keep the cholesterol levels in a body low in the same way. This is still a theory though. Lecithin allows the fat content in foods to be reduced while maintaining the taste.

Organic lecithin is comprised of ethanolamine, insotil, phosphatides of choline and other lipids. All living organisms have these substances which are necessary in the human for the muscles, liver and the reproductive tract.

Lecithins must be studied further by the medical research community. It may be a potential treatment for high cholesterol. It keeps the fat in the bile and disperses cholesterol. Right now lecithin has been added to a number of dietary supplements for weight loss.

Organic lecithin holds great promise in the weight loss and cholesterol control fields of medicine. In addition it is very important to modern day food processing.

Lecithin And Relief From Depression

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Lecithin Benefits for the Skin

Owing to our tiring schedules, many of us usually fall prey to plethora of physical problems. This simply doesn’t mean that we have been negligent in.  

Lecithin Help To Reduce Weight

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Natural Cod Liver Oil Supplement

Should I Take Cod Liver Oil Supplements?

Cod liver oil is just that - oil extracted from the liver of codfish native to the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Often referred to as cod oil, fish liver oil and / or fish oil, cod liver oil is revered in the health community as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids - essential fatty acids proven to benefit heart and brain health. Cod liver oil continues to be studied for its potential in aiding mood disorders, inflammation and vision, and has been shown in clinical studies to impact triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body.

As a dietary supplement, cod liver oil is available in both liquid and capsule form and is typically flavored to offset any undesirable taste. Many fish oil products have been approved by the FDA but at the time of this writing are available only by prescription.

Cod Liver Supplement Cod Liver Oil is a natural source of Vitamins A and D, which help maintain bones and a healthy immune system. Vitamin A also assists in many other functions, such as eyesight and skin maintenance.

Cod liver oil health benefits and claims

The omega-3 fatty acids contained in cod liver oil are especially high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two compounds scientifically proven to benefit cardiovascular health. As a result, the FDA announced in 2004 the availability of a qualified health claim for reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) on the labels of conventional foods that contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids. Previously, the FDA announced a similar qualified health claim for dietary supplements containing EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids for the reduced risk of CHD.

In further support of the positive impact of omega-3 fatty acids on heart health, a report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association states that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil may reduce the risk of arrhythmia, lower triglycerides and blood pressure in the body and improve arterial well-being.*

Regardless of its proven benefits to heart health, claims that fish oil can strengthen the immune system, fight free radicals, deter macular degeneration, aid cognitive function, relieve migraines and hay fever, and assist with neural disorders remain relatively unsubstantiated.

*Statement not evaluated by FDA.

Cod liver oil safety and toxicity

Cod liver oil naturally contains high levels of vitamins A and D, which in excess can be toxic to humans. Nutritionists suggest exercising caution when taking cod liver oil in conjunction with other dietary supplements containing vitamins A and D.

Recent reports indicate the level of harmful contaminants found in ocean fish is on the rise. Dioxins, methylmercury and PCBs have been found in many species from which fish oil is extracted, including tuna, cod, salmon, halibut and others. For this reason, molecularly distilled fish oil is presumed safest. Molecular distillation is a process by which impurities such as pesticides and heavy metals are removed from fish oil. Molecularly distilled fish oils also tend to contain higher levels of EPA and DHA.

It is advisable that pregnant and nursing women consult a physician prior to beginning a cod liver oil regimen. Those taking blood thinners or with bleeding disorders are also advised to consult with a doctor, as fish oil acts as an anticoagulant in the body.

The FDA recommends not to exceed doses of more than a total of 3 grams per day of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with no more than 2 grams per day from a dietary supplement.

Adverse reactions and side effects

Gastrointestinal side effects such as belching, gas and heartburn may result from cod liver oil supplementation. Side effects can be minimized significantly by taking cod liver oil with meals or by starting a regimen with smaller doses and increasing amounts gradually. Because of its anti-coagulant properties, fish oil in large doses may increase the risk of bleeding.

Other possible cod liver oil side effects include:

Abdominal bloating
Acid reflux
Diarrhea
Low blood pressure
Nosebleeds
Blood in urine
Nausea

Cod oil compared with other fish oils

Fish oils that contain both omega-3 EPA and DHA are said to be the most beneficial to good health. These include oils derived from cod, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. Depending on the source of the fish and the distillation process used in manufacturing, fish oils can vary in strength, level of contamination and actual EPA and DHA content. Although it’s a source of debate as to which fish makes a better supplement, most believe that deep-sea, coldwater fish contain fewer contaminants and are more nutritious.

Cod liver oil and the FDA

Notwithstanding the FDA’s approval of qualified health claims for products which contain omega-3 DHA and EPA, over-the-counter fish oils and dietary fish oil supplements are not FDA approved. As a result, the purity, effectiveness and safety of many fish oil products remain uncertain. Rancidity resulting from poorly processed fish oil has been reported, and many fish oil supplements contain far too low levels of omega-3 EPA and DHA to benefit health.

References

1. May Give You a Reason to Smile More. Better Nutrition. Oct 2007 v69 i10 p13(1).
2. Fish for the Best Oil. Gorin, Amy. Prevention; May2007, Vol. 59 Issue 5, p82-82, 1/4p, 1c.
3. Knock Out Arthritis, Autoimmune Diseases and Wrinkles. Sears, Barry. American Chiropractor, Oct2006, Vol. 28 Issue 11, p54-57, 3p; (AN 22799863)
4. Cod liver oil monograph. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
5. Fish oils gaining in popularity. Natural Standard. September 2005. www.standard.com
6. Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid. Natural Standard Monograph 2007.
7. Take your cod liver oil and stay happy. Natural Life. Sept-Oct 2007 p37(1).
8. Fishing for other sources of EFAs. Todd Runestad. Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals. Paddock Wood: Feb 2007. , Iss. 62; pg. 36, 7 pgs.
9. New guidelines focus on fish, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids. American Heart Association. November 18, 2002.
10. FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. September 8, 2004. Food and Drug Administration.

By: Mitch Pellecchia

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on Cod Liver Oil, visit www.VitaCost.com/Cod-Liver-Oil.

Health Benefits of Cod Liver Oil - Medical Uses for Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod fish liver, it is natural oil rich in nutrients and available in market both in oil form or in capsule.  

Cod Liver Oil Capsules

Information on cod liver oil capsules. Learn about dosages, ingredients, brand names and prices.   

Cod Liver Oil: Heart Healthy Wintertime Supplement

Cod Liver Oil As we continue to celebrate heart health month at Meadowsweet Market, heart healthy supplements abound. The traditional Midwestern US winter supplement of Cod Liver Oil remains a smart choice for heart health all year 

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Oat Bran Powder Supplement

The Benefits Of Oat Bran

Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)

An oat is a grass that produces a fibrous root and a hollow jointed stem with narrow, flat, pale-green leaves. Oats are native to southern Europe and eastern Asia. They are widely cultivated as a food.

An oat is an edible cereal grain produced by the cereal grass of the same name. They are light colored and have a nutty flavor and a chewy texture.

Oat Bran Supplement Adds healthy Oat Bran to your diet. Some people just don’t like the flavor of Oat Bran and others find many of the Oat Bran foods on the market very expensive. Our Oat Bran tablets are a convenient, inexpensive way to add a healthy food to your diet! Available in (850 mg.) Tablets.

Usually we think of them as breakfast food but oatmeal has long been known for its skin-soothing properties. Many skin lotions and ointments are formulated with oats for it’s skin healing properties.

As a nutritious breakfast food oats provide a healthy addition to your diet in that there is 140 calories per 1/2 cup serving. They also provide 4g of dietary fiber, of which 2g of this is soluble fiber and 2g is insoluble. Insoluble fibers are those that cannot be dissolved in water. And soluble fibers can be dissolved in water. They provide 10% of your daily iron needs. Also of this 1/2 cup serving, there is 26g of carbohydrate and 2.5g of fat, which is considered lowfat.

Three grams of soluble fiber from oatmeal daily, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Besides all this, this nourishing cereal also contains, vitamins, starches, minerals and 5g of protein. Clinical trials have been done, and they have shown that regular consumption of oat bran reduces blood cholesterol levels in just one month. High-fiber diets may also reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancers.

Oats contain the alkaloid, gramine, which has been credited with mild sedative properties.

There are several forms of oats on the market and the following lists the most popular kinds. Whole oats without the hulls are groats.

Rolled: Oat groats that have been steamed then flattened into flakes. Also, known by the more common name of old-fashioned.

Quick-cooking: Oat groats that are cut into several pieces before rolling to shorten the cooking time.

Instant oatmeal: Oat groats that are cut into very small pieces and processed so that they need no cooking, just add boiling water.

Steel-cut: Oat groats that have been cut by steel blades. Often called Irish or Scottish oatmeal.

Oat flour: The finely ground grain.

Oat bran: The ground outer layer of the oat. Used as a hot cooked breakfast cereal and is a good source of fiber.

Other uses for Oats Are in Skin and Bath Products.

Oatmeal is found in many bath products and skin and body products. Oatmeal baths are wonderful for soothing dry, flaking skin, and poison ivy and dermatoses. It alleviates itching from poison oak and chicken pox. It has long been used in facial scrub products and is a very natural product.

Oat straw contains high levels of silicic acid, which makes it an effective treatment for many skin diseases, especially those associated with the nervous system. Try using an external oat-straw preparation to relieve shingles and herpes.

Besides eating them in the form we are most familiar with, the box of oats that we purchase in the supermarket, oat products can be purchased in commercial form as an oat bran supplement, extracts, and tinctures.

One expert lists the primary functions of oats as: If eaten, a supportive, nurturing tonic for the nervous system, If eaten, it can be used to alleviate digestive problems associated with stress and tension, If applied externally, it can relieve skin diseases especially those with a nervous basis.

About The Author

Nick A. James offers informative tips and information on nutrition, health and working from home. His many years of Internet Marketing expertise puts him in unique postion to help others starting a home business (http://www.health-goji-juice.com/home-business.html). For free newsletter, free reports and amazing info contact him at: http://www.health-goji-juice.com.

Just Eat Your Oat Bran

After my Oat Bran vs. Rolled oats, many of you emailed or commented that your specific brand of oat bran had different nutritional information listed compared to Quaker Oat’s numbers. 

Say Yes to wheat & oat bran!

I also tried a new breakfast today - oat bran AND wheat bran. Wheat bran was on sale and I had no idea what it was, so in typical Maggie fashion I decided to buy some. 

Oat bran and Protein Powder

In my last trip to Whole Foods I picked up bulk oat bran and a new protein powder and I am currently in love with both!!! 

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Ginkgo Biloba Powder Supplement

The Ginkgo Biloba Supplement

Ginkgo Biloba is said to have many health benefits. These include acting as an antioxidant, aiding in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and enhancing blood circulation throughout the body.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree, often called a living fossil due to the fact it can live for over 1,000 years, is the last survivor of its botanical family.

The first reliable records suggest that the Ginkgo Biloba tree was used as a supplement by the Sung dynasty, in the Xuangcheng province of Anhui region (Eastern China), in the early 1000’s. Over the next few centuries, as the tree had time to not only be cultivated, but to bear seeds, it became more widely used and was mentioned in a book that was published in the year 1313. Some speculation exists as to whether the tree had been cultivated in remote areas of China for years prior to there being any written records relating to it.

Ginkgo Biloba Mental clarity and energy Memory and alertness Cognitive brain function Cardiovascular and circulatory health Ocular blood flow The health-giving virtues of Ginkgo Biloba have been reported for over 5,000 years. Today, scientific studies are confirming that the benefits attributed to this botanical may be due to its numerous and highly potent antioxidant properties. By neutralizing free radicals and strengthening the immune system, Ginkgo Biloba can help support the body’s natural defense mechanism against cellular damage and premature aging. Whether you want to support healthy brain function so you can keep working longer…or just keep living life to its utmost…Ginkgo Biloba can be an important part of your health regimen.

In 1691, a German named Engelbert Kaempfer, discovered the Ginkgo tree in Japan. He then took seeds to Europe in the early 1700’s and then to America later in that century.
Ginkgo Biloba trees are deciduous and grow to be heights of 66 to 115 feet.

Today, the Ginkgo Biloba tree grows in two areas of Eastern China (some there are as high as 164 feet) and the Ginkgo is also planted as an ornamental tree in many American cities.

For many centuries, Ginkgo Biloba has been used both medicinally and as a food. Traditional Chinese herbalists use the plant for the treatment of maladies such as brain disorders, bronchitis and asthma. There are more than 40 different components that make up the Ginkgo Biloba tree, but two are reported to be beneficial to humans. Those two components are flavonoids and terpenoids. Studies conducted with animals have shown that, together, these components of Ginkgo protect the nerves, heart muscle, retina, and blood vessels from damage, and blood flow is markedly improved.

Ginkgo Biloba is said to have many other health benefits:

It offers powerful antioxidant effects.

Ginkgo contains compounds that actually absorb toxic chemicals. In turn, cell damage is prevented and this can slow the aging process.

It enhances circulation to the ears, eyes, heart, and appendages, which reduces symptoms such as numbness, coldness, and cramping.

It has been used in treating Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral insufficiency, and senile dementia. Ginkgo Biloba powder supplements are said to improve brain functions such as memory, problem-solving and concentration.

It may also be helpful in treating certain eye disorders, such as macular degeneration (also called age-related macular degeneration or ARMD). This aggressive disease is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Some studies have shown that vision for those with ARMD could be preserved for a longer period of time by using Ginkgo Biloba.

Ginkgo is used to treat ear disorders and peripheral arterial disease.

It is said to increase sexual endurance.

Ginkgo Biloba is said to aid in preventing free radical damage which in turn improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

One clinical study reported that Ginkgo, administered in extract form, may reduce some side effects of menopause. It’s possible that it may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in women.

Ginkgo Biloba is available in a variety of formats - as a standardized extract, capsules, tablets and a liquid extract, as well as dried leaves to use in tea. As with any natural supplement, it is suggested that you consult with your health advisor prior to taking Ginkgo Biloba.

Colin Albert works with the Euphoria for Women website. The web site provides information on female sexual enhancement and features a natural product which contains Ginkgo Biloba. The product is a female sexual enhancement cream, designed for women of all ages.

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Energy B-Complex Supplement

Vitamin B Supplements - Why Do I Need Them?

This article explain how you can get help from vitamin B supplements to heal your body fast.

Many people that consume vitamin B supplements do not even know the power this mineral can do for their body. Do you agree that they just buy anything that the doctor or the pharmacist recommends. If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. I am also one of them.

How can this mineral help me?

Vitamin B supplements are the cheapest, safest, and most reliable way to improve your wellbeing and overall mental abilities. It can help your liver function and this will help your thyroid.

Vitamin B supplements do not reduce the risk of a heart attack, according to researchers at the University of Tromso, Norway. It simply help people to fight depression.

B-Complex Supplement B-100? (Vitamin B Complex) Capsules Supports Nervous System Health and Energy Metabolism These capsules provide an excellent source of B-Complex vitamins to help promote a sufficient daily intake. The B-Complex is essential for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. The B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism in the body. Choline and Inositol are essential components of cell membranes.

What else can vitamin B supplement do?

This mineral is often needed for metabolism of amino acids and prevention of skin and nerve disorders. B complex mineral can even prevent pernicious anemia and is involved in nucleic-acid synthesis, fat metabolism, and conversion of carbohydrate to fat.

Vitamins B may help give additional energy to the person if they are feeling tired. At times, this mineral may be a life-saver that can help prevent heart attacks.

Of course, before you consume any vitamin and minerals, always ask your family doctor or physician before you start taking any health supplements.

What so important about vitamin B?

Vitamin B is very important, as it contains B3 niacin, which is very important for growing hair. What it does is to enriches the overall quality and thickness of hair. Also, vitamin B3 niacin is also an essential vitamin for your body, and it is just one of the eight water soluble types of B vitamins.

Vitamin B6 provides an example of how nutritional supplements can help manipulate cancer cells. Besides manipulating cancer cells so as to slow down their production. Vitamin B is another important nutrient during pregnancy because the 12 components of the vitamin (B complex) which are the building blocks of cellular growth and development.

Vitamin B3 or or niacin can help in energy production but it is especially useful in treating diseases that involve high cholesterol levels. Complex B vitamins also play an important role with maintaining muscle tone within the digestive tract, along with the health of the skin, nervous system, live, eyes, hair, and mouth. There are evidence of vitamin B6 for treating or preventing CVD has been accumulating for more than 50 years.

What are the relationship between folate and vitamin B12?

Folate and vitamin B12 are key vitamins that promote reduction of homocysteine levels, which are increased in persons with dementia, but supplementing with these vitamins does not appear to improve cognition. Folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 intake and the risk of breast cancer among Mexican women.

In conclusion

Vitamin B complex is most often used to treat deficiencies that are caused by poor vitamin intake, difficulties with vitamin absorption, or conditions causing increased metabolism, such as hyperthyroidism, which deplete vitamin levels at a higher than normal rate.

Also, the vitamin B complex plays a very important part in the good functioning of our body. As it is often hard to absorb, vitamin B supplements are very effective in maintaining a proper vitamin B level and keeping us healthy.

I hope you will find this article interesting and informative and the most important of all is to put what you have read into action.

Out of true passion for health, Eddy Kong has started a useful vitamin supplement information guide that help you to choose the vitamin you are looking for or simply providing the right information to vitamin supplements.

Eddy Kong WW is the owner of the Vitamin Supplement Resource Blog. Drop by at Getting Help From Vitamin B Supplements Getting Help From Vitamin B Supplements for more useful vitamin supplements resources.

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For Women Only Supplement

Is There A Supplement That Only Women Should Take?

Are all the 47 minerals, vitamins and antioxidants so mentioned by experts important? Are we wasting our money today on this fast growing industry of wellness. Find out why you need to be more cautious.

Vitamins women need daily normally will be purchased on price. The two most important issues that most vitamin buyers don’t take into consideration are potency and safety. A female’s body needs a variety of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that normally should come from her food. Unfortunately in today’s fast world of modernization women cannot get the right ingredients freshenough to give themselves all they need.

Click To Buy Women’s Only Supplement

Women’s health fifty years ago was so different. Women had the company of other family members to share the work load of the home as they lived mostly in joint families. There was time to shop at the local market daily each morning and the produce was always fresh. Women were able to cook a lot of variety as families were large and the dishes were always fresh.

Woman health issues have become severe as today life has changed as women have been dragged into the work force to help supplement the family income, families are usually only 2 children strong and the working day spans 10 to 14 hours as a lot of the time goes into commuting. We do not get enough time to shop as we live too far away from supermarkets and shopping is always in a hurry and done once a week. Gone are the days of the fresh open air markets in big cities. We are certainly not getting freshness or variety these days.

The lack of freshness is certainly impacting on our nutrient levels these days. Variety is another issue in spite of the fact we may take carbohydrates, proteins and fats in each meal. Unfortunately it’s not the macro nutrients but rather the micronutrients that are lacking in our meals. Some of these are calcium, magnesium, copper,etc. This is one of the reason why we need to supplement vitamins into our daily diet each day.

In 1980 the American Journal of Medicine JAMA mentioned strongly that men and women need not take vitamins as their diet was sufficient to give them all they needed. Yet just 20 years later in early 2002, JAMA turned its findings around saying it is prudent that we supplement our diet with vitamins as we do not take the basic 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables needed for a healthy diet each day.

Women health issues can be prevented if adequate amounts of essential nutrients are present in her diet daily. She needs to be able to take antioxidants, minerals, alpha lipoic acid, folic acid and vitamins to help with the onset of cancers and osteoporosis. Heart disease is seen to be less when women supplement with a high quality essential fatty acid found in salt water fish. The ratios of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids have to be in the right ratios to help with this condition. Too much of omega 6 is harmful. Omega 6 normally comes from red meats commonly seen in western diets. Another issue is to see if the fish oil in the omega capsules have been distilled twice to remove any heavy metals such as mercury.

Vitamins for women also include calcium and magnesium. Both must be present to help with the absorption of calcium into the bones. This is best absorbed when Vit D3 is present. Most of the body’s calcium is in the bones with only 1% in the blood. The blood calcium comes from the bones and this is the reason we need to take high calcium rich foods such as green leafy vegetables to help restore the calcium taken from the bones.

Today osteoporosis is a major problem among women as calcium supplementation is so low that women as young as in their 30’s are falling victim to this disease. Once the calcium has been leached from the bones the disease cannot be revoked. Women need to supplement life long to prevent osteo-arthritis. Taking a calcium supplement is the answer but be careful on the type of supplement you do choose for your body. Calcium formulated with the wrong combinations will calcify in your body leading to complications such as seen in kidney stones. It is important to supplement with a vitamin that you can trust.

As quoted by Dietary Guidelines for Americans, from the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture:

• eat a variety of foods
• maintain healthy weight
• choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol
• choose a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grain products
• use sugar and salt/sodium only in moderation
• if you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation

If you are looking for more information on  the best multivitamins for women  then you are free to visit our site that has a lot of useful health material to help you take the best vitamins women need today.

What Is The Best Brand Of Women’s Vitamins?
So with today’s increased life expectancy and the chance of falling victim to any of the increasing number of degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cancer, etc, we need to look at a plan of self defence in the form of high quality multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

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Soy and Whey Protein Powder Supplements

Protein Supplements - Whey, Soy and Others

Known as the ‘Building Blocks’ of the body, proteins are vital in the growth and maintenance of the entire human body. Various types of protein supplements are available and widely used by heavy exercisers and body builders to help build and maintain their muscles.

What is Protein
Protein is a group of essential nutrients that the body requires for proper growth and maintenance. There are approximately 50 such essential nutrients that our bodies require and can’t produce by themselves. These nutrients are divided into 6 main categories consisting of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. All of these nutrients are got from the food that we eat / drink.

Water is considered to be the most essential of these nutrients, followed by protein. Protein helps in building and maintaining muscles, most organs and hormones. Protein is also essential in helping make hemoglobin, and antibodies.

Sources of Protein
Most of us have the misconception that we need to compulsorily include meat in our diet in order to get protein. This is totally false. Yes, meat is the best source of protein, but not the only one. Eggs, beans, nuts, peanut butter, milk and milk products are good sources of protein too. Eating meat gives you all the proteins that your body requires. Vegetarians need to have well balanced meals with variety in their diet to get all the required proteins.

How Much Protein Does the Body Require
It is very rare in developed countries to find people with protein deficiency. Many (especially children) in very poor countries suffer from a condition known as ‘Kwashiorkor’ due to protein deficiency. This causes the skinny appearance with a bloated stomach.

Adults who feel weak often, have poor infection resistance, go into sudden depression, and lack energy should get themselves checked for protein deficiency.

On an average the normal person should get approximately 0.8 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. Exercisers should get in between 1 to almost 2 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, depending on the severity of exercise performed.

Almost all Americans get the daily required amount of proteins from their natural diet. This is the reason why the maximum number of users of protein supplements are those who exercise for long, especially body builders.

Types of Protein Supplements
Health stores today are flooded with a variety of protein powder supplements. These supplements are mostly taken by athletes and body builders, besides being taken by those whose normal diet is poor in proteins. You can get easily confused and should know exactly when and what type of protein supplement you require.

 Click Here to go to one of the best sources for protein powder supplements

Whey Protein
Whey protein is the best and most popular protein supplement used by power exercisers and bodybuilders. Whey protein is obtained during the process of converting milk to cheese. It helps produce the right type of amino acids that are used in building and maintaining muscle tissue. Here is a link to check out a great whey proteing powder supplement: click here

Soy Protein
As the name goes, soy protein is derived from the soybean plant, and a good source even though it is not a complete single source of protein. Soy protein is claimed to be the next best source of protein to meat. Studies have shown that soy protein reduces LDL cholesterol, while maintaining HDL cholesterol.

Egg Protein
Egg protein is considered to be one of the best forms of natural protein. The white of eggs contains the proteins. Many still consume raw eggs to get this protein, but this is not advised. Eggs should be boiled or well cooked before consumption to eliminate certain bacteria that could cause illness. Egg protein supplements provide you all the benefits of this protein without the added cholesterol that the egg yolk (yellow) comes with.

Casein Protein
Casein is very slow in digestion and is a good source of protein. This supplement is best taken at night before going to bed, since it is said to be effective for approximately 6 to 7 hours after consumption.

Whey / Soy Isolate Protein
Whey / Soy Isolate protein supplement is the same as normal whey / soy protein supplements, except for the fact that they are much more concentrated in the level of proteins. They are more pure in protein value. Normally whey / soy isolate protein supplements contain about 75 to 85% protein, while the isolate of both contain in between 90 to 98% protein. The isolate variety is more expensive and usually used by those whose workout is extremely strenuous.

Excess Protein is Not Good
The body becomes useless without protein which helps build and maintain it. Protein is present in almost every part of the human body including muscles, bones, hair, and skin. It is very good for the human body, but an excess consumption of anything good will surely lead to something bad. The excess proteins will have no use and must be eliminated from the body. This puts an extra load on the kidneys and liver. As long as one is young and healthy, the organs are able to take the load. Its effects, which could at times be fatal, will surely begin to show as one gets older. Take protein supplements only if you are certain that you are protein deficient, if you exercise long hours, or if you practice bodybuilding.

Dont make the common mistakes when buying Liquid Protein

Whey proteins are commonly used in most good protein powder supplements and part of the reason for its use is higher overall usability as compared to other protein powders. 

Protein Powder Supplements Reviews Can Help You Choose A Product

For an individual who is interested in purchasing a protein powder supplement product the number of available choices can be very confusing.

Benefits of taking protein powder as a diet

This whey protein is very effective and beneficial for our body. A few of the benefits of whey protein powder are mentioned here below.

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