Recent scientific research shows us that antioxidants are pretty much known as all-round do-gooders—just what the doctor ordered, just what our bodies need, but the American diet lacks. But what exactly are antioxidants and how do they work? To understand this we first need to understand the root word: oxidants. Oxidants are substances that are created by the body during the normal physiological process at the level of cellular functioning. Old cells die, and are replaced by new cells through chemical molecular activity, known as oxidation. Oxygen is released from the cell to combine with other elements, thus leaving behind unstable molecules called free radicals.Free radicals are chemically active atoms because these molecules have unpaired electrons and thus are charged due to extra or deficient electrons. Free radicals are highly unstable and are on the lookout either to take electrons or give up electrons in order to remain stable. In the process they damage cells, proteins and the genetic material (DNA) in the cell. This can lead to cell dysfunction which can possibly lead to heart disease and diabetes.Antioxidants are substances (nutrients and enzymes) which help in counteracting the damage that takes place during cellular oxidation. They help control and repair the damage done. In short, they help neutralize free radicals. The effectiveness of the antioxidant depends on the type of free radical. Doctors recommend a healthy diet which is also rich in antioxidants along with daily exercise. The All-American Diet A right balance of antioxidants in the body will normally counteract the damage done by oxidation. However, pollution, alcohol and tobacco intake are contributive factors to increasing free radicals. Our diet and lifestyle too add to increasing free radical activity.Statistics show that Americans get one-third of their daily calorie intake from junk foods like soft drinks, sweets, desserts, alcoholic beverages, salty snacks and other food containing unsaturated fats. Even the popular American diet consisting of iceberg lettuce, French fries, burgers do not have a sufficient amount of antioxidants to combat the damage to our cells due to free radicals. Because of the increase in free radical activity in our bodies, scientists believe we are potentially more at risk to cancer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, immune dysfunction, cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as accelerated ageing. Sources of Antioxidants Natural sources of antioxidants include foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, beta carotene, trace elements like selenium, zinc and manganese required in very small amounts by the body. Our bodies need a mix of these vitamins and minerals to gain the optimum level of antioxidants. Natural sources of vitamin A are found in Liver, dairy products, fish. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, seeds, olives, avocado, wheat germ, liver, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Beta carotene is found in cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya, pumpkin, peppers, spinach, kale, squash, sweet potatoes, and apricots. Selenium is found in seafood, chicken, Brazil nuts, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is advisable to gain an optimum level of antioxidants. Natural sources of antioxidants are the best. But if for any reason these cannot be consumed in its natural form, vitamin supplements and nutritional supplements are advised. Superfoods like Ruby reds and Royal Greens Ultra are rich in antioxidants, and are chemically free.Doctors keep telling us that the great American diet is slowly killing us. To a large extent the saying is true: our bodies are what we eat. But we can change; we can make a difference in our family and for our family. The more we eat healthy food the more we gain an appetite for it. Conversely, the more junk food we eat the more we develop a taste for it. We need to choose right, each time we choose.

The scientifically respected free radical theory of aging has taken on increased significance. This new movement has been largely driven by exciting new studies that point to oxygen free radicals as a prime causative factor in an ever-expanding range of health issues including heart disease, cancer, allergies, macular degeneration, and arthritis. In fact, it is generally agreed that oxidative damage to DNA may be the major underlying cause of essentially all degenerative diseases and the aging process itself. Today, there are literally many hundreds of landmark studies that have been performed by some of the most prestigious medical institutions on the value of the antioxidants and their findings are published in numerous professional and peer-reviewed medical health journals. Of course, additional research is necessary, but based on the findings to date it is safe to assume that antioxidants could assist the body in fighting against the damage done by free radical oxidative stress. Causes: Many age-related ailments are caused by free radicals. Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the bodyâ??s immune systemâ??s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur.Free radicals give rise to oxidative stress which is the main cause for various age-related ailments. Free radicals damage the body by exchanging free electrons present in their outermost shell along with the atoms and molecules of the cells. The cells accumulate free radicals which causes damage with the passage of time. Many studies have shown that radicals are linked to cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. The body has its own immune system to deal with free radicals. Cell suicide or apoptosis is a bodyâ??s natural process of dealing with the cell damage due to free radicals. But if free radicals increase beyond normal limits, the immune system fails to contain the damage giving way to fatal diseases.To better visualize how free radicals attack the body, think about the rust that attacks your car. Rust is caused by oxidation. And it is the oxidation of free radicals that are believed to be a cause of poor health and may even play a role in the aging process. Pollution, illness, age, poor dietary habits and stress increase free radical activity so itâ??s important that we nourish our body with potent antioxidant supplements to neutralize free radicals and support the immune system, the bodyâ??s first line of defense against disease. The American Diet: The American diet has lost its colors. Iceberg lettuce is preferred over spinach. Potatoes are replaced by the tangy French fries. These dietary changes have contributed the most in deficiency of vitamins and minerals. The antioxidant intake is deficient. Antioxidants to Rescue: Antioxidants intervene in the oxidation process and stop the oxidation process by providing the unstable molecule with the electrons it needs. The antioxidants neutralize the free radicals and prevent them from causing any damage to the body. It has been observed that the intervention of antioxidants slows down the aging process and reduces the possibilities of the age related ailments. Antioxidants also act against ailments like cancer, neurological disorders, heart ailments and immune deficiency. Sources of Antioxidants: Green vegetables and fruits are the best known sources of antioxidants. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, beet roots are rich sources of antioxidants. Fruits rich in color such as berries, orange, plum, grapes, apricot, peach are also rich in antioxidants. A healthy diet with plenty of colored fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants the body requires. If thatâ??s hard to maintain, consider a nutritional supplement in the prescribed dosage to bridge the nutritional deficiency. These supplements include Green Tea Plus , CocoPure , Ruby Reds , and Royal Greens . These supplements are manufactured as per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Fishing for Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet? What to look for in a fish oil supplement can prove to be a dilemma, especially when there are a number of products out there all claming to be one better than the other. How do you choose? Before we move to answer that, let’s see what omega 3 fatty acids are and why they are so essential to our diet.There are two broad categories of fat—polyunsaturated fat and saturated. As against saturated fats which remain hydrogenated at room temperature, polyunsaturated fats remain liquid at room temperature or refrigerated. What does the type of fat we eat have to do with our body and the way it functions? Our cell membranes are composed mainly of fatty acids. The cell membrane is semi-permeable and responsible for allowing proper nutrients to enter the cell, and expelling waste matter. It is believed that a diet high in saturated fat intake produces membranes which are hard and lack permeability. Cells are unable to function properly and eventually die, causing a number of degenerative diseases. Diets rich is omega 3 fatty acids produce cell membranes with a high degree of fluidity, thus helping to maintain optimum cell functioning. Increasing our body’s ability to maintain good health at the most basic level subsequently increases the proper functioning of our vital organs and our overall health!While there are a chain of omega 3 fatty acids, the two important omega 3 fatty acids are – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The other omega 3 fatty acids are sufficiently obtained from a normal diet. EPA and DHA are the ones that play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.Precursors of EPA and DHA are found in flax, walnut, and soybeans. Supplements containing these are usually not as effective as /www.newvitality.com/shop/triple-strength-omega-3.aspx">fish oil supplements as it depends on the individual’s ability to absorb precursors in the body to produce EPA and DHA. This differs, depending on individual health.EPA and DHA are directly found in cold water fish like mackerel, salmon, lake trout, sardines, tuna, halibut, and herring. Research in the field of cardiovascular and related heart disease shows that these omega 3 fatty acids:keep blood from clotting excessively, lower the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream, decrease platelet aggregation, preventing excessive blood clotting, inhibit thickening of the arteries, increases the activity of another chemical nitric oxide, which causes arteries to relax and dilate, reduce inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 99% of people in the United States do not eat enough omega 3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association states that Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of:healthy people, those at high risk of cardiovascular disease those who have cardiovascular disease.It recommends an increase of omega-3 fatty acid in our diet, preferably through foods. Since coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone, the AHA, recommends that patients talk to their doctors about taking Omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 supplements also could help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses.What to look for in a fish oil supplement? Look for the following:An omega -3 supplement derived from actual fish fat and not from synthetic sources.Make sure the label tells you which fish was used and preferably which waters it comes from. Farm-raised fish can be unhealthy because of the crowded farming conditions and the necessity of injecting fish with antibiotics and pesticides.The fish oil supplement should be made of pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Farm raised fishes are known to be mercury contaminated. Consumption of such fish oil can increase the cardiovascular related risks.It should pure and rich in omega-3 contents. It should contain highly concentrated levels of DHA and EPA. Minimum 300mg EPA and 300mg DHA is safe for consumption.It should be prepared by molecular distillation process. This process guarantees the purity of the product. This process does not disturb the overall constitution of the product.The product is from a reputed manufacturer and follows the established standards laid down by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration laws.Fish oil supplements help raise the DHA and EPA levels in the body. Products like New Vitality’s Triple Strength Omega-3 is ultra refined and of a pharmaceutical grade. It is prepared as per the guidelines fixed by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so the quality and results of the product is guaranteed.Those using a fish oil supplement may complain that fish oil repeats on them. This is true of lower quality fish oil products. An added advantage of Triple Strength Omega-3 is that it has a clear interior enteric-coating. It's not only easy to swallow, but it passes through the stomach acids and into the intestines intact to deliver maximum absorption without a fishy aftertaste, belching, odor or reflux problems.

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin (anti-fungal and anti-bacterial chemical) produced naturally by grapes and other plants in response to fungal infection. Found abundantly in the skin of red grapes, Resveratrol shows promising results in combating diseases like cancer, cardiovascular and related heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research also looks promising for its role in extending life span, promoting anti-viral activity and increasing physical stamina.It is important to note that research on Resveratrol has been done only in test tubes or rodents. While evidence is still inconclusive, the volume of research and positive inferences suggest that Resveratrol could have massive, revolutionary possibilities for treating human beings! Longevity Resveratrol became the first-ever supplement known to activate a longevity gene. Aging and death is caused by older cells losing their ability to perfectly replicate DNA, producing DNA “mistakes”. DNA mistakes accumulate forming “DNA debris" which eventually stops a cell from functioning. Studies show that Resveratrol reduces the frequency of “DNA debris” by 60% through the longevity gene that it stimulates. (Ref. Hall, S.S., 2003. Longevity research. In vino vitalis? Compounds activate life-extending genes. Science 301, 1165). Cancer Study of Resveratrol done at the University of Rochester shows mounting evidence that suggests Resveratrol kills cancer cells while protecting healthy cells from radiation treatment. It does this by disabling the cancer cell's mitochondria (DNA power source). Dr. Paul Okunieff, lead author of this research announced, "Resveratrol seems to have a therapeutic gain by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation and making normal tissue less sensitive". He further stated, "this research indicates that resveratrol has a promising future as part of the treatment for cancer." (Ref. Mounting Evidence Shows Red Wine Antioxidant Kills Cancer", Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center., 2008-03-26. Retrieved on 2008-03-26). Atheltic Performance Mice that were fed resveratrol for 15 weeks showed better treadmill endurance. The study supported a hypothesis that the effects of resveratrol are due to the activation of SIRT1. (Ref. Johan Auwerx, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology in Illkirch, France). Antiviral Effects The study of Resveratrol has shown promising results, in vitro, in increasing the potency of some anti-retro-viral drugs against HIV. Study also showed 90% effectiveness when resveratrol was added six hours after an influenza virus infection.(Ref. Revel, A. et al. Resveratrol, a natural aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, protects lung from DNA damage and apoptosis caused by benzo[a]pyrene. J. Appl. Toxicol. 2003;23:255-61). Heart Disease Research of Resveratrol and its effects on the heart have reported Resveratrol to have extensive potential benefits: As a potentially potent antioxidant activity. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant. It helps prevent lipid peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein. A study published in Free Radical Research reported that testing of Resveratrol, Vitamin E and a synthetic antioxidant resulted in resveratrol as the best defense against scavenging artery-damaging radicals.(Ref. Tadolini, B. et al. Resveratrol inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Free Radic. Res. 2000;33:105-14) In helping prevent damage to blood vessels. A recent British research claims Resveratrol protects against cellular damage to blood vessels caused by high production of glucose in diabetes. These elevated levels of glucose can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Dr. Matt Whiteman, lead researcher, stated, "...our research shows the link between high levels of glucose, its damaging effect on cell structure, and the ability of resveratrol to protect against and mend that damage.” In helping reduce cholesterol. Resveratrol has been shown to modulate the metabolism of lipids, and inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, thus helping to regulate cholesterol levels. In helping protect the blood circulation and heart function. Nitric oxide, a major component in heart/artery function allows blood vessels to “relax,” thus enhancing blood flow. A diet high in cholesterol has been found to decrease the function of nitric oxide by about one third. Research found Resveratrol supplements significantly reversed this trend, helping protect blood circulation and heart function.(Ref .Zou JG, et al. Effect of red wine and wine polyphenol resveratrol on endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Int. J. Mol. Med. 2003;11:317-20). In helping prevent platelet aggregation which leads to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Resveratrol keeps blood cells from sticking together. Canadian researchers found that nothing else they tested was active against this aspect of heart disease except Resveratrol, which inhibited not only thrombin, but a host of other stickiness-promoting factors.(Ref. Pace-Asciak, C.R. et al. The red wine phenolics trans-resveratrol and quercetin block human platelet aggregation and eicosanoid synthesis: implications for protection against coronary heart disease. Clin. Chim. Acta. 1995;235:207-19). Sources of Resveratrol Foods containing resveratrol are red wine, peanuts, cranberries, blueberries, Japanese knotweed.The concentration of Resveratrol in red wine varies from wine to wine. Excess consumption of wine can also be harmful to health, and addictive. The best way to obtain a standardized amount of Resveratrol daily is to take a Resveratrol supplement. Trans-resveratrol in the powder form is used in making Resveratrol supplements, like Red Defense . This is also a good option for people who do not consume alcohol.

Consider the Great American Diet. Pre-packaged lunches, take-outs from fast-food restaurants, pre-cooked mircrowave meals, greasy pizzas, pancakes with loads of syrup, the great American burger and fries, canned and processed foods, sugary sweet desserts all washed down our systems with sweetened aerated drinks. These foods are available fast and so have become convenient to our lifestyle. Unintentionally we overlook our nutritional requirements. It’s become a way of life. We don’t stop to think that day in and day out, we are choosing foods that are nutritionally empty, high in calories, saturated in fat, cholesterol, and salt; and low in fiber. We don’t realize, in effect, we are choosing foods that may slowly kill us prematurely.Enter the SUPERFOODS! Superfoods are possibly the greatest revolutionary answer of the decade to solve our nutrition-deprived diet. So what is a superfood and how does it work?Superfood is a term coined to define foods rich in phytonutrient content which are believed to have maximum health benefits. There are many fruits and vegetables classified as superfoods because they contain abundant amounts of Antioxidants, Flavonoids, Carotenoids. Vitamins and Phytonutrients. Nutritionists know that these superfoods are remarkably high in essential nutrients needed to bring our bodies to optimum health. Clinical evidence suggests that superfoods:Help lower blood pressure and help in keeping your arteries from clogging.Are known to reduce free radical activity which happens during the normal process of oxidation. Antioxidants, prevalent in superfoods, help reduce harmful damage to cells caused by free radical activity.Help to promote and sustain the immune systemHelp retard the process of ageing Play a vital role in helping to repair and maintain healthy cell functioning.Research shows their potential in acting against certain cancers and in reducing coronary heart disease.Fiber is also believed to help stabilize blood sugar.They are good for the eyes Contain omega-3 fatty acids, which fight heart disease. Also contain plant sterols, which lower cholesterolFight bad bacteria, aid digestion, help metabolize food and generally tune your system upTen good reasons to make superfoods part of your daily diet. Most superfoods taste good and have very few calories—you can eat as much as you want! Some of the top natural superfoods are believed to be apples, avocados, beans, beetroot, blueberries, broccoli, dark chocolate (yes, you read right!), green tea, kiwis, lemon grass, oats, oranges, papaya, pumpkin, soy, spinach, tomatoes, walnut, yoghurt.But we still have a problem don’t we? We are not used to eating healthy, and may not have the time to. How do we ensure that we are getting all the benefits superfoods have to offer us? Doctors will always recommend that you get your nutrients from natural sources as far as possible, along with regular exercise. This is the best for you.But if for any reason you cannot fit this into your schedule, and you find your diet is inadequate, you can fill the nutritional void by superfood supplements like Ruby Reds and Royal Greens Ultra. In just one product, they provide you with all the benefits of superfoods mentioned above. These superfoods are made from real food, not chemicals.Wholesome. Good to taste. Good to eat. And moreover—good for you!For more reference on this subject you can read: Qualified Health Claims: Letter Regarding Tomatoes and Prostate Cancer (Lycopene Heath Claim Coalition) FDA Docket No. 2004Q-0201 November 2005 Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. Journal of the American Medical Association.1994 Nov 9;272(18):1413-20. Seddon JM, Ajani UA, Sperduto RD, Hiller R, Blair N, Burton TC, Farber MD, Gragoudas ES, Haller J., Miller DT. Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114.

This informative article explains free radicals in brief, how they are damaging to the human body, and how antioxidants found in certain foods as well as vitamin supplements can help neutralize the free radicals, as also to assist the body in keeping the cardiovascular, circulatory, neurological, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems in optimum condition. What are free radicals? Without becoming too technical, there are numerous studies that point to oxygen free radicals as a causative factor in an ever-expanding range of degenerative health issues such as heart disease, cancer, allergies, macular degeneration, arthritis and even premature aging.However, free radicals do play an important health role. Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body�s immune system�s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive due to stress, excessive alcohol, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke, that�s when damage can occur. Free radicals are also introduced into the body through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution. Symptoms of Excessive Free Radicals in the Human Body The free radicals damage the biological structures through the natural oxidation process. Free radicals may give rise to various degenerative diseases. Few of the symptoms are joint stiffness, coupled with pain on motion of the affected joint. At times they are also responsible for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, and accelerate general ageing, including that of the skin. Importantly, antioxidant deficiency can go unnoticed in the human body. What are antioxidants and how can they help in countering excess free radicals? Antioxidants are molecules that slow down or prevent the oxidation of the other molecules- the start of the free radicals formation process. Antioxidants, present in many foods and nutritional supplements may act to protect cells in the body and fight oxidation caused by free radicals.Antioxidants (or anti-oxidation agents), reduce the effect of dangerous free radicals by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. Antioxidants may possibly assist in repairing damage already sustained by cells. Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. Antioxidants are also known to support the immune system. How can you increase antioxidants in your body? Doctors recommend consuming bright-colored fruits and vegetables to increase antioxidants in your body. Vitamin A, C, and E are most beneficial, and found in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, collards, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, citrus fruits, watermelon, nuts, grains, vegetable/liver oil, green leafy vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, red meat, garlic, amongst a host of fruits, vegetables and juices. As you can see, you have plenty of diet options to increase antioxidants in your body.Choosing raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked, provides the highest concentration and best absorption of antioxidants.Dietary supplements are also available for those that do not consume enough antioxidant-producing foods. Few good vitamin supplements available widely in the market are: Green Tea Plus: The green tea helps build energy, facilitates a healthy heart, as well as support the immune system. Ruby Red: With red fruits, antioxidants, probiotics as its key ingredients, Ruby Red can help increase energy levels, as well as support digestive and immune systems. Royal Greens Ultra: Having green vegetables, spirulina, and more, Royal Greens Ultra can help build stamina, as also aid the improvement of the digestive and immune systems.

Eating the fruits and vegetables that naturally contain antioxidants is the best way to get them into your system. Mixing them into a well-balanced and healthy diet is the best method of all. This ...

Mangosteen fruit offers various health benefits and you can enjoy these benefits in a juice form. Mangosteen juice is the only company that distributes mangosteen juice worldwide and they have an extensive network that distributes this drink to many places.

Red Salmon is the third most popular fish eaten in America after tuna and shrimp. Nutrition experts say this kind of fatty fish is good for the health, especially for heart health. This is because wild-caught cold water fish, like Red Salmon, have a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids than warm water fish.According to Dr. Donald Hensrud, M.D., chair of Mayo Clinic's Division of Preventive Medicine and Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, “Omega-3 fatty acids have many potential beneficial effects including improving cognitive function in developing children, decreasing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, reducing blood clotting, and enhancing immune function.” The strongest benefit from omega-3 fatty acids is stated to be reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death, which appears to be due to decreasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.Besides being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, Red Salmon is high in protein, low in calories and saturated fat. It is also a very good source of selenium, niacin and vitamin B12, as well as a good source of phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin B6.Selenium is a trace element the body needs for normal growth and to help support the immune system. Niacin helps in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is necessary for the conversion of food to energy. Vitamin B12 is important for metabolism and in the maintenance of the central nervous system. It helps in the formation of red blood cells by breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood. Too much homocysteine in the blood (plasma) is considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Red Salmon and other cold water fatty fish is often called "brain food" because of their high concentration of omega-3 fats. The human brain is more than 60% structural fat. For brain cells to function properly the structural fat needs to be primarily omega-3 fats. Because Omega-3 fats are especially fluid and flexible they maximize the brain cell's ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.Red Salmon has got everything good going for it as a nutritional food. Very few foods compare to the health value of Red Salmon. Even the FDA recommends that we eat as much as we like of this fish. However, surveys show that farm-produced Red Salmon contain a higher percentage of toxins than Red Salmon found in the wild. In some studies, the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and toxic dioxins were significantly higher in farm-raised Red Salmon than in wild red salmon. This has stirred up some concerns.The contamination found in farm-raised Red Salmon is largely attributed to the feed which farm-raised salmon are fed. The feed consists of grounded fish containing higher concentrations of a variety of persistent organic pollutants (POP) such as PCBs, dioxins, and pesticides. Once ingested, PCBs build up in body fat and take years to break down. In high levels the chemicals are thought to affect human nervous, immune and reproductive systems. Besides this, most fish farms are overcrowded and fish farmers commonly treat fish with antibiotics and chemicals to prevent outbreak of disease.When purchasing canned red salmon make sure it is made from Red Salmon caught in the wild rather than farm-produced Red Salmon. Wild Red Salmon found in the interiors of Alaska are found to have the least contaminants. One of the more popular varieties is the Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. This fish eats krill and other tiny shellfish giving its flesh the distinctive red color. The flesh has a firm texture with a mild flavor making it a delightful choice for fish lovers.

It’s no secret that we’re seeing more safety alerts, health advisories and product recalls than ever before. Daily, the warnings leap out at us from our newspapers and TV screens. We are being made acutely aware of the inherent dangers of purchasing foreign-made products. And virtually no product category has been spared. Toothpaste, pet food, doll accessories, ceramics, cosmetics, toys, jewelry, lunch boxes, baby bottles, tires... the list of foreign-made products that evidence contamination is huge...and still it continues to grow.Why are so many of the unsafe products foreign-made? Because in an effort to grow their economy, many developing nations have adopted less restrictive regulatory measures concerning the use of chemicals that would be banned or severely restricted in this country. In addition, many continue to use unsafe pesticides and herbicides in their soil that ultimately end up in the products that are grown in this environment. The scientific community has known of these practices for years. But now the dangers of such lax controls are becoming apparent to the mainstream world. Clearly, low quality is a poor compromise for low price.So obviously, when it comes to choosing a multivitamin, you want it to be as clean, healthy and risk-free as possible. And most of all, if you have a choice, you don’t want it to be foreign-made. So, how do you know the country of origin of the ingredients in your multivitamin? You look at the label, right? Wrong! It won’t tell you what you want to know because there’s no regulation that requires the country of origin to appear on a nutritional supplement.But now there is a multivitamin that has lifted this veil of secrecy. It’s called Select Source Multivitamins. This is the first nutraceutical that voluntarily lists the country of origin for each ingredient. Select Source uses as many ingredients as possible from the United States. The remaining ingredients are selected from countries like Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and also South America. These are places where quality and integrity are clearly evidenced in their business ethics.And lastly, all the ingredients in Select Source Multivitamins are assembled in the United States under pharmaceutical-grade procedures and in a certified Good Manufacturing Practice facility where quality control guidelines are always in place to ensure the finest, purest and safest supplements that modern technology can achieve.Select Source has taken a bold step in the supplement industry and it seems that the public has taken notice and it’s changing their priorities. Today, when consumers are asked what is most important factor that influences which nutritional supplement you purchase, many still say cost...but many more are saying country of origin.

Regardless of your racial or ethnic background, eventually most people will struggle with some kind of pigmentation problem. Skin can appear darker than normal in concentrated areas, or you may notice blotchy, uneven patches of discoloration or freckling. Many people, as they age, also develop dark spots which are sometimes referred to as “age spots.” Skin pigmentation problems occur because the body produces too much melanin.There are good reasons, though, why people may want to use a product to lighten their skin tone. Here are some of them:To reduce age spots or brown spotsTo reduce blemishes caused by acne or other skin disordersTo reduce frecklesTo give an even skin toneTo reduce dark patches on skinTo brighten the overall complexion by lightening sun damaged skin.Reduce scar marksReduce birthmarksWhen choosing a skin lightener read the ingredients carefully. Look out for harmful substances like mercury and other harmful bleaching agents. In January 2005 the New York City Health Department issued a warning against the use of “skin lightening” creams containing mercury or similar products which do not list ingredients. Many countries use mercury in high levels in skin lightening products because it can make the skin become fair quickly, but mercury has serious side effects on other parts of the body. Mercury is poisonous and can severely damage the brain, nervous system and kidneys. While soaps and creams that have mercury added to them are prohibited for sale in the United States, these products are often imported illegally in the United States.Other harmful bleaching agents frequently found in skin lighteners are steroids like clobetasol propionate and fluocinonide. There are legitimate medicinal uses for these steroids, but all steroids have potentially harmful side effects. Use of such products should be controlled by a doctor.Ingredients which are safe and known to produce effective results are: Licorice extract contains glabridin, which is a safe herbal skin lightener. Glabridin inhibits pigmentation by preventing tyrosinase activation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme which acts as a catalyst in melanin synthesis. Licorice extract also has anti-inflammatory properties. Glycolic Acid is a AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which is a powerful exfoliant and produces a natural brightening of the skin. It also supports collagen synthesis and moisturizes the skin, thus minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which supports collagen production. Forms of Vitamin C like L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, either individually or together, have been shown to reduce melanin formation and provide a skin whitening effect when applied topically. Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for skin care. It supports the repair, rejuvenation and restoration of skin by controlling normal activities of the DNA. It is found in skin products as Retinyl Propionate. Enzymes in the skin convert retinyl propionate to retinoic acid. Retionic acid is known to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.When using a skin lightener, it is advisable to use a high level, broad-spectrum sunscreen because skin lighteners tend to reduce the melanin in the skin which makes it vulnerable to UV rays. Sunscreens are made in a wide range of SPFs, or sun protection factors. As a general rule, the higher the SPF number, the more protection against sunburn and other skin damage the sunscreen provides. To get the most protection out of sunscreen, choose one with an SPF of at least 15. If your skin is fair, you may want a higher minimum SPF of 30 to 50.Most skin lighteners contain Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It is important that our skin is daily replenished with these two vitamins as they are easily damaged by daily exposure to the sun.

You may not have learned this in your biology class, but your skin is the largest organ in your body. That’s right...it’s just as much an organ as your heart, liver and lungs. Most people don’t think of skin that way, but only as a covering for all the other body parts. So unless there is a problem, it’s easy to ignore.But you shouldn’t because even though you can’t see what’s happening, your skin is working hard. It protects you from injury, dirt, and germs. It senses heat, cold and pain. Your skin gets rid of waste through sweat. And you may not realize it, but your hair and nails are also a part of this system. Every 60 seconds, 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells fall off your body. Every month your body will grow a whole new layer of skin.Most people assume that the appearance of their skin is determined by their genes. But that’s not the most significant factor. As the latest research shows, your skin’s appearance is more affected by your environment then by your family tree.First, we need to understand the factors that cause our skin to look prematurely old. Natural Process of Aging Time will take its toll on our skin. As we grow older, production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid begin to decrease. Because of this the skin loses elasticity, it becomes thinner and starts to droop. Fine lines and wrinkles appear. This is part of intrinsic aging. Prolonged Exposure to the Sun Photoageing or extrinsic aging is caused by constant exposure to the sun. This is one of the primary causes of premature aging. The sun’s UVA and UVB radiation damage collagen fibers and cause an accumulation of abnormal elastin resulting in solar scars and wrinkles. Prolonged exposure to sun is also considered by many physicians to be a prime cause of various skin disorders and also many types of skin cancer. Cigarettes Smoking produces an unhealthy increase in free radical activity. Free radicals damage cell tissues, thus accelerating the ageing process. Smoking will change the tone of your skin to ashen, produce premature wrinkles, and add years to your face. Not to mention the damage it does to your lungs. Other Factors Other factors that can contribute to premature aging is poor nutrition, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, too much sugar in the diet, and insufficient exercise. Skin Care: Nutrition and Protection All the above affect your skin making it dry and dull, causing wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. There are many skin products available which strategically target these specific signs of aging.Firstly, dry, dull skin needs to be hydrated with a good moisturizer. Panthenol has been known to effectively relive dry, scaly skin. Niacinamide reduces brown spots or age spots and also helps increase skin elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen. In addition, it will assist your body in smoothing away the appearance of wrinkles from your face.Antioxidants like Vitamin E help neutralize free radical activity caused by the sun thereby helping to protect the upper layers of the skin from sun damage.In addition, it is necessary to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays by using sun blocking agents like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.Topical applications which target specific signs of age visibility will keep your skin looking soft and supple, improving skin tone and restoring radiance. Remember to keep away from factors that can contribute to premature aging and maintain a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are proven, scientifically-based techniques.Who says you cannot fool Father-Time or Mother Nature? Now, anyone can look younger, longer!