Life Extension, Author at FoodTrients

March 22, 2016

A Better Form of Vitamin C

Even though humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, every tissue and cell in our body needs this nutrient for healthy growth and repair. Maintaining optimal levels of vitamin C is difficult because it is water soluble and cannot be stored in the body. This inability to maintain high vitamin C levels is recognized by researchers as limiting its potential benefit, especially with regard to chronic illness. For years, scientists have been looking for ways to boost the impact of each dose of vitamin C. Fortunately, a method has been discovered to increase the speed at which vitamin C is absorbed. Reaching peak concentrations […]

March 22, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Is This Why You’re Always Tired?

Tired and weak but can’t seem to figure out why? If so, you’ll want to read this. You’re getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, but you still need that extra cup of coffee to get you through the day. Maybe your doctor has told you that you’re anemic. However, your blood levels of iron, vitamin B12, and even your hormones are all in range, so what’s going on? The cause of your fatigue might be simpler than you thought — a lack of vitamin D. Most people associate anemia (low production of red blood cells) with low blood […]

March 16, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Blueberries May Improve Hearing Impairment

Findings from a study reported on March 11, 2016 in Scientific Reports suggest a potential role for a

March 13, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Wild Green Oats Boost Dopamine

Have you ever wondered why you no longer can process information and focus quite as well as you did in your youth? Or have you ever pondered as to why it is so difficult for some people to stay away from the dessert table or quit smoking? The answer may be due to one common denominator that resides within your brain…dopamine. What is Dopamine? Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter that signals neurons to regulate mood and brain function and plays a large role in reward behavior. Around age 45–60, the enzyme that breaks down dopamine, called monoamine oxidase-B […]

March 10, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Ginseng: Supports a Healthy Libido

The term ginseng refers to a family of plants belonging to the group Panax, the roots of which have been used in traditional healing for millennia. While ginseng has been cultivated in East Asian countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and Bhutan, the ginseng that is arguably the most prized grows wild in North America, specifically in Wisconsin and Canada. Siberian ginseng is completely different from Asian and American ginseng. Nevertheless, this herb has benefits of its own. Ginseng is an Adaptogen Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to a variety of conditions. The […]

February 23, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Dong Quai: The Female Ginseng

Dong quai is a root known as the “female ginseng.” Ginseng is well-known for its ability to support endurance, memory, sexual function (particularly for men), and heart health. Dong quai’s use in Chinese medicine has been documented for more than one thousand years, mainly for easing women’s menopausal symptoms, which is why it’s called the “female ginseng.” But it’s not just for women. It can actually benefit men and women alike with many other aspects of health including mood, bone, joints, lungs, brain, and heart. Female Ginseng Offers Relief from Female Hormone Issues Like ginseng, dong quai is used as a […]

February 21, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Does Berberine Fight Diabetes?

Berberine is a yellow compound found in several different plants including barberry, goldenseal, phellodendron and Oregon grape. Berberine has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties, but in recent years, much research has been published around its role in protecting against cardiovascular disease as well as treating diabetes and insulin resistance. How does It work? Berberine activates a specific enzyme called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK. AMPK is also sometimes called the “metabolic master switch” because it plays an important role in regulating metabolism in the body. Increased AMPK activity benefits the body in so many ways. For those with […]

February 17, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Leafy Veggies Support Good Bacteria

An article reported on February 15, 2016 in Nature Chemical Biology reveals the discovery of Spencer Williams of the University of Melbourne and colleagues of an enzyme needed by beneficial bacteria in order to feed on a sugar known as sulfoquinovose (SQ), which is abundantly produced by leafy, green vegetables. “We discovered the enzyme YihQ, which is used by bacteria to absorb and metabolize these sulfur-containing sugars as food,” explained Dr Williams. “Sulfur is critical for building proteins, the essential components of all living organisms. Sulfoquinovose is the only sugar molecule which contains sulfur, and ‘digestion’ of the molecule by bacteria […]

February 16, 2016

Published by Life Extension

Fenugreek Boosts Female Sex Drive

Not in the mood? An extract from the herb fenugreek may actually help. While most of us are familiar with those “blue pill” ads targeted to males experiencing “Low-T”, female sex drive – or a lack of it – has received far less attention. Interestingly enough, a recent study from Australia showed that fenugreek helped women regain sexual function. The results were published in the journal Phytotherapy Research. Fenugreek Increases Sexual Desire and Arousal in Women A lagging libido can be due to many factors. Relationship issues, depression, and even hormonal imbalances may be at play. Women complaining of low […]