You may have heard of biotin supplements for hair and nail growth. But does it work? And what is it anyway? This vitamin underdog is in fact a B vitamin – B7 – and is critical for other reasons lesser known but important to the body, hair growth aside. Why do we believe biotin creates silky locks? What else is it used for? Where do we find it? Read on to learn what you need to know about biotin. Medicinally, biotin is used for: · Treating biotin deficiency · Brittle nails · Diabetes · Peripheral neuropathy Biochemically in the human […]
On an especially cold morning last winter, Nancy arrived for her minimum-wage job as a mail clerk
You may have seen ribose or D-ribose in the supplement section of exercise performance enhancers and for good reason. A building block of DNA and the sugar that begins the metabolic process for production of energy in the form of ATP, the major source of energy used by cells, ribose has some interesting research backing it. It is found in food and in supplements and while research is mixed, there may be a future for ribose in enhancing our lives. Orally, ribose supplements are used for: increased muscle function recovery and to boost muscle tissue energy for athletic performance chronic […]
As winter continues, dry, red, flaky skin abounds in the cold weather. The good news is that diet plays a major role in supporting your skin health. Foods that are good for your skin help to hydrate and guard from environmental damage. Beneficial foods contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being hydrating and supporting wound healing. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods for your skin with a holistic view of the many factors that support our largest organ. 1. Arugula This bitter veggie contains nutrients critical for the skin. Arugula is actually a […]
You already know that diet is linked to overall health and what we eat on a daily basis can have a big impact on whether we’ll develop conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease or even suffer a stroke. Unfortunately, more and more people are being diagnosed with these conditions in the United States. For example, in 2012 alone, an estimated 700,000 people died from cardiometabolic diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or stroke. Of those 700,000 deaths, 319,000 likely were linked to a poor diet. That’s a high number of deaths each year that are totally preventable with a healthier diet. Dariush Mozaffarian, […]
Foods containing fiber help you in important ways, including keeping your digestive tract functioning properly. A high-fiber diet also can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. But how much fiber do you need and what ways can you get it? “It’s good to start your day with some high-fiber foods,” says Kate Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic dietitian. Zeratsky says the right breakfast can get you more than a quarter of the way to your daily fiber goal. “High-fiber cereals are an easy and tasty way to get your fiber in,” says Zeratsky. “Also, fruits are a good source of fiber, […]
If you’re interested in sports supplements, you may have heard of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) and perhaps even read about one of them with some good research behind it regarding performance enhancement: L-leucine. Of all the BCAAs, leucine has been the most thoroughly researched because during exercise, the rate of oxidation for this amino acid is higher than the others, isoleucine and valine. Leucine is known to stimulate protein storage in muscle and it is known that after aerobic exercise, it decreases significantly in the body and needs to be replaced. Leucine is found both naturally in food as […]
Red beetroots have been ranked among the most potent antioxidant vegetables. Consuming fruits and
Weight gain isn’t just a number on your bathroom scale. A new Stanford study has found that the entire body undergoes microbial, molecular and genetic changes changes for the worse when people pack on the pounds. When weight is lost, the systems return largely to their original state. Even just a modest weight gain of about six pounds, researchers found, alters the body’s basic biology. — potentially boosting the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Bacterial populations morph. Inflammation patterns shift. There are genetic changes in the cardiac system. “Your body is responding to a very stressful event,” said lead […]
February is not only a time to celebrate love and relationships but it is also American Hearth Month. This important theme helps to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease including stroke. The good news is, though heart disease affects many people and is the leading cause of death for Americans, that your risk can be lowered by up to 80 percent by making good diet and lifestyle choices. Important factors for heart health: Manage your stress Exercise regularly Focus on sleep Consume alcohol in moderation Meet with your doctor to discuss labs and testing to monitor your health Eat heart healthy […]