September 2015 – iOTH Health

Resveratrol Health Benefits: Are You Buying The Hype?

Resveratrol is a compound largely found in skin of red grapes. It is a component of an oriental medicine, ko-jo-kon, which is mainly used to treat diseases, associated with blood vessels, liver and heart. This essential nutrient gained widespread attention during the mid-1990s as a possible explanation for “French Paradox” – the reduced incidences of heart diseases amongst the French people who consumed a relatively high-fat diet. Ever since then resveratrol has been touted by the scientific researchers as a powerful antioxidant and phytoestrogen.

Getting Enough Of This Nutrient

Although, present in plant sources, such as lily, eucalyptus and spruce and food sources, such as peanuts and mulberries, the richest sources of resveratrol includes, muscadine grapes, Vitis vinifera and labrusca, which are the common varieties used for wine preparations. It is found in the roots, stalks and seeds, but the richest source of resveratrol are the skin that contains around 50 micrograms to 100 micrograms of this nutrient per gram.

As stated earlier, resveratrol is a phytoalexin, which is defined as a class of antibiotic compounds that are produced as a result of plant’s defense mechanism against various diseases. For instance, resveratrol is synthesized by malonyl CoA and p-coumaroyl CoA from the plants to fight away the invading fungus. Also, as fungal infections are common incidences in colder regions, so grapes produced in colder regions are supposed to have higher resveratrol concentrations.

Today, you can avail the many benefits of resveratrol uses in the form of resveratrol supplements. Here again, you can opt for sole resveratrol supplement or supplements that offer resveratrol in combination with other essential vitamins and minerals. You can also explore the many resveratrol health benefits in the form of skin creams.

The labels of most of the resveratrol supplements available in the market show that the supplements contain 20 to 500 mg of resveratrol per serving. However, the purity level of all these resveratrol supplements is not known and as there is no strict regulation for dietary supplements, so you should not assume the labeled dosage to be accurate.

Understanding The Resveratrol Health Benefits

Resveratrol may help in expanding the blood vessels and it may also serve to limit the activity of the cells required for blood clotting. According to various studies, it has been revealed that resveratrol may also help in decreasing inflammation. And though resveratrol uses are many, the key benefits of this nutrient include –

Cardiovascular Health Benefits Of Resveratrol

Research suggests that consumption of alcohol, especially red wine, may actually reduce the incidences of coronary heart diseases. Here, it should be noted that most of the resveratrol health benefits are due to its powerful antioxidant properties. Also, it is widely being claimed that as resveratrol contains highly lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, so it may prove much more effective in providing cardiovascular protection than other common antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. On the other hand, resveratrol is less potent than the antioxidants epicatechin and quercetin, which is found in red wine. Lowered platelet aggregation has been observed in studies based on resveratrol, which can help prevent atherosclerosis. It should however be noted that there are still not enough evidences to draw practical conclusions about resveratrol health benefits.

Anti- Aging Effects

According to laboratory tests performed on mice, increased survival and reduced incidences of several diseases and other conditions associated with aging were revealed. Results to these studies, however, are still contradictory. Positive results have been found in mice that were fed low-calorie and high-fat diet. In 2009, after reviewing the studies conducted on animals, the highly respected Medical Studies concluded that resveratrol does produce the same effects as are produced by calorie restricted diet, which have reduced the incidence of age-related diseases in animal. However, whether it has any of these benefits in humans still has to be established.

Resveratrol Uses – Staying Cautious

Although, various laboratory tests have concluded that resveratrol may prove beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases, there are still a number of reasons as to why its increasing demand is premature.

The research conducted on resveratrol uses has mostly been for short-term and has been performed in vitro and not on human models.
There is no clear insight upon absorption and clearance of resveratrol, its effect on metabolic processes as well as liver.
Red wine is its main dietary source. This means, not only is its concentration in red wine variable, but consuming too much of red wine to boost your resveratrol levels could certainly do more harm than good.

Striking The Right Balance With Calcium Supplements

Who does not know that calcium is crucial for maintaining bone health all through the life! And although a nutrient rich and well-balanced diet is a great way to maintain optimal calcium levels in the body, calcium supplements may be a good alternative in case your diet falls short.

But, before you make calcium supplements India, a part of your daily diet plan, make sure you know how much calcium you need, benefits and side effects of best calcium supplements and what type of supplement to choose.

Calcium: Why Do You Need It

Your body requires calcium for building and maintaining strong and healthy bones. But, the benefits of this nutrient don’t just end there; calcium is also required by your body for supporting heart, muscle and nervous system functions.

Various studies suggest that calcium in combination with Vitamin D, may offer health benefits beyond bone health. This means that calcium may also help deal with high blood pressure and diabetes in a more effective way. But, it must be noted that evidences of all these health benefits is not yet definitive.

Understanding The Risks Associated With Calcium Deficiency

Getting too little of this nutrient can be dangerous for you. Anyone falling short of calcium can face numerous health problems, most of which would mainly be related to weak bones. Calcium deficiency may cause some serious health issues, such as –

Children deficient in this nutrient may not be able to reach their full potential adult height
Calcium deficient adults may suffer from low bone mass, which if left untreated, may lead to osteoporosis

Most people, on an average, do not get enough calcium in their diets. Surprisingly, children, especially the adolescent girls stand a greater chance of developing calcium deficiency. Aging adults too are at a greater risk of being deficient in this nutrient.

Planning To Take Calcium Supplement– How Much Do You Require?

The amount of best calcium supplement you should take mainly depends upon your age and gender. It should be noted here that the upper limit mentioned in the table below is the safe boundary for calcium and this is not what you should aim for. In case you exceed the upper limit, you may risk your health due to calcium toxicity.

Men Daily RDA Daily Upper Limit

19-50 years 1,000 mg 2,500 mg

51-70 years 1,000 mg 2,000 mg

71 and older 1,200 mg 2,000 mg

Women Daily RDA Daily Upper Limit

19-50 years 1,000 mg 2,500 mg

51 and older 1,200 mg 2,000 mg

Best Food Sources of Calcium

Although essential, calcium cannot be produced by your body. This makes it important that you get this nutrient through other sources. Calcium can commonly be found in a variety of food items, such as –

Dark, green leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt
Fish comprising of edible soft bones, such as canned salmon and sardines
Foods and beverages fortified with calcium, such as cereals, coy products, orange juice and milk substitutes

It should be noted that for maximum calcium absorption your body requires Vitamin D. There are a few food items that contain Vitamin D naturally; these include egg yolks and canned salmon. Vitamin D can also be gained from fortified foods and can be produced by the skin upon direct sun exposure. According to RDA, you should get a daily dose of 600 IU on a daily basis.

Calcium Supplements : Do You Need Them?

Even if you’re following a nutrient rich diet plan and are particular about only eating a well-balanced diet, you may still fall short of this nutrient, if –

You are a vegan
You are lactose intolerant and you have limited your dairy products intake
Your sodium or protein intake is high, which causes your body to excrete more calcium
You are suffering from osteoporosis
You are suffering from certain digestive or bowel diseases, which decrease your body’s ability to absorb calcium

Under the above stated circumstances, it becomes necessary that you take best calcium supplement to overcome or eliminate the scope of calcium deficiency. Talk to your dietitian or health care provider to confirm whether you need calcium supplements India.

Choosing The Right Calcium Supplement

There are various types of calcium supplements available in the market, which are made from different calcium compounds. Each compound contains varying amounts of mineral calcium, which is commonly referred to as elemental calcium.

Some of the most common calcium supplements are labelled as –

Calcium citrate, which contains 21% elemental calcium
Calcium lactate, which contains 13% elemental calcium
Calcium gluconate, which contains 9% elemental calcium
Calcium carbonate, which contains 40% elemental calcium

Out of these, two main forms of calcium supplements include calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Amongst these, calcium carbonate is the cheapest and therefore makes a first good choice.

In addition to the individual calcium supplements, there are certain supplements that contain calcium in combination with other minerals and vitamins. For instance, there are calcium supplements that contain magnesium and Vitamin D. So, before making a final purchase, make sure you read the supplement fact sheet to learn which form is calcium is present in that particular calcium supplement and what other nutrients it contains for optimal health results.

Anti-oxidant supplements, the protection towards free radical damage causing early ageing

Are you looking for something that may ease off that process of ageing? The anti-oxidant supplements are just the right answer. Antioxidants are the compounds carried in certain nutrients and essential body enzymes, which play a significant role in protecting the body cells from the attack of free radicals. One can boost the activities of these anti-oxidants by taking in good nutritional diet and indulging oneself in regular exercise.

It is on the other hand that the anti-oxidant supplements become essential for enhancing the anti-aging properties of the body with respect to malnutrition.

The benefits of anti-oxidant supplements on health

Fights from the free radical damage to the cells that contribute in protecting the body from developing cancer
Reduces the oxidative stress
Helps in minimizing the wrinkles and preserve the natural glow of skin
Protects the skin from UV damage thus, reducing the risk of skin cancers
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Prevents from age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and vision problems

The process of ageing and anti-oxidants

Ageing being a natural bodily process, comes with age spots, wrinkles, dry and flaky skin, pigmentation, skin discoloration and many more skin symptoms that tell us old age is right across the corner. Though it is impossible to stop the ageing process, however, the same process comes in control with the consumption of essential anti-oxidant and anti-ageing supplements that support healthy skin.

On the other hand, it your genes that play with your body working, and genes are definitely not your destiny. These genes can be supported in a long run with healthy lifestyle changes and consuming a nutritional diet. When it comes to consuming supplements, one may get a multi anti-oxidant supplement, anti-ageing vitamins or minerals, or multi vitamin and mineral supplement as one for controlling the process of ageing.

The nutrients and antioxidant supplements that prove to be the best ageing controllers

The best Anti-ageing vitamins

The benefits of Vitamin-E in anti-ageing

Also called Tocopherol, vitamin-E ensures that the body’s immune system works fine to eliminate and slow the emergence of disease. The vitamin also ensures the reduction in free radical effect and thus, remains one essential ingredient in anti-oxidant and anti-ageing supplements. As an anti-ageing substance, the vitamin proves good because of its possibility to refresh the skin cells and improving the blood flow, which bring natural skin tightening and healthy glow. The vitamin also ensures a reduction in heart disorders by maintaining a healthy BP.

Get the sunshine with Vitamin-D

If you are a sun-deprived person, it certainly means you have a tendency to be a deficient in vitamin-D. The vitamin, commonly known to absorb right amounts of calcium and phosphorus, becomes one of the essential anti-ageing supplements, in the matter of fact that, the vitamin helps in improving bone strength, thus, prevents from ageing disorders, such as, arthritis. Further, vitamin-D is one essential ingredient in treating and protecting skin cancers. However, one must be careful with the dosage, as excess of the same may lead to certain disabilities.

Have healthy eyes and amazing skin with Vitamin-A

Vitamin-A, also called ‘the eye vitamin’, is essential for enhancing the health of your eyes by improving the work of retina, which defines the night and day. Along with this, vitamin-A also stands essential in improving the skin health, especially at the time of ageing. This is possible because of the vitamin’s ability to build new, healthy collagen, a connective tissue that makes the skin texture smooth and thus, you look fresh, radiant and younger.

However, there is no doubt that all vitamins and supplements are beneficial, one must also take care of their purity and originality along with the benefits they provide. Hence, to get the anti-ageing supplements, visit www.othhealth.com or shop online.

Getting Your Facts Right On Grape Seed Extracts Benefits

Grapes have long been known for their medicinal and nutritional value. It would be interesting to learn that Egyptians consumed grapes at least 6ooo years ago, and many Greek philosophers praised the benefits of grapes, often in its wine form. Folk healers from Europe used to make an ointment using the sap of grapevines for treating eye and skin diseases. Grape leaves were used for treating conditions, such as inflammation, pain as well as bleeding, usually the kind caused due to hemorrhoids. That’s not all, unripe grapes were largely used to cure sore throats and dried grapes were commonly used as a remedy for constipation and thirst.

Grapes, or the chemicals present within them have long been touted for their powerful antioxidant benefits. It is rightly believed that these could help cure a number of diseases, ranging from aging skin, heart diseases to even cancer, although there no good scientific evidence for most of these claims made. But, there are good evidences that prove that grape seed extracts help in the treatment of edema and chronic venous insufficiency.

Composition Of Grapes

Grape seeds are a rich source of flavonoids, OPCs, Vitamin E and linoleic acid. Slightly reduced concentrations of all these are also present in grape skin and also in grape wine and juice. Resveratrol is another essential compound found in grapes and grape seed extracts and is related to OPCs. Resveratrol has recently gained a lot of popularity owing to its antioxidant properties and is being studied for various health conditions.

Medicinal Uses, Indications And Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract

Today, standardized grape seed extract India may be used to cure a number of health conditions, related to the damage caused by free radicals, including heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. Other common benefits of grape seed extract include protection against bacterial infections. Also the flavonoids, found in red wine may help preserve and promote heart health by lowering LDL (“bad cholesterol”).

However, contrary to the “French Paradox”, drinking alcohol to prevent heart diseases is largely not advocated by the American Heart Association and other reputable organizations, because of the high potential for developing addiction as well as other serious issues, such as increased risk of liver diseases, hypertension, weight gain and breast cancer.

Edema

Edema, which is generally characterized as swelling caused due to an injury or surgery, seems to heal at a faster rate when people take grape seed extract India. This is a common problem that generally results after breast cancer surgery. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that patients who were given 600 mg of grape seed extract regularly after surgery for 6 months, experienced reduced symptoms of edema and pain as compared to those who took placebo.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The main characteristics of Chronic Venous Insufficiency include symptoms like severe pain due to blood pools in legs, followed by swelling, visible veins and fatigue. A number of studies have revealed that OPCs from grape seed extract can help reduce all these symptoms.

High Cholesterol

Although, there is not much of an evidence for grape seed extract benefits for high cholesterol, but preliminary studies do show some promising results. A study was conducted on 40 people, suffering from high levels of cholesterol to identify whether taking chromium, grape seed extract or a combination of both or placebo for a period of 2 months, would result in reduced levels of cholesterol or not. It was seen that a combination of chromium and grape seed extract, showed much more effective results than grape seed extract alone or placebo alone, in lowering LDL cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure

One of the main benefits of grape seed extract is that it is believed to play a beneficial role in treating high blood pressure or hypertension. The antioxidants found in grape seed extract serve to protect the blood vessels from damage, which would otherwise lead to high blood pressure. The results of various animal studies reveal that grape seed extract helps in lowering the blood pressure effectively.

Are Resveratrol Supplements Really Helpful or Just a Myth?

Resveratrol has gained a lot of attention lately for its immense health benefits. A member of a group of plant compound named as polyphenols, it is believed to have powerful antioxidant properties, which help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and certain other conditions such as heart diseases and cancer. An important nutrient, resveratrol is mainly found in grape skin, berries as well as peanuts.

As resveratrol health benefits are many, so it’s not at all surprising that why so many manufacturers are trying to bank upon resveratrol by selling resveratrol supplements.

Advertisements touting various resveratrol uses offered by resveratrol supplements promises customers everything from weight loss to good health and longevity. All this hype raises only one question – Are resveratrol supplements capable enough to deliver the promised resveratrol health benefits or it’s just another hoax?

Resveratrol Health Benefits – Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Resveratrol has gained a widespread popularity mainly because of its anti-aging and disease combating properties. Early research on various resveratrol uses, performed on animals as well as in test-tubes suggest that this incredible nutrient may help protect the body against a number of diseases, some of which include –

Heart Diseases – Resveratrol has shown to reduce inflammation, while preventing oxidation of LDL or “bad cholesterol” and makes it hard for the platelets to stick together and coagulate to form clots which can lead to heart attack.
Cancer – It is believed that resveratrol helps limit the spread of cancer cells and also triggers the process of apoptosis that cancer cell death.
Alzheimer’s Diseases – Another one of resveratrol uses include protection of nerve cells from the buildup and damage of plaque, which can eventually cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetes – This nutrient may help prevent insulin resistance, which if left untreated may work as a precursor to diabetes.

Various studies performed on rodents show that resveratrol might even prove helpful in fighting against the effects of some of the unhealthy lifestyle practices, thereby promoting health and longevity.

Resveratrol health benefits don’t just end there. Research has also linked resveratrol with prevention of age-related diseases, such as insulin resistance and heart problems. It is believed that resveratrol helps activate the SIRT1 gene, which triggers a biological mechanism which helps protect the body against the harmful effects of obesity and age related diseases.

Staying Safe With Resveratrol Supplements

Amidst all the resveratrol hype, the fact remains, that so far, only a limited number of studies have been performed to verify the health effects of resveratrol supplements on humans. This makes it difficult even for the health care providers to confirm the benefits as well as the side effects caused by resveratrol supplements on prolonged use.

So far, the studies have not revealed any side effects of resveratrol supplements. Taking abusive doses of the same is still not recommended. It is important to note that resveratrol supplements might interact with other medications, such as anti-inflammatory medicines ad blood thinners and increase the risk of bleeding.

Making The Most Of Resveratrol Uses

Similar to other supplements, even resveratrol supplements are not regulated by the FDA. So, if you are buying a bottle of resveratrol supplement, it would be difficult for you to know what exactly are you getting and whether the product will be as effective as claimed to be. Also, there is no specific dosage recommendation for resveratrol and as such the dosages might vary for different supplement brands.

According to recent studies, resveratrol dosages offered by most supplement brands are far below the amounts which deliver optimal health results. To make the most of the resveratrol uses, you would have to consume around 2g or more resveratrol every day. Most importantly, it is advisable you consult your health care provider before beginning resveratrol supplementation to make the most of your health.

Vitamin D Supplements – Do You Really Need Them?

According to a report revealed by the researches analyzing numerous studies suggest that Vitamin D supplements may not help protect healthy, middle-aged adults from osteoporosis. What’s even worse is that abusive use of the supplements may even increase the risk of death from other diseases.

Does that mean Vitamin D supplements should not be taken?

Before you completely deny the health benefits of Vitamin D supplements, make sure you are not deficient of this essential nutrient. The only message for patients suffering from Vitamin D deficiency is that Vitamin D supplements can only cause a positive impact on your health and nothing else.

A large number of Rheumatologists all over the globe suggest that if you are healthy and are not getting treated for any medical condition, then you need not worry about Vitamin D supplementation. But, in case you are now taking supplements, make sure you get your Vitamin D levels checked before stopping them.

Are You The One Who Needs Vitamin D The Most?

If you belong to any one of the below mentioned categories, then you certainly do need to pump up your Vitamin D levels –

If you are on long-term steroid doses
If you are pregnant or a lactating mother
Postmenopausal women
Aging adult (especially the home bound or nursing assisted elderly people)
Patients with parathyroid diseases
Patients with chronic kidney diseases

If you don’t belong to any one the above stated categories and are still not sure you’re at a risk of Vitamin D deficiency, it is then advisable to consult your health care provider and get your Vitamin D levels checked. Doing this will help your health care provider prescribe the right amount of Vitamin D supplements for your overall well-being.

Understanding The Partnership Between Calcium And Vitamin D

It is no unknown fact that Vitamin D and Calcium share a symbiotic relationship in order to strengthen and protect your bones. In fact, health care experts especially recommend postmenopausal women to take Vitamin D and Calcium supplements to prevent the risk of osteoporosis – a bone-thinning disease, which is one major cause of devastating falls and fractures in old age.

A number of studies have linked Calcium to heart attack as well as stroke. This is mainly because higher doses of Calcium supplementation can increase calcification in the arteries, causing heart diseases. This is one main reason why a number of patients prefer taking Vitamin D supplements alone for prevention.

Although, sunlight constitutes the best source of Vitamin D, but it is certainly not the best way to boost the Vitamin D levels in your body. It is very essential to wear sunscreen before stepping out into the sun, to prevent skin cancer, but doing this also negates the effects of the sun. This is exactly where you need to look out for other sources of Vitamin D to fulfil body’s daily nutrient requirement.

Fracture Protection: What Do Studies Suggest?

Older people certainly stand a greater chance of developing a deficiency of Vitamin D. A majority of health care experts all over the globe suggest that Vitamin D supplements can have a major impact in preventing osteomalacia – a disease characterized as softening of bones which increases the likelihood of more fractures.

According to health care experts, Vitamin D supplements may not only improve bone density in older patients, but may also deliver huge benefits for muscle function, cognition as well as falling.

It should however be noted that health care experts still believe that further research needs to be done on Vitamin D as more evidences are needed to verify its health benefits.

Omega 3 Supplements : Key To Spontaneous Health

From the past couple of years, an increasing number of people have turned to omega 3 supplements, which not only offer numerous benefits to healthy people but are also advantageous for people having heart diseases.

Fish oil is a rich source of two of the most essential omega 3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA. It is commonly found in the fatty tissues of the oily fishes, found in cold waters. Alternatively, it is available as omega 3 capsules for those who eat little or no fish at all.

The Importance Of Best Omega 3 Capsules For Your Body

You would be surprised to learn that both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are the essential fatty acids, which are not produced by the body. This means that as the body cannot produce them, so these must be obtained from third party sources, such as from diet or from omega 3 supplements.

Omega 3 Capsules

For an average part of the human history, omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids were roughly obtained in equal amounts from the diet alone. However, modern foods, today, provide abundant sources of obtaining omega 6 fatty acids, chiefly from refined vegetable oils, which are used in making fried food snacks, crackers and cookies. Omega 3, however, is relatively rare in Indian diets. This results in an imbalance of these essential fats, which not only drives inflammation but also promotes a number of other diseases.

What Are The Common Signs Of Omega 3 Deficiency?

As compared the typical dietary intake, regular consumption of omega 3 capsules or fatty fish, combined with limited intake of omega 6, can help optimize fatty acid ratios, thereby help promote physical and mental health. EPA and DHA form the key constituents of omega 3 fatty acids. Individually, EPA helps in preserving and promoting heart health, while DHA, is the constituent of nerve cell membranes in the brain and is noted to play an essential role in normal brain development and function.

According to research, it has been noted that omega 3s serves to reduce inflammation, which in turn helps to minimize the risk as well as symptoms of various types of disorders that are caused due to inflammation. Some of these symptoms may include stroke, heart attack, autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers. Other possible symptoms of omega deficiency include frequent urination, excessive thirst and also dry skin and hair.

Omega 3 Capsules – How Much Do You Need?

Health care practitioners recommend eating oily fleshed, cold water fish, about 2 to 3 times every week. In case you are taking omega 3 capsules, then take a product that offer 700 – 1,000 mg of EPA and 200-500 mg of DHA doses in smallest number of pills. If you prefer taking liquid form of omega 3 supplements then take the form that provides these doses in least number of teaspoons.

Omega 3 Supplements

Pregnant women should ensure that they have the best omega 3 capsules, as adequate levels of omega 3 in their diet is essential for the optimal brain and nervous system development in the fetus. While choosing omega 3 supplements, only buy the one that offers omega 3 derived from molecularly distilled fish oils, as these are high in EPA and DHA contents and are also free of contaminants. Also, make sure you choose a supplement that has been independently tested for PCB and is guaranteed to be free of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury and other environmental pollutants.

Be careful of Overdose

Abusive use of omega 3 supplements may result into a sudden increase of the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Taking higher doses of the same have also been associated with blood in urine as well as excessive nose bleeding issues.