Beta Carotene Is The Safe Form Of Vitamin A

The fact that beta carotene is stated to be a safe form of vitamin A suggests that vitamin A is in some way unsafe. In fact an overdose of vitamin A can lead to any one of a number of conditions, including nausea, jaundice, vomiting, abdominal pain and headaches. This vitamin is fat soluble, and so any excess is not easily washed out of the body but can build up in the tissues. Toxicity in the liver can occur at fairly low concentrations, and the toxicity of the vitamin is increased by excessive alcohol intake. However, toxicity only occurs with vitamin A already formed such as that obtained from liver. There are several forms of vitamin A, including the retinoid form originating from animal sources and the carotenoid forms that have a vegetable origin. Carotenoids are converted to vitamin A in the liver, but the higher the concentration of beta carotene in the body, the smaller the percentage that is converted to vitamin A, so beta carotene is a safer source of vitamin A than retinoids. It is only the finished form of vitamin A that is toxic, and beta carotene is therefore self-regulating in its production. This vitamin is stored in the body in the form of the alcohol (retinol) and of retinyl esters. Studies have indicated that as much as 95% if the stored vitamin is in the form of the ester. The liver is responsible for releasing vitamin A to the body as it is required. One of its better known effects is on vision, and the old wives tale that carrots help you to see in the dark has an element of truth in it. In order for it to aid vision, retinol is oxidized to the aldehyde, retinal, that forms a complex with a molecule of opsin, a light sensitive protein found in the retina. Rhodopsin, as the complex is called, is an essential component of the biochemical chain of events that lead to the perception of light. It is extremely sensitive, and enables you see in very low levels of light. In other words it is essential for good night vision, so carrots do help you to see in the dark! When a photon of light hits a molecule of rhodopsin, it leads eventually to an impulse being sent up the optic nerve to the brain. One of its properties is its reaction to white light. When rhodopsin is exposed to white light it loses its pigmentation, and hence its photoreceptor properties and can take 30 minutes to regenerate. That is why you lose your night sight if your retina is exposed to bright light. The more rhodopsin you can generate the quicker you develop night sight. The other biochemical processes of the vitamin include the synthesis of some glycoproteins and maintenance of normal bone density. Without vitamin A, calcium is not properly absorbed by the body and glycoproteins are involved in this process. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to the abnormal development of bone and other health problems, so there are limits between the levels of vitamin A in the body that must be maintained: above or below these limits will lead to health problems, some of which can be extremely serious. Most of the biochemistry of vitamin A in the liver is initiated by the presence of alcohol, and otherwise it is though to passively store the vitamin until needed when it is released into the blood. There are several ways in which the presence of alcohol allows the liver to deplete its store of retinol, but generally there are a number of enzymes that, in the presence of ethanol, can render vitamin A into a water soluble form that is excreted by the urine. The benefits of vitamin A other than its effect on night sight and the healthy development of bone tissue, includes a powerful antioxidant effect that neutralizes free radicals that can destroy body cells. These free radicals are generated by the body’s metabolism in generating energy from blood glucose, and are also created through exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke and traffic fumes. They are electron deficient, so when they are generated they grab an electron from tissue close by which destroys the cells involved. This can lead not only to the appearance of premature aging as the skin cells are damaged but also to serious health problems such as atherosclerosis and some forms of cancer. Vitamin A helps to protect against these by destroying the free radicals before they can do damage. It also helps build up resistance against infections by supporting the immune system. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A either by cleaving at the center of the molecule, or by breaking it down from one of the ends. This latter process is carried out in the small intestine, and the resultant vitamin stored in the liver in the ester form. Only a proportion of what you eat is converted to retinol ester in this way, and the more beta carotene you consume, the less is converted, so you can never suffer from an overdose of beta carotene-derived vitamin A. It might turn you yellow, but you won’t suffer from excess vitamin A since the excess beta carotene is stored in your body fat, including the subcutaneous fat reserves. Alpha carotene can also be used in the synthesis of vitamin A, but not as actively as beta carotene. The best natural sources are fruits and vegetables, especially the red, yellow and orange varieties such as carrots and apricots, and also the leafy green vegetables, although supplements are also a convenient way of maintaining your beta carotene uptake. It is a much safer supplement than straight vitamin A for the reasons explained earlier. The supplement is not useful just for its antioxidant effect, but also for its ability to protect you from excessive exposure to the sun. While not as effective as a good sun blocker, beta carotene does provide some protection.There is no doubt that beta carotene is a safer way to maintain an adequate vitamin A uptake due to the fact that you cannot take an overdose, since an overdose of beta carotene does not translate into the same dose of vitamin A, and the change is self-regulating. It is therefore safer to obtain your vitamin A needs from colored fruits and vegetables or beta carotene supplements than from eating liver, from which the retinol is in a form that can cause damage in the event of consuming an excess. The old adage that you should never eat polar bear livers is a true one, and certainly has a provable scientific basis, so use beta carotene as your main vitamin A source for maximum health benefits in the safest possible way.

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Beta Sitosterol A Plant Phytosterol

Beta Sitosterol is a plant phytosterol that offers many benefits to your health. Many of these are due to its effect in reducing both total and LDL cholesterol in the blood, although that is not the only effect that phytosterols can have on your body. Phytosterol is one of many phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health, and the term ‘phyto’ simply indicates that the substance is obtained from plants. Phytosterols are not obtainable in your diet from animal sources, and beta sitosterol is mainly found in seeds, soy and corn oils. Because of this, most of the population do not have high intake, and so supplements are generally the most common source of this valuable material.There are commonly two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL, and it is the LDL form that is said to be the ‘bad’ cholesterol. In fact the terms refer to the high density and low density lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol itself is fat soluble, and does not dissolve in water. It therefore cannot travel through the blood without the aid of a water soluble protein, which is what the lipoproteins are. Low density lipoproteins consist of a charged protein portion and a lipid, or fat, frequently a triglyceride. The charged protein portion is water soluble, and can carry the lipid and cholesterol round the blood. Cholesterol is not a bad substance, but carries out many useful functions, one of which is repairing damage to blood vessels: a bit like a sticking plaster. However, the LDL can become oxidized by free radicals in the body, and it is this oxidized LDL that reacts by depositing fatty plaques of cholesterol onto the arterial walls and ultimately blocking them. The HDL carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is destroyed and then secreted, which is why it is sometimes termed ‘good’ cholesterol. Beta sitosterol significantly reduces the amount of both LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Once the total cholesterol level has dropped to a certain level, then the body produces more HDL cholesterol and so maintains balance that is higher than normal in the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. The way that phytosterols do this is believed to be by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut, because the sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and can occupy the cholesterol absorption sites. Beta sitosterol is particularly effective in this mechanism. Rather than the body absorbing cholesterol it passes it thorough the gut unchanged and eliminates it. The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that the optimum blood LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl and that the total of LDL and HDL be below 200 mg/dl. A regular intake of beta sitosterol can help to maintain these levels without reducing your cholesterol to a dangerously low level. As previously stated, cholesterol is an essential component of your normal biochemistry, and too low a level could be dangerous. What you need is natural regulation of the LDL form, and that is what beta sitosterol and the other phytosterols do. However, beta sitosterol does more than just control your cholesterol balance.It also supports the health of your prostate. Studies indicate that a daily intake of 60 mg – 130 mg beta sitosterol can reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Sunday name for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This could be due to its effect on LDL cholesterol levels, since other studies have indicated a possible connection between high cholesterol levels and prostate enlargement. This might again be due to the occupation of receptor sites in the prostate cell membranes by the phytosterol. Saw palmetto, commonly used to treat prostate problems, contains beta sitosterol. It also appears to modulate the biochemical synthesis of cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammatory response of the immune system to foreign invaders and tissue damage. It also appears to boost the activity of NK-cells, and also of the proliferation of lymphocytes in general. Another effect of beta sitosterol is in normalizing the insulin and blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase that is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to D-glucose which raises blood sugar levels. The upshot is that the onset of age related Type 2 diabetes is delayed. In general, beta sitosterol displays many properties beneficial to your health. It displays anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, is believed to be responsible for the suppression of cancers of the colon and prostate, and lymphocytic leukemia. It appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, and has a beneficial effect on ulcers and cramps. There is even evidence that it can help to cure allergies, although more studies are required to confirm this. Those suffering from specific allergies have reported a lessening of the effects when taking beta sitosterol supplements, although it is possible that other dietary factors were also involved.Beta sitosterol is contained in some concentration or another in most plants, but those richest in the phytosterol are wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. None of these form a particularly large part of the western diet, and a supplement is likely the best way to ensure a sufficiently adequate frequent intake as to have a significant effect on your LDL cholesterol level. Although a daily intake of 300 mg has been cited by some sources as adequate, there have been no reported ill effects of taking this supplement at higher dosages. As already stated, your cholesterol levels are self regulating to a minimum level and you cannot completely block its absorption. Hence, it is not possible to take so much beta sitosterol as to reduce your LDL cholesterol to a dangerously low level.There is sufficient evidence for the effects of beta sitosterol on the body to indicate that if your diet is low in those seeds, nuts and beans that contain significant quantities, the a supplement will provide you with benefits to your health, particularly if you have high blood cholesterol levels or problems with your prostate gland.

Drop Your Fat! Dieting Tips Made Easy

Many people see dieting as equal to starving or swallowing slimming pills. Weight loss can be attained by enjoyable dieting also. Adopt a couple of easy principles for healthy dieting and you’ve a choice of what you’ll be able to eat to delight your tastes. Healthy diet and good workouts are trusted and sound ways to lose weight.A healthy diet will keep your body from sicknesses by providing the right nutrients. Concurrently, you’d be able to get rid of the unneeded fat gradually in a safe way by upholding appropriate proportions of the crucial constituents; that’s the trick of normal weight loss.A well-balanced diet ought to include wholesome carbohydrates, high-quality protein, and good fats.CarbohydratesRoughly 40-60% of your calorie ingestion should come from carbs. That means if you’re on a 1500 calories a day diet, you should be reaching to get about 800 calories each day from “good” carbs. Cut back or avoid white flour, sweets and ice creams. Cut down on soda-pop and candy. They contribute to weight increase and contribute zero to health. Use oatmeal or whole grain cereal alternatively. Pick whole grain breads, fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, whole grain cereals. You will be acquiring enough vitamins, amino acids and fiber too; you’ll feel fuller a lot longer.ProteinsRoughly 20-30% of your calories i.e. nearly 375 calories ought to come from “wild” (not processed or farm raised) animal sources such as fish, meat, poultry, yogurt and eggs and from vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and seeds.FatsWith balance calorie ingestion, around 325 calories shall be derived from “good” fats such as “wild” cold-water fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and so forth. They deliver Omega 3 essential fatty acid that’s absolutely vital for your total wellness. Keep away from or at the least restrict use of hydrogenated oils.A couple of miscellaneous remarks:Fish: Fish is low in fat, high in protein (as high as red meat), and supplies omega 3 fatty acids that few other proteins could. Also as a general rule fish has fewer calories. Try to down at the lowest 2-3 portions of fish each week as alternative to meat.Spinach: This embodies the cheapest source of nutrition for your body. It is rich in folic acid, minerals, and vitamins. It can be prepared it in a lot of different methods. Consume it often in your diet.Olive Oil: It’s a “good” fat with loads of benefits to the body. This is a primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet.Observe these easy suggestions, and happy dieting!

Did You Know That High Cholesterol Can Kill?

Has your doctor told you that you need to lower your cholesterol levels? If so, you are not alone.A recent study shows that more than one third of American adults are at risk of coronary disease because of high blood cholesterol, according to the New York Times. The researchers reported that 60 million Americans over 20 years old have cholesterol levels high enough to require “medical advice and intervention.”LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, as it is sometimes referred to, is produced by the liver and circulates in the blood. It slowly accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries, which nourish your heart and brain. It contributes to the formation of a hard substance called plaque that can actually block the flow of blood in your arteries and make them less flexible. This in turn puts your circulatory system at risk. If a clot forms, it can cause a heart attack. If it travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.What can you do to improve your health? Prescription medications can help, but they are costly. Dietary changes will improve your cholesterol over time, but you have to stick with them; which means cutting out some of your favorite foods altogether. Foods that are high in fats from animal sources, like fried foods and fatty meats, directly raise your cholesterol. Also, diets high in simple carbohydrates and sweets can also contribute to high LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies even show that stress is linked with high LDL levels due to the body’s chemical response to stressful situations.How can you improve your LDL cholesterol levels by adding something to your dietary habits, rather than taking something away? Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant phytonutrient that has been shown to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels. It is a natural compound found in pecans, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and rice. It is clinically proven to reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that reported a 42-percent decrease in absorbed cholesterol when a subject took beta-sitosterol before eating scrambled eggs. Beta-sitosterol appears to inhibit cholesterol production in the liver as well. Beta-sitosterol actually breaks down an enzyme that is key in the production of harmful LDL cholesterol. The body naturally produces more cholesterol than a person normally consumes. A big part of your cholesterol numbers is determined by heredity. You inherit some of your cholesterol problem from your parents, but a natural plant phytonutrient may be powerful enough to counteract a part of that problem, according to recent medical testing.So, if you aren’t interested in wolfing down piles of rice and soybeans before every meal, what can you do to incorporate Beta-sitosterol in to your everyday routine to improve your cardiovascular health? Thankfully, supplements are available. Taking care of your ticker is now as simple as taking an herbal supplement before your meal. Hopefully, the supplements will help you avoid the unwanted side effects, financial burden and physical stress on your body that comes with prescription cholesterol medications. You should combine your beta-sitosterol supplements with a heart-healthy diet and exercise for maximum results. Just losing 5 to 10 pounds may dramatically reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. Little changes in your daily routine will make a big difference in your long-term health. Try walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator at work or ordering veggies instead of French fries at lunch. Combine these changes with the addition of a beta-sitosterol supplement and you’ll be well on your way to a happier and healthier future.

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Beta Sitosterol A Plant Phytosterol

Beta Sitosterol is a plant phytosterol that offers many benefits to your health. Many of these are due to its effect in reducing both total and LDL cholesterol in the blood, although that is not the only effect that phytosterols can have on your body. Phytosterol is one of many phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health, and the term ‘phyto’ simply indicates that the substance is obtained from plants. Phytosterols are not obtainable in your diet from animal sources, and beta sitosterol is mainly found in seeds, soy and corn oils. Because of this, most of the population do not have high intake, and so supplements are generally the most common source of this valuable material.There are commonly two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL, and it is the LDL form that is said to be the ‘bad’ cholesterol. In fact the terms refer to the high density and low density lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol itself is fat soluble, and does not dissolve in water. It therefore cannot travel through the blood without the aid of a water soluble protein, which is what the lipoproteins are. Low density lipoproteins consist of a charged protein portion and a lipid, or fat, frequently a triglyceride. The charged protein portion is water soluble, and can carry the lipid and cholesterol round the blood. Cholesterol is not a bad substance, but carries out many useful functions, one of which is repairing damage to blood vessels: a bit like a sticking plaster. However, the LDL can become oxidized by free radicals in the body, and it is this oxidized LDL that reacts by depositing fatty plaques of cholesterol onto the arterial walls and ultimately blocking them. The HDL carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is destroyed and then secreted, which is why it is sometimes termed ‘good’ cholesterol. Beta sitosterol significantly reduces the amount of both LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Once the total cholesterol level has dropped to a certain level, then the body produces more HDL cholesterol and so maintains balance that is higher than normal in the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. The way that phytosterols do this is believed to be by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut, because the sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and can occupy the cholesterol absorption sites. Beta sitosterol is particularly effective in this mechanism. Rather than the body absorbing cholesterol it passes it thorough the gut unchanged and eliminates it. The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that the optimum blood LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl and that the total of LDL and HDL be below 200 mg/dl. A regular intake of beta sitosterol can help to maintain these levels without reducing your cholesterol to a dangerously low level. As previously stated, cholesterol is an essential component of your normal biochemistry, and too low a level could be dangerous. What you need is natural regulation of the LDL form, and that is what beta sitosterol and the other phytosterols do. However, beta sitosterol does more than just control your cholesterol balance.It also supports the health of your prostate. Studies indicate that a daily intake of 60 mg – 130 mg beta sitosterol can reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Sunday name for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This could be due to its effect on LDL cholesterol levels, since other studies have indicated a possible connection between high cholesterol levels and prostate enlargement. This might again be due to the occupation of receptor sites in the prostate cell membranes by the phytosterol. Saw palmetto, commonly used to treat prostate problems, contains beta sitosterol. It also appears to modulate the biochemical synthesis of cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammatory response of the immune system to foreign invaders and tissue damage. It also appears to boost the activity of NK-cells, and also of the proliferation of lymphocytes in general. Another effect of beta sitosterol is in normalizing the insulin and blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase that is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to D-glucose which raises blood sugar levels. The upshot is that the onset of age related Type 2 diabetes is delayed. In general, beta sitosterol displays many properties beneficial to your health. It displays anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, is believed to be responsible for the suppression of cancers of the colon and prostate, and lymphocytic leukemia. It appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, and has a beneficial effect on ulcers and cramps. There is even evidence that it can help to cure allergies, although more studies are required to confirm this. Those suffering from specific allergies have reported a lessening of the effects when taking beta sitosterol supplements, although it is possible that other dietary factors were also involved.Beta sitosterol is contained in some concentration or another in most plants, but those richest in the phytosterol are wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. None of these form a particularly large part of the western diet, and a supplement is likely the best way to ensure a sufficiently adequate frequent intake as to have a significant effect on your LDL cholesterol level. Although a daily intake of 300 mg has been cited by some sources as adequate, there have been no reported ill effects of taking this supplement at higher dosages. As already stated, your cholesterol levels are self regulating to a minimum level and you cannot completely block its absorption. Hence, it is not possible to take so much beta sitosterol as to reduce your LDL cholesterol to a dangerously low level.There is sufficient evidence for the effects of beta sitosterol on the body to indicate that if your diet is low in those seeds, nuts and beans that contain significant quantities, the a supplement will provide you with benefits to your health, particularly if you have high blood cholesterol levels or problems with your prostate gland.

What is it?

Restylane is the first dermal filler made of clear biodegradable non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating and protective gel that is naturally produced in every living organism.

NASHA is a stabilized substance that is not derived from any animal sources. Therefore, it does not transmit any diseases between species, or cause allergic reactions in patients with food allergies.

Restylane does not require any allergy or skin testing prior to treatments. It is the only dermal filler of its kind that has gained approval by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the reduction of severe facial lines and wrinkles, mainly around the nose and mouth.

How is it used?

Restylane is injected subcutaneously (beneath the skin) as a clear gel that adds a natural filler into the skin. This process smoothes wrinkles and folds in the surface of the skin. It is also used to contour and restore skin volume.

The NASHA gel integrates with skin tissues, attracting and binding water molecules to itself. The result is smoother, fuller skin surfaces.

The hyaluronic acid is then gradually broken down by the body and will disappear without leaving any residue behind. Results are immediate and can last as long as six months or more.

In most patients one injection is sufficient to bring about the desired results. In about one third of patients, more than one injection is needed.

Side Effects

The most common side effects reported by patients who have had Restylane injections are:

· Redness

· Swelling

· Bruising

· Tenderness

· Pain

· Itching

These symptoms have been temporary and mild to moderate in severity.

Restylane should not be used for breast augmentation or implantation into muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones. It also should not be implanted into blood vessels because blood flow obstruction may occur.

Restylane should not be used in patients who have:

· Severe allergies

· Allergies involving hypersensitivity to drugs or proteins

· Gram-positive bacterial protein allergies

Your cosmetic procedure

There are many cosmetic products on the market today. It is your job to research them as thoroughly as you can to find out if they are safe and effective. Here are some things for you to consider:

· Have they been approved by the FDA?

· Which ones does your plastic surgeon recommend?

· Which ones does your regular physician know are safe?

Any procedure you are considering should be explained to you in detail so that you can make an educated decision.

If you intend to undergo any cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical, it is important to consult with a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon. During your initial consultation, ask a lot of questions. Be sure you understand all of the elements involved in your elected procedure.

Your doctor will also ask a lot of questions. You will need to answer truthfully and completely. He will need to know your medical history, overall health, age, reasons for wanting the procedure and your expectations for the outcome.

There is another most important element with regard to having healthy hair, and that is Zinc.
Zinc is responsible for the following important factors:
The production of cells
The growth and repair of tissues
The maintenance of all oil secreting glands in the scalp.
There is another equally important role which zinc plays, and that is in the formation of collagen and protein synthesis. The logical conclusion which can be drawn from this is that when it comes to hair maintenance and the prevention of dandruff zinc deficiency can be on of the reasons for problems in this area. It is not widely known in the community that most Americans have a deficiency in zinc.
When it comes to good sources of zinc most animal origin foods are okay, but seafood, including oysters are particularly good. Eggs and milk also contain zinc, but it must be said it is found in much smaller quantities. Nuts,legumes and natural grains also contain zinc, but this is of a different type than that found in animal sources and is not easily utilised by the body. There is one contradiction to this and that is that oats are a very good source of zinc and are also easily utilised.
The majority of animal origin foods, with particular emphasis on meats,fish,milk,cheese,eggs and yogurt all contain protein. Broadly speaking diets in the Western world contain sufficient protein and it is therefore not necessary for the average person to eat additional protein. Despite the fact that hair is made of protein it is completely false to believe that excessive protein intake will improve hair growth. On the contrary , it is likely to cause other health problems.
There are nine essential amino acids in complete proteins and this creates somewhat of a problem for vegeterians as they are mostly found in animal origin foods. Vegetables,seeds,nuts,grains and legumes all contain protein but it is not in the same form necessary for a healthy body. Soybeans are the only common non-meat source for complete protein. Fortunately tofu and texturised vegetable protein (TVP) have been made from soybeans and this enables them to be made into various dishes. Vegetarians can of course eat a wide variety of vegetables and so obtain all the essential amino acids from these sources.
It is quite some time now since sheep farmers found that iodine depleted soil and consequently vegetation had an adverse effect on the growth of wool in sheep.Iodine is also essential in the growth of our hair. It is quite common to find , and it is generally accepted that table salt has iodine synthetically added but unfortunately this form of iodine is capable of causing iodine overload as it is not easily assimilated into the body. It is worth noting here that the thyroid may be adversely affected by any excess of iodine in the body.
A natural conclusion to be drawn from these facts is that it is always better to retrieve your iodine from completely natural food sources. Seaweed,seafood,lima beans,salmon,eggs,molasses,watercress,garlic and potatoes with the skin on are good natural sources.
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust , the second being the trace element silica, which is a form of silicon. Due to the manner in which our food is processed and our soil depleted by chemical treatments so often trace minerals are lost and consequently they are rarely found in Western diets. The trace mineral silica is important to hair growth, but it vital to the strength of hair. It will not necessarily stop hair from falling out from the follicle, but it will certainly prevent hair breakage. It slows the aging process by the stimulation of cell metabolism and formation.
Rice,oats,lettuce,parsnips,asparagus,onions,leek,cabbage,strawberries,cucumber,sunflower seeds,rhubarb are particular foods which are rich in silica. It is worthy of note that a lot of these foods are found in Asian diets and the result of this is that Asians have strong and healthy hair. To try and maintain an acceptable level of trace minerals Americans should attempt to source foods which are organically grown.This will at least go a part of the way to solving the problems created by soil depletion. Whenever possible these foods should be eaten uncooked and with rice it should be used unwashed as trace minerals can quite easily be lost in the cooking and washing process

Causes

High blood pressure means that the force with which the blood presses onto the artery walls is higher than it should be. By far the most common reason for high blood pressure is arteriosclerosis. Narrowed arteries plugged with fatty deposits are usually linked to poor eating habits, high stress and little physical activity.

Typically, a diet rich in saturated fats, meat and refined products, and lacking in fresh vegetables, fruits and fibber from whole grains, is to blame. The cholesterol-free commercial vegetable oils, shortening and margarine are no better, as these contain trans-fatty acids.

Vegetarians have a lower incidence of hypertension. Obesity increases the risks. Salt, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes are not direct causes, but certainly contribute substantially to increasing blood pressure. If high blood pressure exists, these substances should be reduced, and preferably eliminated.

Stress, anger and anxiety also play their part in causing high blood pressure. These stresses must be reduced and effective coping mechanisms put in place. Exercise is an excellent remedy.

With old age, the artery walls become less elastic, increasing the risk of hypertension. Besides arteriosclerosis, kidney disease is a serious cause of high blood pressure. The presence of toxic metals, especially cadmium, lead and mercury also affect blood pressure.

Nutrition

High blood pressure is one of the diseases that have resulted from the typical diet of affluent Western societies. The main reason for high blood pressure is the consumption of too much saturated fat from animal sources and artificially-hardened vegetable fats like shortening and margarine, as well as refined vegetable oils. They contain heat-damaged fat molecules, known as trans-fatty acids. Furthermore, sweet foods, overly salted foods and insufficient fiber cause high blood pressure.

Incorporating Alistrol to your daily health regime will provide you the best safe and natural formula to help you live longer, healthier and with cleaner arteries and controlled blood pressure. Visit www.alistrol.com and try it today!!!

Did You Know That High Cholesterol Can Kill?

Has your doctor told you that you need to lower your cholesterol levels? If so, you are not alone.

A recent study shows that more than one third of American adults are at risk of coronary disease because of high blood cholesterol, according to the New York Times. The researchers reported that 60 million Americans over 20 years old have cholesterol levels high enough to require “medical advice and intervention.”

LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, as it is sometimes referred to, is produced by the liver and circulates in the blood. It slowly accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries, which nourish your heart and brain. It contributes to the formation of a hard substance called plaque that can actually block the flow of blood in your arteries and make them less flexible. This in turn puts your circulatory system at risk. If a clot forms, it can cause a heart attack. If it travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

What can you do to improve your health? Prescription medications can help, but they are costly. Dietary changes will improve your cholesterol over time, but you have to stick with them; which means cutting out some of your favorite foods altogether. Foods that are high in fats from animal sources, like fried foods and fatty meats, directly raise your cholesterol. Also, diets high in simple carbohydrates and sweets can also contribute to high LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies even show that stress is linked with high LDL levels due to the body’s chemical response to stressful situations.

How can you improve your LDL cholesterol levels by adding something to your dietary habits, rather than taking something away? Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant phytonutrient that has been shown to reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels. It is a natural compound found in pecans, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and rice. It is clinically proven to reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that reported a 42-percent decrease in absorbed cholesterol when a subject took beta-sitosterol before eating scrambled eggs.

Beta-sitosterol appears to inhibit cholesterol production in the liver as well. Beta-sitosterol actually breaks down an enzyme that is key in the production of harmful LDL cholesterol. The body naturally produces more cholesterol than a person normally consumes. A big part of your cholesterol numbers is determined by heredity. You inherit some of your cholesterol problem from your parents, but a natural plant phytonutrient may be powerful enough to counteract a part of that problem, according to recent medical testing.

So, if you aren’t interested in wolfing down piles of rice and soybeans before every meal, what can you do to incorporate Beta-sitosterol in to your everyday routine to improve your cardiovascular health? Thankfully, supplements are available. Taking care of your ticker is now as simple as taking an herbal supplement before your meal. Hopefully, the supplements will help you avoid the unwanted side effects, financial burden and physical stress on your body that comes with prescription cholesterol medications.

You should combine your beta-sitosterol supplements with a heart-healthy diet and exercise for maximum results. Just losing 5 to 10 pounds may dramatically reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. Little changes in your daily routine will make a big difference in your long-term health. Try walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator at work or ordering veggies instead of French fries at lunch. Combine these changes with the addition of a beta-sitosterol supplement and you’ll be well on your way to a happier and healthier future.

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Beta Sitosterol A Plant Phytosterol

Beta Sitosterol is a plant phytosterol that offers many benefits to your health. Many of these are due to its effect in reducing both total and LDL cholesterol in the blood, although that is not the only effect that phytosterols can have on your body.

Phytosterol is one of many phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health, and the term phyto simply indicates that the substance is obtained from plants. Phytosterols are not obtainable in your diet from animal sources, and beta sitosterol is mainly found in seeds, soy and corn oils. Because of this, most of the population do not have high intake, and so supplements are generally the most common source of this valuable material.

There are commonly two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL, and it is the LDL form that is said to be the bad cholesterol. In fact the terms refer to the high density and low density lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol itself is fat soluble, and does not dissolve in water. It therefore cannot travel through the blood without the aid of a water soluble protein, which is what the lipoproteins are.

Low density lipoproteins consist of a charged protein portion and a lipid, or fat, frequently a triglyceride. The charged protein portion is water soluble, and can carry the lipid and cholesterol round the blood. Cholesterol is not a bad substance, but carries out many useful functions, one of which is repairing damage to blood vessels: a bit like a sticking plaster. However, the LDL can become oxidized by free radicals in the body, and it is this oxidized LDL that reacts by depositing fatty plaques of cholesterol onto the arterial walls and ultimately blocking them.

The HDL carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is destroyed and then secreted, which is why it is sometimes termed good cholesterol. Beta sitosterol significantly reduces the amount of both LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Once the total cholesterol level has dropped to a certain level, then the body produces more HDL cholesterol and so maintains balance that is higher than normal in the good HDL cholesterol.

The way that phytosterols do this is believed to be by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut, because the sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and can occupy the cholesterol absorption sites. Beta sitosterol is particularly effective in this mechanism. Rather than the body absorbing cholesterol it passes it thorough the gut unchanged and eliminates it.

The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that the optimum blood LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl and that the total of LDL and HDL be below 200 mg/dl. A regular intake of beta sitosterol can help to maintain these levels without reducing your cholesterol to a dangerously low level. As previously stated, cholesterol is an essential component of your normal biochemistry, and too low a level could be dangerous. What you need is natural regulation of the LDL form, and that is what beta sitosterol and the other phytosterols do. However, beta sitosterol does more than just control your cholesterol balance.

It also supports the health of your prostate. Studies indicate that a daily intake of 60 mg 130 mg beta sitosterol can reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Sunday name for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This could be due to its effect on LDL cholesterol levels, since other studies have indicated a possible connection between high cholesterol levels and prostate enlargement. This might again be due to the occupation of receptor sites in the prostate cell membranes by the phytosterol. Saw palmetto, commonly used to treat prostate problems, contains beta sitosterol.

It also appears to modulate the biochemical synthesis of cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammatory response of the immune system to foreign invaders and tissue damage. It also appears to boost the activity of NK-cells, and also of the proliferation of lymphocytes in general. Another effect of beta sitosterol is in normalizing the insulin and blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase that is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to D-glucose which raises blood sugar levels. The upshot is that the onset of age related Type 2 diabetes is delayed.

In general, beta sitosterol displays many properties beneficial to your health. It displays anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, is believed to be responsible for the suppression of cancers of the colon and prostate, and lymphocytic leukemia. It appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, and has a beneficial effect on ulcers and cramps. There is even evidence that it can help to cure allergies, although more studies are required to confirm this. Those suffering from specific allergies have reported a lessening of the effects when taking beta sitosterol supplements, although it is possible that other dietary factors were also involved.

Beta sitosterol is contained in some concentration or another in most plants, but those richest in the phytosterol are wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. None of these form a particularly large part of the western diet, and a supplement is likely the best way to ensure a sufficiently adequate frequent intake as to have a significant effect on your LDL cholesterol level.

Although a daily intake of 300 mg has been cited by some sources as adequate, there have been no reported ill effects of taking this supplement at higher dosages. As already stated, your cholesterol levels are self regulating to a minimum level and you cannot completely block its absorption. Hence, it is not possible to take so much beta sitosterol as to reduce your LDL cholesterol to a dangerously low level.

There is sufficient evidence for the effects of beta sitosterol on the body to indicate that if your diet is low in those seeds, nuts and beans that contain significant quantities, the a supplement will provide you with benefits to your health, particularly if you have high blood cholesterol levels or problems with your prostate gland.