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Showing posts from July, 2023

Six Key Food Groups that Are Healthy for Your Heart

Researchers investigated the impact of different food groups on cardiovascular health. They found that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole-fat dairy, and fish were linked to lower cardiovascular risk. Further studies are needed to understand how much each component contributes to overall risk reduction. Unhealthy diets are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In particular, higher amounts of processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages are known to increase cardiovascular risk.  Concurrently, diets such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, Mediterranean and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) are linked to lower CVD risk. These diets all include increased consumption of: Fruit Vegetables Legumes Nuts Fish However, recent studies, have shown that some foods—such as whole-fat dairy—previously thought to increase CVD risk may have neutral or beneficial effects. However, many of these new findings have yet to be incor...

Health Benefits of Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Methylcobalamin is a cobalamin, a form of vitamin B₁₂. It differs from cyanocobalamin in that the cyano group at the cobalt is replaced with a methyl group. Methylcobalamin, an active form of vitamin B12, helps in synthesis of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine. It is required for integrity of myelin, neuronal function, proper red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. The largest group of vitamin B12 deficiency is found in typical vegetarians all over the world, which can be alleviated with its analogue Methylcobalamin. It is a beneficial drug to most of the common disorders like cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and degenerative disorders. Methylcobalamin helps in the synthesis of neuronal lipids, regeneration of axonal nerves and has neuroprotective activity, which promote neurons to function in proper way and thus improves Alzheimer disease, Parkinsonism, Dementia and neuropathic syndromes. It is an approved treatment for peripheral neuropathy....

Health Benefits of Inositol

Inositol is a carbohydrate found in the body and food. Inositol supplements may help treat anxiety and fertility disorders, as well as help promote better health. Although it’s often referred to as vitamin B8, inositol is not a vitamin but rather a type of sugar with several important functions. There are various forms of inositol, and it plays a role in many bodily processes. Each molecule has a chemical structure similar to the main sugar found in your blood — glucose. Therefore, it has been studied for its potential health benefits. The Health Benefits of Inositol Include: Brain Health It can affect the neurotransmitters in your brain, including serotonin. High doses may be beneficial for treating some forms of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorders. However, mixed results have been reported, and more research is needed. Insulin Sensitivity It plays a role in insulin signaling and may improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin in some cases. Benefits have been seen in individ...

Use of Phyto-nanotechnology in Anti-aging Medicine

Population aging represents a major public health problem worldwide, because current trend in the rise of life expectancy is not accompanied by an increase in health span. This is since aging per se is a primary risk factor for most pathological conditions related to age. Therefore, developing therapeutic modalities to target processes contributing to aging becomes a priority task for the scientific community. Phytochemicals offer great hope for the development of new drug classes for treating aging-associated conditions. These compounds may activate pathways involved in aging, such as autophagy, DNA repair, and counteract aging-related systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Anti-aging potential was reported for several phytobioactive compounds including curcumin , resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine and several others. The therapeutic potential of orally administered phytochemicals is, however, significantly limited because of their low gastrointestinal ab...

Role of Molecular Hydrogen in Aging and Aging-Related Diseases

Ageing/aging is a physiological process of progressive decline in the organism function over time. It affects every organ in the body and is a significant risk for chronic diseases. Molecular hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various organs. It has antioxidative properties as it directly neutralizes hydroxyl radicals and reduces peroxynitrite level. It also activates Nrf2 and HO-1, which regulate many antioxidant enzymes and proteasomes. Through its antioxidative effect, hydrogen maintains genomic stability, mitigates cellular senescence, and takes part in histone modification, telomere maintenance, and proteostasis. In addition, hydrogen may prevent inflammation and regulate the nutrient-sensing mTOR system, autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondria, which are all factors related to ageing. Hydrogen can also be used for prevention and treatment of various ageing-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, an...

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, especially in Indian system of medicine - Ayurveda. In recent years, modern science has begun to confirm many of the potential health benefits associated with cinnamon. There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon: This type is also known as “true” cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon: This is the most common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.” The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde. Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of cinnamon’s powerful effects on health and metabolism. Cinnamon also contains large amounts of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants. The antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower your risk of many diseases. Cinnamon and Heart Health Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, which is the leadin...

Health Benefits of Turmeric

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Turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and other benefits. The spice, known as turmeric, may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many high-quality studies show that turmeric has major benefits for your body and brain. Many of these benefits come from its main active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin and Inflammation Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Most studies use turmeric extracts that are standardized to include large amounts of curcumin. Chronic inflammation contributes to some common health conditions. Curcumin can suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation, but its bioavailability needs to be enhanced. Curcumin - a Potent Antioxidant Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure. In addition, animal and cellular studies, suggest that curcumin may block the action...

Health Benefits of Garlic

Current research shows that garlic may have some real health benefits, such as protection against the common cold and the ability to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Scientists now know that most of garlic’s health benefits are due to the formation of sulfur compounds when you chop, crush, or chew a garlic clove. Perhaps the most well-known compound is allicin. However, allicin is an unstable compound that is only briefly present in fresh garlic after you cut or crush it. Other compounds that may play a role in garlic’s health benefits include diallyl disulfide and s-allyl cysteine. Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients. Supplementation with garlic, particularly Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) has shown to be very useful in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Garlic and garlic supplements may help prevent and reduce the severity of illnesses like the flu and common c...

How to Boost Your Testosterone Levels Naturally!

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Some foods and supplements influence testosterone levels in various animals. The two main mechanisms are the direct increase in testosterone levels or suppression of the decrease in testosterone production due to testicular toxicity. Foods or supplements raise testosterone production in three ways: 1) regulating LH, the hormone that stimulates the production of testosterone, 2) regulating testosterone synthase in the testis, and 3) regulating testosterone-degrading enzymes. In contrast, suppression of the decrease in testosterone depends on the antioxidant effect of the foods and supplements.  Testosterone and food 1. Protein and fat Nutritional status affects testosterone, and nutritional deficiency lowers testosterone levels. Schoech et al. reported that feeding male jays a high-protein, high-fat diet increased testosterone levels, whereas estrogen levels did not change in females. 2. Garlic Garlic, used in many cuisines around the world, also affects testosterone regulation. ...

Health Benefits of NAD+ & its Precursor NMN

NAD+ and its precursor NMN NMN or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is a naturally occurring molecule in all life forms. It is the direct precursor of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential molecule needed for existence and cellular functions. NMN is needed in forming NAD+ since the latter is not as bioavailable.  A lot of attention has been given to NAD+, specifically for its capability to slow down the effects of aging. NAD+ is used as a coenzyme in many molecular procedures that maintains your cells and keeps your body healthy.  Optimised intracellular NAD+ levels don’t just prevent the hastening of cellular aging. In fact, the NAD+ molecule is seen in every cell in the body, allowing the transformation of food we consume into energy and chemical products that the body requires to support itself. This is important since the health and function of every cell rely on this tiny molecule. NAD+ also plays a crucial role with enzymes that handle gene expression in re...

Why is Blood Test Important as We Age?

 To live your longest and healthiest life possible, our body needs to be periodically tested and recalibrated. Blood biomarkers—which are the measures of our health status—change over time. They also shift in response to lifestyle factors like our diet, how you move, how you respond to stress, and the quality of your sleep. Research has identified 5 essential blood biomarkers that correlate strongly with aging. These are as follows: 1. Vitamin D:  Vitamin D is an important, fat-soluble vitamin that promotes healthy aging. It helps the body absorb calcium, which supports bone strength. Vitamin D supports the body’s immune responses that fight off infection, illness, and inflammation. The immune system gradually declines with age. through a process known as Studies show that vitamin D acts directly on muscle to increase protein synthesis, enabling increased muscle mass and decreased muscle fiber degradation. Testosterone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, strength, and red...

Top Supplements for Prostrate Health

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As men age, the prostate slowly grows, and by age 60, more than half of all men have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. By age 80, more than 90 percent of men have signs of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) —an enlargement of the prostate common in older men. The American Cancer Society emphasizes a diet rich in plant-based foods for cancer prevention. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables have been associated with a decreased risk of cancer development. Choose whole-grain options high in fiber—shown to help decrease the risk of developing many types of cancers—and maintain a balanced, Mediterranean-like diet, including: Healthy Protein Fish Poultry Eggs Healthy Fats Olive oil Avocados Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) Vegetables & Legumes Leafy green vegetables Beans Simple Lifestyle Changes Support Prostate Health In addition to eating the right foods, simple changes to the things we do every day can help support a healthy prostate. Th...

What Your Multivitamin - Multimineral Supplements Should Essentially Consist of!

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Vitamin A (as Beta Carotene) – Immune Functions, Skin and Eye Health An antioxidant that protects our cells from damage caused by the oxidation of free radicals, beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A, which supports a strong immune system and healthy eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Free radicals are naturally occurring molecules that attack healthy cells and tissues with damaging effects which increase with age and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Vitamin C – Immune System and Collagen Formation An essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue, formation of collagen and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters, vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant to support healthy immune system function. Vitamin C also helps improve the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Vitamin D3 – Strong Bones, Teeth and Immune Functions Cooper Clinic Founder and Preventive Medicine Pioneer Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, shares, “Many patients w...

Gut Health and Longevity

The gut microbiome, made up of trillions of “friendly” bacteria and other microbes, is proving to be central to our health. A thriving gut microbiome not only contributes to your overall gut health but can affect dementia risk and support mental health, promote good sleep and influence the health of your skin, muscles, heart and immune system. And when your gut microbiome is disrupted, it can trigger conditions like diabetes and obesity.   Researchers at the University of Copenhagen studied the intestinal bacteria of 176 healthy Japanese centenarians to determine whether their gut microbiome had any influence on their longevity. “Previous research has shown that the intestinal bacteria of old Japanese citizens produce brand new molecules that make them resistant to pathogenic — that is, disease-promoting — microorganisms,” says Joachim Johansen, a postdoc and first author of the study. What these researchers discovered was that these centenarians had a unique combination of...

Health Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound in the body that acts as a potent antioxidant. It may have several health benefits. While the body produces alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) naturally, a person can boost their levels by making suitable dietary choices, taking supplements, or both.  Alpha-lipoic acid and weight loss Research has shown that alpha-lipoic acid may affect weight loss in several ways. Animal studies indicate that it can reduce the activity of the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is located in your brain’s hypothalamus. When AMPK is more active, it may increase feelings of hunger. On the other hand, suppressing AMPK activity may increase the number of calories your body burns at rest. Thus, animals who took alpha-lipoic acid burned more calories. Alpha-lipoic acid and diabetes Diabetes affects more than 400 million adults worldwide. A key feature of uncontrolled diabetes is high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, this can cause health problems, such...

Nutrients that Prevent Telomere Shortening

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Telomerase is an enzyme that helps maintain telomeres , the protective tips of chromosomes. As we age, our telomeres naturally shorten, contributing to the aging process. Telomerase supplements are designed to promote the lengthening of telomeres, which may help prevent some age-related diseases and improve overall health. What are telomeres?  Telomeres are stretches of DNA at the end of chromosomes that protect the end from deterioration. They shorten each time a cell divides, and when they get too short, cells can no longer divide and die off or become cancerous. Telomere length is a good biological marker of aging, and shorter telomeres usually indicate greater age and a higher likelihood of age-related pathologies. As telomeres provide protection for the genetic material inside DNA, shorter telomeres provide less protection. The shorter the telomere, the more likely a subject is to suffer from disease or age-related illnesses.  What is telomerase?  Telomerase ...