Category Archives: diet

Exposing Fetus To Plant Estrogen May Lead To Infertility In Women

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A paper published in Biology of Reproduction’s Papers-in-Press describes the effects of brief prenatal exposure to plant estrogens on the mouse oviduct, modeling the effects of soy-based baby formula on human infants. The results suggest that exposure to estrogenic chemicals in the womb or during childhood has the potential to affect a woman’s fertility as an adult, possibly providing the mechanistic basis for some cases of unexplained female infertility.

Earlier research suggested that neonatal exposure to plant estrogens or other environmental estrogens (synthetic substances that function similarly to the estrogen naturally produced in the body) may have long-term effects on adult female reproductive health. Wendy N. Jefferson, a researcher in the lab of Carmen J. Williams at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health, previously demonstrated that neonatal exposure to the plant estrogen genistein results in complete infertility in female adult mice. Causes of infertility included failure to ovulate, reduced ability of the oviduct to support embryo development before implantation, and failure of the uterus to support effective implantation of blastocyst-stage embryos.

The team now reports that neonatal exposure to genistein changes the level of immune response in the mouse oviduct, known as mucosal immune response. Some of the immune response genes were altered beginning from the time of genistein treatment, while others were altered much later, when the mouse was in early pregnancy. Together, those changes led to harmfully altered immune responses and to compromised oviduct support for preimplantation embryo development, both of which would likely contribute to infertility.

These findings raise the possibility that exposure to low levels of environmental or plant estrogens during sensitive developmental windows can alter the balance of the mucosal immune response in the uterus and oviduct.

In the mouse, the window of development during which these changes can occur is found only in the neonatal period; in humans, development of the reproductive tract continues through the onset of puberty. Therefore, estrogenic chemical exposure to the female fetus, infant, child, and adolescent all have potential impacts on mucosal immunity in the reproductive tract and, therefore, on adult fertility. The authors present the view that limiting such exposures, including minimizing use of soy-based baby formula, is a step toward maintaining female reproductive health.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click ‘references’ tab above for source.
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Flax Seed Oil

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Category: Healthy Foods,Natural Health,Organic Living

Author: Dr. Edward Group @ 4:18 pm

 

 

There has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of flaxseed oil but many people don’t know exactly what it is and what it specifically does. Flax is a good source of plant omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber and other nutrients. It’s nutrient composition differs from that of other major oil seeds such as canola and sunflower. It’s important to get the facts straight to make the best choice when purchasing flaxseed oil.

 

What is Flax and Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. According to the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, a flax seed is about 40% oil by weight. Of this oil, 55% of it is omega-3 fatty acid.

Flax is very unique because, traditionally, the oil hasn’t been used much. The seed, however, has been used whole, cracked, or ground into flour then used in baked products. Flax has attracted nutritionists and those seeking a healthier diet because it has a high fiber content and it is rich in potassium. Flax is often sprinkled on breakfast cereals and salads and is found in some fruit juice drinks.

After the oil is extracted from the flax seed, the “leftovers” are often fed to livestock. An interesting side note is that the use of whole flax seed as food for chickens has increased in recent years because of the omega-3 properties.

 

Is Flaxseed Oil the Same as Linseed Oil?

There has been some confusion between these. Flax oil is also called linseed oil which is sold in hardware stores as varnish. Flaxseed and linseed are often used interchangeably but there is an important difference. North Americans use flaxseed to describe flax when used for human consumption and linseed to describe when it has been processed for industrial purposes.

 

Importance of Omega-3

The “3″ in Omega-3 refers to the major types of fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by our body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the human body converts ALA to EPA and DHA which are more readily used by the body. Omega-3 is an important component of almost all cell membranes; therefore, sufficient amounts of these fatty acids are necessary and need to be balanced to maintain good health.

 

A Harvard study titled, “The Preventable Causes of Death in the United States: Comparative Risk Assessment of Dietary Lifestyle and Metabolic Risk Factors” revealed that an omega-3 deficiency causes an alarming 72,000-96,000 deaths annually.

 

Flaxseed Oil Benefits

According to the Flax Council of Canada, there are numerous benefits of which omega-3 is at the top of the list. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) constitutes 57% of the total fatty acids in flax, making flax the richest source of ALA in the North American diet. Every tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 8 grams of ALA, and this is a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Flaxseed oil has been found to be beneficial for those who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. Several studies have found that this oil seems to be able to calm the inner lining of the inflamed intestines. Another benefit exists as there is a high content of mucilage in flax and this is an effective natural laxative.

Flaxseed oil is beneficial in helping to reduce high cholesterol. It’s important to keep in mind however, that this alone cannot be totally effective in reducing cholesterol levels, an overhaul of overall diet must work in conjunction with flaxseed oil.

The risk of heart disease is lower in individuals who take flaxseed oil. Evidence indicates that those who eat a lot of ALA are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and it reduces high blood pressure.

Some people are afflicted with Sjogren’s syndrome, which is a dryness of the eyes. Flaxseed oil helps to improve this condition.

Flaxseed oil also helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of cancer.
  • Aid in the growth of healthy hair and nails.
  • Promote healthy skin.
  • Reduce menopause symptoms.
  • Play a role in burning body fat.

 

 

Taking Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and soft gel capsules. This oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light and oxygen. Some forms of flaxseed oil may require refrigeration.

There is a potential for side effects and interactions with medications or other dietary supplements. Flaxseed may slow down the rate your body absorbs oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. It is highly advisable to seek the advice of a trained natural health practitioner before taking this supplement.

It’s also important to know the source of the flaxseed oil because some plants grown today are not what they appear to be. There are lot of genetically engineered plants that make their way into our homes and GE foods are not good for human consumption.

 

The Verdict Is In

Natural flaxseed oil is packed with health benefits that you can’t go wrong with. A daily intake of this healthy oil offers a lot of goodness. Talk to a natural health specialist and make organic flaxseed oil a part of your daily regime.

Is flaxseed oil part of your day? Let’s discuss, in the comments below!

~Dr. G

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PINK SLIME. Added to your favorite Fast Food… or..another reason to avoid fast food

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Why You Should Avoid Fast Food at All Costs

 

Mike Barrett
NaturalSociety
March 24, 2012

foodhamburger1 220x137 Why You Should Avoid Fast Food at All CostsIt is no secret that the average American diet is in completely in the slumps. Consuming packaged foods, fast food, artificially enhanced products, and especially low quality cheap food is the norm, but is it any wonder that being overweight while also falling victim to a host of illnesses is also the norm. Being raised in this era of poor health makes it difficult to know what is truly healthy and unhealthy. Food has drastically changed since decades ago, and so parents often aren’t aware of the severe decline in food quality. Fast food in particular is one of the primary reasons for the drastic health decline seen today.

Why You Should Avoid Fast Food at All Costs

If you haven’t already, take a couple of hours to watch the films Super Size Me or Fast Food Nation. After watching these films, you can see first hand how fast food causes severe damage to your body – even if you don’t consume it for every meal of every day like in one of the films. Fast food is nothing but a concoction of harmful and health-damaging chemicals which can easily be understood if you were to think for a moment how any restaurant could offer a double cheeseburger for only $1.

Most recently it was uncovered that these $1 cheeseburgers, along with the rest of McDonald’s’ beef and chicken, were actually harnessing ‘pink slime’ scrap meat covered with ammonium hydroxide. Not only does this fake meat provide no nutritional value at all, but it is chemically contaminated from ammonia, the toxic cleaning agent found under the sink. The meat is actually fat trimmings and connective tissue that are separated from the bone – scrap meat that is not fit for human consumption. The ammonia treatment is in response to the danger of contamination from salmonella or E. coli, but the scrap meats themselves are more likely to contain pathogens. Despite the chemical treatment, the meat is still in the line of fire for contamination.

Additionally, McDonald’s McNuggets contain 7 different ingredients making up the ‘meat’, many of which contain sub-ingredients. Instead of using real meat, the ingredient list utilizes sodium phosphate, safflower oil, wheat starch, dextrose, and autolyzed yeast extract – a particularly dangerous substance very similar to the toxic MSG. Along side with these ingredients comes the use of dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicon substance used as an anti-foaming agent and often found in breast implants and silly putty.

naturalhealthbook Why You Should Avoid Fast Food at All Costs

Of course the use of these ingredients is not limited only to McDonald’s. In fact, all of the fast food restaurants are guilty of using them. The worst part? They are aware of the destructive nature behind these ingredients, but truly couldn’t care any less. The truth behind such a statement can be exemplified by Taco Bell’s attempt to create a drive-thru diet where individuals would supposed to lose weight by eating fast food. It was only a few years ago when Taco Bell announced the “Drive-Thru Diet”, where they showcased their foods low in fat. But what they don’t tell you is that even if their food has 9 grams of fat, it is still made up of numerous ingredients contributing to the global health decline.

While the reasons for the influx of fast food consumption are many, one primary one is the usage of psychological advertising. Being one of the most powerful tools to reach both the conscious and subconscious, advertising plays a huge role in how society is ran today, and that includes which foods we eat. What’s more, children are much more influenced by what they see and hear, and research proves it. A study conduced late in 2011 showed that 71 percent of children will choose junk food like french fries over apple slices when given coupons for each of them. The number dropped only to 55 percent when parents encouraged children to choose the apple slices. But the desired reach does not stop at direct advertising and influence.

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A new children’s educational book has recently been launched by the Council for Biotechnology Information, educating young children on the ‘numerous benefits’ of genetically modified food. Of course genetically modified food has time and time again been shown to cause human and environmental harm, but still the attempt to brainwash young children is carelessly made. The advertising for such food is also heavily tied in with fast food, as virtually all fast food is constructed with genetically modified food and ingredients.

These are but only a few of the countless reasons to never ingest fast food.

Explore More:

  1. Breaking: Junk Food, Fast Food Proven to Cause Depression
  2. 3 Fast Food Ingredient Secrets: Industrial Chemicals, Synthetic Meat
  3. Chart Shows Healthier Real Food Meals Cheaper than Fast Food
  4. The Ludicrousness of the Taco Bell Diet and the Fast Food Fairytale
  5. Chemicals in Fast Food Wrappers Found in Blood Samples, May Lead to Tumors
  6. Your Most Expensive Thanksgiving Meal | Food Costs Soar, Highest Jump in 20 Years

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/why-you-should-avoid-fast-food-at-all-costs/#ixzz1qtJu437d

Recognizing Signs of Anorexia or Bulimia

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Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders that affect an estimated 8 million Americans, mostly women, though about 10% of those who have an eating disorder are men.

Anorexics have an irrational fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. They refuse to maintain a healthy body weight and are obsessed with thoughts of food, dieting and how their body looks, to the exclusion of other things, such as interaction with friends and family or the pursuit of hobbies.

Some signs of anorexia are:

1) Dieting despite being underweight – Anorexics follow diets that severely restrict caloric intake. They may eat only certain low-calorie foods, refusing anything they consider a “bad” food, such as fats and carbohydrates.

2) Obsession with calories, nutrition and grams of fat – They will measure the nutritional content of every morsel they put in their mouth and will obsessively read the nutrition label on each item they buy in the supermarket, rejecting anything with too many calories. They are likely to read every diet book they can find and may keep a food diary listing everything eaten throughout the day.

3) Lying about eating – Anorexics may say they have eaten when they haven’t, and will make excuses for getting out of mealtimes. They may feign illness, hide food or throw it away to keep from eating.

4) Obsession with body image – Despite being severely underweight, they may see themselves as fat, weighing themselves constantly and denying that they are too thin. They may cover up with baggy clothes so their thinness doesn’t show. Rapid, drastic weight loss is another sign of anorexia.

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by regular cycles of binging and purging. The person suffering from bulimia will binge on food, consuming up to 5,000 calories in an hour, then will feel guilty and do all they can to purge the excessive calories by inducing vomiting, using laxatives or exercising fanatically.

Some signs of bulimia are:

1) Lack of control over eating – Bulimics are not able to stop eating, consuming food to the point of stomach pain.

2) Large amounts of food disappearing – Food may disappear mysteriously from the person’s refrigerator, with no appreciable sign of weight gain. They may keep stashes of food hidden away for when they want to secretly binge.

3) Going to the bathroom after eating – immediately after a meal they may go to the bathroom to vomit, possibly covering the sounds by running water in the sink.

4) Vomit smell – either in the bathroom after a meal, or on their person, someone with bulimia may try to cover it up with air freshener or by using mouthwash or breath mints.

5) Regular use of laxatives or exercise – they may use diet pills, diuretics or laxatives after eating, or do a lot of calorie-burning exercise immediately after a meal.

Anorexia and bulimia can cause serious, long-lasting damage to health, so getting treatment for it is important. Of all mental illnesses, these are the ones with the highest rates of mortality, so if you suspect that you or anyone you know may have these illnesses, see a mental health professional as soon as possible.

Good health is a combination of many factors including your nutrition, preventative care, appropriate corrective care and the small choices you make every day in the course of living. If you have questions about this article, your general or spinal health, please ask. We are here to help!

 

Astaxanthin, A Powerful Anti-Oxidant also Protects Against Ulcers

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A recent study examined the effect of astaxanthin on gastric mucosal damage caused by gastric ulcers. For the study, mice were pretreated with astaxanthin for one hour before ulcers were induced.
The researchers found that astaxanthin significantly decreased the extent of the gastric ulcers. Astaxanthin also decreased the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance.
According to the study, as reprinted on the website Green Med Info:
“These results suggest that astaxanthin has antioxidant properties and exerts a protective effect against ulcer formation in murine models.”

The Benefits of Riboflavin

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Like the other B-vitamins, riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2), plays a key role in the production of energy and the maintenance of metabolism. Its distinctive characteristic is its bright yellow fluorescent color, which can often be seen in the urine of those taking supplements of the vitamin, the excess of which is excreted through the kidneys. And because only small amounts of it are stored in the liver and kidneys, regular intake must be received through the diet.

Working together with an enzyme, riboflavin helps to break down homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood are related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and bone fractures. Vitamin B2 works with different enzymes to help in the creation of some of the other B-vitamins such as B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B1 (thiamine), and also aids the optimal utilization of iron and folic acid.

Riboflavin also works as an antioxidant by helping in the recycling of glutathione, a molecule that neutralizes the effects of dangerous free radicals that damage the body’s cells and DNA, accelerating the aging process and increasing your risk of cancer. It is also useful to our cells by helping them in the most efficient use of oxygen and in encouraging healthy cell growth.

Recent studies have found that supplementing with vitamin B2 may help those who suffer from migraines. According to a study published in the European Journal of Neurology, 23 migraine sufferers were given 400 mg. of riboflavin every day for three months and recorded the frequency, duration and intensity of their migraines during this period. The results showed the number of migraines to be reduced by half, from an average of four per month to two, and were shorter in duration, though their intensity was unchanged.

Deficiency in riboflavin is not common, but is more apt to be found in alcoholics, women taking birth control pills, the chronically ill and the elderly. Some signs of riboflavin deficiency are swollen tongue, skin cracks, particularly around the corners of the mouth, weakness, sore throat, hair loss, blurred vision, cataracts, and light sensitivity.

The best dietary sources of riboflavin are meat, dark green leafy vegetables, whole or fortified grains, mushrooms and dairy products. The recommended daily allowance is 1.3 mg per day for adults. Though not sensitive to heat, acid or oxidation, riboflavin is easily destroyed by exposure to light, so be sure to buy dairy products such as milk or yogurt in opaque containers.

 

The Benefits of Vitamin B6

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Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) is another of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins, involved in a number of important functions, including the body’s metabolic activity. It metabolizes sugars, fats and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Another important function is its role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and in the creation of DNA, heme (part of red blood cells) and the phospholipids that make up our cell membranes.
Without sufficient B6 we would not be able to process carbohydrates properly. Our bodies require that the glycogen in our muscle cells be broken down so as to provide us with energy, and vitamin B6 plays a key role in this breakdown. This can be especially important for athletes who require increased strength and endurance. It is also an essential vitamin for tissue repair. Another of the benefits of vitamin B6 is that it helps control excessive inflammation.
Because of its use in healthy brain and nerve function, it also helps to regulate mood. It is important for the development of serotonin and norepinephrine, hormones that help guard against depression, and has been used to treat both Alzheimer’s and general memory loss.
Vitamin B6 works in conjunction with folic acid and vitamin B12 to help keep homocysteine levels low. Elevated homocysteine is linked to a number of diseases, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke. It has been successfully used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and premenstrual syndrome, and has been shown to help prevent attacks of asthma by lowering histamine levels in the blood.
The major dietary sources of B6 are meat, eggs, liver, fish, whole grains, legumes (peas and beans), potatoes, brewer’s yeast, avocados and dairy foods. Due to its water-solubility, it can’t be stored in the body’s fat cells, so we need to ingest it on a regular basis. And as B6 is necessary in order to break down proteins, the more protein you eat, the more B6 you need.
Although a deficiency in vitamin B6 is not common, it can lead to anemia, feelings of numbness or pins-and-needles in hands and feet, a sore red tongue, and confusion, depression and irritability. This deficiency is most often found in alcoholics and those with chronic fatigue syndrome or women who use oral contraceptives.
It is recommended that adults get 1.6 mg per day of vitamin B6 for optimal functioning. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding require more, about 2 mg per day. Because it naturally occurs in a wide range of foods it’s not likely you will need a supplement if you eat well. However, it may be useful if you suffer from one of the conditions noted above, for which a doctor can give you a recommended dosage.

Nutrition Evolution

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Nutrition Evolution.

Eleven foods to consider in your new super-diet regimen.

Coconut Oil
Quality fats support healthy cell membranes and coconut oil is rich with lauric acid which is anti-parastic. Also, it contains medium chain triglycerides which help the body burn fat.

Kale
This leafy green powerhouse is rich in minerals, especially magnesium which is a mineral that most people don’t get enough of.

Ghee
Clarified butter is made by separating the lactose and the casein, which means even people with dairy allergies or intolerances can enjoy ghee. It’s lubricating for the intestines and food for the cells.

Eggs
Contrary to the often bad rap eggs get, they are actually supportive of healthy cholesterol levels since they contain lecithin which helps cholesterol move through the blood. The quality is very important, so always choose eggs that are free range or at least organic.

Apples
Many fruits are very sweet and can tweak out your blood sugar levels. Apples carry a heavy fiber load, which means they are absorbed a bit more slowly by your blood sugar.

Green Super Foods
Choose a blend with veggies, fruit, spirulina, blue green algae, etc. These nutrient dense foods cleanse the blood and support overall immunity.

Sauerkraut
This fermented cabbage condiment is swimming in healthy bacteria and enzymes that support digestion and immune health.

Chia Seeds
Chia is a rich source of heart, brain, and cell supporting omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds are also mucilaginous which means that they help heal and soothe your mucus membranes.

Pumpkin seeds
Most plant food don’t contain zinc, so pumpkin seeds are an ideal source for vegetarians.

Raw goat and sheep milk, kefir, cheese, and yogurt
Raw milk is a nourishing source of healthy fat and protein and has the added benefit of being loaded with enzymes and bacteria.

Tahini
Sesame seeds are a rich source of calcium and magnesium and this creamy spread is a rich source of protein for vegetarians and raw foodies.

Grass Fed Beef
Cows that graze on their natural food source, grass, are healthier and even produce CLA, which is a benefical fatty acid for heart health.

The Use of Mushrooms for Fighting Flu

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What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

In traditional Chinese medicine, medicinal mushrooms – such as shiitake, maitake, and reishi – are used to boost immunity and fend off colds and flu.

Found to possess virus-fighting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, medicinal mushrooms also contain compounds (called polysaccharides) that may help stimulate the immune system.

Flu Prevention

Although medicinal mushrooms have yet to be extensively researched as a means of flu prevention, several studies suggest that certain mushrooms may offer flu-fighting benefits.

1) Maitake

In a 2008 study, scientists found that treating cells with extracts of maitake mushrooms (also known as Grifola frondosa) helped promote the production of proteins responsible for activating the immune system in response to infection. This effect could help slow the growth of the flu virus, according to the study’s authors.

2) Cordyceps

Polysaccharides derived from cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) may help protect against the flu by moderating the function of macrophages (a type of white blood cell that kills microorganisms and stimulates other immune cells into action), according to a 2007 study on mice.

3) Gypsy Mushroom

Findings from a study published in 1999 demonstrate that extracts of the gypsy mushroom (Rozites caperata) may help fight the flu virus.

More Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Preliminary evidence indicates that medicinal mushrooms may provide health benefits beyond fighting the flu. In a 2004 study, for instance, participants taking a reishi-based powder had an “acute increase” in their antioxidant capacity. And in a study published in 2001, researchers found that maitake extract improved symptoms in rats with diabetes.

How to Use Medicinal Mushrooms

Available in some health food stores, medicinal mushrooms are often sold as liquid blends containing several different mushrooms. Medicinal mushroom formulas can also be obtained directly from practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.

In many cases, practitioners recommend taking medicinal mushrooms throughout flu season in order to rev up your immune system.

Are Medicinal Mushrooms Safe?

Although medicinal mushrooms are generally considered safe, they may trigger such adverse effects as nausea and dry throat. In addition, over-stimulating the immune system could theoretically be associated with lymphoma (a type of immune system cancer) or another negative effect. Well-designed research studies are needed.

Therefore, if you’re considering using medicinal mushrooms, make sure to consult your physician first.

Sources:

Natural health care Blood Pressure and Heart Health

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Herbs, Food & Lifestyle for Heart Health, Blood Pressure & Cholesterol [with Video]

Written on: 15 Mar 11 and Filed under: herbs | 7 Comments

Among the top 10 prescribed drugs in the United States 3 of them are heart related, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Not only does 30% of the top prescribed drugs include heart related illnesses, but even the number 1 position.

Pharmaceutical drugs are vastly prescribed to help with heart related issues, but they come at a price. The #1 most prescribed drug is Lipitor which is a statin to reduce cholesterol. However, permanent liver and kidney damage can result from the medication.

For those that aren’t suffering from severe heart disease can often use herbs as alternatives to drugs, as well as use for preventative care. Additionally, there are no drug-herb interactions when using herbs in conjunction with heart medications. This will allow you to better control your symptoms and in time lower the medications you are on.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart problems. Improper diet, lack of exercise, and quality of foods lead to a reverse balance of cholesterol density. Low density cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL) increases and start attaching as plaque to your vessel walls which lead to later heart problems. It is high cholesterol that has lead to ‘antihyperlipidemic’ medication the #1 most prescribed drug in the US.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a silent killer in the world as it is often accompanied with little to no symptoms. Additionally, high blood pressure can be idiopathic, meaning there isn’t always a cause or reason why you have high blood pressure.

Lack of Circulation

Circulation can be a problem on many different levels. Lack of circulation to the heart muscles can lead to a heart attack. Poor circulation can lead to other problems with the extremities and water retention which can increase blood pressure as well.

Food & Supplement Consideratoin

Vitamin D: Most of the body’s vitamin D requirements are met by the skin in response to sun exposure. Other less potent sources of vitamin D include foods such as salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, and vitamin D-fortified foods like milk and some cereals

Vitamin E: an important micronutrient involved in the protection of LDL from oxidation. Foods high in vitamin E include wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds and dark leafy greens.

Vitamin C supplements have been suggested to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure, preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and reducing blood cholesterol levels. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, mango, broccoli, tomato, and sweet red peppers.

Bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants found in many of the same foods as vitamin C. These include red bell peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, brussel sprouts, garlic, spinach and green tea

Vitamins: A diet high in grains, fruits, and vegetables is advised to assure adequate intake of these vitamins. Vitamin B3 is found in mostly animal-derived foods like chicken, pork, beef liver, salmon, swordfish and mackerel, but you can also get niacin from bran, seeds, peanuts, wild rice, brown rice, peas, almonds, barley, peanuts and whole wheat

Vitamin B6 is found in wheat germ, soybeans, bananas, avocados, lima beans, lentils, sunflower seeds, walnuts, buckwheat, watermelon, peanuts, meats, fish, poultry, whole grains and potato skins

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is typically found in many plant-based foods like soybeans, dark-green leafy vegetables, rice, kelp, asparagus and oranges

DHA/EPA: Clinical evidence suggests that EPA and DHA help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The best foods to get these nutrients from are fatty fish including mackerel, anchovies, sardines, salmon, and tuna n-It is recommended to consume fish up to twice per week to ensure you are getting adequate omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients can also be found in smaller quantities from plant sources such as flax seed, walnuts, beans and dark leafy greens.

Herbs for these Conditions

There are 5 main herbs that cover most heart health issues and biomedically act in similar mannerisms that pharmaceuticals use to treat these conditions:

Shan Zha- Shan Zha is Hawthron Berry and is the king of all herbs for heart health. Hawthron Berry is a complete heart tonic. This herb actually increases blood flow to the heart muscles, benefits circulation to lower blood pressure, and has marked effects at lowering cholesterol. Shan Zha is an excellent heart tonic and can be taken every day to treat or prevent heart ailments.

Jue Ming Zi – Jue Ming Zi is Cassia Seed. Jue Ming Zi has years of research showing beneficial cardiovascular effects. Its main contribution is reducing bad cholesterol levels in the body and fighting arteriolosclerosis. However, this herb does has a diuretic effect that helps lower blood pressure as well.

Ze Xie – Alisma is often used in Chinese Medicine for urology health. Because it has beneficial diuretic effects it is added to formulas to help control blood pressure by regulating water metabolism. This is also a commonly used method in pharmaceutical drugs to help control blood pressure. n nDan Shen – Salvia is another herb to always add to a heart health formula. Dan Shen has special tonic effects to blood as well as circulation. Through modern research we know this herb not only increases circulation through the body, but also increases circulation directly to the heart.

Tian Ma / Gou Teng – Gastrodia and Uncaria are another set of useful herbs and are a set of quality herbs to dilate blood vessels in the periphery of the body. This is not only beneficial in lowering blood pressure, but can be used specifically to help those with poor circulation to the hands and feet. These two herbs are used together due to their synergy ability in combination and are very useful as hypertensives. n nXia Ku Cao – Spica Prunella is another anti-hypertensive herb that is invaluable in a formula for high blood pressure. Xia Ku Cao is best paired with Jue Ming Zi as the combination is effective for many heart problems both cholesterol and hypertensive related. Spica Prunella is also handy for clearing side effects of high blood pressure like red eyes, headaches, flushing.

If you want to find quality herbal supplements for heart health that utilize these herbs above visit dimmakherbs.com, you can get a quality supplement complete with everything you need, or order individual herbs directly from them. They offer a quality Heart Health Supplement, High Blood Pressure Remedy, and Cholesterol Natural Remedy.

And finally a short video for a quick and easy heart healthy tea!