Studies found that Zinc, a mineral found in the cells prevents the immune system from being out of control, which usually happens in cases of sepsis or infections. According to experts, a specific protein transport zinc into the immune cells where it stimulates active defences. It appears that it interacts with cellular activities that balance immune response and neutralise infections. These mechanisms help the body in fighting microorganisms, toxins, stress, and unhealthy diet to prevent them from causing any serious damage.

In several studies, it was found that taking zinc at the beginning of flu can reduce its severity. More importantly, it may prevent its progression to more serious infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. These are the reasons why some experts recommend taking zinc during winter or summer seasons when flu is very common. Because of its ability to modulate the immune response, zinc can be useful in controlling the symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and pernicious anemia.

It is estimated that the body has about 3 grams of zinc distributed in the skeletal muscles, bones, brain, lungs, digestive tract, kidneys, and prostate. These organs use zinc to maintain optimum functioning. In cases when there is poor intake and absorption, and also increased zinc excretion, zinc deficiency can occur. It is characterised by diarrhea, hair loss, skin and eye conditions, delayed wound healing, loss of appetite, mental deficits, and poor resistance to infections.

To correct zinc deficiency, this essential mineral can be acquired from dietary and supplemental sources. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, lamb, wheat germ, spinach, squash and pumpkin seeds, cocoa, pork, chicken, beans, and mushrooms. People who are not regularly consuming these foods may turn to zinc supplements for additional supply. High quality zinc supplements provide standard levels of zinc that can help effectively meet the body’s daily zinc requirement of 15-25 mg. Zinc supplements come in different forms and it is always best to consult a doctor to choose the zinc supplement that is right for you.

For further information and to buy Zinc supplements online:

Jarrow Zinc Balance
NOW Foods ZMA

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Once very famous, Taurine has taken the backseat from the limelight of nutritional supplements. But that doesn’t mean that it is no longer provides the same benefits like it did before. Scientists found that this nutrient is the common denominator among countries with the longest living populations.

Taurine is an amino acid or one of the “building blocks of proteins” naturally found in the skeletal muscles, heart, white blood cells, intestines, and nervous system. It is manufactured from the amino acids methionine and lysine. But when the body is under extreme physical stress, it may not be able to produce enough taurine that may lead to taurine deficiency. During this time, supplemental taurine from the diet or from nutritional supplements becomes very important to ensure optimal amounts of this essential amino acid. Taurine supplements are once very famous for its many longevity benefits.

Research points out that this nutrient is essential for normal brain functions. It is linked with calming effects on the brain tissues because it regulates the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. Higher GABA levels are known to help relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder, anxiety, brain hyperactivity, epilepsy, and even seizures. When combined with zinc, taurine protects eye health and visual acuity.

Taurine exhibits powerful benefits for cardiovascular health. Studies found that people with sufficient supply of this amino acid have lower risk of developing heart diseases. There are different mechanisms that support these claims. Taurine was found to reduce the thickening of the arterial walls in people with atherosclerosis. Additionally, animal studies show that it can reduce the resistance of blood flow to the lining of the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Another cardiovascular risk that taurine can be help with is obesity. Scientists found that it exhibits potent lipid-lowering and anti-obesity properties when used alone of when combined with other health supplements.

Taurine supports glucose control. Diabetics are found to have lower taurine levels in their body compared to healthy individuals. This finding suggests that taurine deficiency is a risk factor for the development of diabetes. Meanwhile, taking supplemental taurine may correct the elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

For further information and to buy Taurine supplements online:

NOW Foods Taurine 500mg

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Tribulus Terrestis is flowering herb naturally found in temperate and tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Long before it has been discovered by science, it has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac or a substance that sustains healthy libido. There are evidences from scientific studies that Tribulus extract may actually be helpful in regaining sexual vitality, especially in men and women who are experiencing difficulty in sustaining healthy sexual response due to a busy schedule, stress, or a medical condition.

There are different theories on how Tribulus extract work for safely boosting testosterone levels. One very famous theory is its ability to naturally support the body’s own production of the Luteinising hormone (LH) in the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. LH then directly influences testosterone levels in which, high levels of LH also mean elevated levels of the male hormone. Other studies on tribulus revealed that it contains a steroidal saponin called protodioscin, which helps regulate testosterone to beneficial levels.

Normally, men and women don’t need testosterone boosters because the body produces testosterone on its own. However, certain factors may reduce the bioavailability of testosterone in the body such as ageing and diabetes. In these situations, men usually suffer from loss of libido that usually leads to erectile dysfunction and impotence. Fatigue, loss of muscle tone, and hair loss are also very common in men with low testosterone levels in their blood. Women also experience signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as mood swings, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. In early signs of potential testosterone deficiency, natural testosterone boosters like tribulus may help replenish the lost testosterone for symptom relief.

Tribulus can also be used by men and women who are into sport and muscle building activities, or anyone who is physically active because it supports stamina and physical performance. Additionally, healthy testosterone levels are also being linked with more and stronger muscles that can endure long hours of physical training and exercise.

For further information and to buy Tribulus supplements online:

NOW Foods Tribulus
NOW Foods Men’s Virility Power

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Alpha GPC or Alpha glycerophosphocholine is a compound naturally produced in the brain, which stimulates the production of acetylcholine. It can also be found in some foods including soy extracts, egg yolk, and milk. In Europe, it is being used as an alternative remedy for Alzheimer’s disease while it is available as a dietary supplement in many other countries. There are different ways in which Alpha GPC affects the brain chemistry and brain power.

• This special nutrient assists in the formation of new brain cells and maintaining their plasticity, both contributes to the brain’s natural anti-ageing mechanisms. Multiple studies support the benefits of Alpha GPC in supporting brain functions in both young and older people.

• Alpha GPC is used to manufacture the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This brain chemical performs many functions including muscle stimulation and sleep cycle, but most importantly, it largely contributes to enhanced memory and learning. People with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and those taking the drug scopolamine have depleted acetylcholine stores. This deficiency in this neurotransmitter according to clinical studies is a major cause for senility and memory loss.

• It appears that Alpha GPC stimulate important areas of the brain. It also contributes in the absorption and use of phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid essential for cell and muscle health.

• By supporting cholinergic transmissions, Alpha GPC supports physical vitality. It is proven that increased physical activities boost brain functions and this natural compound supports that by assisting with healthy energy production.

• It appears that this brain nutrient supports liver functions to prevent cognitive impairment. Alpha GPC helps the liver in getting rid of toxins from food, alcohol, complex carbohydrates, and fats. Through this, Alpha glycerophosphocholine prevents a toxic liver, which impairs cognitive functioning.

• Clinical studies recommend that Alpha GPC regulates the production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) even after puberty. Aside from stimulating growth and influencing several biochemical processes, HGH also helps in slowing down the ageing process. Alpha GPC supplements have been shown to help replenish the decreased HGH levels related to ageing.

Another good thing about Alpha GPC is that it is safe for use – as long as you pick a high quality supplement from natural sources.

For further information and to buy Alpha GPC supplements online:

NOW Foods Alpha GPC

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IP6 was first discovered in the late 1980s by Dr. Abulkalam Shamsuddin from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine. He found out that inositol hexaphosphate regulates healthy cell division even after cancer was already induced. Dr. Shamsuddin proposed that it helps in normalising the production of sugar by the cancer cells, helping them to achieve a healthier state. This process alters the gene expression, which changes the cancer physiology and reducing its negative impact to health.

Inositol Hexaphosphate is a powerful antioxidant that renders harmful free radicals harmless to prevent cell damage. Free radicals are reactive oxygen species that can damage important cell structures such as proteins, cell membranes, and DNA. In a significant number of studies, free radical damage to the DNA plays a role in the development of certain forms of cancer including lung cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer. When free radicals accumulate from stress, pollution, and toxins, combined with low oxygenation and acidity, cancers are likely to develop. By scavenging these reactive oxygen species, inositol hexaphosphate prevents them from initiating carcinogenesis.

Several researches suggest that IP6 regulates the rate of cell growth. In the cancerous process, cells divide rapidly, producing a large number of unhealthy cells that negatively impact different organs. As control mechanisms are lost due to gene mutation, IP6 helps in re-establishing cellular control mechanisms. Additionally, it is also found that IP6 supports the activities of the beneficial NK cells. NK or Natural Killer cells are white blood cells that protect the body from cancerous cells. Healthy individuals normally produce up to 1000 cancer cells every day, but a vast majority of these cells are being destroyed by apoptosis or programmed cell deaths and NK cells. However, stress compromises the activities of NK cells, which links stress in the progression of cancer. Although there are other supplements with claims of improving NK cell activities, IP6 appears to have a stronger evidence base.

For further information and to buy IP6 supplements online:

Jarrow IP6

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According to archaeologists’ findings, the habit of chewing gum started over 9000 years ago. We acquired the habit of chewing gum from the Greeks. They are chewing mastic gum, a very healthy kind of gum that is very different from the kind of chewing gum we know. This kind of gum is derived from the resin found in the bark of the Mastiche tree in Greece and Turkey. It is actually where the English term “masticate” which means “to chew” is derived.

The most famous use of Mastic Gum is for overall digestive health. Lab studies revealed that it is very effective at fighting the helicobacter pylori bacteria, the most common cause of ulcers affecting the stomach and the duodenum. Mastic gum works by causing destructive changes in the structure of the H. Pylori bacteria that it becomes weak and eventually dies. Additionally, it enhances the digestive tract’s responses to inflammation, which can be very helpful in relieving the discomforts associated with inflammatory bowel syndrome (Crohn’s disease), gastritis, dyspepsia, stomach upset, and heartburn. Taking mastic gum supplements nourish the entire digestive tract that extends to its cells so it can properly do its job on the metabolism of food and absorption of nutrients.

Mastic Gum’s digestive health benefits also extend to the liver, the organ responsible for detoxification and fat metabolism. By protecting the liver, it ensures that harmful toxins from food, drugs, smoking, and alcohol are eliminated from the body to prevent them from causing any disease.

The active ingredients in Mastic Gum can reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood and increase the levels of good cholesterol to achieve healthy cholesterol balance. This mechanism is of utmost importance for maintaining total cardiovascular health. It is being recommended to prevent the most common cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and even stroke.

Another good reason to chew mastic gum is because it promotes oral health. It exhibits anti-bacterial action in the mouth that it is able to prevent bad breath and dental caries. Some leading toothpaste and mouthwash brands use mastic gum for their products.

For further information and to buy Mastic Gum supplements online:

Jarrow Mastic Gum 500

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ALA in short or also known as thioctic acid, Alpha Lipoic Acid is already found in every cell of the body. This nutrient is classified as an antioxidant, or the substances that scavenge the free radicals we get from unhealthy high-fat, high-carb diet, stress, environmental pollution, drugs, smoking, and alcoholism. These damaging substances damage the cells, destroying the cells’ ability to utilise sugar and convert it to useful energy and fuel the body. As a result, the sugar or glucose is left in the bloodstream causing diabetes.

Now, how does ALA makes the life of diabetics a lot easier? This antioxidant helps the body to consume the glucose by the cells and manufacture them into energy units called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). This energy are then supplied to the heart for its pumping action, muscles for movements, brain for thought processes, and so much more. Through this mechanism, blood sugar levels are normalised and thus prevent the onset of diabetic signs and symptoms.

On a more important note, Alpha Lipoic Acid also works to reduce the risk for diabetes complications. ALA’s protection from free radicals protects the blood vessels from cholesterol plaque buildup, which increases a diabetic’s risk for high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Heart diseases are very common complications of diabetes. Based on clinical evidences, Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements are considered natural remedies against diabetic neuropathy. This type of neuropathy involves the nerves of the extremities like the feet. Autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage that connects to the heart is also prevented with the use of ALA. This antioxidant appears to revert the damage to the brain and its blood vessels from the flow of diabetic blood.

With all these protection from Alpha Lipoic Acid, people who are at risk or already diagnosed with diabetes can do something to improve their health.

For further information and to buy Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements online:

Doctor’s Best Alpha Lipoic Acid 150mg
Doctor’s Best Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg
Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg

The post Alpha Lipoic Acid Makes Managing Diabetes Easy appeared first on Tasman Health NZ.

Before it is used to spice up our favourite rolls, cinnamon is found in the branches of the cinnamon trees that grow in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and South America. There are actually two types of cinnamon, depending on where they come from. Ceylon cinnamon is the type produced in the Carribean, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, and India. The other type called Cassia Cinnamon comes from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Cinnamon’s sweetness and health benefits are brought by helpful ingredients found in this favourite spice. It contains a chemical called hydroxychalcone, which according to research help improve the actions of the hormone insulin. Another ingredient called proanthocyanidins that exhibit very potent antioxidant protection to the cells against free radical damage. Cinnamon is also rich in essential nutrients in good doses such as calcium, iron, fiber, and manganese.

A very ironic yet very important benefit of Cinnamon is its ability to support healthy blood sugar levels. Despite being sweet to taste, this healthy spice does not increase blood sugar levels. Instead, it helps lower high blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. The hydroxychalcone in cinnamon helps improve the activities of insulin in the cells, so the cells will be able to use the sugar in the blood and produce energy. Through this process, blood sugar levels are reduced and relieve diabetic symptoms.

Another sweet benefit of cinnamon is weight loss. According to scientists, it mimics the action of insulin for effective glucose reuptake in the cells to manufacture energy. It puts sugar to where they should be and prevents them from being stored as fats. Additionally, it helps supply you with more energy during work outs and exercises so you can burn more fats and finally achieve your desired body weight.

Cinnamon is found to delay gastric emptying, which prevents blood sugar spikes after meal. This is also found to be beneficial for the digestive system as it does not strain the gastrointestinal tract. Our little spice also helps transport blood to the areas the needs them for nourishment such as the skin. There are evidences showing that cinnamon helps fight bacteria that cause bad breath. Thus, it promotes a healthy mouth environment.

For further information and to buy Cinnamon supplements online:

Nature’s Way Cinnamon

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Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that belongs to the B complex family. Also known as cobalamin, this nutrient influences the body’s ability to create the DNA of new cells, form new Red Blood Cells (RBCs), and convert food into energy to supply power to all organs and body processes. Unfortunately, these important functions of Vitamin B12 are often overlooked.

The best food sources of Vitamin B12 are clams, oysters, mussels, beef liver, mackerel, tuna, sardines, salmon, trout, crabs, soy products like tofu and soy milk, cereals, beef, skim milk, cheese, and eggs. When these foods are not in your daily meal plan, you are probably at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Those who are taking aspirin, metformin for diabetes, and proton pump inhibitors for heartburn are also prone low Vitamin B12 levels. For many individuals who are already deficient or at higher risk of deficiency, taking Vitamin B supplements can be immediate solution. There are tablets, capsules, lozenges, and patches, so you can choose what form of supplement will suit your needs.

Why should you worry about not getting enough Vitamin B12? In short term, Vitamin B12 deficiency is characterised by symptoms that prevents you from performing at your full potential. Signs that you are Vitamin B12 deficient include severe fatigue, mental exhaustion, dementia-like symptoms, and mood changes. When left uncorrected, it can lead to permanent damage to the nerves so it is very important to diagnose in its early stage.

The primary use of the energy vitamin is to help the body with metabolism, where foods like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. This energy then is used to power the heart, muscles, brain, and nerves to work and maintain the body’s normal processes for overall wellbeing. Having enough Vitamin B12 either from the diet or from supplements allows the body to metabolise more fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for more energy production.

For further information and to buy Vitamin B-12 supplements online:

Doctor’s Best Fully Active B12
NOW Foods B-12 2000mcg

The post Vitamin B12 defends your Body’s Battery against Energy Crisis appeared first on Tasman Health NZ.

According to experts, soy isoflavones is almost the same in chemical structure with the female hormone estrogen. The body uses this soy-derived nutrient as estrogen that it can balance conditions where there are low or high estrogen levels. During menopause, the female body produces less estrogen compared to younger women leading to the different menopausal symptoms. Replenishing the lost estrogen offers a lot of health benefits for the ageing woman.

Because it corrects hormonal estrogen levels, soy isoflavone supplements can possibly ease hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, night sweats, insomnia, muscle and joint pains, weight gain, and more. It supports healthy coping with the physical, emotional, and mental changes that usually occur during menopause.

One major problem during menopause is bone loss, which increases a woman’s risk for osteoporosis. Absorption of calcium in the bones depends on the levels of estrogen. That means, the more estrogen, the more calcium is absorbed to the bones and make them stronger. With low estrogen levels during menopause, the bones are not getting enough minerals they need to maintain strength. As a result, the bones become “porous” or soft that it becomes prone to breakage. Osteoporotic women have stoop posture, loss of height, back pain, and suffer from fractures more often. Having enough soy isoflavones from the diet and from supplements help reduce this risk by ensuring that the bones get enough calcium it needs for bone support.

The estrogen imbalance can also cause some forms of cancer affecting the female reproductive system. Soy isoflavones nourishes the ovaries, uterus, and breasts to protect them from the cancerous effects of high levels of estrogen metabolites.

Lastly, soy isoflavones appear to exhibit reliable protection against free radicals that can render cardio-protective benefits. These free radicals damage the linings of the blood vessels, causing them to harden and fats to deposit into the blood vessel walls. Antioxidant protection from soy isoflavones have been linked with lower risk for heart diseases.

For further information and to buy Soy Isoflavones supplements online:

Nature’s Way Soy Isoflavones
Nature’s Way Soy Isoflavones Standardized
Nature’s Way Estrosoy Plus

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