Extensive Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Like kale and coconut oil, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a long history of benefits that led to its popular reputation. More healthy than dressings on salads and foods, apple cider vinegar is loaded with good bacteria and healthy nutrients for cholesterol balance, glucose moderation, and improved nutrients absorption.

Let’s review the benefits of apple cider vinegar, including its weight-loss and overall wellness benefits.

WHAT IS ACV?

Proclaimed by many health experts as a magic bullet for health and an effective wellness potion, apple cider vinegar has long been used as a solution for a wealth of issues from battling growths to boosting cardio health.

Apple cider vinegar is a hard cider made from fermented apple juice that then turns into vinegar. Fermentation utilizes bacteria and yeast to transform carbohydrates or alcohol directly into acids. ACVs extensive dual fermentation breaks down almost all sugar from the apples and creates one of the cider’s most important substances: acetic acid.

WHY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IS BETTER THAN OTHER VINEGAR

Many kinds of vinegar contain yeast and other fungal spin-offs that operate as antinutrients and decrease its benefits. Red wine vinegar, malt vinegar, and also balsamic vinegar are high in antinutrients, consisting of mold, mildew, and toxic substances – even led.

PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Sustains healthy and balanced weight loss: Apple cider vinegar has a long history as a weight-loss treatment. Current research studies are starting to reveal why. A research released in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry shows that drinking 1tbsp of vinegar in 500mL of water lowered body weight, fat, and waistline in overweight individuals over the course of 12 weeks. The acetic acid in vinegar can also minimize blood sugar and insulin in certain foods and make you feel fuller, so you eat less.

Healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels: Apple cider vinegar maintains blood sugar levels. Research from one study showed ingesting 20 grams (4 tsp) of apple cider vinegar in 40 grams of water before eating a full meal enhanced insulin sensitivity. It also minimized blood sugar in people who are prone to insulin resistance as well as in healthy individuals. An additional research study revealed that both healthy and diabetic rats fed with ACV had less dangerous cholesterol levels, with reduced LDL as well as enhanced HDL in their blood.

GI Health: SIBO (similar to IBS) and heartburn are often caused from a lack of sufficient stomach acid. Drinking a dilution of apple cider vinegar before a full meal helps rid your body of these symptoms by raising the acidity level in your belly. Apple cider vinegar also brings with it prebiotics– indigestible carbohydrates that stabilize your intestine microbiome and also fight dangers like H. pylori.

Raises nutrition absorption: Acetic acid can enhance your capability to soak up nutrients such as calcium from your food. Dash some vinegar to your food or drink an apple cider vinegar tonic to experience the benefits.

Reduces Pain from Burns and Stings: Apple cider vinegar takes the heat out of sunburns and stings from poison ivy. And the acetic acid helps relieve the extreme pain from jellyfish stings. Just dab a bit on a towel and place on the burn for half a minute, and keep away from broken areas of skin. Since you aren’t drinking it, you can also use distilled ACV.

Calms aching throats: Since ACV antibacterial, apple cider vinegar makes an efficient natural remedy for aching throats. Drinking or swishing a watered-down ACV can ease discomfort. Note: wash your mouth out afterward to protect your teeth enamel.

A chemical-free solution for your lungs and home: A 1:1 dilution of apple cider vinegar and water makes a reliable and easy cleaning option. Utilize it for anything from cleaning glass and removing mold without exposing your nose and eyes to powerful cleaning products. Use distilled, filtered vinegar, so it works best with your spray bottle.

Stops candida fungus overgrowth: Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial traits expand to some other fungi as well, like candida (the yeast that causes athlete’s foot and gut problems.) Drinking a watered-down ACV tonic might assist with inner yeast infection overgrowth, while a 1:1 dilution in warm water makes an effective foot soak solution.

USING ACV ON YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN

According to Dr. Trevor Cates, writer of “Clean Skin from Within,” pH can aid substantially in treatment as long as it stays at a pH between 4 and 4.5. Many exceed that amount, which causes skin aging.

Apple cider vinegar skin toner: Make a natural ACV toner with an unfiltered brand of ACV. You can also make your own with water (1:2 or 1:3 of vinegar to water). The acid in the vinegar provides the ideal pH on clean, recently washed skin. Use a cotton ball to apply it in areas on the skin, avoiding the eyes.

Apple cider vinegar for acne: ACV has keratolytic and peeling properties that fight against acne, but it shouldn’t be used raw. Make a toner like the one listed above, or make a mask from two capsules of Coconut Charcoal and a small amount of cider to create a paste. Apply and wait for about 15 minutes. You can also buy pre-made ACV washes.

ACV deodorant: Body smell is essentially microorganisms living and defecating on your skin. Sounds gross, right? ACV under your arms works as effective odor prevention and works equally well for your feet.

Apple cider vinegar for hair: For shinier, healthier hair, mix 1 cup of water and either 1 or 2 tbsp of ACV and apply to wet hair. If your hair is typically more dry, then use less. If you have oily hair, then use more. For best application, use a hair dye squeeze bottle.

WHICH IS THE BEST APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?

The uglier it is, the better it is. You want something dark, a bit like lake water. This dark substance is called “the mother,” and all that darkness is chock-full of probiotics, good bacteria, and enzymes. The clearer the liquid is, the less effective it is.

Avoid tablets: Stick to raw ACV as a liquid since they have live probiotics. Tablets also cause esophageal damage, and research is showing signs that ACV may not even be present on some ACV tablet brands.

Apple cider vinegar beverage: For a tonic, Dilute 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 8-ounces of water. Constantly wash your mouth with water after use and avoid applying it to your eyes. And no matter what, don’t drink the vinegar without diluting it. ACV can damage your stomach and teeth.

For more wellness tips visit our blog.

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What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been widely used in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine based on natural remedies, for over 3000 years. Having a botanical name, Withania Somnifera, Ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It grows in Africa, the Mediterranean, and India and grows to 30-150cm in height. [1] The whitish brown root of Ashwagandha is the main therapeutic ingredient, historically used for anti-inflammatory effect, rejuvenation, disease prevention, and treatment for various infections. [2] Currently, much research has scientifically shown the promising effects of Ashwagandha.

Anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-depression

Several pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that Ashwagandha has strong anxiolytic effects potential. In a pre-clinical study with rats, extracts from Ashwagandha roots were orally administered to the rats for 5 days and compared with current anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs (lorazepam, imipramine). Ashwagandha extract showed comparable anxiolytic and antidepressant effects as lorazepam and imipramine.[3]

A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was done on 39 subjects with anxiety disorders. After 6 weeks of orally administering 250mg tablet of ethanolic Ashwagandha extract twice a day, 88.2% of the patients’ anxiety score was decreased to ‘no anxiety’ criteria which is significantly better than the placebo group (50%).[4] Another study was done on patients with chronic stress. 64 Patients received 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract twice a day for 60 days. The Ashwagandha root extract was able to induce a significant reduction in the stress-assessment score and serum cortisol level. [5]

A larger-scale investigation would be more beneficial, but the current studies support Ashwagandha’s promising effect on anxiety, stress, and depression.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

The thyroid is a small organ located in the front of the neck which has a very important function in body homeostasis. It produces hormones to control body temperatures and heart rate as well as how much energy to use. Hypothyroidism, lack of thyroid activity, can cause mild symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, depression, loss of sexual interest to severe symptoms such as heart failure and coma.

Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) are the two most important hormones which are downregulated in hypothyroid patients. In a pre-clinical rat model of hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism rats treated with Ashwagandha extract showed significant improvement in both serum T3 and T4 levels compared to the placebo. Although the extract was not as effective as hypothyroidism medicine (Eltroxin), the result was comparable. However, even in normal rats without hypothyroidism, the extract increased both T3 and T4 levels. [6,7]

A few clinical studies on hypothyroidism are available as well. In a study to treat bipolar disorder patients with Ashwagandha extracts, scientists noticed subtle increases in T4 levels. In another clinical study with subclinical hypothyroidism patients, a patient group which administered 600mg of the root extract for 8 weeks showed significant improvement in serum T3 and T4 level. [8]

Current scientific evidence shows that Ashwagandha extract is effective in increasing thyroid hormones level. However, caution is required since it can increase thyroid hormone levels even in healthy and hyperthyroidism individuals.

Cognitive Functions

Cognitive decline comes along with aging. Ashwagandha has been used to reverse the memory and cognitive decline for a long time in Ayurveda and it is currently scientifically investigated on its efficacy for improving cognitive ability. In a review of 5 currently available clinical studies, all of the 5 studies showed significant improvement in cognitive functions such as reaction time, memory, and information processing speed, compared to the placebo groups. The study subjects were diverse including healthy young males age 20-35, bipolar patients, and children with mental retardation. [9]

Anticancer

Ashwagandha extract has various alkaloids including Withaferin A (WFA) which is proven to be toxic to various cancer cells. Many in vitro studies with cancer cell lines propose numerous mechanisms such as enhancing reactive oxygen species production, NF-𝜅B inhibition, increase inflammatory cytokine, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in which ashwagandha can treat cancers. Active ingredients, especially WFA have shown apoptotic efficacy in breast, prostate, pancreatic, colorectal, leukemic, and ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the ashwagandha extract can potentiate current radio- and chemotherapy through radio- and chemosensitization. [10]

In Addition to potential cancer therapeutic efficacy, Ashwagandha can alleviate some symptoms in patients going through chemotherapy. In phase II clinical study of combined ashwagandha extract and chemotherapy in breast cancer, patients with combined therapy felt much less fatigue, had a significantly better quality of life, and longer survival of the patients compared to chemotherapy alone. [11]

Currently, there are no clinical trials on human subjects to test its efficacy in treating cancer cells. However, considering abundant clinical evidence on the safety of ashwagandha for oral administration, orally administering it less than 1000 mg/day might be worth a try.

Toxicity.

Ashwagandha has shown no major side effects in both pre-clinical and clinical studies when administered orally (up to 2000mg/kg per day). In the rat models, Ashwagandha was proved to be safe even for the fetus and pregnant mothers. However, direct intraperitoneal (abdomen) injection has shown acute toxicity and therefore, injection of Ashwagandha extract is strongly discouraged. Based on current animal models and small-scale clinical studies, it can be considered a safe medicinal herb for natural remedies against various diseases.[5,12]

References

Gupta, G.L., & Rana, A.C. (2019). PHCOG MAG.: Plant Review Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review.
Mishra, L. C., Singh, B. B., & Dagenais, S. (2000). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 5(4), 334–346.
Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Sairam, K., & Ghosal, S. (2000). Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: an experimental study. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 7(6), 463–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80030-6
Andrade, C., Aswath, A., Chaturvedi, S. K., Srinivasa, M., & Raguram, R. (2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera. Indian journal of psychiatry, 42(3), 295–301.
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
Hosny, E. N., El-Gizawy, M. M., Sawie, H. G., Abdel-Wahhab, K. G., & Khadrawy, Y. A. (2020). Neuroprotective Effect of Ashwagandha Extract against the Neurochemical Changes Induced in Rat Model of Hypothyroidism. Journal of dietary supplements, 1–20. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2020.1713959
Abdel-Wahhab, K. G., Mourad, H. H., Mannaa, F. A., Morsy, F. A., Hassan, L. K., & Taher, R. F. (2019). Role of ashwagandha methanolic extract in the regulation of thyroid profile in hypothyroidism modeled rats. Molecular biology reports, 46(4), 3637–3649. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-019-04721-x
Sharma, A. K., Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 24(3), 243–248. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183
Ng, Q. X., Loke, W., Foo, N. X., Tan, W. J., Chan, H. W., Lim, D. Y., & Yeo, W. S. (2020). A systematic review of the clinical use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 34(3), 583–590. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6552
Dutta, R., Khalil, R., Green, R., Mohapatra, S. S., & Mohapatra, S. (2019). Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Withaferin A: Potential in Integrative Oncology. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(21), 5310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20215310
Biswal, B. M., Sulaiman, S. A., Ismail, H. C., Zakaria, H., & Musa, K. I. (2013). Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Integrative cancer therapies, 12(4), 312–322. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735412464551
Mandlik Ingawale, D. S., & Namdeo, A. G. (2020). Pharmacological evaluation of Ashwagandha highlighting its healthcare claims, safety, and toxicity aspects. Journal of dietary supplements, 1–44. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2020.1741484

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Fight the Flu Naturally

Before people have thought of protecting themselves from COVID-19, people have been working hard to avoid swine flu. No one wants to be ill, but swine influenza brings symptoms that you definitely want to avoid at all cost, such as excessive aches and pains, fevers that go through the roof, and in some cases, death.
Many people try to guard themselves against winter cases of swine flu. Vaccination is always an option. Antibacterial and antibiotic solutions are other options, and quarantining is also helpful, but your job may not allow for these options.
Another answer is to strengthen the body’s defences to allow the body to naturally fight the flu more effectively – so well, in fact, that the other solutions above wouldn’t be needed.
What You Need Comes Naturally
Like members of a music group, there are many elements of your immune system that play their part to maintain optimal performance:

Lymphocytes, or T-cells, attack invaders
B-cells create antibodies that quickly respond to dangers
Phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, clean up after the battle
Cytokines alert our immune system to quickly heal areas of the body and remove invaders.

All of these band members take road trips throughout the body, traveling back and forth in our blood and hanging out in vulnerable areas to ensure we are protected.
Cytokines also help with inflammatory responses where infections arise, building a wall around the infected area. Similar to swelling and redness on your skin from poison ivy or food rashes, this internal response isolates infections from other areas of the body.
One particularly large area of the body is the gastrointestinal tract. The contents of the tube are considered external to the body until they are absorbed. The GI tract’s ability to keep out invaders while doing the main task of digestion and absorption means it’s essential to have healthy and well-functioning membranes.
Thankfully, There is a Natural Way to Get What Your Body Needs.
There are compounds in the body that trigger the important band members to create an inflammatory response and build a strong and effective gastrointestinal membrane.
You may be a person who wants those compounds in your body as quickly as possible to prevent problems in your immune system. Thankfully, they are cheap and easy to get. They are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), which is both healthy and easy to absorb. One good source of them is flax oil.
Research has shown that just half a teaspoon of flax oil in children helps prevent and cure respiratory infections and speed up recovery. This is all thanks to the Omega 3s in the oil that boost the activity of phagocytes and cytokines. And the Omega 6s in the same flax oil help reduce inflammation and inhibit the negative effects of over-reaction to body infections.
Not any amount of Omega 3s and 6s will do. They have to be the right ratio. Just like other standard dietary recommendations, the proportion of Omegas should be 1:4 (1 Omega 3 to 4 Omega 6s). Americans typically consume far too many Omega 6s (1:20). Flax oil is a benefit here because it naturally has the right proportion. It also has alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that prevents heart disease, inflammation in the bowels, arthritis, and many other issues. ALA also forms the compounds eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – important Omega 3 offshoots.
Are You Ready This Winter?
Supplementing essential fatty acids is easy to do and good for your overall health, reducing potential doctor visits. And avoiding the flu has obvious benefits. The flu is not any fun and can be quite dangerous, as well as disrupts school and work.
It is actually possible to completely avoid the flu. Steps like those above help you do it.
Our bodies are powerful engines with built-in fighting mechanisms to survive common attackers. But, to help you heal faster you can take medication as well, and the more natural the better for your body. NutraV Flubiotic is a great option as it consists of the perfect blend of clean ingredients with immune-boosting, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Heal faster naturally and make sure you still get to enjoy your winter season.

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Diet Hacks to Control Your Appetite

It’s amazing what diet tricks can accomplish. With some simple planning, you can maintain a healthy weight without significantly affecting the portions of food you eat.

Here are some tricks that are easy enough for anyone to do, and that you can start right away. You won’t even know you’re doing them.

Let’s dive right in!

Calorie Trick # 1: Smaller Dinnerware

When it comes to dinnerware, size matters! The dimensions of a plate, bowl, and spoon affect how much food you consume.

This strategy may seem overly simple, but people don’t think to adopt it. And it works! In one study, 85 nutrition experts were given ice cream and different sized bowls and scoopers. Results showed that the bowl size changed the size of the scoops by as much as 31%. And a second study at Pennsylvania State University showed that changes in the number of M&M’s in a bowl affected how much was eaten. The more that was in a bowl, the more people ate.

So next time it’s time for dessert, break out your smaller dinnerware to keep the calories to a minimum – even if the tiny spoons look ridiculous!

Calorie Control Trick # 2: See No Evil, Eat No Evil

No matter if you are at home, a party, or a feast with the family, it turns out that the harder it is to see or smell food, the less you will eat.

For instance, storing additional portions of food away from the dining table helps. Examples include storing food inside the pots on the stove or in the refrigerator. If you regularly store snacks or cookies in non-glass, opaque jars, you consume less. If you are at a party, standing away from the buffet or snack table keeps snacking at bay.

If you are prone to eating sweets, place them in the far back of a cabinet or refrigerator. The worse they are for you, the further away they go, such as to the garage or separate storage closet. The fewer times you see them, the less you will be tempted.

Proximity is a real problem. Storing treats on your desk vs. 6 feet away results in you eating up to six more sweets a day. Exposed foods are eaten 46% faster than hidden foods.

Calorie Control Trick # 3: Limit Your Options

A British study showed that children eat less food that is familiar. If they have a favorite candy they eat every day and are exposed to it at a party, they will be less prone to eating it. This strategy works for Halloween as well. And if you opt to buy only one type of cereal vs. three or five different cereals, less of that cereal is eaten over time.

Calorie Control Trick # 4: Slow Down!

Eating slower leads to less eating. Take your time with each bite and ingest each serving entirely before taking another bite. Count out 20-25 chews between servings. These tricks release hormones in your body that tell your brain you are full before you overeat.

Other tricks work too. One study of 48 participants in a lab at Pennington Medical Centre charted their results as they ate three meals at lunchtime over multiple days. Before eating, the test takers didn’t exercise or eat any food 12 hours before the day’s lunch. Then they ate fried chicken sliced into small bits, chewing at their own speed one day, at half speed another day, or a mix of the two on yet another day. Results showed that starting the meal at their own speed and ending at a slower speed resulted in appetite suppression.

When you have your next meal, try the same strategy. Eat as you usually would, but finish by eating slower.

Calorie Control Trick # 5: Remove Distractions

Numerous research studies show that distractions increase the amount of food you eat. If you watch TV or look at your smartphone while you eat, you eat more food than you would otherwise. Eating a large bag of popcorn is an excellent example of how much you can eat while distracted with a favorite show. Without that show, you would eat much less.

One study showed that participants who listened to a detective story during lunchtime consumed 15% more food than with no story at all. And a second study at the University of Southern California showed that movie watchers in a theatre didn’t change their eating quantities regardless of whether the popcorn was fresh or stale, but if popcorn is placed in an office, they chose the fresher popcorn. Environment makes a difference.

Conclusion

To keep the weight off and stay healthy, eat slowly, and keep an eye on your environment, activities, and how accessible the foods are. Be particularly cautious of settings designed for maximum entertainment, such as movie theatres. If not, it could get you to eat even when you don’t want to!

For more wellness tips visit our blog.

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Policosanol

Two faces of cholesterol

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), 93 million U.S adults age 20 or older have a total cholesterol level of over 200mg/L which is the baseline for healthy cholesterol levels. If you are living in a place with lots of fatty diets, you probably have heard that cholesterols can block blood vessels. But you might have also heard that cholesterol is necessary for proper cell functions. In fact, cholesterol is crucial for hormones and cell membrane functions [1].

Well, is cholesterol toxic to our body or is it not? The answer is, it is essential in our body but increases the risk of heart diseases if it goes over a certain level. Not all cholesterol is the same either. There are largely two types of cholesterols: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). LDL is more abundant between the two, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by narrowing blood vessels. HDL, on the other hand, is considered good cholesterol. It absorbs cholesterol and delivers it to the liver for excretion thereby cleaning blood vessels. Therefore, both high LDL level and low HDL level can both be bad for your health [2].

What is Policosanol?

Policosanol is a generic term for high molecular weight wax consisting of various lengths of cosanols. The contents and the ratio of policosanol can differ by the source it was extracted from. Originally isolated from sugar cane in Cuba, policosanol can be extracted from many different sources but only the policosanol extracted from Cuban sugar cane has been shown to have clinical benefit. It has been shown to have efficacies in controlling cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. These properties make policosanol a promising dietary supplement for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Efficacies

Lipid Profile (cholesterol level)

The best results were discovered in several clinical studies done in Cuba [3-5]. They have shown that unhealthy LDL plasma concentration and the total cholesterol level were significantly reduced, while healthy HDL concentration increased significantly in patients with hypercholesterolemia treated with policosanol for 24 weeks [3]. Other clinical studies done in South Korea have also shown similar results [6-8]. One of the research reported policosanol’s efficacy of lowering total cholesterol and LDL level while increasing HDL concentration in healthy women with a pre-hypertension diagnosis who took Cuban policosanol for 12 weeks [7].

Scientists in Argentina have done a comparative study between the effect of policosanol and simvastatin, a regularly prescribed hypercholesterolemia medicine on the plasma lipid profile of elderly patients with hypercholesterolemia. The result showed that patients who received policosanol 5mg twice a day and patients who took simvastatin 5mg twice a day showed nearly the same result in cholesterol level change [9].

Blood Pressure

Along with changing plasma lipid profile, policosanol has shown some efficacies for lowering blood pressure. Several South Korean and Cuban studies reported clinical results of policosanol’s ability to lower average systolic blood pressure with significantly lowering diastolic blood pressure in only some cases. Compared to its strong efficacy in regulating lipid profile, its efficacy in regulating blood pressure is weaker [6-8].

Can I trust the result?

Many of the positive data came from the same group of Cuban scientists while some groups in the US and Germany failed to replicate the result [10]. However, considering that Cuban scientists have done several clinical studies to lower the error of irregularity and that other groups of scientists from Korea and Germany had similar positive results as Cuban scientists, it would be wrong to reject the claim that Cuban scientists are making. Currently, policosanol is approved by the South Korean government as an effective health supplement for regulating cholesterol levels along with Omega-3. Due to the heterogeneity of the results, more clinical studies are still necessary to scientifically prove the efficacy of policosanol.

Dosing

Most of the studies have used less than or equal to 20mg/day of policosanol. With a low chance, a person might have symptoms like nausea, diarrhea from taking policosanol. Therefore, it is recommended to start with 5mg/day and slowly increase up to 10mg or 20mg per day depending on its efficacy and side effects.

Toxicity / Caution

There have been no severe adverse effects due to policosanol reported on any of the clinical studies with doses up to 20mg/day. The studies on policosanol have not been tested for its adverse effect on pregnant women and fetuses. Therefore, it is recommended for women in pregnancy to be cautious when taking policosanol. Overall, if policosanol is used as a therapeutic for a disease, it is recommended to consult with doctors.

References

High Cholesterol Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 8). https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm.
Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know. MedlinePlus. (2020, October https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html.
Castaño, G., Más, R., Fernández, J. C., Illnait, J., Fernández, L., & Alvarez, E. (2001). Effects of policosanol in older patients with type II hypercholesterolemia and high coronary risk. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, 56(3), M186–M192. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/56.3.m186
Castaño, G., Mas, R., Fernández, L., Illnait, J., Mesa, M., Alvarez, E., & Lezcay, M. (2003). Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol with atorvastatin in elderly patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia. Drugs & aging, 20(2), 153–163. https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-200320020-00006
Castaño, G., Más, R., Fernández, J. C., Fernández, L., Illnait, J., & López, E. (2002). Effects of policosanol on older patients with hypertension and type II hypercholesterolaemia. Drugs in R&D, 3(3), 159–172. https://doi.org/10.2165/00126839-200203030-00004
Cho, K. H., Kim, S. J., Yadav, D., Kim, J. Y., & Kim, J. R. (2018). Consumption of Cuban Policosanol Improves Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile via Enhancement of HDL Functionality in Healthy Women Subjects: Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Study. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018, 4809525. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4809525
Park, H. J., Yadav, D., Jeong, D. J., Kim, S. J., Bae, M. A., Kim, J. R., & Cho, K. H. (2019). Short-Term Consumption of Cuban Policosanol Lowers Aortic and Peripheral Blood Pressure and Ameliorates Serum Lipid Parameters in Healthy Korean Participants: Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(5), 809. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050809
Kim, J. Y., Kim, S. M., Kim, S. J., Lee, E. Y., Kim, J. R., & Cho, K. H. (2017). Consumption of policosanol enhances HDL functionality via CETP inhibition and reduces blood pressure and visceral fat in young and middle-aged subjects. International journal of molecular medicine, 39(4), 889–899.https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2017.2907
Ortensi, G., Gladstein, J., Vali, H., & Tesone, P. A. (1997). A comparative study of policosanol versus simvastatin in elderly patients with hypercholesterolemia. Current Therapeutic Research, 58(6), 390–401. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-393X(97)80099-9
Dulin, M. F., Hatcher, L. F., Sasser, H. C., & Barringer, T. A. (2006). Policosanol is ineffective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 84(6), 1543–1548. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/84.6.1543

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Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits for the Brain and Body

Lion’s mane is an easy name to remember; after all, it looks just like one. But that’s not all it’s known for. It is a nootropic that has a slew of benefits beneath that beautiful exterior. It is often mixed with coffee and taken as a pill to improve brain function and to fight the effects of aging.

Let’s look closer at this magic mushroom.

LION’S MANE MUSHROOM BENEFITS

Also known as Hieracium Erinaceus, yamabushitake, houtou, and even hedgehog mushroom, this beautiful mushroom has been used for years in Chinese medicine. It has been tested on humans and animals and shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and a helpful immune booster.

IT SUSTAINS BRAIN HEALTH

Your mind typically decreases in effectiveness as you age. The signs and symptoms you link with aging– like memory loss, forgetfulness, and loss of focus — are due to a reduction in the size of your nerves and difficulty with repairing brain cells. Studies show that lion’s mane mushroom extract might sustain brain health and overall wellness in animals by boosting the production of 2 crucial substances: nerve development variables (NGF) and neurotrophic factors (BDNF).

NGF and BDNF are healthy proteins that boost the manufacturing and strengthening of cells. NGF also helps create myelin, the outer sheath on cells that aids with cell functioning. BDNF promotes plasticity in our brains, keeping brain cells healthy and effective as we grow older and reducing overall anxiety and stress.

In 2008 a study on 15 adults showed that lion’s mane aided with cognitive abilities, and rodent studies showed it might help brain cells increase memory retention and aid in the formation of new neurons.

It has also been touted as removing amyloid plaque that kills important neurons and hampers brain function. And it aids in the creation of new, healthy myelin sheaths we need.

In a 2009 study, scientists discovered that hericenones and erinacines from the fruiting body, as well as mycelium of lion’s mane, rapidly cross the blood-brain hurdle to boost NGF.

Likewise, Lion’s mane has effective anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants aid with BDNF creation, blocking free radicals that cause inflammation that negatively affect your cell health. These antioxidants also help your body create more BDNF. Lion’s mane supports both BDNF and NGF. All of these benefits inhibit cell deterioration—particularly important as you age.

MAY IMPROVE MOOD AND FOCUS

In 2010, scientists analyzed the results of lion’s mane mushrooms on 30 females over four weeks. The individuals were randomly designated to an examination team or a control team and were given either lion’s mane cookies or sugar pill cookies. Though the study was small, it showed an improvement in overall mood on the women who took lion’s mane cookies. More studies like this are showing positive results in terms of emotional balance.

Lion’s mane may help with improved focus as well. Its anti-inflammatory properties aid with blood flow that brings more oxygen to your brain, improving overall brain function. And antioxidant properties help increase learning ability, even potentially creating stronger, healthier cells and neurons.

Now that we have learned more about it, how do you fit it into your diet?

CAN YOU PAIR IT WITH COFFEE?

Theoretically, you could add it straight into your favorite morning coffee, but it doesn’t pair all that well with it due to its slightly fishy and earthy flavor. It also doesn’t provide the needed health benefits. Supplements are a better option.

HOW TO COOK LION’S MANE MUSHROOM

You can prepare and eat lion’s mane like any other mushroom, but unless you live near a farmers market or specialized shop that offers them, you could be far better off taking lion’s mane as a pill. And like other supplements, you obtain the most advantages when you take it continually, so nutritional supplements are typically easier.

LION’S MANE MUSHROOM CAPSULES (AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS)

Lion’s mane supplements come as pills, powders, and extracts, but the company offering them should be of good quality. Not all provide the right benefits.

You also must have the ability to read the number of bioactive substances in the capsules and distinguish how much is just junk.

VARIOUS OTHER WAYS TO BOLSTER BRAIN HEALTH

Medical tests on the advantages of lion’s mane are less than ideal. Still, it’s important to remember that the mushroom may stimulate NGF and BDNF. It can also be combined with other boosters, such as certain coffee fruit extracts.

Experiment with this intriguing mushroom to learn what works right for your body. At the very least, it is a healthy food!

For more wellness tips visit our blog.

source https://www.nutrav.com/blogs/news/lions-mane-mushroom-benefits-for-the-brain-and-body

Suffering from Stress? Try These Proven Natural Supplements!

These days, life may seem to work against you. Income security is less than ideal, you are stuck indoors more than usual, and the coronavirus requires mask-wearing and social distancing, making life feel threatening and even more isolating. Even reading the news is becoming more stressful. If you’re getting more anxious lately, there are ways to stay relaxed. You can maintain healthy rest, exercise, and nutrition to stay calm, and some key supplements may be worth adding to your daily stress management regimen as well.

Let’s take a look at some powerful natural aids to help you stay calm amidst these crazy times.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR STRESS RELIEF

L-TYROSINE

This supplement builds some of your brain’s most crucial chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. Try this for better concentration and improved endurance.

L-THEANINE

This supplement reacts just like green tea, helping you feel more at ease while improving concentration. When added to caffeine, it reduces brain fatigue and improves memory.

KAVA

Do you like wine or alcohol? Kava works similarly, reducing anxiety without adverse side effects like addiction.

MAGNESIUM CITRATE

This supplement checks all the boxes. It aids with protein synthesis, helps you control blood glucose levels, and improves neuron activity. It also helps calm your muscles to prevent cramping and improves your mental state, improving sleep.

RHODIOLA

This natural herb aids with stress control and reduces overall fatigue while providing an overall more stable and happy feeling, with hardly any side effects.

ASHWAGANDHA

This adaptogen from Africa and India has proven its benefits over thousands of years. It improves communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and adrenals and helps promote Vitamin C in the body.

HOLY BASIL (TULSI)

This is another herb used traditionally for thousands of years and is increasingly supported by today’s scientific community. It helps combat anxiety and stress and shows no negative effects in human studies.

SAFFRON

This old-world spice from the crocus blossom improves the taste of food, but it also benefits your mood. In a study of 60 participants, it boosted mood more far better than a placebo. In addition to healthy macros for your diet, it brings soothing and calming benefits.

The saying health is wealth is now truer more than ever. Keep calm and healthy; find supplements made with natural ingredients at NutraV! Shop NutraV supplements here.

source https://www.nutrav.com/blogs/news/suffering-from-stress-try-these-proven-natural-supplements

Pomegranate

Pomegranate, also known as Punica granatum L., is a fruit known for its medicinal properties and health benefits. Prominently cultivated in west Asia and the Mediterranean region, its ancient use has been noted with its numerous health benefits as well. Recent studies have revealed its physiological benefits, especially due to its antioxidative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, human based studies show promise for several diseases and ailments [3]. Image cited [6]

The fruit itself is categorized as a “fleshy berry”. It has a round shape with a diameter up to 10 cm and crown shaped calyx at the top [3]. The trees can grow up to 30 ft in height and have bright red, orange, or pink flowers [1].

Here is a list of some of pomegranate’s benefits:

Benefits

Antioxidant

The pomegranate peel extracts are responsible for the antioxidant activity observed in studies. The peel extract is 10 times higher in antioxidants than the pulp extract. Studies with rats confirmed the antioxidant activity as those who were fed the peel extract were protected from liver damage due to carbon tetra chloride (CCl) toxicity [2].

Anti-cancer property

Pomegranate extract has been known to induce cell apoptosis (cell death) and inhibits proliferation or increase in the number of cancer cells. Pomegranate juice was found to induce significant apoptosis in lymphoid and myeloid leukemia cell lines (stopping the cell cycle). Studies have also shown pomegranate extract prevents the breast, prostate, colon and lung cancer cell growth [2].

Anti-breast cancer

Pomegranate extract showed anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic (toxic to living cells) activities in breast cancer cells. The extract inhibits the growth of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells through inducing cell death or apoptosis. A study with pomegranate seed oil showed that there is greater breast cancer prevention potential with the oil than the with the juice itself. Pomegranates can also suppress new blood vessel expansion and this development of new vessels is necessary for cancer cells to get oxygen and nutrients to grow. In suppression of the growth, pomegranates can inhibit access to oxygen and nutrients for the tumor growth [2].

Anti-prostate cancer

Animal studies showed that oral pomegranate extract administration inhibited the growth of prostate cancer. The aforementioned induction of apoptosis and changes in cell cycle are the mechanisms by which prostate cancer growth is inhibited [2].

Anti-lung cancer

Pomegranate extract is found to be beneficial against lung cancer in humans [2]. Specifically, Li et al. found that pomegranate leaf extract could be effective against lung carcinoma (around the lining or the epithelial tissues of the lungs) cell line through inhibiting cell growth (proliferation), inducing apoptosis, cell cycle interference, impairing cell migration as well as invasion [4].

Skin Cancer

The antioxidants in pomegranates have also been employed in cosmeceutical applications for skin health. Pomegranate products, such as juice, oil, and extract, have shown to inhibit UVB-mediated DNA and protein damage [3], and as result, reduces chances of tumor as well as decrease tumor numbers [1].

Cardiovascular diseases

Studies have found that concentrated pomegranate juice could reduce heart disease risk factors.

Hypertension, found with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is the most common disease encountered in primary care of patients yet the majority of patients are not medicated [1]. Pomegranate juice reduces the systolic blood pressure and a study in rates with high blood pressure found that pomegranate juice for 4 weeks could reduce their blood pressure [5].

LDL, or “bad cholesterol” can also be helped with the consumption of pomegranate. High LDL is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (disease in the arteries caused by fatty deposits on the inner walls of arteries, causing blockage). Specifically, studies have shown that consuming pomegranate juice for 2 weeks resulted in decreased retention and aggregation of LDL [1].

In general, here is a table compiled by Kandylis et al., showing the pomegranate derivatives and their target users along with the effect observed [3].

Concluding thoughts

Clearly pomegranate is a nutrient packed and healthy fruit! With no known toxicity levels and abundant benefits, pomegranate’s importance should not be ignored. From cancer, to cardiovascular diseases, pomegranate’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have shown to improve lives.

source https://www.nutrav.com/blogs/news/pomegranate

Helpful Biohacks to Improve Your Eyesight

You may have heard your vision deteriorates as you get older, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Like age-related symptoms such as reduced libido and back pains, you aren’t as much a victim of age as you may think as there are ways to hack it.

This article will focus on your eyesight and outline ways you can maintain and improve it even as you age.

THE BENEFIT OF SUPPLEMENTS

Healthy vision depends on your diet, and the right nutrients can reverse age-related vision issues. Here are some supplements that do the trick.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin protect your eyes from deterioration by improving your eye response to glare, preventing blurring, and guarding against the adverse effects of blue light. They do this by blocking oxidative damage, a major issue resulting from blue light from the devices we have in our homes, such as computer screens, TVs, smartphones, and even fluorescent lighting.

Beta-carotene is a forerunner to vitamin A and helps people who are naturally prone to lower amounts of vitamin A, a common issue with the American diet.

Bilberry helps your vision in low-contrast surroundings by supplying your body with anthocyanosides that improve night vision.

TRANSITION YOUR EYES AWAY FROM READING GLASSES

Gabor patches help train your brain to improve vision, guiding you away from reading glasses. These patches are easy to find and use.

IRLEN GLASSES TO GUARD AGAINST FATIGUE

Irlen Syndrome is eye sensitivity to specific ranges of light. Special glasses reduce some colors of the spectrum while allowing in others, reducing stress on your brain. Eyestrain saps energy that affects your overall eye health and ability to not only stabilize but also improve your sight. It’s a common issue that 50% of eyesight sufferers experience.

How “Palming” Can Help

One exercise called palming can improve as much as 55% of your vision, and it is easy to do. Simply rub your hands together back and forth until they are warm and hold them over your closed eyelids, but not touching them, being sure to block any outside light with your hands. The combination of the warmth and pure blackness helps your eyes relax to their fullest and provides surprisingly positive results.

FIGHT SHORTSIGHTEDNESS WITH THE BROCK STRING

Brock String Therapy helps against vergence disorder – a condition where eyes don’t work together property to focus on an object. This exercise isn’t all that easy and can be tiring, but it is immensely effective and can even help with astigmatism.

Take a string about the length of a room and string it with three beads, each in different colors. Place each bead at 4 inches, 10 inches, and on each side of the room, and tie the string to a doorknob. Then go to the opposite side of the room and hold the string straight up to the bridge of your nose, and focus on each bead, one at a time.

You may experience double-vision, but this is normal. Eventually, your eyes will become fatigued, but with continued training, you will see better. To improve its effectiveness, make sure you have ample ketones in your body to boost your mitochondria.

SURPRISING YOUR EYES TO FIGHT MACULAR DEGENERATION

Your eyes may be separate organs on your body, but they also act as part of your brain, helping it understand images by communicating information via the macula. This area of your eye can become less effective over time due to issues like scarring or becoming overly dry or wet. This often results in blurred vision and, in severe cases, blindness.

Electricity helps produce new cells, leading to as much as a 90% improvement.

______________

Like any exercise, tricks like these prevent reduced eye function and the need for glasses that ultimately act as a crutch. Like any part of your body, exercise reverses the need for secondary assistance. Try these hacks to prevent limited eyesight and improve your lifelong vision!

For more wellness tips visit our blog.

source https://www.nutrav.com/blogs/news/helpful-biohacks-to-improve-your-eyesight

How to Gain Weight While You Fly

If you are underweight and struggling to gain weight, here’s a trick to help you pack on the pounds the next time you fly. You are less physically active on the flight and traveling to and from the airport in a car, shuttle, or bus. And at the airport, you could spend long periods of time sitting in a terminal.

During the flight, it can be easy to forget to drink water – but this is a good thing. Reduced water intake prevents you from losing weight. Additionally, the foods you buy at the airport are often high in fat. If the food is less than healthy, any type of unmetabolized chemicals in those foods are stored as fat cells, and your body becomes stressed, with cortisol setting off more fat storage.

Let’s review a few scenarios that help explain everything involved with weight gain on a flight, using you as a scenario. You’ll learn ways you can pack on the pounds.

Your Trip

Let’s say your flight leaves at 10 am. Rather than take a 20-minute stroll or jog, do jumping jacks, or do bodyweight exercises, opt to be less mobile. This keeps your metabolism low during the flight. Instead, check your email, social media, watch YouTube, or do phone calls – anything to keep you distracted without movement.

Avoid eating before your flight. This tells your body you are hungry, so it stores more fat to prepare for fewer calories. When this happens, the rest of the food you eat during the day is likely to turn into fat. Plus, your appetite will be big during the flight, at which point you can eat airport or airplane food that is characteristically fatty.

At the airport terminal, continue practicing minimal movement and treat yourself to a delicious hot drink. A latte has 200 calories of minimal nutrients while also dehydrating you. Sit down and enjoy your drink while reading comfortably. Doing these things in the terminal helps prepare your body further for fat gain in addition to the time you will spend on the plane itself.

Now it’s time to board. Let’s say you have a three-hour flight, a layover of one or two hours, followed by another 1 ½ hour flight. Start your first leg of the journey by asking the flight attendant for cranberry juice. This sugary juice will boost your blood sugar and initiate an insulin release for immediate fat storage. You will also be hungry due to a drop in blood sugar due to the insulin release.

Now you can have some fun. It’s time to indulge entirely in your cravings. Go ahead and opt for the bag of pretzels. Though the bag may say they are low in calories and fat-free, pretzels work just like the cranberry juice, promoting insulin release.

During the flight, be sure to remain in your seat and avoid the customary “1 Hour – 1 Minute Rule,” where you stand for one minute for each hour of travel. Though this is a healthy way to boost your metabolism on a typical day, it works against you when you are trying to gain weight.

When landing, grab some Chinese food from an airport vendor. Make sure to order noodles since they have most likely soaked up over 200 calories of vegetable oil packed with free radicals and additional fats. Even if the noodles are whole wheat, they work the same as white bread. Both are chalked full of sugar. And don’t skimp on the veggies and chicken with your noodles. They bring with them more oil, as well as MSG. And if the chicken has hormones, it will promote more fat-gaining estrogens inside your body. Add in soy sauce to further boost your blood sugar, leading to more fat.

When you need to grab the next flight, take the moving walkway and escalator rather than walking or stair climbing. And when you board the flight, do something unconventional: order a diabetic meal. These meals have a low glycemic index and veggie alternatives, both leading to more fat. If it tastes terrible (and most likely it will), ask for a Coke, Pepsi, or other sugary drink to wash it down. These drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners, helping your insulin levels climb even higher while also boosting your cravings.

When you arrive at your destination and leave the airport, grab a frozen yogurt at TCBY or something similar. Even the fat-free kind will work since they are all packed with sugar. Load it up with peanuts, too. They are full of aflatoxin, increasing the fat cells. And avoid water as much as possible to maintain a dehydrated state, which leads to poor digestion.

When you arrive at your hotel, take the money you saved from buying and eating healthy food and indulge in a chicken salad at the hotel restaurant or room service. With over 1400 calories, you pack on the pounds further. Eat all the dressing and cheese. If the chicken is fried, all the better!

If gaining weight has been a constant struggle for you, it might be that there are nutritional gaps your diet might not be addressing. NutraV supplements are jam-packed with the right vitamins and minerals that might be missing from your meals. Shop NutraV supplements here.

source https://www.nutrav.com/blogs/news/how-to-gain-weight-while-you-fly