VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

See Clearly with Lutein

Lutein may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, say researchers. That’s a nice benefit for those of us getting on in years. Lutein is a member of the carotenoid family of nutrients and may indeed promote good eyesight – not just in the old, though, but in younger persons as well. Responsible for the color of vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and other fruits and vegetables, lutein comprises the concentration of pigment in the center of the eye’s retina, where vision sensitivity is greatest.

But the benefits of lutein and lutein supplements may go beyond the minds eye. Adequate amounts of lutein in diet may also reduce the risk of colon problems and heart malfunction. As is the case with so many of life’s naturally-occurring nutrients, lutein acts as an antioxidant in the body, fighting the free radicals that cause oxidative stress in cells. Does a lutein supplement a day keep the doctor away? Well, considering all that lutein may do to protect vital organs, visits to your family doctor and / or your ophthalmologist may be farer and fewer between.

Lewis Labs Brewers Yeast Actually Tastes Good!

Despite the health benefits of brewers yeast, I fail to come to grips with its bitter aftertaste. In fact, until Lewis Labs Brewer's Yeast came along, I would have never considered taking the nasty supplement on a daily basis. How Lewis Labs eliminates the bad taste of brewer's yeast is, of course, a proprietary secret, so let's get right to the benefits of taking a brewer's yeast supplement every day. 

Brewer's yeast, the yeast used to make beer, is said to aid healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to more efficiently metabolize fats and carbohydrates in the body. Does this mean drinking more beer will yield similar results?

Not really. When isolated in supplement form, as is the case with Lewis Labs Brewers Yeast, minerals such as selenium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese, iron and zinc work together to better moderate metabolism through affecting blood glucose and insulin levels in a positive way, something that a "Bud" could never hope to accomplish.

L-Carnitine for Weight Management

A form of carnitine, L-carnitine is an amino-acid-like substance found in the brain, neural tissue, muscle and heart. This naturally-occurring nutrient has been the center of much attention lately for its potential in burning fat and building lean muscle, as carnitine appears to transport fat to the part of the cell which burns fat rather than storing it.

Because carnitine acts on fat the way it does, increasing carnitine levels in the body with L-carnitine supplements may boost metabolism, increase energy levels and help regulate cholesterol and blood sugar - all things that aid weight management.

You'll hear a lot good things about carnitine from bodybuilders and athletes. They use it primarily as an endurance-enhancing supplement and to more efficiently burn fat during workouts. In fact, scientists have found that body fat cannot be burned without carnitine, and since the heart derives roughly 70 percent of its energy from fat, nutritionists believe that an L-carnitine supplement taken daily may be good for both active and inactive lifestyles.

Kiss My Face isn't your Average Bar

Don't underestimate the damaging effects of everyday soap. Many contain harsh detergents and phthalates which are absorbed by skin and pollute the bloodstream. I'm certain most of us would rather not have Irish Spring running through our veins.

Until you try Kiss My Face Olive Oil and Chamomile bar soap, you don't know gentle bar soap. Instead of dry and irritated after a shower, you feel clean, refreshed and invigorated. Five-star-rated Kiss My Face nourishes skin with all natural ingredients, so no worries over heavy metals and harsh chemicals damaging blood.

Kiss My Face is a good value. The brand is carried by e-tailers across the Web and the cost per bar is typically under $2. A small price to pay for healthy skin and blood.

Keep the Body Iron Strong

Of all the things your body can do without - iron isn't one of them. Iron is essential to every body function and an iron deficiency can result in organ damage, poor clotting and cell death.

How do you know if you're getting enough iron? The best way to find out is with a simple blood test conducted by your doctor or local clinic. If your iron count is low, chances are you'll be advised to either increase iron-rich foods in your diet or start a regimen of iron supplements - or both. If your iron count is high or just right, you can expect your doctor to advise you accordingly too.

As we get older, it's important to maintain balanced iron levels, as too much iron may interfere with proper heart function and too little iron, a condition known as iron deficiency anemia, when left untreated can result in shortness of breath, pale skin, poor cognitive function, dizziness, a weakened immune system, fatigue and loss of energy. Because symptoms of iron deficiency are common to other disorders as well, a blood test is really the only accurate way to effectively determine iron deficiency.