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

Got Vitamin D3?

It's pretty well-known by now that calcium is important for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. But did you know that vitamin D is just as important to your teeth and bones because it is used by the body for the absorption of calcium?

Vitamin D is also necessary for the maintenance of healthy phosphorous levels in the body and works with a number of other vitamins, minerals and hormones to promote bone mineralization. Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system and helps regulate cell growth and differentiation. In addition, vitamin D contributes to healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and increased muscle strength. 

Food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, as well as milk and milk products, whether skim or whole, when fortified with vitamin D. 

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a form of vitamin D that is manufactured by the body when the skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun. Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8 or higher block the UV rays that produce vitamin D3 – but remember that it is still very important to use sunscreen to keep skin healthy!

Weather conditions may also inhibit the body's ability to produce the most beneficial levels of vitamin D3. Other factors include age, excessive use of alcohol, strict vegetarian (vegan) diets and overactive parathyroid glands.

Because of the many reasons for not getting optimal levels of vitamin D3, it is necessary to augment your diet with a quality vitamin D3 supplement. The suggested daily recommended requirement for vitamin D3 is 1,000 IU.

Stay healthy and strong!

Fill your senses with fragrant, soothing body and bath oils

Meetings, appointments, deadlines, workouts and just plain running around – whew! You need to take time to relax, recoup and rejuvenate. Let the world temporarily float away while you pamper your body and mind with fragrant, therapeutic body and bath oils.

Imagine, body and bath oils infused with pure plant and botanical extracts, essential oils, and sumptuous fragrances such as French lavender, wild rose, sweet almond and jojoba…body and bath oils enriched with nutrients such as vitamin E, sunflower oil and wheat germ oil…helping to leave your body feeling clean, refreshed and nourished while you soak or shower…or helping you to unwind when massaged into the skin…ah, heaven!

In order to choose body and bath oils that offer the most pleasing benefits for your body and mind, select body and bath oils that contain only the finest, purest ingredients that naturally moisturize and nourish the skin, and are free of artificial preservatives, colors and fragrances.

So feel free to indulge in a truly sensuous experience with body and bath oils anytime you like – after all, with the crazy day you've had – your body, mind and senses are worth it!

Alfalfa promotes digestive, bone and heart health

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a very versatile legume known for promoting some very healthful benefits! Civilizations have used alfalfa for centuries to enhance overall well-being. Due to its deep root system, alfalfa is able to pull many valuable materials from the soil, making alfalfa rich in beneficial materials and nutrients. 

The materials and nutrients found in alfalfa leaves include calcium, magnesium, potassium and carotene. The leaves of the alfalfa plant are also rich in protein, vitamins E and K, as well as all eight essential amino acids and ten non-essential amino acids. Alfalfa is also a good source of chlorophyll.

The healthful benefits associated with alfalfa's various compounds are numerous! For starters, alfalfa promotes healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels – which can benefit overall heart health. Due to its alkalizing nature, alfalfa may have a detoxifying effect on the body. With its high nutritive value, alfalfa also enhances energy levels. 

Alfalfa is also rich in saponins, which promote healthy cholesterol levels, stimulate the immune system and support cardiovascular health. Alfalfa contains plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) which support bone health, and also includes an abundance of highly active antioxidants.
In addition, the high fiber content in alfalfa encourages healthy digestive systems and cholesterol levels.

So to help keep your body running clean, energized and strong, use an alfalfa supplement and watch your overall health sprout!

Get ripped with NSI® TestosteRip Extreme

You work out because you love the way it makes you look, feel and function. Depending on age, this can be partly due to the increased testosterone levels in the body that promote lean muscle mass, enhanced overall strength and extra energy.

Everyday stress, aging and even the environment can reduce the body's capacity to produce testosterone, possibly depleting the body of its energy, strength, immune functionality and sex drive.

To support your body's natural production of testosterone, NSI® TestosteRip Extreme combines three potent, natural testosterone stimulators that help boost testosterone levels. NSI® TestosteRip Extreme contains:

Testofen™ – an extract of fenugreek seed, standardized to 50% fenuside. It contains saponins and sapogenins, which are compounds that boost testosterone, enhance libido and help to increase muscle mass.

ForsLean® Coleus Forskohlii Extract – a standardized extract of the Coleus Forskohlii plant featuring the herb's active ingredient, Forskhlin. This ingredient is reported to stimulate the enzyme adenylate cyclase, leading to the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which plays a part in a number of cell-signaling pathways, including those involved in testosterone production. ForsLean® promotes lean body mass and enhances weight loss.

Tribulus Terrestris – a non-hormonal herb that supports testosterone production by increasing the amount of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) produced by the body's pituitary gland. LH stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone. Tribulus Terrestris promotes improved muscle mass, strength and libido. 

So make sure that you are getting the most form your workouts and take NSI® TestosteRip Extreme – the natural way to boost your body's testosterone levels.

Get all in a lather over Dr. Bronner's Soap!

Luxurious lather, sinfully sensuous scent and clean, silky skin – have it all at a very reasonable price, while supporting the environment as well! Sound too good to be true? Well then you must try Dr. Bronner's Soap!

Using certified, organic oils that meet rigorous quality and supply requirements, Dr. Bronner's Soap supports organic farming and a healthy environment.

Available in both bar and liquid form, Dr. Bronner's Soap uses olive, hemp and palm oils, and also use three to four times more coconut oils than their commercial counterparts. Olive, hemp and palm based soaps make mild, smooth, creamy lathers because these oils contain longer-chain unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dr. Bronner's Soap also retains glycerin for superb moisturizing qualities.

Dr. Bronner's Soap is super-concentrated, and therefore a superb value over less-concentrated detergent-based, commercial body washes. Infused with either lavender, peppermint, almond, rose, lemon, tea tree or eucalyptus, Dr. Bronner's Soap uses only 100% pure, high quality essential oils. Dr. Bronner's Soap is also biodegradable, and does not contain any chelating agents, dyes, whiteners or synthetic fragrances. Dr. Bronner's Soap also makes a mild, smooth soap that is gentle enough for newborn babies.

So feel free to indulge your body, mind and senses with Dr. Bronner's Soap – and relax, you are being kind to the environment too!

Herbal toothpaste helps maintain your natural charm – naturally!

Herbal toothpaste helps maintain your natural charm – naturally!

As the saying goes – take care of your teeth, and they'll take care of you! Herbal toothpaste, when used as part of your daily oral hygiene routine, is a natural way to help maintain good dental health.

Consisting of formulations that include natural barks, roots, plants, flowers, nutrients and gentle abrasives, an effective herbal toothpaste not only cleans, polishes and whitens your teeth, it also helps maintain healthy gums and fresh breath.

In addition to brushing your teeth after every meal with a gentle, effective herbal toothpaste, it is important to:

• use a toothbrush with soft bristles – and be sure to get a new one every three months
• take your time while brushing – brush for at least three minutes
• brush away from your gums for optimal cleansing
• floss at least once a day to help remove all plaque and debris
• visit your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup
• eat a well-balanced diet that includes fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables that help clean and nourish teeth and surrounding tissues
• drink plenty of water instead of sugary sodas
• and finally…smile like you mean it!

When choosing an herbal toothpaste, make sure the herbal toothpaste contains safe and effective herbal extracts. It is also important that the herbal toothpaste you use is free of animal ingredients, artificial preservatives and sweeteners, as well as any unnatural ingredients that may harm tooth enamel and irritate gums.

So be sure to use a natural, gentle and great tasting herbal toothpaste to keep your smile healthy and dazzling for years to come!

NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose helps boost energy levels after a workout

If you workout or engage in other intense physical activity for more than three or more times a week, your body may not have the "recovery" time it needs between sessions for heart and energy reserves to return to normal levels.

D-ribose – also known as ribose – is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar found in (and used by) every cell in the body. D-ribose serves as the foundation for many important compounds, including DNA, RNA and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides energy to cells during physical exertion. When ATP levels drop, it can take several days to restore energy levels within the body.

Research has shown that intense physical exertion can reduce ATP levels by over 50%. By using a quality D-ribose supplement such as NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose, ATP levels can be restored more quickly, shortening the time needed by heart and muscle tissues to replace energy lost through vigorous exercise.

NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose may also boost ATP levels before workouts, making additional amounts of ATP available for use during workouts. This not only improves the recovery process after exercise but also helps to maximize these workouts by allowing for increased muscle and strength gains. NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose may also provide relief from the muscle cramping and soreness that may arise soon after working out. 

So whether you are hard core about working out, simply do so on the weekend or are concerned about your cardiovascular health, taking NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose just before and just after exercise or activity may be what you need to give your body a welcome energy boost!