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

Elderberry is Shining Star among Antioxidants

The headline reads, "NY Giants Get Last Minute Big Game Boost from an Elderberry Extract." The story appears in a February 2008 edition of Business Wire and claims that star players for the Giants took black elderberry extract prior to Super Bowl XLII, curing "flu like symptoms." Elderberry is widely used in Europe to boost the immune system and fight colds and flu.

For those of you unfamiliar with Elderberry, it has an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 240 units per 100 grams – smack dab between blueberries and raspberries and fourth down from acai at the top. That's berry good and superior to cranberries' ORAC of 120.

It's the flavonoids in Elderberry, quercetin in particular, that account for Elderberries' antioxidant qualities. And although you may have read some comprised press lately about how the antioxidant properties of certain berries has been over-exaggerated by the media, I highly doubt, if elderberry were among them, researchers would be looking so closely at its potential in fighting bird flu. 

EFAs Vital to Healthy Nervous System

Essential fatty acids come in two types, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. They're called "essential" because they're essential to good health, but are not produced in the body and must be obtained through diet.

As Americans consume far too many of the omega-6 fatty acids found in meat, animal products and common cooking oils, the awareness for greater amounts of omega-3 EFAs has increased in recent years. Although omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAs should ideally be present in our diets at a ratio of 3:1 respectively, it's as high as 40:1 for some Americans, which is why obesity is a national epidemic.

EFA supplementation has been recommended for as many as 60 health conditions, ranging from high cholesterol and blood pressure to inflammation, memory loss and aching joints. In 2004, the FDA recognized EFAs for their potential in promoting cardiovascular health, and studies by the American Heart Association suggest that diets rich in EFAs may result in a number of positive health effects.

Dynamic Health Goji Scrubs Free Radicals

It's the year of the berry. Acai berries, pomegranate and goji berries have achieved antioxidant fame with acerola berries and camu camu close behind. Is one better than the other for fighting oxidative stress? I say take your pick.

But first, let me say this about Dynamic Health Goji Gold. This powerful and potent antioxidant juice has an ORAC rating of practically 60,000. The ORAC scale is a standardized test used by the US Department of Agriculture to measure the total antioxidant potency of foods and nutritional supplements. ORAC stands for "Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity," and is a measurement expressed as "ORAC units per 100 grams" of a given food or supplement. Goji berries have ten times the ORAC of blueberries and 20 times that of raspberries. Pretty powerful stuff, wouldn't you say?

You'll find that glamour berries like goji and acai cost a few bucks and wonder if they're worth the money. Ask yourself this: "How much is living healthy actually worth?"

CELLFOOD Supports Vigor

CELLFOOD delivers trace minerals, enzymes, amino acids and bioavailable oxygen to fight free radicals and protect DNA. The formula's powerful antioxidants work to detoxify blood and stimulate healthy cell growth and are available in oral spray and nutrient-rich CELLFOOD Oxygen Gel.

I'm particularly pleased with CELLFOOD's Oxygen Gel, a topical application that seems to revitalize skin and smooth lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. It contains Aloe Vera and chamomile and exhibits antimicrobial qualities, so it's effective on skin rashes and sun spots, stretch marks and all types of damaged skin.

I'm a self-proclaimed fan of Oxygen Gel and at $12 an ounce it performs. Paying a little more doesn't bother me, as finding something as effective as CELLFOOD is priceless, especially in South Florida, where if I'm not around the pool you can find me on the boat.  That's why CELLFOOD suits me fine!

Bromelain to Battle Inflammation

If you have ever marinated anything in pineapple juice, or baked a ham or turkey with pineapple slices, you may already be familiar with bromelain. It's the plant enzyme abundant in pineapple juice that breaks down proteins in meat. In supplement form, bromelain may significantly aid digestion and assist the body in absorbing nutrients.

Bromelain also appears well-suited to aid joint pain and swelling and to suppress the build-up of arterial plaque that leads to dangerous clotting. Not too shabby for a tropical fruit. In fact, bromelain may even relieve painful symptoms associated with varicose veins.

Unfortunately, you'd have to consume unhealthy amounts of calorie-rich pineapple to reap the benefits of bromelain through whole food, which is why bromelain supplements are popular. Aside from a little tummy upset and an occasional allergy or two, you'll find them safe and effective and with few side effects.

Beta-sitosterol Benefits the Whole Body

Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol (plant alcohol) said to balance cholesterol. It's found in just about every vegetable imaginable and readily available in supplement form. If you sort through enough beta-sitosterol literature, you'll find the plant compound is indeed good for you and probably the reason why Mom insisted we eat our vegetables. Unfortunately, as adults, too few of us eat too few vegetables and should probably supplement with beta-sitosterol, something Mom would've never thought of in a million years.

Plant sterols are the new dietary craze in supplements and have been found to benefit the prostate, heart, liver, kidneys, GI tract, brain and more - as do vegetables. Consider a diet rich in fibrous, leafy plants accompanied by a daily beta-sitosterol supplement. Your cholesterol may drop just thinking about it.

Avalon Organics Defy Aging

Avalon Organics Coq10 Wrinkle Defense and Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Facial Cream are my top two anti-aging picks for the year. They contain powerful antioxidants to protect skin from the elements and organic botanicals to boost the production of collagen and elastin, components of skin that decline with age.

Avalon Organics is not tested on animals and is free of parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrance and artificial colors. Everything I look for in a face cream. After using Avalon Organics for more than a year now, I can safely say no other product has resulted in such skin clarity, tone and texture.

The ounce cost for Avalon Organics restoratives is a good value, especially since most Coq10 face creams are exorbitantly expensive. They contain a barrage of nourishing plant derivatives and when compared to other face creams; few do as good a job smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Aubrey Organics Shampoo is Free of Phthalates

Many brand name shampoos contain phthalates, a chemical stabilizer commonly found in body care products, particularly those with fragrance. There's no law restricting the use of phthalates in the U.S., nor do any laws require their disclosure on ingredient labels. Studies show that phthalates may cause fertility problems and lead to reproductive birth defects. Something most of us don't think about when washing our hair.

The good news is Aubrey Organics shampoos and conditioners are free of phthalates. Aubrey Organics is naturally fragranced with honeysuckle and chamomile and are safe for pregnant and nursing women and their babies. In fact, Aubrey Organics botanicals benefit healthy hair and scalp and are known to mend split ends and leave hair silky smooth.

The FDA has offered no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the health effects of phthalates in humans are uncertain. Why take the chance when phthalate-free Aubrey Organics is just a click away?

Enzyme Supplements Promote Healthy Digestion

Because going out to eat has become more of a behavioral pattern than a special occasion in America, the typical diet has strayed far to the left of what most would consider healthy and balanced. As a result, our digestive tract isn't what is used to be. Enter the benefits of digestive enzymes and their potential to stave off uncomfortable gas, indigestion, diarrhea, cramps and bloating.

Why do the French eat salad after dinner? Why do sushi restaurants pile on the ginger? What is the reasoning behind after dinner mints? A: Certain vegetables and carminative herbs such as peppermint and ginger are rich in the volatile oils known to aid digestion.

Nutritionists suggest that in addition to digestive assistance, a predetermined regimen of select enzymes may purify blood, strengthen immune function, cleanse the colon and enhance long-term cognitive function. Most aren't very expensive, come with few to no side effects and may be just what it takes to have a quiet, uninterrupted night on the town.

Coromega Emulsified Fish Oil has High Absorbency

Some scientists say that emulsified fish oil may be as much as 71 percent more absorbent than fish oil capsules. Then again, absorbency remains a hot topic in the supplement world because of the many factors which impact the efficient absorption of nutrients. Regardless, fish oil in any way shape or form has been shown to benefit good health.

You'll find that some fish oils receive more exposure in the press than others, primarily because of large marketing budgets, presenting a conundrum. Just because a brand is backed by an enormous media campaign doesn't mean it's a high-quality product. In fact, in the supplement industry, it's oftentimes the opposite.

Coromega fish oil is a good product. It's derived from deep, coldwater fish and is molecular distilled for ultimate purity. Coromega contains pharmaceutical grade DHA and EPA components for heart, brain and eye health and has been proven to help balance cholesterol and triglycerides, improve joint mobility and contribute to overall well-being.

Buffered Vitamin C Powder Delivers Antioxidants and More

It may be that buffered vitamin C powder not only wards off colds and flu, it may assist in weight management, according to the journal Science News. As a result of high calcium content, certain buffered vitamin C brands may also buffer weight gain, say experts.

In addition to being a hypoallergenic form of vitamin C, brands such as Nutricology, Allergy Research Group and a handful of others contain high levels of balanced calcium and magnesium which, when supplemented in the diet, may be the difference between burning body fat or storing it around the belly, arms and thighs.  In experiments with mice at the University of Tennessee, researchers found that diets low in calcium may broaden channels that stimulate fat synthesis while suppressing fat breakdown - not good for those looking to lose weight and boost lean muscle production.

Should you rely solely on buffered vitamin C to help with weight management? Probably not, as the key to unlocking the true healthy you will only turn with a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and a selection of supplements geared toward healthy living.

Bio-Strath Promotes Cognitive Function

Bio-Strath is high in the B-complex vitamins and minerals essential to brain health and memory. A natural stress and fatigue formula from Switzerland, Nature's Answer Bio-Strath increases energy levels while improving your ability to concentrate and learn. Naturally-occurring saccharomyces cerevisiae in Bio-Strath act on brain glucose levels to strengthen brain tissue and slow cognitive decline common to aging.

Bio-Strath takes brain-empowering yeast supplements to the next level by adding a proprietary blend of amino acids, minerals, beta-glucans and herbs in a form that is easily assimilated by the body. Although most common in the brewing of beer and the baking of bread, the budding yeasts in Bio-Strath have exhibited numerous benefits to heart, brain and immune system health. When taken daily as a supplement, Bio-Strath from Nature's Answer may improve your productivity both at work and at home, enhance your creative center and keep you climbing the corporate ladder to success.

BSN Gets Five Stars from Consumers

It's not surprising for BSN supplements to rate high among users. Their proprietary bodybuilding powders are packed with muscle volumizers and explosive nutrients, and products like CELLMASS and N.O.-OXPLODE are now everyday brands used in gyms across America. But why are BSN supplements more expensive than others?

You've heard the phrase "you get what you pay for." The adage applies to BSN. High-grade creatine, gainers galore and multi-functional micellar protein matrix back the power of BSN supplements and work to get your physique cut and beautiful.

Take it slow, though, and don't overindulge in the beginning. A mistake made often by athletes new to hardcore training is adopting too strong a regime of protein powders and endurance supplements in an effort to get big fast. Move forward gradually and don't substitute all the protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in diet with supplements. Pick out one or two BSN supplements that fit in nicely with your long term goals so as to avoid the irreparable catabolism and diminished immune function that can result from a short-term bodybuilding plan of attack.

Atkins Breakfast Bars Big Bang for the Buck

Whether you're new to the breakfast bar scene or a veteran of the crunchy, chewy arts, Atkins breakfast bars will surely satiate your appetite.  Available in a variety of flavors, Atkins breakfast bars are nutritious, moderately low in calories and make for ideal meal replacements. In fact, you'll find it difficult to find a breakfast bar with as many vitamins and minerals and one with as much protein and fiber.

In terms of value, and depending on from whom your purchase, Atkins breakfast bars cost less than a $1 each, literally making a mockery of the dollar menu at McDonald's and the culinary catastrophes of other fast food restaurants perpetrating poor nutrition in the name of the almighty buck.

Do you have to be on the Atkins diet to enjoy Atkins breakfast bars? No, the only prerequisite is a desire to pursue a balanced diet, improve nutritional intake and stop eating foods heavy on the belly, which may result in long-term energy loss and depressing weight gain.

Artemisinin Detoxifies the Body

Known for its ability to fight malaria, artemisinin benefits include digestive support and immune system strength. Derived from Asian wormwood, Artemisinin has been adopted by the World Health Organization as part of its worldwide fight against malaria deaths in children. As an everyday dietary supplement, Artemisinin may help rid the body of environmental toxins and battle stress. 

Because artemisinin supplements are not regulated by the FDA, a product's strength, efficacy and consistency are all questionable. When shopping for an arteminisin supplement, choose one from a reputable company such as NSI or Doctor's Best, so as not to sacrifice quality.

Artemisinin has proven so effective in treating symptoms of malaria that biotech companies have begun to development a synthetic counterpart, so that every country in the world can have affordable access to this life-saving medicine. Taking arteminisin daily is said to improve overall health and fight the free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

Apple Fragrance Curlaway by Xenna Straightens Curls

Finally, a semi-permanent relaxer that doesn't contain harsh chemicals and can be applied to any type of curly hair, whether previously dyed, straightened or other. Apple Fragrance Curlaway by Xenna doesn't discriminate, and is rated by consumers as being one of the most effective anti-curl solutions in the marketplace.

For those of you unaware, Apple Fragrance Curlaway is a natural straightening solution that works gradually and over time. It's the perfect alternative to burning your hair straight or using damaging, highly toxic chemicals to achieve a relaxed, beautiful head of hair. Apple Fragrance Curlaway gently removes curl and frizz, and, after three to four weeks of continued use, will yield head-turning results. 

Among ingredients in Apple Fragrance Curlaway is grapeseed oil, a natural, nutritious restorative that adds body and shine to hair while deterring split ends common to other hair straightening solutions.

All One Vitamins for Active Seniors

It's a known fact that nutritional needs change as we get older. Not only is eating right and getting plenty of exercise a must as you approach your senior years, taking a multivitamin supplement to boost energy and keep your mind sharp is imperative. All One Vitamins for Active Seniors combine cognitive enhancing compounds such as B-complex and gingko biloba with body-strengthening fiber, minerals, essential amino acids, antioxidant CoQ10 and bioflavonoids for immune system strength.

Will a multivitamin help you fend off illness in your golden years? Yes. It will aid in keeping your digestive tract in tact and your immune system robust and bullet proof. Well, not quite bulletproof, but certainly you're tolerance to invading viruses and bacteria will increase.

You'll find All One Vitamins for Active Seniors far more nutritional than most supplements aimed at adults and seniors. When taken regularly and in combination with proper diet and exercise, All One will make you feel perkier, more vital and full of the stuff called life.

Acai Extract: Rainforest Phenom

Acai has one of the highest ORAC ratings of all the dark berries and is full of antioxidant anthocyanins that work to preserve healthy cell tissue and propel longevity. Acai extract contains high levels of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, good fats that target low cholesterol and healthy insulin resistance.

This benevolent Brazilian berry has allegedly been a center of nutrition among various tribes in the South American rainforest for centuries, as all healthy fruit is to indigenous peoples around the world. Whether or not acai extract is truly an antioxidant phenomenon has yet to be seen; scientists have only recently begun to closely examine the berry's impact on human health over time.

Acai is high in vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E and minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium, so there's little arguing the health benefits of acai extract. Is it worth the money? Only as much as you value your health I suppose.

DHEA May Help Stop Age Related Decline

DHEA is a steroid hormone produced less by the body with age - one reason why dietary supplement, skin cream and cosmetics manufacturers have put so much money in the figurative DHEA anti-aging basket. Once sold mainly as an over-the-counter weight loss solution, DHEA is now purported to fight free radicals, aid sex drive and restore aging skin to a youthful state. 

Much of the raw material for the DHEA found in commercial applications is extracted from Mexican wild yams and synthesized through a chemical process. Albeit a far cry from the steroid produced in our bodies, it's a compound effective enough to produce results. Hundreds of Internet testimonials indicate success in using DHEA facial masks and night creams to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles and, having tried a few of them myself, am convinced that DHEA has an incredible future in the anti-aging marketplace. 

Is DHEA effective for weight loss? Let's put it this way. Advertisers tend to exaggerate DHEA results while researchers say they're still not sure. DHEA has shown promise in both genetic and diet-induced obesity experiments on animals, and more research than not points to DHEA's potential in reducing age-related abdominal fat in the elderly.

Give More Thought to the Benefits of DHA

DHA (docasahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that has been implicated in boosting the cognitive function of older persons and increasing one's capacity to learn and retain information. High levels of DHA in fish are precisely why the "chicken of the sea" is so aptly referred to as brain food and why fish oil is touted as a beneficial health supplement.

Although DHA occurs naturally in humans and is highly concentrated in brain cells and in the retina, its occurrence in the body declines as we age, putting in near the top of the most needed supplements list. The older you get, say nutritionists, the more you'll benefit from a DHA supplement guarding against cerebral cortex decay and impending bad vision.   

Studies published in the Journal of Neuroscience have shown DHA to be effective in slowing memory loss and improving quality of life in the senior years. In addition to its positive impact on brain health, DHA may help to balance cholesterol and triglyceride levels and aid in sustaining cardiovascular wellness.