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

Spirulina Benefits Include Immunity

Spirulina, which is blue-green algae high in protein, vitamins and minerals, may be an immune booster of sorts, as a number of animal studies point to spirulina's ability to stimulate both antibody and cellular types of immunity. Spirulina guards digestive health and is shown to encourage the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria needed to balance the GI tract.

Personally, I enjoy spirulina for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The algae's high levels of evercetin and phycocyanin have been shown to alleviate respiratory ailments and aid inflammation associated with joint pain and backache. In addition, high levels of carotenoids in spirulina guard cell health and protect vision.

Many vegans and vegetarians have made spirulina their primary source of protein. The blue-green superfood contains both essential and nonessential amino acids and is similar in structure to animal protein, so it's great for lean muscle building and maintaining healthy weight.

Quercetin: Powerful Antioxidant

Bioflavonoids such as quercetin have been implicated in promoting a number of health benefits associated with antioxidants. This plant compound, which naturally occurs in green tea, onionskins, kale, red cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, strawberries, cherries and grapes, is an excellent detoxifier for the liver and may help reduce the inflammation associated with hay fever, allergies, bursitis, gout, arthritis and asthma.

Quercetin in high concentrations, common to quality quercetin supplements, may boost immune function and increase the longevity and health of vital organs. Similar to other plant-based antioxidant constituents, quercetin shows potential in balancing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and inhibiting the buildup of plaque on arterial walls, resulting in cardiovascular well-being.

A daily quercetin supplement delivers far higher levels of this bioflavonoid compound than most of us could hope to obtain in our daily diets. It's one reason why antioxidant supplements are so popular among the new generation of nutrition enthusiasts. Quercetin supplements come in a variety of grades and often include the benefits of other nutrients as well. They're priced relatively low and are a nice complement to a balanced diet and exercise regimen.

Antioxidant Mangosteen has High ORAC Rating

Mangosteen is touted as a powerful antioxidant to aid in the battle against damaging free radicals. The hull, pulp and seeds of this sweet, South African fruit have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine to treat everything from a bad memory to bad skin. Modern day claims regarding the benefits of mangosteen include the fruit's ability to balance blood sugar, slow degenerative brain disorders and aid migraines and inflammation.

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, a measure used by nutritionists to rate the antioxidant power of a nutrient and its ability to reduce oxidative stress on cells. But claims of mangosteen's high ORAC may be more accurately attributed to compounds such as grape seed extract, pomegranate, blueberry, goji and noni - substances often paired with mangosteen in free-radical-fighting juices and dietary supplements. Why? Because the xanthones in mangosteen - phytocemicals responsible for the fruit's antioxidant power - primarily occur in the fruit's edible rind, negligible amounts of which are found in the majority of mangosteen products.

The good news? High-grade mangosteen supplements usually contain essential vitamins, minerals and other high ORAC components, which together may defend against common illness and infection.

NSI Poma Noni Paradise Punch - Nutritious and Delicious

Pomegranate, noni and goji fruits are antioxidant rock stars! It may not be easy though to find these exotic fruits in your neighborhood grocery store. No worries - NSI® Poma Noni Punch is a proprietary poma noni fruit blend that contains beneficial amounts of each, as well as the antioxidant protection derived from 11 other fruits and fruit extracts including wild blueberry extract, grape and grape seed extract, raspberry and raspberry seed extract, cranberry, prune, tart cherry, wild bilberry and strawberry.

The fruits and fruit extracts found in NSI® Poma Noni Punch are collectively rich vitamins A, B, C and E. They're also loaded with flavonoids, tannins, alpha- and beta-carotenes, lutein, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, silicon and zinc. That's a lot of healthy stuff packed into one great tasting punch! It's also important to note what NSI® Poma Noni Punch does not have. It doesn't contain any artificial flavors or colors.

So if you're looking for a delicious, natural and convenient way to help get the antioxidant protection you need (along with a nutrient or two) try NSI® Poma Noni Punch. Antioxidants never tasted so good!

Selenium Offers Superior Antioxidant Protection, Immune Support

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that's best known for its role as an antioxidant, working to neutralize damage-causing free radicals in the body. It's also needed for proper immune function and the production of prostaglandins, which play a part in regulating blood pressure levels and inflammation.

Several studies show that selenium may also offer hope for cancer risk reduction. One, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that individuals taking 200 mcg of selenomethionine had a 63 percent reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer, compared to a placebo group not receiving this special form of selenium.

Selenium has been shown to have positive effects on a variety of health concerns, from arthritis to diabetes to depression. The RDA is about 50 mcg per day, but selenium may be taken safely in doses up to 400 mcg for therapeutic effects. Check with your health care provider before increasing your daily selenium intake.

Do Not Read This Post!

If you read this post in December, you would have been eligible to receive an extra 5% off your total order.

This offer has ended.

Thank you for reading VitaBlog, Happy New Year!

The Fight Against Free Radicals: Antioxidants

The importance of antioxidants when it comes to fighting deadly free radicals cannot be stressed enough.

Free radicals react with chemicals in your body, causing oxidative stress and interfering with your cells’ ability to function normally. They are believed to play a role in more than 60 different health concerns. Free radicals become more of a concern as we inevitably age, so it is important to address them early before they take their toll.

Some of the more well-known antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, lycopene, lutein, CoQ10 and extracts of green tea and grape seed. Stand-alone formulations are always available, but a combination of these nutrients helps promote total body protection. For example, Vitacost.com’s proprietary line, NSI, has Antioxidant Booster and Complex formulas to take the guesswork out of picking and choosing potent antioxidants at the desired levels.

You should also pay attention to another group of antioxidants, known as carotenoids. They’re found in leafy greens and richly-colored fruits and vegetables (Those in the red, orange and yellow categories.) An excellent resource: http://www.vitacost.com/science/hn/Supp/Carotenes.htm