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

Kombucha Tea

Many people think that Kombucha is a mushroom (it looks like one) but it’s not! It is a colony of yeast and bacteria that is commonly added to black or green tea and sugar, and allowed to ferment. Sounds pretty weird, but the resulting Kombucha tea is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and glucaric acid, which is believed to promote liver efficiency.

Kombucha tea has been used as health treatment since 250 BC. It was first used by the Chinese, and made its way into Russia in the 1800s. Since then it has grown in popularity, and is believed to enhance the immune system, fight fatigue and improve overall mood. Kombucha is also considered a probiotic which supports the growth of colonies of friendly bacteria that aid normal digestion.

Kombucha is commonly made with green tea, which provides powerful antioxidant protection, guarding healthy cells from the damaging effects of free radical molecules caused by toxins, pollution, smoke and UV sun rays. Green tea may also assist with weight management by helping to boost metabolism. Other potential benefits of green tea include supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Kombucha and green tea… a pretty powerful combination!

Glucomannan for a Healthy Colon

So what do you know about your colon? If you don’t know much, keep reading! The colon is about six feet long and part of the body's digestive system. Its job is to move waste material from the small intestine to the rectum. The small intestine sucks the nutrients out of what you eat and then pours the leftover waste into the cecum, then onto the colon for further processing.

The colon absorbs water from the waste while moving it toward the rectum. In the process, the colon may also absorb harmful materials. The longer it takes for waste to pass through the colon, the greater the chance of absorbing such materials. Foods rich in fiber help to regulate and expedite this important process.

Glucomannan is a gentle and effective natural soluble fiber that also promotes healthy colon function. It is a “bulk-forming laxative" which means it may help you produce stools that are easier to pass, with less straining on your system. Glucomannan may also promote healthier cholesterol and support healthy blood sugar levels.

Glucomannan is made from the Konjac plant, an herb grown in Asia. It is usually ground into a powder, it can be taken in pill form or mixed with a liquid. Glucomannan is also believed to help control appetite and by tricking the body into feeling full. 

If you are concerned that you are not eating a diet rich in soluble fiber, you may want to consider taking a Glucomannan supplement. Your colon will appreciate it!

Turmeric Who?

Turmeric…the name may sound familiar to you, but what is it? Turmeric is a yellow spice that has been used for over 2,500 years in India as a dye and a medicinal treatment for many health ailments. It is one of the seasonings used in curry dishes. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which contains a mixture of powerful phytonutrients known as curcuminoids.

Curcuminoids are antioxidants that fight the damaging effects of free radical molecules in the body and may have significant anti-inflammatory effects. They also support healthy blood sugar, circulation, kidney, vision and cardiovascular health.

Reputed health benefits of turmeric extract include supporting healthy skin care, helping to maintain cholesterol levels already within normal range and supporting ease of joint movement through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The antioxidant power of turmeric is so effective that it actually helps preserve the shelf life of foods that it is added to. So consider taking a daily supplement of turmeric to support overall health!

Oregano- More than a Tasty Spice!

I grow oregano in my organic garden alongside my tomatoes and peppers because insects despise it! It acts as a natural pesticide and smells wonderful as well. But did you know that oregano has many positive health benefits? It contains antibacterial properties, antioxidants and vitamins.

Oregano is an easy-to-grow herb native to northern Europe. It is commonly used in Italian and Mexican recipes, and is known for its strong flavor and pleasant aroma.  The oil found in oregano contains thymol and carvocrol, which are believed to inhibit bacterial growth. This is why oregano oil is also called “nature’s healer” by many herbalists.

Oregano Oil also contains antioxidants and vitamins that promote digestive health, a healthy immune system, joint and muscle flexibility, and overall respiratory health. It is also believed to help skin stay clear, healthy and blemish-free! Oregano contains 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries. That’s a lot of antioxidant power!  There are many all-natural oregano oil supplements available that can provide you with all of these noteworthy benefits!

Chrysin for Male (and Female) Health

Chrysin is a naturally occurring isoflavone chemically extracted from passionflower plants and is also found in small amounts in honeycomb. Chrysin functions as an aromatization blocker, meaning potentially higher levels of testosterone in the body. This is believed to result in higher energy levels, increased libido and also enhances the building of muscle after strenuous exercise.

Chrysin is also an antioxidant that works to help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Chrysin helps to enhance the immune system’s defense against the damage caused by free radicals. It is essential for people to incorporate antioxidants in their diet for heart and brain health, and many people already do so without realizing it. Below is a list of valuable antioxidants and the foods they’re found in:

• Vitamin A—carrots, squash, broccoli, kale, tomatoes and peaches
• Vitamin C—limes, oranges and grapefruits, broccoli and green peppers
• Vitamin E—whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetable oil.
• Selenium—this antioxidant can be found in red meats, eggs, fish, shellfish and garlic.

Other antioxidants such as flavonoids can be found in red wine, cranberries, tea and pomegranates, while lycopene is common in watermelons, and lutein is often found in kiwi and spinach. If you are concerned that your diet is lacking in the foods mentioned above, you may want to consider taking a supplement rich in this vital nutrient, like chrysin!

Herbs Can Help You Stay Healthy!

One of the best ways to naturally support the body from infections and the common cold can be found naturally in the plant kingdom. There are a number of herbs that can be used to enhance our immune system functioning by building and supporting our natural defenses.

• Cloves: clove oil is highly antiseptic and is a time-honored remedy for toothaches. It is also used to enhance digestive health and bowel functioning.

• Echinacea: they are full of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides stimulate the activity of macrophages, white blood cells help protect healthy cells from free radical damage.

• Garlic:  one of the most important herbs, having a broad range of well-documented healing properties. It acts as an antimicrobial against bacteria, promotes healthy circulatory functioning and supports blood pressure and cholesterol levels already within the healthy range.

• Golden Seal: it is an effective antibiotic, supports healthy digestive function and sexual health. Golden seal should be used with caution by hypoglycemic persons because it is known to lower blood sugar levels.

• Licorice Root: it is a very sweet herb that is often used in throat lozenges. It is believed to provide antioxidant benefits that protect healthy cells from free radical damage.

• Myrrh: used since ancient times, it acts as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent believed to help bolster the body’s natural immune defenses.

So this cold season, boost your natural defenses by including herbs in your diet. There are many herbal daily supplements available that can help you stay healthy and happy this cold season!

Cinnamon: More Than a Sweet Spice!

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices that is prepared by the bark of the cinnamon tree being dried and rolled into sticks called quills. The essential oil in the bark gives cinnamon its distinctive flavor and nutritional properties. Chinese societies have used cinnamon medicinally for more than 4,000 years.

Recent studies have found that cinnamon may support blood sugar already in the normal range, and may also contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. Cinnamon also contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that may help promote overall digestive and colon health. Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium.

Cassia cinnamon, the kind of cinnamon normally found in grocery stores and in supplement form, naturally contains a compound called coumarin. At high levels, coumarin can damage the liver by having a "blood-thinning" effect, so cassia cinnamon supplements shouldn't be taken with prescription anti-clotting medication, such as Coumadin (warfarin), or by people with bleeding disorders or pregnant women.

Cinnamon is also believed to boost brain activity, visual motor skills and memory…so sprinkle on the cinnamon!

Men- Take Care of Your Prostate!

Did you know that over 50% of men in their 60s and as many as 90% in their 70s or older have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia? Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) is also a problem for men and affects about 35% of men age 50 and older.

The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut located near the urethra. The prostate stops growing in the teenage years, but begins to grow again at age forty. Problems can arise when normal prostate growth does not stop, and the prostate presses against the urethra, narrowing the passage through which urine flows. It may result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, a weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination.

There are many all-natural supplements available the may promote prostate health. Saw Palmetto berries help promote healthy urine flow, lessen the number of times the urge to urinate occurs, including at night, and minimize feelings that the bladder has not completely emptied. Prostate formula contains saw palmetto extract and lycopene, an important cartonoid that supports prostate health. So take care of your prostate...don’t become another statistic!

Supporting Healthy Blood Pressure

Do you eat a healthy diet, exercise on a regular basis, refrain from smoking and alcohol, and still struggle to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range? Well, don’t fret! There are natural supplements available that will assist you in maintaining your cardiovascular health.

You may be wondering why healthy blood pressure is important. Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. Blood pressure above the normal range puts strain on your heart and impairs the body’s ability to properly oxygenate the blood. 

What natural daily supplements support healthy blood pressure? Garlic, used for centuries for its health promoting properties, is recognized as a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy blood pressure, blood circulation and cholesterol levels. And it is available in convenient capsule form that won’t leave you smelling like an Italian restaurant! Nattokinase, a natural enzyme extracted from soybeans, has been used in Japan for centuries to support healthy blood pressure and circulation already within the normal range.  These two daily supplements can assist your heart in staying strong and healthy!

Mullein = Sore Throat Relief!

Mullein is a common herb found in Europe, North America and Asia which is believed to have significant medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries for homeopathic treatment of numerous common ailments, including sore throats, rashes, upset stomach, and respiratory irritation.
 
What is so exceptional about mullein, you may be wondering? The leaves and flowers possess antibiotic and antiseptic properties that can help promote normal respiratory functioning and soothe a sore throat. Mullein contains many essential vitamins and minerals: vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B-complex, iron, potassium, magnesium and sulphur.

Mullein is available in many convenient forms, including teas, capsules, extracts and massage oils. It can contribute to a healthy immune system and may lessen the effects of some seasonal cold symptoms, such as sore or irritated throat. So throw away those sugar-filled cough drops…try some all-natural mullein instead!