Mouls Genre Health

Ayurveda -A Layperson's Guide

2009-05-20T03:26:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda (which literally means the science of life) is believed to be the oldest medical science. The science has holistic approach to health that makes the mankind to live long and healthy by achieving homeostasis. Ayurveda roots its foundation approximately 5000 years back by the Indian Health Gurus. However, the science now enjoys skyrocketing popularity across the globe. The basic principle of Ayurveda is preventing and treating the health ailments by strengthening the body's immunity and restoring the balance between mind, body and soul.

Ayurveda believes that every person has a distinct pattern of nature called prakriti (pronounced –pra kri tee). The prakriti is a special combination of physical, mental and emotional characters. Just as everybody has a unique fingerprint, Ayurveda says, every person has unique prakriti. Based on the prakriti the intensity of disease, signs and symptoms of health ailment vary and its treatment is fixed by looking at physical and mental tolerance of the sufferer.

According to Ayurveda, the human body has three basic humors or states namely; vata (pronounced –vaa taa), pitta (pronounced –pee tt aa) and kapha (pronounced –ka faa). Modern scientists believe vata as the humor governing all the neurological functions (including the bodily movements), pitta as governing all the digestive functioning (including absorption, assimilation, metabolism) and kapha as governing all bodily structure and strength (immunity, physical and mental endurance). Any disease would occur due to imbalance between these three humors.

Every science has limitations and so Ayurveda. Ayurveda is found not so useful in treating the acute illnesses (such as sudden cardiac arrest). Nevertheless, stubborn diseases such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, skin problems, infertility and indigestion can be successfully healed or controlled by practicing Ayurvedic therapies.

There is much hype about Ayurvedic Panchakarma that includes five purification therapies of the body. The Panchakarma therapies include special body massage, medicine induced emesis and purgation and the enema. However, depending upon the disease and diseased, the Panchakarma can be altered or modified. In my practice and observation, I have seen plenty of cases being miraculously treated using Kerala Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapies. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, indigestion, SLE, OCD, depression, bronchial asthma etc -are few of the diseases that Ayurveda really masters on. However, again, as said in Ayurveda, it solely depends upon the patient's body response to the herbs used in treatment.

I have also observed that Ayurveda works wonderfully when the health ailment is approached internally as well as externally. Any one, if left, ends up in compromised results and that is why, I always prefer my patient to undergo internal and external treatment. However, there are some diseases that can be treated using internal medications. Likewise, the disease in its primitive stage can also be treated by just taking internal Ayurvedic medicines.

Ayurveda has promising results in acne (pimples), musculo-skeletal disorders, digestion problems and other neurological problems. Just like in modern medicinal science, Ayurveda has wonderful classification of the herbs and therapies that give the result exactly the way contemporary medicines give. It is not a secret anymore that your depression tablets may have plenty of side effects (including infertility), your painkillers may ruin up your gastric mucosa (can produce hyper acidity and severe gut pain) and so on. I do not state that they are the worst; indeed, modern medicines save the life but then, just for the symptomatic relief, one should not opt for synthetic derivatives.

Why take painkillers when you have herbs such as Sallaki and Guggulu (works on prostaglandin as modern analgesics); why take diuretics when we have herbs such as Punarnava (draws extra cellular fluids through the lymphatic drainage system); why take anti-depressants when you have potent herbs such as Ashwagandha (restores disturbed neurotransmitters and calms down the aggressive brain chemicals). Likewise, Gokshura works as natural kidney cleanser, Triphala as natural colon cleanser, Brahmi as natural memory booster and Shilajit as libido enhancer.

There is a big misunderstanding that herbal medicines do not have any side effects. They DO! And that is why, I always prefer patients to consult qualified Ayurvedic Physician before undergoing any Ayurvedic therapy or treatment.

Orthomolecular medicine – a nutritional way to restore your health

2009-02-21T00:44:00.000-08:00

Before getting into the topic, let us make it clear that orthomolecular has nothing to do with orthopedics! In fact, the term is used for the therapy that uses larger doses of certain nutrients for preventing or curing the diseases than their normal dosage. The importance of diet in association with optimal health has been understood ‘in depth’ since thousands of years. Hippocrates quoted the ‘food’ as primary form of the medicine almost 2500 years ago. In addition, holistic medicinal system such as Ayurveda (rooting its history as far back as 5000 years!) describes food and nutrition as the basic pillar that supports the overall health. Ancient Egypt also showed the use of specific foods treating various health ailments.

James Lind, a physician in British navy was the first person who opined that there is a link between diseases and a lack of certain nutrients. He found that sailors on long voyages without foods containing citrus fruits developed diseases like bleeding gums, cracking of the skin and poor muscular tone, all the symptoms with typical characteristics of scurvy. However, the term orthomolecular was firstly applied by Linus Pauling in a paper that he wrote for the journal Science in the year of 1968.

The orthomolecular medicines work on the genetic basis. It says that genetic factors do influence the physical characteristics of the person and also, it affects one’s biochemical milieu. This was further evaluated that the diseases that have genetic rooting such as atherosclerosis, cancerous growth, schizophrenia, mental disorders certainly have biochemical abnormalities.

Nowadays, orthomolecular is a buzzword in medical science and there have been plenty of researches being conducted all across the world for using vitamins in larger dosage. For instance, The New York Times, in its issue writes that high doses of intravenous vitamin C fight cancer (The New York Times, September 13, 2005) based on the research conducted and leaded by researcher Dr. Mark Levine, the chief of the molecular and clinical nutrition section and senior staff physician at National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disease. He revealed that at the highest concentration, vitamin C kills lots of cancerous cells without affecting the normal body cells. However, the exact mechanism for this is not known.

There are many proponents who say that orthomolecular treatment are grounded on individual’s biochemistry and they employ naturally occurring nutrients those are bioequivalent such as vitamins, dietary minerals, protein, amino acid, lipotropes and most importantly antioxidants that ultimately fight infections, cancerous growths and many other health ailments making the immune system strong and powerful. On the other hand, scientists are in continuous efforts to make orthomolecular therapy as a surefire for treating various diseases though it has retained its reason for being a great treatment option based on biochemistry and nutrition offering positive health.

As stated by the pioneer Roger J. Williams in concept of orthomolecular nutrition, “When in doubt, try nutrition first”, orthomolecular therapy is the best option that certainly comes before invasive surgeries and other medications.

A little about Cataract

2009-02-18T01:06:00.000-08:00

Unlike other complicated surgeries, cataract is just a simple and straightforward procedure. However, one has to be quite careful choosing the center and should also know all about placing a new lens in the eye. To find authentic eye clinics in area nearby you, visit the 'find' page. Moreover, if you are aware of all the procedures being conducted during the surgery, it becomes easier for you to prepare yourself.

What is Cataract?

The lens in eye is situated behind the iris and the pupil and is composed mainly of water and proteins. The lens measures approximately 9X4 mm and has several layers. The outer layer (called as capsule), which surrounds the soft cortex is clear and very thin. The center part is a bit harder and is called the nucleus. The lens focuses light onto the retina at the backside of the eye and hence, enables a clear vision. Just like a camera, the lens focuses on the object that is near or far and makes it clear to an individual. The protein present in the eye lens has particularly arranged so that it maintains its clarity and also allows the light to get through.

In some cases, excessive building up the protein interrupts its clarity and lens becomes cloudy. It further does not allow the light to pass the through as a result of what the vision becomes blurred. This is medically known as cataract. Cataract generally turns bad to worse over the times and seeks surgical attention since it makes the lens dens and then takes on other part of the eye. Cataract can also progress to another eye; however, one may have better vision than another.

The health ailment of cataract differs from a person to person and its pace in progression is also varied from some months to even years. For some fortunate individuals, cataract does not spread rapidly and the vision is least affected.

Weight Loss Supplements – hype or effective?

2009-01-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

“Lose 6 to 8 pounds a week, with no hassles ... and you will not gain back the weight you have lost once”, “Lose up to 1.5-2 kg daily, no physical workout or dietary restriction required!”, “Fat to fit within a month, just supplements, no hard working!” and lots of other stuffs really make a person mesmerized! These are among those innumerable advertisements that claim weight loss quickly and effectively.

The question arises there that such products or supplements touted by marketers of OTC weight-loss programs whether work? Are they just a hype or really effective? You can find such supplements everywhere; magazines and newspapers, on TV commercials or majority on the internet. There are millions of people buckle under such promises daily and throw away significant amount of money.

Statistics say that over $1.2 billion a year is spent for such weight loss supplements, many of them possess little or no scientific backup for effectivity and safety, particularly when used for a long time. In the journal of American Family Physician, 2004 issue, Dr. Robert B. Saper and his colleagues wrote that OTC dietary supplements for treating obesity attract many people who think them to work as magic bullets to lose weight. There are over fifty individual weight loss supplements and over 125 formulas with herbal extracts, none of which copes with medical standards.

The main reason for why people go for such supplements is a great misunderstanding. Much ballyhoo about such products having mesmerizing advertisements and claims with testimonials make people to think that supplements are approved by Health Ministry. In one telephonic survey by the Center for Survey and Research and Analysis, yearly approximately one and a half thousand people try such supplements; out of which, more than a half purchased as they thought supplements are tested and proved for safety and efficacy; they also thought that the FDA has passed the remedies.

However, there is no denial that the extracts from herbs such as Guggulu, Hoodia, and Garcinia may show good results but then they are to be combined with dietary restriction, exercises and other weight losing therapies in order to achieve good and safe results.

Flax Seed Oil - Essential Supplement for Essential You!
Our body requires essential fatty acids. Read on to learn about Flaxseed Oil as prime source of EFA.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1406601/flax_seed_oil_essential_supplement.html

Obesity - Run, before it catches you!

2008-09-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

All around the world, there are more than one billion overweight adults; at least 300 millions of them are obese. Obesity has become the modern world’s biggest health ailment with over 9000 deaths a year only in England. Obesity does not kill anyone but they are the complications that obesity brings over the times, ‘by default’. Since last 25 years, the cases of obesity have almost quadrupled and 2/3rd of UK adults are now labeled as overweight or obese. National Audit Office reports that being obese can eat-up nearly about nine years off the lifespan. Some of the major complications that can put your life in troublesome conditions include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), gall bladder stones (known as cholelithiasis), strokes, arthritis and in worse cases even sterility.

Prevention is always better than cure. Here too, you should keep yourself away coming out of your body frame. Let us understand the basics of obesity. Our body is made up of many complex systems such as cardiovascular, reproductive, excretory, respiratory system and many others. All these systems work continuously without any failure and if they give up, your life is at risk. They need fuel (we medically call it as calories) that we supply by the food we eat. Each edible item carries certain amount of calories; more or less. When you supply calories to the body, it utilizes them and produces energy to run, repair and maintain bodily systems. But what when you supply more than adequate? Yes, there the answer lies! Those extra calories, body stores as nothing but the fats.

So, one thing is sure that if you want to prevent obesity, you should not let the body store the fats anywhere in the body. When you have hint of getting overweight, start burning those calories that are might being stored and/or cut down the calorie supply. The easiest way losing calories and preventing obesity is to run, run and run! Running here means work fast and you should be swift runner. It could be amazing for you that each of your body movement burns calories. Whether you are moving pen from your pocket to the desk or you are at marathon! The best thing is to do jogging, brisk walking or running. Workout early in the morning in fresh air where the breeze welcomes you and tender sunlight spreads golden carpet for you!

Running 8 mph (about 7.5 minutes/mile) can burn 400 calories within half an hour and you just double it if you are running for an hour. Likewise, running 9 mph or 10 mph can burn almost 430 and 460 calories respectively preventing obesity. If you feel breathless, take rest in between and start again. Walking 4mph can also burn about 330 calories by an hour. You can walk or run accordingly to prevent obesity. If you walk fast, you lose almost one and a half time more calories than what you burn while walking normally. You can adopt habit of walking fast to be active and alert and to prevent obesity.

Running drastically improves your metabolism and it accelerates the blood circulation. It also provides you flexibility and free joint movements. However, if you are having any chronic disease such as hypertension, heart disease or you are being operated recently, you should take advice from your health advisor before running out.

For the people who are at risk of overwork, they can adopt jogging, brisk walking or even Treadmills instead of running to avoid obesity. Running, here, does not mean running strictly. You can adopt jogging, brisk walking, climbing stairs instead of elevators, walk fast in routine life and move fast doing each work. Our motto is to be as nimble as deer so that your body uses the food for nutrition rather than storing it as ‘buffer stock’ in the form of fats gifting you obesity!

Eating Junk Food During Pregnancy Could Harm Your Baby

2008-09-23T02:38:00.001-07:00

If you have a poor diet while you are pregnant or breastfeeding you could cause long-term damage to your child, animal studies have found. The offspring of rats that were fed fatty, processed food had high levels of fat in their bloodstream and around major organs even after adolescence.

The study, by the Royal Veterinary College and London’s Wellcome Trust, features in The Journal of Physiology. Previous studies by the same team have already shown that rats whose mothers were fed junk food during pregnancy and breastfeeding were more likely to crave similar snacks themselves. However, even when weaned off this diet themselves, the damage may already have been done, they suggest.

Dr Stephanie Bayol, one of the researchers, said: “It seems that a mother’s diet whilst pregnant and breastfeeding is very important for the long-term health of her child. We always say: ‘You are what you eat’, but in fact it may also be true that you are what your mother ate.”
Implicated in the development of type II diabetes, particular concern was raised toward fat gathering around the major organs. The rats with unhealthy mothers were found more likely to have this, even if they were weaned off the junk food diet.

There were interesting differences between the sexes, with the male offspring of unhealthy mothers showing higher levels of insulin and normal blood sugar, while the reverse was true of females, who also tended to be fatter. Professor Neil Stickland, another of the researchers said, “Humans share a number of fundamental biological systems with rats, so there is good reason to assume the effects we see in rats may be repeated in humans.” He said that studies in humans had “found links between the weight of parents and the weight of their children.”

Dr Pat Goodwin, from the Wellcome Trust, said that “the study supported the growing evidence that there were many different risk factors which could contribute to someone becoming overweight. Pregnancy can be a difficult time for many mothers, but it is important that they are aware that what they eat may affect their offspring.”

However, Dr Simon Langley-Evans, a nutrition researcher from the University of Nottingham, said that the study “did not prove that a mother’s diet could affect the health of offspring beyond the effect on cravings and appetite,” adding, “I’m not convinced they have shown this – everything you are seeing here could be the result of obesity caused by increased appetite. What it does show is that this early influence from the mother is very important.”

What You Should Know About Public Cord Blood Banking

2008-09-23T02:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone is becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of cord blood banking. As research has shown the benefits of stem cells for use in treating a number of different illnesses, expectant parents now have the option to secure a source of stem cells- umbilical cord blood.

Although cord blood banking is becoming more well-known, there are still many things about cord blood banking that are not generally known by the majority of parents. One of the primary confusions can be the difference between public cord blood banking and private or family cord blood banking.

When an expectant mother chooses to donate her baby’s cord blood stem cells to a public cord blood banking, it is similar to donating blood at a community blood drive. It is a good deed that will benefit society and possibly save a life. For the most part, this service does not cost the family anything. The ob/gyn doing the collecting may charge a small fee, which is sometimes covered by insurance. Other than that, the costs of publicly banking umbilical cord blood cells are covered by the public cord blood bank.

What some mothers do not realize is that a donation to a public cord blood bank will not directly benefit your specific child. Just as when you give blood at a blood drive, you are giving up the rights to that blood. Although a public cord blood bank will want to keep in touch with you in case they ever need more information about medical history, your family does not own the cord blood and does not have any say in how the cord blood is used. It may be used for a transplant for any person who is a match, or it may be used for research. An expectant mother who donates her baby’s cord blood to a public cord blood bank has definitely done something good to benefit society, but the blood will not be hers to use if her child develops a disease that could be cured by a cord blood stem cell transplant.

Currently, there are several things for which the medical field routinely uses umbilical cord blood stem cells as a treatment. These include a number of blood disorders and cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as different forms of anemia. Clinical trials are also currently being done to show the benefits of cord blood in treating things like diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and several other lesser-known disorders and diseases. It is highly likely that cord blood cells will be routinely used to treat these types of diseases in the future. There are also experiments being done to see the possible use of cord blood cells in treating arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s, as well as spinal cord injuries, and damaged organs.

If a mother wants to have her baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells for use by her own family, then she would need to pay for private or family cord blood banking. With most private blood banks, there is an initial collection fee, as well as a per-year storage fee for banking cord blood. Private storage of cord blood cells allows a family to have access to the cord blood cells for use in transplants to the child, siblings, and other family members that may be a match. Only one cord blood bank, Family Cord Blood Services, is now offering a public donation option, for families who would like to have the cord blood saved for them, but would like the option of donating it for public use in the future.

With this program, which families can decide to be a part of at the time of cord blood collection, the family will have the choice of donating the stored cells after 10 years of private storage. If the cells are chosen for a public transplant, the family may eligible for reimbursement of some storage fees.

When choosing to store umbilical cord blood, remember that all private cord blood banking services are not the same. While all private cord blood banks do save cord blood for your family’s exclusive use in the future, the methods of collection, transportation, and storage can vary. For example, Family Cord Blood Services offers a unique collection kit with thermal stability to maximize the viability of your baby’s cord blood. This is important because the cells can die if the blood gets too hot or too cold during transportation.

The Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood provides a comprehensive questionnaire for expectant parents to use when deciding on a private cord blood bank. It is also important to note that the more expensive cord blood banks are not always better than some of the less pricey options. You may have seen commercials on television for some cord blood banking companies. When companies spend a great deal of money on advertising each year, this money has to come from somewhere; often times it is reflected in the cost to the consumer. For this reason, it is important to shop around, making sure that you really are getting the best value

For more helpful information about cord blood banking, see some of the frequently asked questions about cord blood banking

Your Health and Microwave Cooking

2008-09-23T02:35:00.000-07:00

You often get mesmerized by mouthwatering dishes on your favorite TV shows and in your costly ‘Recipe Book’ with vivid colored photographs that really make your salivary glands to work instantly! With the list of ingredients and a note of cooking method, it becomes difficult for you to wait and you soon start cooking it in the microwave. Oh, the Microwave? You might be master operating this bonny electronic device but do you know what it exactly does ‘inside’ it?

You must get fully acquainted with the microwave cooking before it proves that you had committed mistake. Let us quickly understand the basics of the device. It is a form of electromagnetic energy exactly like what we have light-waves and radio-waves. It occupies a part of the electromagnetic spectrum of power or energy. Microwave is also used to relay long distance telecommunicating, TV programs and other computer information across the globe or to the satellite in the space. Now, the waves of the microwave energy are continuously moving above and below a horizontal baseline. The half cycle below the baseline has negative values and the other tone carries the positive. This results in like a magnet flipping back and forth as it rapidly changes its negative and positive values.

All the foods and liquids we consume are built up of molecules that carry positive and negative values. There the science lies! These molecules tend to act like microscopic magnets and the positive half cycle of the microwave, when penetrates the food, attracts negative molecules and very next moment, the cycle changes. This time, it gets negative half into the food and what happens is vice versa. Unbelievably, this happens millions of time within a minute (you can adjust the actual frequency of the RF energy that is almost 2450 million per second!) and as a result of that, there will be lot of bumping, rubbing, agitation and finally friction. As we know all, friction again causes heat inside and then the food gets cooked.

Now what health has to do with it? Yes it does have. Look at the baby food; studies suggest that the milk loses its important Vitamins if cooked in the microwave. In expressed breastmilk, if cooked in microwave, loses some protective properties. One of the most important things to know here is microwave heats the thing from inside out and not like in our normal cooking that heats first outer layer and then gets inside. This is troublesome for the baby as oftentimes it is seen that the mother takes off the bottle from the microwave, touches it, feels it just lukewarm and just gets it to the baby. She forgot about that ‘inside out’ matter that has made milk much hotter than she could ever imagine burning baby’s tongue, throat and lips.

There is something that the physicians and hematologists would take a serious note of is the number of leucocytes (protective cells of the body) drastically increases after eating microwave foods as this is often a sign of highly harmful effects as they observe in poisoning. In addition to that, two researchers namely Hertel and Balnc had observed that microwave cooking markedly changes the food nutrients and the Vitamins and proteins your body looks for gets nothing when it finds microwave cooked food. Furthermore, after eating microwave food, the hemoglobin levels in the blood decreases and the results show anemic tendencies.

Heating itself brings lots of changes in the food but microwave is many steps ahead of normal cooking. Ordinary cooking forms some radiolytic compounds (that is why eating thoroughly washed raw foods are recommended and getting popular) but one of the most violent change microwave causes to the food molecules is it forms new radiolytic compounds that are more toxic as compared to the food that is normally cooked. Such radiolytic components can cause deterioration in the blood and immune system. Some of unofficial studies reveal that microwaved plastic wrap reaches 10,000,000 times FDA limits of Carcinogens!

The conclusion is you can use microwave oven but not regularly. It is okay if you are in hurry (though all the time you are in!); you can use it but for babies and ill people do not use it. Dark green leafy vegetables are to be eaten raw (make delicious salads) and are never to be cooked in the microwave.

Using the microwave might cut-off the time as of now but can also cut-off few days or probably few months from your lifespan too!

Grapes – the ultimate natural rejuvenator

2008-09-23T02:33:00.000-07:00

What could be more ‘diet friendly’ than consuming the water? Grapes are about 80% of the water and that makes them a great low-calorie snacks or in a better way, a natural dessert! Unfortunately there is no any idiom favoring grapes as we have for the apple! In a race of having healthy fruits, these little ones are often ignored when you see big apples in front of you. Let us make it very clear today so that grapes get their value back into your mind. No wonder if you are not eating grapes, you are missing many things.

You might get astonished knowing that the whole cupful of Concord or Catawba grapes contain just 60 calories. That is much lesser than a piece of your favorite cheese loaded pizza. Grapes, as compared to other fruits, are very essential in restoring the health. Grapes are considered to be one of the most natural rejuvenators that can refine your body internally. There are many evidences we get from oldest scriptures related to healthcare that the people used to be only on grapes for months together in order to treat various health ailments. Today, a ‘grapefruit diet’ is advised by many healthcare providers and naturopaths.

Let us quickly look at what all grapes can do for us. Grapes simply mean ‘detoxification’. Grapes can cleanse the entire bodily systems and can also encourage weight loss. They are proven to be reducing the risks of coronary heart disease and other cancerous diseases. Grapes are rich sources of some Vitamins especially Vitamin A, B, B6 and folate. Grapes also contain a compound known as ‘pterostibene’. This substance carries the properties that can markedly reduce the high cholesterol levels and triglycerides, two of the main culprits giving raise to heart diseases.

Grapes are also gifted with some essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, selenium and magnesium. They all help boosting energy in the body and develop high immunity to withstand against various infections. Some of the researchers agree that grapes also contain copper, manganese and zinc.

In grapes, you can find abandon source of fiber and proteins. Fibers or roughage are known for their ‘fat binding’ capacity i.e. within the intestines, they can bind the fats with them and then expel them out with feces. In this way, they help absorption of the fats so used in weight loss treatment. Proteins build the body and provide physical strength. It is therefore, grapes can help reducing body weight while building the muscle mass. When the diet is restricted as a part of obesity treatment, it is very important to maintain the daily supplements that are very much required by the body. Here, grapes can play significant role since they provide less calories but high nutrition and probably that is why, grapes are considered as one of the best foods to lose weight without any side or harmful effects.

The grape seeds carry more medicinal properties than that of what grapes carry. Grape seeds are powerful antioxidant. This is because they contain something called ‘proanthocyanidins’ or ‘procyanidolic oligomers. Grape seeds can delay gaining naturally and help fighting the diseases. Amazingly, some of the grape seeds’ extracts are considered to have 50 times more value of natural Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Grape seeds are also known to have antiviral and anti-carcinogenic actions that can improve the blood circulation within the body. Grape skins are nutritious too and they are also said to be having anti-carcinogenic effects on the human body. This is because grape skin contains essential substance known as ‘resveratrol’. Researchers report that resveratrol can target the cancerous cells and destroy them.

Overall, grapes are rich in nutrients and they can be very beneficial in restoring the body metabolism. Grapes can restore the hormonal levels in the body and can stimulate the bodily organs to produce good quality enzymes that help digesting foods. Grapes are known blood purifiers and hence, ‘grape diet’ therapy is very good to flush out toxins from the bloodstream. However, a person with high glucose levels (diabetes) should consult a doctor first before adopting grapes as main food.

Apple Cider Vinegar – this acid has sweet benefits!

2008-09-23T02:31:00.000-07:00

Though apple cider vinegar is produced by fermenting apples and is acidic solution, unlike other acids, if taken in correct quantity and diluted, will not burn you anyways. In fact, one of the characters of apple cider vinegar is burning the fats and not you. Apple cider vinegar is also known as cider vinegar and is often sold unfiltered. The vinegar has brownish-yellow color and it smells typical vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar has drawn everybody’s attention in past few years and the market for this wonderful supplement (yes, we will call it as supplement) is skyrocketing in cosmetic industry. It has alleged benefits on health and beauty but thought it is very popular across the world. Its benefits must make you remember ‘Old Wives Tale’ – “an apple a day keeps a doctor away” and “to eat an apple before going to bed makes a doctor beg for his bread!”.

Researchers have measured about 90 different substances in apple cider vinegar. Thirteen types of carbolic acids, four aldehydes, eight ethyl acetates, twenty ketones and eighteen types of alcohols and the list go on…! Apple cider vinegar also contains some of the most essential minerals, Vitamins and trace elements and some important acids such as lactic acid, acetic acid, amino acid and a lot of enzymes. In the form of potash and apple pectin, experts do not deny that apple cider vinegar is good in roughage too.

The minerals and trace elements are potassium, fluorine, iron, copper, chlorine, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon and sulfur. Apple cider vinegar has significant amounts of Vitamins like C, E, B1, B2, B6, A and Provitamins like beta-carotene.

The whole caboodle of those wonderful essential elements make apple cider vinegar a potential supplements for human beings. The vinegar is very effective in detoxifying various organs and so the systems in our body. Apple cider vinegar is a blood purifier and it helps breaking down the fatty tissues, extra mucous and phlegm deposits from the respiratory tract. It also boosts up kidney, bladder, liver and pancreas functions that help digesting and/or filtering toughest materials if any. Apple cider vinegar will help oxidizing the blood that will consequently prevent the blood from becoming thicker and gluey, one of the most dangerous conditions that can bring various life-threatening problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Apple cider vinegar is known to promote digestion and assimilation in the body. it helps eliminating the unwanted materials from the bloodstream and also help flushing the toxins from the blood and lymphatic systems. Off the official notes, there are many examples of people who regularly take a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water just before meals and are unaffected by indigestion, diarrhea, stomach upsets and/or abdominal cramps. This also indicates that the vinegar help neutralizing toxic material eaten if any.

In order to get maximum benefit out of this wonderful supplement, one can take it daily or very frequently. The only thing to be noted is it should be taken diluted. You can take 1-3 tsp of apple cider vinegar just before meals diluted into water or any fruit juice. Some people report that taking apple cider vinegar diet pills are far easier than to consume it raw. This also helps getting rid of acidity, which is, however, a rare case if taken diluted.

Apple cider vinegar has also been used as very effective agent against obesity. Many weight loss programs include supplements of apple cider vinegar. Since Lord Byron made it popular in 1820s, the vinegar has been tagged as a ‘diet miracle’ according to Fad Diet Timeline by the American Dietetic Association.

Organic food – the nature always favors you

2008-09-23T02:29:00.001-07:00

Nowadays, the scenario of modern society one that keeps on struggling to find is equilibrium and wellbeing state when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Today, all of us are bombarded with the newer and better products in the market that all are manufactured in order to help us achieving optimum health. But for many people who have traveled on this path so many times, the answer is quite easy; a healthy lifestyle would begin and end with a nutritious diet that is rich in whole food. But as we might know the types of foods we must eat – fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains – we have now different and great choice – that of organic foods.

You can ask any organic food enthusiast and they would tell you whole heartedly about the health benefits of having such edibles. And once you learn all the required information, it would be difficult to ignore the substantial differences between organic foods and foods those are grown or produced in any traditional environmental conditions.

Organic foods are grown and raised by a group of committed organic farmers who work in strictly enforced guidance that are established by the government of concerned nation. Products that are grown organically are done so without using any pesticides or chemical additives. Chemicals and pesticides, nevertheless, are used on traditional farming fields. And as there was no much consideration given to additives when we find fruits and vegetables in the cornershop or supermarket, the reality lies that insufficient researches have been done regarding the long term unwanted and side-effects of such chemicals on the human bodies.

The same remains fact for agricultural and dairy farming practices too. In such case, when agricultural and/or dairy farmer starts feeding their livestock supplements and hormones to accelerate their growth and milk production in a traditional way, organic farmer does just the opposite. There, the animals are given only organic feeds and are not supplied with any chemicals or hormones.

Organic foods have benefits that reach the environment as well. Organic farming does mean that the ground is not supplied with chemical or pesticide run-off. Organic farmer is strongly committed to the environment and the products are only considered certified organic food when the farmer has strictly followed the rules and regulations and the products meet certain criteria and standards. The organic foods can bring significant profits to one’s health and that of those who you love a lot. In addition, such consumption shows a dedication towards the environment and the future of our valuable planet.

When it is concerned to organic foods, it is quite essential to learn that it’s not just anybody can make organic food. There are very strict rules and regulations. The companies that manufacture foods and organic foods first need to earn a certificate by the Quality Assurance International group (QAI) and it must undergo stringent safety and other measurements including some strict tests. Once they pass thoroughly, they meet high standards. When this all is done, the final products are then stamped with a Certified Organic by QAI sticker or label. This certificate helps giving many comforts in knowing that the foods that people consume are truly worth!

Another reason why organic foods are better for anyone is because it generally tastes better. They help restoring the hormonal levels and enzymes. They are comparatively light to digest and never bother intestines. They are fuller of Vitamins and minerals as compared to other artificially grown vegetables. An organic food also boosts the immunity and hence, the body becomes capable withstanding against various infections and other health ailments.

Vitamin A – it can catch anyone’s eyes!

2008-09-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

Vitamin A is medically known as the ‘retinol’. It is stored in the liver and maintains healthy bones, teeth and especially soft tissues as we have them in our eyes. It also protects mucus membrane that line important organs such as nose, mouth, lungs and throat from various infections. The word ‘retinol’ is given since Vitamin A produces the pigments that are essential for working of the retina and they are also helpful to maintain a normal and clear vision. It is therefore, deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to weak eyesight and in severe cases, the night-blindness. Retinol is a fat soluble Vitamin and is required to assure proper functioning of the immune system of the body.

The main source of Vitamin A is from animal; however, its precursor form (called as beta-carotene or a provitamin A) can be found in plants that have typical colors like dark green as in vegetables and bright color as in fruits and other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and beet roots etc. Since retinol is a fat-soluble Vitamin, it gets dissolved and remains in the adipose tissues (fats). In short, it can remain in the body and unlike other Vitamins, do not get excreted by body in any way. They are required in little quantity and hence, Vitamin A, if consumed in excess, can produce toxic reactions in the body.

A precursor of Vitamin A, beta-carotene carries antioxidant properties and hence, it helps dealing with unstable chemicals such as free radicals that are known for their ‘cell destructive’ capacity. Free radicals are by-products of the body while the process of metabolism is going on. They continuously get produced and over the times, when the amount of such radicals become significant, they start troubling body systems and then they increase the potential for hurt to the bodily tissues.

Precursor of retinol can help reducing the production of free radicals and neutralize them that are already present in the body and the body is prevented from major health ailments such as cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions and other autoimmune diseases.

Other knock-on effects of Vitamin A include proper tissue growth and repair, healthy skin, protection against airborne infections and pollutions, strengthening bones and teeth, preventing certain oral cancers (up to some extent), counteracting night-blindness and weak eyesight. Some health experts agree that retinol can also help in rejuvenating the entire reproductive tract along with its organs.

Vitamin A (retinol) is available in abandon quantity in kale, fish liver oil, spinach, carrots, and broccoli and in liver. Fortunately, we can also supply Vitamin A from outside. Vitamin supplements such as pills, syrups and powder can be fortified with Vitamin A and is prescribed in certain dosage for certain period.

The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A in North America is 5000 IU (more accurately – 1000 RE) for men and 4000 IU (more accurately – 800 RE) for females. The children require about 400-700 RE. Vitamin A, if taken in excess quantity, can produce some hazardous conditions; for instance, an excess quantity of vitamin A can produce liver toxicity

Pregnancy Diet - Remember, you carry two lives!

2008-09-23T02:27:00.000-07:00

Now you are not the only one so dear to your hubby, there is a little one in your womb who too is so important. Pregnancy is the result of successful meeting of your egg with the sperm. The egg is now fertilized and it has started multiplying itself and soon it will shape up in someone who will be the apple of your eye. In short, when you are pregnant, remember that you carry two lives; you and your baby.

Since you carry two lives, you require everything double? Not exactly but yes, you certainly need everything extra, most importantly the diet. Pregnancy diet has its own importance and all the nutrients are to be supplied well throughout the pregnancy period and even after child’s birth because the mother then will be lactating mother. The basic concept of providing extra nutrition is the woman will be requiring more nutrition in three ways; she needs nutrition for herself; for her growing baby and for the baby to store energy.

When one is pregnant, she should eat well both; in nutrition and in quantity. She needs extra proteins, vitamins, calcium and iron. Generally, a doctor expects pregnant woman to put on weight by 2-5 pounds minimum. However, in obese pregnant women, the figure may vary. Researchers from the University of Southampton and their colleagues from Bergen and Oslo observed that babies of slimmer mothers (women with lower body fats) and those having no balanced diet have greater liver blood flow and can divert less blood away from the liver in later stage of the pregnancy and hence it can affect function of the liver in later stage of life. This may result in having heart disease and diabetes in the offspring. Dr. Charmaine Griffiths from British Heart Foundation further supports the trial saying, ”This study shows how important it is for women to eat a balanced diet packed full of fruit and vegetables, before and during pregnancy”.

Pregnant women normally require higher levels of Vitamins and minerals. Iron is important for the blood, calcium for bones and folic acids supplements for protecting against some birth defects of the spine and brain in infant. On an average pregnant woman require to increase 100 calories a day during first trimester and 300 calories/day during second and third trimester. This can easily be achieved by adding something extra. For example, an extra snack before bedtime consisting of any one fruit (apple), a serving of milk (200 ml) and a few biscuits (3-4 in numbers) will be sufficient.

A doctor undoubtedly prescribes health supplements such as folic acid pills, Vitamin pills, iron supplements (could be a syrup containing elemental iron), calcium tablets and other health tonic (containing zinc, magnesium, copper etc). As prenatal supplements you generally require 4000-5000 IU of Vitamin A, 400 IU of Vitamin D, 250-350 mg calcium, 800-1000 mcg folic acid, 15 mg of zinc, 30 mg of iron, 10 mg of Vitamin E and balanced Vitamin B complex. Fortunately, all are available as supplements that we have in the form of pills.

However, you can get extra protein from lean meat, low-fat dairy products, legumes; extra Vitamin B1 from peanuts, yeast extracts, sunflower seeds, whole grains; Vitamin B2 from some dairy products and yeast extracts; folate from sweet corn, asparagus, legumes, broccoli; extra Vitamin C from citrus fruit, kiwi, berries, capsicums; extra calcium from dairy, fish, leafy vegetables and soy products; and extra irons from dark-green leafy vegetables, read and other meats, legumes and whole grains.

Fruit juices and vegetable juices are to be increased since they provide enough roughage that help preventing constipation, a common problem in pregnancy. You should also drink enough water that is a natural flusher and cleanser for the intestines.
Foods and drinks to be avoided include fish (such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tile fish) as they carry some levels of mercury. MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate) is another thing to be avoided and hence, think twice having any Chinese food! You should also avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption since they affect pregnancy and development of the baby.

Beginner’s guide: Folic Acid – Vitamin B9

2008-09-23T02:26:00.000-07:00

Our body is made up of zillions of cells. They all make an organ and many organs make the system. Human body is having most complicated anatomy and physiology and hence, it required lots of researches in order to empathize it. A normal human being performing normal tasks is by dint of series of successful chemical reactions and other bodily equations. All the systems of the body require energy and nutrients to maintain and perform their day-to-day tasks. Vitamins are the groups of organic substances that are very essential in body for growth, development, maintenance and assimilation of the food we consume.

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, pteroylglutamic acid or folate is one of those few important nutrients for the formation of red and white blood cells. Healthy cells keep human in homeostasis (metabolic equilibrium that keeps the human body physically and mentally stable) and these healthy cells depend upon the continued and flawless replication of our DNA. DNA can severely be harmed by catastrophic attacks by free radicals and therefore, adequate antioxidant status plays keyrole in maintaining cell health. Recently, researches revealed that they are not only antioxidants that protect our DNA but Vitamin B, especially folic acids equally or probably even more potential in ensuring the proper replication of the DNA. The conclusion is further supported when we find deficiency of folic acid ending into some of the chronic diseases such as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, stroke, cervical and/or colon malignancy, hearing loss and the most popular one – neural tube defects.

Folinic acid, folic acid or folacin is necessary for the synthesis of adenine and thymine. They are two of the four nucleic acids that build up the genes, chromosomes and most importantly the DNA. It is essential for the metabolism of the body by which, the body converts food particles into the consumable forms and then absorbs nutrients from them. Folic acid is water-soluble Vitamin and hence, cannot be stored in the body as the fat-soluble Vitamins can be. It gets passed through urine and hence, a daily supplement of Vitamin B9 becomes mandatory.

Vitamin B9 supports Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C helping the body to destruct faulty, create new and use healthy proteins in the body. Folic acid also play important role in building up the body and providing strength and immunity to fight against various infections.

Deficiency in folic acid can result into ulcers, swollen tongue (termed as glossitis), menstrual problems, birth defects (baby’s brain or spine can be damaged) and anemia (low hemoglobin level in the blood resulting into paleness of the body, lethargy and low-immunity). The healthcare provider never misses to prescribe Vitamin B9 supplements to the pregnant woman or even to a lady who is planning to have baby. Health experts recommend daily supplementation of folic acid in the dosage of 250 mcg/day (for children), 400 mcg/day (for adults) and 600 mcg/day (for pregnant woman).

Fortunately, folic acid can be supplied in the form of pills. But then, there are natural sources that too provide enough folate. Beans and legumes, citrus fruits and juices, liver, poultry and shellfish, wheat bran and other whole grains are good sources of folate. One can also include dark green leafy vegetables that provide folic acid and also roughage (fiber) that help cleansing the intestines and prevent constipation making stools soft and easy to defecate.

Vitamin E - An Easy Source of Antioxidants

2008-09-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is proven to be the best antioxidant; an agent helps to protect the body from the free radicals. Free radicals are those harmful substances that can damage the body cells and they can also increase the risks for getting heart diseases and some life-threatening conditions such as cancerous growth.

Vitamin E is very important factor for the body since its deficiency can cause nervous disorders and it can also lead to some health ailments related to the eyes. However, the deficiency of the Vitamin E, luckily, is very rare but then too; low levels of Vitamin E can cause hemolytic anemia. The deficiency is generally found in the people who cannot absorb the fats normally. This is because Vitamin E is fat-soluble and hence, needs dietary fats to get absorbed.

This Vitamin exists in eight different forms and each of them has its own biological activities that are measured of potency or functional usage in the human body. In humans, the most active form of the Vitamin E is known as Alpha-tocopherol and hence Vitamin E supplements are generally sold as Alpha-tocopheryl acetate, which is a form of alpha-tocopherol. It has capability to act as powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are very necessary to save body cells from free radicals. Free radicals are obvious to present in the body since they are the byproducts of energy metabolism of the body.

Fortunately, Vitamin E can be found in abandon quantity in many foods we eat. Vegetable oils are one of the best sources of Vitamin E. Other common sources of the Vitamin include nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals. Wheat germ, sesame seeds, peanuts and sunflower seeds are few of the great sources of Vitamin E. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin E is about 15-20 mg (i.e. 22.5-28.5 IU) a day. About 90% of the Vitamin E is stored in the adipose tissues (fatty tissues) in the body and rest of it is stored in the cell membranes.

The human body is made up of zillions of cells and the cells make an organ. Many organs make body systems. The wellbeing and optimum health is the result of plenty of successful bodily chemical reactions. Vitamin E is also considered to be an agent that can inhibit the activities of protein kinase C. It also affects the expressions and activities of immune and inflammatory cells. Vitamin E is also known to protect polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from oxidation since it destroys peroxyl radicals. Vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation and the Vitamin is also involved in signal transduction in the nerve cells because the Vitamin is closely linked with nerve cell membranes and other lipids related to the nervous system of the human body.

There are many researches that favor that natural Vitamin E can dramatically reduce the heart diseases and other heart related problems. It can reduce cardiovascular death and/or serious cardiovascular disease very significantly as studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Some of the clinical trials also favor Vitamin E as an agent that can help in cataracts, cancerous growth, muscular pains and strains. Topically, this Vitamin can enhance the beauty and hence, in many cosmetic products, Vitamin E has been used. Vitamin E can also be supplied as dietary health supplements generally as gelatin capsules.

Iron - an essential supplement

2008-09-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

Iron is a mineral that the human body requires to produce red blood cells. It is very essential to nearly all known living beings. Within the living cell, iron is stored in the center of metalloproteins since ‘free’ iron that binds non-specifically to any cellular components can catalyze the production of the free radicals, toxic substances for the body.

In any case, when the body is not supplied with sufficient amount of iron then body is unable to produce the number of normal red blood cells, result of that the body loses its healthy state. This kind of shortage is called as iron deficiency (iron shortage) or popularly, iron deficiency anemia. In animals, plants and even in fungi, the iron is often incorporated into the ‘heme’ complex, a complex that mediates redox reactions and contains important substances such as hemoglobin (that carries oxygen), myoglobin and leghemoglobin.

Although many health conscious people across the world get enough from their normal diet but some take additional amounts to meet their needs. Fortunately, iron can be supplied from outside into the body in the form of pills, injections and syrups. The body requires iron to function properly but there are some cases where the body requires more iron. Such conditions include bleeding problems, burns, hemodialysis, stomach removal, intestinal disease, pregnancy, childhood etc. Iron is just like a metal iron that provides ‘solid state’ to the body in the form of immunity and our body gets power to work and to resist it against various microorganisms.

Iron is available in the diet in two forms; heme iron that can be well absorbed and nonheme iron that is poorly absorbed. The best source for the iron (heme iron) in diet is lean red meat. Chicken, turkey and fish can also be consumed as they too are good sources of iron. In vegetarian foods, cereals, beans and some vegetables contain nonheme (poorly absorbed) iron. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruit and fresh vegetables can increase the amount of nonheme iron absorbed from beans, cereals and vegetables if eaten with small amounts of heme-iron containing foods. However, some of the foods such as eggs, spinach, and milk can decrease the amount of nonheme iron absorbed from the food we eat. Scientifically, one can get some additional iron that can be gained by cooking foods in iron pots or utensils.
Here, one thing is to be noted that the RDA and RNI expresses iron as an ‘elemental’ iron that is an actual amount of iron.

The requirement of iron differs from age to age; for instance, infants and children under 3 years of age require about 6mg a day, up to 10 years require about 10mg and adult females may require 15mg on an average. Females require more iron since they are losing blood regularly as menstrual cycle. If the woman is pregnant, she requires double iron and breastfeeding mothers require about 15mg a day.

The side effects of iron include diarrhea or constipation, headache, metallic taste, nausea or vomiting, skin rash etc. Some people may experience abdominal pain or cramp. However, before adopting any supplement, it is always advisable to consult physician.

Calcium – the strength is within our reach

2008-09-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

Calcium is considered to be very essential our everyday health. It not only builds up the bones but it also plays an important role in maintaining the blood pressure in the body. It keeps the bones and teeth strong throughout the life and ensures proper functioning of the muscles and nerves. Calcium is also very helpful in clotting of the blood. Long-term calcium deficiency may lead to the condition called as osteoporosis, wherein the bones deteriorate and then there is increased risk of getting fractures. Opposite to that, when there is over-retention of calcium, a condition is called as hypercalcemia that can impair kidney function and can alter absorption of other essential minerals.

Calcium is what everybody is aware of since we find word ‘calcium’ everywhere; on toothpaste tube, orange juice container, supplements etc. The history of calcium has glorious history that goes back to the first century when the Romans prepared lime as calcium oxide but a man from England named Sir Humphrey Davy, isolated calcium in the year of 1808. Calcium is soft, grayish colored metallic element that can be derived from calcium fluoride by using electrolysis. If it is burned, the flame would be yellowish-red and once it gets exposed to the air, it turns into white nitride coating.

For muscles, calcium is the most essential element among all as because of calcium, the muscles can contract. Calcium also performs some of the vital roles such as regulating the heartbeats and transmitting the nerve impulses and maintaining the fluid balance within the cellular levels. In United States, estimation says that about 50-70% of the adults do not get enough calcium in their normal diet. For the absorption of calcium, human body requires Vitamin D that is produced with the help of sunlight.

The prime source of calcium is all kinds of dairy products. Products like cheese, milk, milk powder etc. provide sufficient quantity of calcium. Other sources include nuts, seeds, beans, shrimp, broccoli, oysters, okra and dark green leafy vegetables. Luckily, we can supply calcium in the form of pills from outside. Many manufacturers use shells (from the ocean) to gain natural calcium. Calcium is also supplied by fortifying some foods as we have many food packets enriched with calcium and other minerals (as in biscuits).

According to latest research, calcium can help reducing the body weight in a significant way (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in the month of July 2006). However, it is not to be mistaken that getting too much dairy products like cheese can help you reducing the body weight. The calcium is to be supplied by the food that is less in calories. Broccoli, quinoa etc are good sources of calcium and they not only provide you such an essential element but also power you up by providing proteins. Coral calcium supplements are considered to be very great, natural and safe source.

We require different amount of calcium at different stages of our lives. For instance, growing children and pregnant woman require more calcium as compared to normal adult man or woman. Recommended daily calcium intake varies from 1-1.5 gm.

Vitamin C - A Natural Healer

2008-09-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

In the year of 1536, the French explorer Jacques Cartier looked into the St. Lawrence River and used folk sciences’ knowledge to save his colleague who was highly infected by scurvy. To save him, Jacques boiled the needles of the tree known as Arbor Vitae and made a tea out of it that was later discovered to have 50 mg of Vitamin C per 100 gm. Then onwards, the time witnesses great discoveries and advancement in medical science and as a hallmark, from 1928-1933, the Hungarian research team of Joseph Svirbely and Albert Szent-Györgyi and, another American Charles Glen King got success and showed isolated Vitamin C as ascorbic acid and for this, Szent-Györgyi were honored the Nobel Prize in Medicine in the year of 1937.

Today, we have great instruments using what we now know much more about each molecule and element that plays important role in building and maintaining the human body. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient of all living organisms including plants and its presence makes important metabolic reactions possible in all animals and also in plants. Ascorbic acid is generally made internally by almost all the living organisms, human beings, being the only exceptions.

Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is very essential in the synthesis of collagen in the connective tissues, in almost all neurochemicals (also called as neurotransmitters) and certain steroid hormones. It has significant role in conversion of cholesterol to the bile acids and Vitamin C also heightens the bioavailability of the iron. All the medical sciences agree that ascorbic acid is one of the greatest antioxidants and hence acts as the shield against various infections and free radicals.

It is the best healer and hence, no wonder that you receive Vitamin C supplement if your wound is not healing properly or it is getting delayed. L-ascorbic acid promotes the healthy cell development and it makes proper absorption of the calcium in the body. Being a biological reducing agent, it is also said to prevent some of the degenerative disease such as cataracts and also some of the cardiovascular diseases and certain cancerous conditions.

Vitamin C is an important element for healthy gums and deficiency of which can cause bleeding gums. This Vitamin is also known to provide energy to the body as all of us must have experienced energetic after having some lemon drink or a simple orange juice. Researchers say that it can significantly reduce the risks of having cataracts and consuming more Vitamin C may help improving lung functions. Increased antioxidant such as ascorbic acid can also lower your risk of having Alzheimer’s disease. This important Vitamin also prevents the LDL from being oxidized and hence decreases the risk of arteriosclerosis. In addition, Vitamin C also possesses antihypertensive, antiviral and immunomodulatory properties.

L-ascorbic acid is water soluble and hence, unfortunately, it cannot be stored in the body and it gets expelled out in urine. Therefore, it is important to take supplement of Vitamin C regularly, on daily basis. The dosage underneath RDA – Recommended Dietary Allowance is about 80-90 mg per day. However, this is minimum amount but different countries follow different dosage. For instance, in the UK it is 40 mg per day; as per WHO it is 45 mg; Health Canada suggests taking 60 mg per day; and 60-95 mg/day is recommended by US National Academy of Sciences. You can take 80-100 mg/day as standard one.

The sources of Vitamin C includes almost all citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, berries, broccoli, potatoes with skins, green and red pepper, spinach, mint and lemons. Fortunately, we can supply Vitamin C in the form of pills and syrups and hence, its deficiency can be tackled well. Vitamin C gets destroyed if cooked and when exposed more under sunlight. They are best consumed as raw salads and hence, you should squeeze lemon when the food is cooked and not during the cooking process to save its potency.