Browse Category: Nutrients & Supplements
Fatty acids are needed in your everyday diet. So much so, that many food companies enhance their products with the ever-important omega-3 fatty acids. There are three types of these omega-3 acids: ALA, EPA and DHA. Each has their own health benefits and come from different sources. But is one (or two) more effective than the other? Looks like it. Recent reports indicate that EPA/DHA is winning out over ALA in the Omega-3 battle.
Though you may believe that choosing a natural or herbal supplement over a chemical one is the safer choice, this is not always true. Due to the fact that dosages can be incorrect, many supplements are not FDA approved, and other significant variables, you must be more aware of what you are putting in your body in regards to herbal health supplements. Here are some valuable supplement safety tricks and tips for anyone considering purchasing herbal supplementation for general wellness and specific health conditions.
Europe is effectively the most influential entity at Codex and the EU Food Supplements Directive is essentially the de facto blueprint for the Codex Guidelines for vitamin and mineral supplements.
As a result of international trade agreements such as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), Codex texts, guidelines and standards are effectively mandatory for all WTO Members.
L-Carnitine is a natural nutrient that stems from the amino acids Lysine and Methionine. A suitable supply of L-Carnitine is necessary to support the maintenance of good health. It also can aid in the energy level of a person during intense physical workouts. Muscle contraction, the regulation of protein balance and maintenance of a healthy heart are also helped with L-Carnitine. Keep reading to discover where L-Carnitine is found and the many health benefits associated with taking this supplement.
A great deal of discussion is taking place within the natural products industry on this subject. Arguably, there appears to be no single and categorical obligation for governments to adopt Codex standards and guidelines.
However, the preamble to the SPS Agreement (to which all WTO Members are signatories) specifically mentions Codex and states that WTO Members (and hence all SPS signatories) desire:
"To further the use of harmonized sanitary and phytosanitary measures between Members on the basis of international standards, guidelines and recommendations developed by the relevant international organizations, including the Codex Alimentarius Commission."
Originally designed by military and business leaders from the pharmaceutical industry in Germany shortly after World War II, historically, Codex was evolved from a collection of standards and product descriptions for a wide variety of foods developed in the Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1897 and 1911. Austria subsequently pursued the creation of a regional food code, the "Codex Alimentarius Europaeus" between 1954 and 1958.
The European Union is without doubt the single most powerful influence on international Codex conferences and discussions. European Council documents acknowledge the increasing legal relevance that the various Codex Alimentarius guidelines and standards have acquired:
"... by virtue of the reference made to the Codex Alimentarius in the WTO Agreements and the presumption of conformity which is conferred on relevant national measures when they are based on such standards, guidelines or recommendations adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Likewise, we also acknowledge that one of the objects of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is to harmonise worldwide health standards."
In the United States, the European Food Supplements Directive and Codex would appear to be completely irrelevant largely due to massive efforts that lead to the passage of the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994.
In fact, Codex is barely even on the radar as a real threat to the natural health industry in the U.S. DSHEA is perceived to be an unbreakable steel barrier to Codex or Europe's legislative influence or any other "foreign" attempt to breach America's "safe haven" status for the natural health and nutritional innovative industries.
Part One: A storm is brewing...
The future of each nation's natural health industry, nutritional innovation and each individual's personal freedom of choice regarding access to a wide range of vitamin supplements, amino acids, herbs and ancient and modern traditional medicines, appears with little doubt to be at genuine risk in the not-too-distant future. One can later speculate and even try to reason the intentions and motivations that have brought about this situation; however, it is certain that the situation exists and is no accident of circumstances.
Do you take vitamins and supplements? You may have reasons why you do, or don’t, support your diet with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements. But do you really need them? A now well-known article in the
New York Times questioned whether or not people need to take vitamins and supplements in order to stay healthy. While the
New York Times is a trusted news source, we have something to say on that issue. Keep reading to find out why "maintaining a balanced diet" just might not be enough . . .
Probably one of the most talked about and widely known herbal remedies today is Echinacea. It is often said to be the “end all, cure all” way for boosting the immune system. It is time for skeptics to take a close look at what modern science has to say about the benefits of this wonder herb. According to recent scientific studies, Echinacea has been known to help heal wounds when applied topically and when ingested it is suggested to give the immune system an extra boost to help ward off infection.
Supplements can be a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, but like anything that you put into your body, you need to feel confident that you’re taking the best possible quality and that those supplements are safe to use. Several myths swirl around supplements, but we’ve got the answers to 5 frequently asked questions that will help you make wise decisions! Keep reading . . .
You might be wondering what is comfrey since it is not a commonly used word. Comfrey refers to an herb that has a host of medicinal uses. It belongs to the family Boraginaceae comprising a black root and large leaves that bear small bell shaped flowers in different colors including cream, white, pink or purple. It is a native of Europe and grows abundantly in grassy and damp places. It is wide spread all over the British Isles. The herb has been recognized by herbalists as well as organic gardeners for its versatility and usefulness. It constitutes vitamin B12, steroidal saponins, mucilage, tannins, inulin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and proteins. It also comprises 18 amino acids. The herb is also a good source of vitamin C, protein, A and B12, and it comprises other B-complex vitamins. The herb is rich in fiber as well as minerals including potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, zinc, copper, germanium and selenium. Keep reading to discover what comfrey can do for you.
Vitamin C is at the top of the list among natural immune boosters for your body. The research on the immune boosting properties of the vitamin has been extensive. Your body’s immune system offers protection against a host of viruses as well as health ailments. It is of paramount importance that your body's immunity be enhanced in order to increase its ability to ward off diseases. When your body has a weak immune system is becomes vulnerable to viruses resulting in you getting sick. The best way to give a boost to your immune system is by improving the nutritional value of your diet.
Mom sure knew what she was talking about when she made sure you took your vitamin every day. Unfortunately, you may have left that habit at the breakfast table since growing up. A recent study showed that a shocking 25 percent of American adults are deficient in a very important vitamin. Are you? Keep reading to find out how you might actually be putting your life in danger by being deficient.
You hear a lot about B vitamins and how they are good for you, but you may not know much about them other than that. The “B vitamins” refer to eight vitamins that play an important role in cell metabolism. Previously the B vitamins were thought to be one vitamin. Research, however, has shown that there are eight chemically distinct vitamins that coexist in the same food items. The supplements that comprise all the eight vitamins are known as Vitamin B complex. Keep reading to learn more about the miracle of B vitamins. . .
Dr. Mindell, in your book, Prescription Alternatives, you say that Americans have a pill-popping mindset. Do you think this is getting better as alternative therapies become more popular?
I’d say no, absolutely not. It’s 100 times worse than it was before, and it’s going to continue because the advertising of these prescription drugs is becoming more prolific.
In our "Under the Microscope" series, we're presenting you with scientific articles about recent discoveries in alternative health. Some of the most commonly used but also misunderstood drugs available today are caffeine, aspirin, and ephedrine. While some of the side-effects or adverse effects may be valid cause for concern, the upside to all three should be carefully considered. Taking a take a look at the benefits of all three may shed new light on their many uses and benefits. Keep reading to discover why caffeine, aspirin and ephedrine, without question, have beneficial properties.
In modern society, sleep is often sacrificed to work or studying. Chinese herbs can help restore your sleep cycle to a more natural and healthier circadian rhythm.
Just a few days ago, a hospital in China published an article stating that a combination of four different herbs was able to successfully treat many people with swine flu (H1N1). This article describes these herbs.
