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July 2, 2004
MILK THISTLE – NOW IN STOCK!!!
Many (many) of you asked for it, and we’ve finally got it! For those not so “in the know,” Milk Thistle is an herb commonly used to protect the liver and kidneys.
Let’s start at the beginning. Milk thistle is a common plant (what you might call a “weed” at times). Over the ages, milk thistle’s seeds have been used medicinally, with the active element in these seeds called “silymarin”. Try saying that one ten times fast!
Silymarin protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage and by stimulating the production of healthy new liver cells. Silymarin also protects the kidneys in much the same way.
Many take milk thistle for other ailments including gallbladdar and adrenal disorders, a weakened immune system, chronic hepatitis B or C, and other liver maladies. It has also been shown in a few studies to support prostrate and breast health.
Our Milk Thistle was tested and results show that the silymarin content was just over 142mg (label claim is 140mg)!
“NEW” SUBLINGUAL B FORMULATION – MORE ABSORBABLE B12!
Based on member demand, we have upgraded the form of B12 in our Sublingual B Trio to methylcobalamin (we formerly used cyanocobalamin). Methylcobalamin is a coenzyme form and a more natural form.
While methylcobalamin is active immediately upon absorption, cyanocobalamin must be converted to the coenzyme form first. The rate at which this conversion occurs may be reduced by aging, making one deficient in this essential vitamin.
Well, we certainly didn’t want our, er, “older” members to have to wait around for their B12 to kick in, so we revised our formula accordingly.
To order our new and improved Sublingual B Trio, click here!
QUESTIONS & COMMENTS ON ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
Last week, we introduced a new product, Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Kudos came from many of our members, who had been waiting patiently (and not so patiently) for us to offer this anti-aging supplement.
After our newsletter announcement, we received some interesting questions and comments in regards to acetyl-L-carnitine and thought we would share a few:
What are the differences and similarities between l-Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine?
Both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are vitamin-like compounds that are responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing units in the cells: the mitochondria.
L-Carnitine is naturally found in the body, mostly in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Normal heart functions depend on adequate concentrations of l-carnitine – and if that is depleted, then there is a risk of angina and heart disease.
Since angina or heart disease patients have a decreased supply of oxygen to their heart, supplementation with l-carnitine normalizes l-carnitine levels and allows the heart muscle to utilize its oxygen supply more efficiently.
While improving fat metabolism and increasing energy production in the heart muscle, it also removes the toxic fatty acids (short/medium chain). These compounds can impair heart muscle contractility, increasing irregular beats and possibly leading to death of heart tissue.
Acetyl-l-carnitine is like a “super carnitine”. It is an ester of l-carnitine and is converted to l-carnitine in the body. Acetyl-l-carnitine is naturally manufactured in the human brain and found to be substantially more effective than l-carnitine in conditions that involve the brain.
Acetyl-l-carnitine increases the brain's supply of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory function. Acetyl-l-carnitine is often used as a kind of "brain food" -- it appears to have a positive effect on memory and mood and seems to slow down the aging of brain cells and the associated deterioration of many mental functions (like with Alzheimer’s patients).
L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are both present in human sperm. Increased levels of these compounds appear to address male infertility and increase sperm motility.
What can you tell me about a recent study that suggests acetyl-l-carnitine improves symptoms of male aging including sexual dysfunction?
The April 2004 issue of Journal of Urology published the results of an Italian study noting that carnitine is more active than testosterone in improving symptoms in aging men, such as sexual dysfunction and depression.
The study noted that men taking carnitines had a significant improvement in erectile function (oral testosterone performed similarly well on erectile function). However, the carnitines also improved scores for orgasm and overall sexual well-being.
Hmmm. Me thinks we’ll have some old farts experimenting with carnitines over the summer. Feel free to share your results with us, as I’m sure “inquiring minds will wantto know more” about the implications of this small study!
For more information on the study titled “Carnitine Improves
Symptoms of Male Aging":
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/473414
GET READY FOR YOUR HEALTH JULY 4TH PICNIC!
Our U.S.A. subscribers are preparing for a weekend of outdoor summer activities to celebrate Independence Day. To support a healthy holiday, here are a few reminders and healthy suggestions for your outdoor soirees!
CORN ADDS FIBER
Where would the United States have been if Native Americans had not shown the Pilgrims how to grow corn? Not only did corn save the Pilgrims from starvation, it gave them a food that was full of flavor, vitamin C, and fiber.
Fast fact: did you know that the soluble fiber in corn binds with cholesterol in bile from the liver? Soluble corn fiber then passes from the body, taking cholesterol with it (a pretty good trick).
Another fast fact: white corn has slightly more fiber than yellow corn (hmm…who knew?)!
Speaking of fiber, the daily recommendation for fiber intake is 20-35 grams a day. So, eating two ears of corn gives you approximately 5 grams of fiber. Compare this with most fiber supplements (including our Fiber Fit), which weigh in around a half gram of dietary fiber per capsule – hey, it’s fluffy stuff folks!
LYCOPENE FROM WATERMELON AS ABSORBABLE AS FROM COOKED TOMATOES!
Watermelon is around most of the year these days, but it’s still associated with summertime and picnics (and the much-maligned sport of spitting seeds too).
Nutritionally, watermelon is packed with lycopene, the naturally-occurring phytochemical that gives watermelon its bright red color. Eating fruits and veggies rich in this powerful antioxidant has been shown to help reduce the incidence of heart disease and cancer in humans.
Despite tomatoes stealing all the thunder when it comes to lycopene, scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have determined that the human body is able to absorb just as much lycopene from fresh watermelon as from cooked tomato products. Sweet!
Additionally, watermelon is fat free and is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and thiamine. You’ll want to select red, ripe flesh to ensure most nutritious (and sweetest) watermelon graces your picnic table.
SWEET POTATO SALAD RECIPE
Everyone makes potato salad (ho hum), so we thought you might like a new idea, with sweet potatoes this time.
It’s easy to confuse sweet potatoes with yams; however, yams are grown in the tropics, are more ivory in color, are not as sweet, and are actually starchier than sweet potatoes. You see, sweet potatoes have more heart-healthy insoluble fiber than yams.
True sweet potatoes are orange in color, and are also an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. For this kat’s recipe tip: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=63691
If you try this recipe, let us know what you think! ^..^
RECOMMENDING SUNSCREEN FOR ALL
Kats don’t worry so much about the sun. However, you, fair members, should worry, even if you have olive or darker skin to start with! I can’t stress enough the need to protect yourself from too much direct sun!
It’s really quite simple -- the sun creates free radicals (the evil little mischief makers behind degenerative conditions). Adding antioxidants to your health regimen, including selenium, vitamin C and E -- other antioxidants may be equally helpful, but these three get paws up in many more places -- help protect your skin against acute and chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation and also help reverse the effects of photoaging.
The American Cancer Society suggests, for maximum effectiveness, that you apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating heavily. Incidentally, you should use a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Finally, don’t be stingy in the amount of sunscreen you use (newbies may laugh at this admonition, but our members do tend to be a bit “cheap”).
SUMMER ANTIOXIDANT REVIEW
Since the sun robs your body of antioxidants, you may want to review our recent newsletter on antioxidants. Net-net, slather on the sunscreen and power up your antioxidants when you’re going to be out in the sun!
HEALTH IN THE NEWS
- Aspartame connected to MS-like syndrome:
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/6/emw132465.htm - Strawberries support heart health & total body wellness:
http://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/newsmaker_article.asp?idNewsMaker=5945&fSite=AO545 - Minding your salt intake:
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=living&story_id=063004e1_sodium_foodpage
We need some more “favorite pet” pictures. Please send shots of your favorite pet being silly!
Now, it’s time to chase a few sunbeams and dust bunnies!
^..^
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser (The Enforcer) ^..^
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
931 Village Blvd, Suite 905-480
West Palm Beach FL 33409
“We do not stop laughing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop laughing!”