The decade started with Y2K hysteria and 9/11 and ended with an endless
recession. In between, there were two wars, hurricanes, earthquakes, financial
shenanigans galore and much more.
While Time magazine may have deemed this "The decade from hell," this kat
thinks we've got a lot to be grateful for, too.
In the spirit of Top 10 lists, the Co-Op offers our very own Top 10 Good News
Health Trends of the Aughts (what some people are calling the decade of 2000 –
2009).
10. The Rise of the Internet. Who among our fair members has not
made a mad dash to a favorite health site or the oracle of oracles,
google.com, to research a health concern? The internet has empowered people
everywhere to take better control of their health. Whether researching a
symptom or drug interactions, storing health data online, counting calories,
or ordering vitamins (couldn't resist!), the web has changed health care
forever.
9. Vitamin D. No vitamin has been more in the spotlight than the
sunshine vitamin itself, the humble Vitamin D. Long known for it's benefits
to bones, it turns out Vitamin D does a whole lot more. Yes, it helps your
body absorb calcium, but studies have also shown it lowers blood pressure,
wards off depression, fights some forms of cancer, and helps hold
Alzheimer's at bay. Research is especially strong when it comes to Vitamin
D's potential to prevent or control autoimmune diseases including diabetes,
multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Our new
Vitamin
D3 5000 IU is, not surprisingly, a strong seller.
8. Fish, fish, and more fish! Fish has clearly become the 'in'
protein! According to the Mayo Clinic, simply eating fish twice a week could
reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack by one third or more. Rich in
Omega-3 fatty acids, fish fights inflammation. Studies out of Sweden have
found the selenium in fish reduces your risk of prostate cancer too. What's
the best fish to choose? Opt for fatty fish such as salmon, herring,
mackerel, trout, tuna and sardines for the most Omega-3s. In 2009, we
introduced our
Concentrated Fish Oil, which our members appreciate and
Tess’s cat Babu likes too (after a little tossing and fetching,
he likes to munch on the softgels).
7. Food as medicine. The realization that food is good for what
ails you doesn't stop with fish. This past decade saw lots of health news
about foods that fight disease. Among them: oats (lower cholesterol),
seaweed (mitigates migraines), cantaloupes, carrots and sweet potatoes (good
for your eyesight), walnuts (lowers cholesterol, boosts memory), yogurt with
probiotics (promotes gut health, good for bones), avocados (battles
diabetes, supports smooth skin), garlic (lowers cholesterol and blood
pressure, combats cancer), pomegranate (rich in antioxidants, lowers
cholesterol, combats ED), ginger (good for arthritis, quells nausea), baked
potatoes and bananas (high in potassium, lower blood pressure) almonds (good
source of vitamin E and antioxidants, help control weight and heart health),
and quinoa (an ancient grain high in protein, fiber, iron, zinc, vitamin E,
and selenium (lowers risk of heart disease and diabetes). As a basic
antioxidant that includes vitamins A, C and D3 as well as E, zinc, and
selenium, we offer
Sam’s Advanced Antioxidant with D3.
6. Move over coffee, tea is the drink of the next decade. In
recent years, more and more people have discovered the pleasures (and health
benefits) of a cup of hot tea. Researchers at UCLA School of Medicine found
that drinking three cups of black or green tea daily appears to prevent
stroke. Green tea has also been found to improve insulin activity. Since we
introduced
Green Tea Extract, it has remained steadily among our Top 10
products.
5. CoQ-10. In the contest for supplement of the decade, CoQ-10
runs a close second to Vitamin D. Found in every cell, CoQ-10 is essential
for energy production and acts as an antioxidant. As we age, our body
produces less and less CoQ-10. Good for the heart, the brain, and all-over
good health.
CoQ-10 150mg is another all-round member favorite.
4. The rise of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM). Did
you know that 69% of us 50 or older use some form of complimentary or
alternative medicine? Acupuncture, meditation, chiropractics, holistic
treatments, vitamins, and supplements are becoming much more mainstream and
accepted. And for good reason—they work! More and more 'mainstream' medical
professionals are recognizing the value of combining CAM with more
traditional treatments for the best result. Dr. Rodier has been heard citing
the New England Journal of Medicine with some amusement about how mainstream
doctors are finally catching on to basics like probiotics for intestinal and
immune system health. We currently offer three forms of probiotics:
Probiotics 16, iFlora Probiotics, and Ganeden B30 Probiotics (in our
Soothing Greens formula).
3. The pleasures (and health benefits) of a brisk walk. For
decades we were bombarded with aerobics, pilates, jazzercise, step,
spinning, kickboxing, and a slew of other exercise trends. Well, it turns
out a nice brisk walk around the block delivers all the cardio you need and
is just as good for you. Your target? Shoot for 10,000 steps per day. Invest
in a pedometer and start walking! And, if you need a little support,
send Teri an email with your
progress. She loves to hear from members about their fitness routines.
2. Champagne! That's right. Just in time for New Year's Eve, comes
word from Reading University in the UK that a little champagne is good for
the heart. That's because it's packed with polyphenols, plant chemicals that
widen the blood vessels. For those of you teetotalers out there, you'll also
find polyphenols in olive oil, green and black tea, onions, leeks, broccoli,
and blueberries. Alas, we can’t help you with champagne, but our
Ginkgo Biloba is another good support for healthy circulation.
Cheers!
1.
And the #1
health
story
of the past decade…the
opening
of Our Health Co-Op! We couldn't have come this far without you, so as
the decade comes to an end, this kat would like to extend a hearty holiday
thanks, big purrs, and extend our best wishes for a healthy and happy 2010.
^..^
