The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet: Health Central

The Mediterranean Diet

Much has been said about the healthy effects of the Mediterranean diet--lower mortality rates, fewer cases of heart disease and less chronic illness in that region.  Now researchers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Navarra in Spain have published a study focusing on what makes the diet so healthy.

How did they do the study?

For four years, researchers worked with more than 11,000 university students, first asking them to provide their dietary intake.  Mediterranean foods such as like fruit, fish, nuts, cereals, and vegetables were positively valued, while meat, alcohol, and dairy products were negatively valued.  A questionnaire was used to measure the students’ quality of life after four years of monitoring their eating habits. 

What did they find?

Researchers found that participants who stuck to the Mediterranean diet had better mental and physical wellness, as well as a significantly better quality of life.  The scientists created a Mediterranean food pyramid that outlines the main diet factors:

• Daily water consumption should be 2 liters.
• Meals should contain vegetables, fruit, cereals, and dairy.
• Olive oil should be the main source of fat, but lean animal proteins such as eggs, fish, and seafood are also permitted.
• Sugar and sweets should be limited; However small amounts aren’t harmful.

Other recommendations include limiting meats and sweets, consuming moderate amounts of poultry, eggs, and dairy weekly, consuming fish and seafood several times a week, and basing all meals on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, seeds, and herbs. 

Other key components to following the Mediterranean diet include plenty of exercise, focusing on plant-based foods, replacing butter with healthy fat such as olive oil, using herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of table salt,  limiting red meat to once a month, and drinking red wine in moderation. ( Try Resveratrol for all the benefits of red wine )

So what’s the significance?

Find out what your body is missing ---Its Free to Try

While researchers can’t pinpoint the exact reason students showed better mental health and physical quality of life, the Mediterranean diet is believed to be a major factor.  Additionally, improved physical health will generally boost your mental health in the long run. 

Simply adding fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meat, and cereal to your diet, while limiting sweets, could be the first step to fighting illnesses such as heart disease and minor depression by boosting your overall mood. For those with a family history of mental illness or heart disease, adding a fairly non-restrictive diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, can be a good strategy for increasing wellness.  

8 MASCARA MAKEUP TIPS & TRICKS

by Loren Ridinger

I’ve picked up so many mascara tips from beauty experts over the years being in this industry. And while I don’t wear makeup every day if I’m working from home, my quick and easy routine always includes playing up the eyes with mascara (and using concealer and blush!). Here are my top eight mascara tips and tricks to make the most of your fringe for a standout set of peepers. xo

8 Mascara Makeup Tips & Tricks

• To look extra awake, curl your lashes before applying
• Try a lash primer to strengthen and condition lashes
• Don’t forget to make sure that the inner and outer corner lashes are coated
• Black is universally flattering but you will be surprised how blue or brown mascara can make your eyes pop. Experiment!
• I don’t always use mascara on my bottom lashes. Blend a great concealer underneath the eye with volumizing mascara on the top lashes for a fresh, brightening effect
• Unless you’re going for a spidery look, clumps are a no-no. Brush them out with a lash comb for a more natural appearance
• Save your waterproof mascara for important events or a night out.
• Use an eye makeup remover with antioxidants to nourish the delicate surrounding skin

Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Important to Your Health

Are you like me with a goal to always be the #1 advocate for your own health? Then read this post. You have probably already heard about omega-3′s, which are “essential fatty acids” we all must consume for consistently good health. The problem is that our bodies do not make omega-3′s on their own, leaving it up to us to actively seek omega-3 fatty acids through our diet and supplements.

Foods That Fight Inflammation

Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Important to Your Health

• Reduce inflammation in the body
• Lower lipids in the bloodstream
• Inhibit thickening of your arteries
• Improve the body response to insulin, which can regulate weight and metabolism
• Help prevent cancer cell growth

If you’ve been dealing with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, clotting issues or hormone imbalances, talk to your doctor about focusing on your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. I rely on this fish oil supplement as well as organic foods like walnuts, salmon and flaxseeds (which naturally have omega-3′s) to cover my bases!

Do you take a fish oil supplement? Have you noticed any benefits?

The Benefits of Berries

 By Ryan Saba

Berries have been shown to be some of the healthiest foods on the planet.  Low in calories, high in fiber, and containing vitamins and mineral your body needs to function optimally, berries are nutritional powerhouses.

Extremely powerful antioxidants, berries protect your body from inflammation.  With their high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values – a method of measuring antioxidant capacities – berries help to prevent negative effects on the body by turning off inflammation signals, making them a vital part of our diet. These little power foods may be simple but they have been shown to poses a variety of amazing benefit from protecting the heart all the way to enhancing vision. Try Isotonix Maximum ORAC 

Heart Protection
One of the primary benefits of berries is their ability to improve heart health and blood flow throughout the body.  One way this is done is by reducing the buildup of harmful plaque on blood vessel walls, which reduces the risk of arteries hardening.  By keeping arteries clean and avoiding the buildup of plaque, the heart can work more efficiently, reducing the potential of heart attacks and other heart disease related conditions. 

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Below is Dr. Steven Lamm a practicing internist, faculty member at New York University School of Medicine, and the Director of Men's Health for NYU Medical Center discussing Pycnogenol and its amazing benefits in Isotonix OPC-3

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Also, incorporation of berries into your diet has been shown to reduce oxidation of LDL – or “bad” – cholesterol. Oxidation, the process by which cells and tissue break down, is a key factor in heart disease because oxidized LDL can inflame arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks. Reducing the oxidation levels of LDL cholesterol not only improves overall heart function, but also reduces long term risks of heart disease. Learn more about an exclusive isotonic form of Pycnogenol in (OPC-3)

Powerful Antioxidants
Even though taste is often what we like most about berries, their color is what makes them so good for us.  The rich blues, deep purples and bright reds are a result of a group of phytochemicals called flavonoids. These pigments help to counter cell damage in our bodies caused by free radicals.  Over time, free radicals contribute to disease and are one of the primary factors in the aging process.

Antioxidant compounds protect our bodies from the oxidative damage that is caused by everything from poor diet, environmental toxins and even vigorous exercise.  By neutralizing free radicals, flavonoids may help to reduce the risk of cancer and aid in memory and other brain functions that begin to decline as we age.

Vision Enhancement
Various forms of berries contain lutein, a carotenoid important for healthy vision. Reduced eye function and the degeneration of vision are some of the most common problems associated with aging.  With the ability to protect against glaucoma and cataract progression, berries have been show to promote overall eye health. Berries have also been shown to enhance vision, especially at night, by supporting the regeneration of rhodopsin in the eyes.  This process helps the eyes to adjust better during periods of darkness and also reduces the permeability of the fine blood vessel walls throughout the eye. Berries have also been shown to protect against retinopathy, a condition the leads to impaired vision and blindness due to blood accumulation in the retina.

Sometimes the simplest things offer the best benefits.  Berries are some of the most powerful (and delicious) disease-fighting foods available. Introducing them into your diet – ideally two or three types each day – can improve various areas of health and overall well being.

Nutritional Support for Nagging Headaches

by Crystal Shelton

Headaches are a very common ailment and most everyone experiences one at some time in their life. It is estimated that 45 million Americans suffer from headaches, and over 60% of those specifically suffer from migraines. Among the other classifications (tension and cluster headaches), migraines are the second most common and are typically much more intense and painful. While many use prescription medication to help with their symptoms, there exists a nutritional alternative that has also been studied and shown to be beneficial.

The mineral magnesium is getting a lot of attention for its numerous health benefits, most recently being called “the new calcium”. As a supporter in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body, magnesium is a necessary nutrient that many do not get from their diet. Its varied roles include positive effects on muscle cramps and promoting optimal nerve function. Additionally, magnesium serves as an important component of bone, promotes the normal regulation of blood pressure and also helps facilitate normal platelet activity. It may be this role in blood vessel health that helps explain its effects in providing relief of headaches.

Headaches and migraines can be caused by many factors, including stress, neurological imbalances, food allergies and the list goes on. Normal blood flow is supported by blood vessels that are strong and resilient. When these characteristics are compromised by blood vessel constriction, blood flow is reduced. Magnesium works to stabilize the walls of blood vessels promoting normal blood flow.

Additionally, blood platelet aggregation has been shown to be altered in migraine patients, suggesting that it plays a role in migraines. When platelets aggregate, they release serotonin and other active chemicals which can cause the blood vessels to constrict. Magnesium works to decrease platelet aggregation, which in turn reduces the formation of these inflammatory mediators that factor in to migraine occurrence. Clinical studies shown oral magnesium also helps reduce migraine frequency while lowering the duration and intensity of the attacks.

Isotonix Magnesium 

Low brain levels of magnesium are strongly correlated to headaches. Evidence suggests up to 50 percent of migraine patients have decreased levels of magnesium during a migraine attack. Magnesium is also an important mineral for promoting healthy sleep quality. It has been noted that regular sleeping patterns are also very important to migraine sufferers.

While magnesium’s health benefits are far-reaching, its roles on blood vessel health and platelet aggregation make it a noteworthy candidate specifically for the control of headaches and migraines. With a magnesium deficiency being so common in many migraine sufferers, it makes sense to make sure this mineral is at sufficient levels in the body. It serves as an adequate nutritional alternative with proven safety and efficacy.

Isotonix Magnesium provides the body with 100 percent of the recommended daily value of magnesium in a highly-bioavailable formula. Thanks to its unique formula, which includes two different types of magnesium to increase its absorption by the body, Isotonix Magnesium helps maintain normal blood pressure and supports bone health and sleep quality, while promoting head comfort and optimal muscle health. Learn more here

Folic acid in pregnancy tied to lower autism risk

Folic acid in pregnancy tied to lower autism risk

By Genevra Pittman (Reuters Health) 

Women who took extra folic acid in the weeks before and just after becoming pregnant were less likely to have a child with autism, in a new study from Norway.

Because lack of folic acid has been tied to brain and spinal cord birth defects, groups including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) already call for women who may become pregnant to take daily supplements containing the B vitamin.

The new study "provides an additional reason to take folic acid, in addition to the preventive effect that we already know it has against neural tube defects," said Dr. Pal Suren from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo, who led the research.

"It underlines the importance of starting early, preferably before the pregnancy," he told Reuters Health.

One in 88 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number has risen in recent years, but it's unclear whether that's due to more kids with symptoms or doctors who are more likely to recognize and diagnose autism.

The new study, which appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association, doesn't prove low folic acid in pregnant women causes their babies to develop autism, or that high doses can prevent it. And Suren and his colleagues didn't see an effect of folic acid on other autism spectrum disorders, such as Asperger's.

They followed just over 85,000 women and their children, born between 2002 and 2008.

When women were about halfway through their pregnancies, they reported on any supplements or vitamins they'd taken in the few weeks before becoming pregnant and the two months afterward - the time when folic acid is thought to have the strongest effect on development.

By the time their kids were between three and 10 years old, 270 had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, including 114 with autism itself.

Isotonix Activate B Complex (w/Folic Acid)

Suren's team found one in 1,000 babies born to women who reported taking folic acid early in pregnancy had autism, compared to about two in 1,000 of those whose moms didn't take folic acid. On the other hand, there was no link between fish oil taken during pregnancy and autism risk.

That suggests it's something about folic acid, in particular, that influences a baby's autism risk.

"The biggest problem we have is, how do you know it's folic acid and not just a more health-conscious mother?" said Cathrine Hoyo, who has studied folic acid supplementation at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

"Doing that (analysis) really added another layer toward convincing us that there is something to it," Hoyo, who wasn't involved in the new research, told Reuters Health.

BEFORE PREGNANCY, TOO

Researchers said folic acid's effects on genes and DNA repair could explain its role in brain development disorders in growing babies, including autism.

Isotonix PreNatal --Healthful diets containing adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect

The USPSTF recommends all women who are planning to or could become pregnant take between 400 and 800 micrograms of the vitamin daily. The U.S. and Canada have also required flour to be fortified with folic acid since the late 1990s to cut down on birth defect risks.

Still, "The message for folic acid before pregnancy has been a little bit lost," said Rebecca Schmidt, who has studied prenatal vitamins and autism at the University of California, Davis.

"If you are not even just planning a pregnancy, but able to get pregnant, then you should be taking some sort of folic acid supplement," she told Reuters Health.

SOURCE: bit.ly/JjFzqx Journal of the American Medical Association, online February 12, 2013. 

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Isotonix® Activated B-Complex

What Makes Isotonix® Activated B-Complex Unique?

Isotonix Activated B-Complex delivers metabolically active forms of several vitamins and minerals. This is important because traditional forms of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid found in most other B complex products must undergo chemical changes in order to be utilized by the body. Several factors including age and nutritional status may decrease the body’s ability to activate these vitamins. By providing the metabolically active forms of these vitamins in isotonic form, you can be certain that your body is getting the vital nutrients it needs quickly and effectively.*

A vitamin B-complex is a mixture of the eight essential B-vitamins that play a critical role in metabolism at the cellular level. B-vitamins are important for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. B vitamin deficiency can lead to fatigue and lethargy, which is why B-complex supplements are excellent energy boosters and anti-stress formulas.*

Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.

Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results. Try it here

Are All Multivitamins Created Equal?

A multivitamin easily serves as one of the critical foundation products for optimal health. It is no secret that our diets today are significantly lacking the basic vitamins and minerals needed by our bodies. Not only are our diets deficient, but our soil is diminished of the key nutrients it once carried.

Because a multivitamin can help fill the nutritional gaps that our diets leave open, it is important to choose one that provides the right ingredients at adequate amounts, while also being delivered in a way to provide the maximum benefits. All multivitamins are NOT the same; certain aspects should be considered when choosing a product.

Try Isotonix MultiVitamin 

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a multivitamin is the delivery system. Many products in the form of tablets and capsules exist on the market today, but do these provide the most effects? Optimal nutrient absorption is easily attained when ingredients are delivered in an isotonic form. Isotonic solutions help control the rate at which nutrients move from the stomach to the small intestine, allowing for the appropriate amount of time for proper absorption. Ideally, multivitamins should be delivered in a way where little nutritive value is lost and efficiency of nutrient absorption is at its best.

In addition to the product’s delivery form, it also helps when the nutrients themselves are in a form which allows for maximum absorption and usability. For example, some of the B vitamins are available in forms which allow some conversion steps to be eliminated and optimal utilization to occur. Specifically, the liver must convert cyanocobalamin, the form of B12 most commonly used in supplements, into methylcobalamin, before it can be properly utilized by the body. By supplementing with methylcobalamin in your daily multivitamin, this step can be eliminated.

This is also the case with folic acid. Folate (or folic acid) must go through a series of chemical conversions before it becomes metabolically active to be properly utilized. Folinic acid is an active derivative of folic acid and does not require the action of certain enzymes, again eliminating this step the body would usually have to complete.

Some minerals, like iron, also offer more bioavailable forms. Combining highly bioavailable ingredients with an advanced delivery system gives a unique advantage for your multivitamin.

It is imperative to choose a multivitamin which contains each of the key vitamins and minerals. Not only are these nutrients necessary components for numerous processes within the body and assist in the normal functions of our bodies, but deficiencies in these key vitamins and minerals can have detrimental effects on your health. Vitamins A, C, D, E and each of the B vitamins each help contribute to the basic micronutrient foundation. A multivitamin should contain each of these.

Additionally, including a variety of minerals such as calcium and selenium in your multivitamin can help establish a more rounded multivitamin complex. A formula that simply contains the vitamins and minerals is not enough; you must ensure your product contains 100% or more of the recommended daily values (also known as DVs). A multivitamin helps lay the basic foundation for your dietary supplement regimen, but it must contain the key nutrients at effective amounts.

Isotonix MultiVitamin

Exemplary quality control is a critical component when choosing any dietary supplement, not just a multivitamin. High standards and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are mandatory for ensuring the highest level of quality control is being performed. Only choose health and nutrition products that are produced under strict GMP standards and feel confident knowing this high quality control system helps guarantee your product meets specifications and ensures consistent manufacturing with regard to purity and performance.

Now more than ever, good health begins with the practice of good nutrition, and a multivitamin has become a key component of this practice. Directing a careful eye towards not only the quantity of ingredients in multivitamins, but also their quality, is one of the surest steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Crystal Shelton

Calcium and Vitamin D Boost Body Fat Loss

Calcium and Vitamin D Boost Body Fat Loss
by Olivia Mungal

If you, like millions of other people, recently just started a new diet for your New Year’s Resolution, you may be in luck. A recent study shows adding calcium and vitamin D supplements to a calorie-restricted diet may boost the loss of body fat more than the diet alone.

The Study 
Chinese researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences in China tested 52 obese or overweight adults. All participants were asked to follow an calorie-restricted diet (-500 kcal/daily), but half were randomly selected to take a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement, and the other half were given placebos.

"The calcium and vitamin D group achieved 55.6% augmentation of fat mass loss compared with the control, despite the face that there was no significant difference in body weight change between groups,” researchers noted in the Nutrition Journal.

About a quarter of the US adult population is obese, and even more are considered overweight. Over 300,000,000 adults are considered obese worldwide, according to statistics from the WHO and the International Obesity Task Force.

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Isotonix® Calcium Plus

What Makes Isotonix® Calcium Plus Unique?

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Isotonix® Calcium Plus provides the body with an optimal blend of calcium, vitamin D3, magnesium, vitamin C and boron in an efficient isotonic solution that is readily absorbed by the body. Isotonix dietary supplements are a replica of the body's own fluids, such as tears, plasma and breast milk. All fluids in the human body have a certain concentration, which is called the osmotic pressure. The body's common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of all body tissues. In order for a substance to be used in the body's metabolism, it must be changed to the isotonic state.*

The efficiency of absorption is also affected by the digestive system. All substances that are used in the stomach go through a degradation process (breakdown) before they can be passed through the opening from the stomach to the small intestine to allow absorption. The digestive process can cause substances to lose some nutritive value, and this whole process takes time!

The secret of the isotonic process is probably now becoming clear! When an isotonic substance enters the body, it will be absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly. With isotonic fluids, little nutritive value is lost making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient. There is nothing artificial about it. An isotonic fluid is nature's own nutrient delivery system.

Isotonix Calcium Plus paves the way for powerful results since it is in an isotonic form rather than a tablet. Calcium in tablet form is difficult for your body to absorb. People may fail to absorb tablet calcium supplements because the calcium supplement is not blended with vitamin D and magnesium; these are necessary to aid in the absorption and use of calcium. 

Even if the calcium tablet is blended correctly, it may be difficult for the body to utilize or break down the calcium. One explanation may be that many calcium brands use calcium from eggshell or oyster shell. These may not be well absorbed by the body. Another reason calcium may not be absorbed from a tablet is because of DCP, which is a binding agent used to hold the tablet together. DCP does not break down in the body.

  

In addition to binders, some calcium supplements may have additives such as chlorine and other chemicals. Even assuming no binders are used in the calcium tablet, the body must still break down a hard-press 
ed tablet into a usable form. If the tablet cannot be broken down sufficiently in the stomach, then the calcium will not be absorbed. If you can't break down the calcium, your body is robbed of the calcium needed to support bodily functions.

Ordinary calcium tablets require stomach acid to dissolve their compounds, but Isotonix Calcium Plus has no need of stomach acid to be utilized. It delivers an efficient calcium solution that is more readily absorbed by the intestine. Its natural lemon-lime flavor is preferable to the chalky taste of typical chewable calcium wafers or tablets. 

Many calcium supplements exist in the marketplace, but only Market America's Isotonix Calcium Plus delivers a potent package of calcium and complementary nutrients through an isotonic system of delivery. This translates into a lower cost overall when compared to calcium supplements in pill form by making more of the active ingredients available to the body. Don't be misled by ingredient amounts. What really counts is the amount of active ingredients that your body can ultimately use. 

Click Here to try Calcium with Vitamin D or Vitamin D with K2

Dr. Oz touts skin health benefits of Pycnogenol

Dr. Oz touts skin health benefits of Pycnogenol
ma blog

We already know Dr. Oz loves astaxanthin. Now he’s on a new quest: to tell everyone about the wonders of Pycnogenol for achieving younger-looking skin.

In a recent segment on his show, Dr. Oz discussed how Pycnogenol – an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree – can help your skin cells regain their moisture to give you a smoother appearance.

“Could [Pycnogenol] be the secret to looking seven years younger?” Dr. Oz asked his audience. “I researched it, and the consensus is yes.”

The secret, Dr. Oz says, behind Pycnogenol’s superior anti-aging effects is its “incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers” that help boost the body’s hyaluronic acid levels by 44 percent. Hyaluronic acid, which plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function, “is the primary agent that keeps skin tight and wrinkle-free,” Dr. Oz says.

“That means that in about 12 weeks of taking [P]ycnogenol, you may see smoother skin, a reduction in fine lines, and more supple skin,” Dr. Oz says on his website.

To longtime Market America customers, the benefits of Pycnogenol are no secret. Since 1995, Market America has be providing millions with the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol in the world in Isotonix OPC-3. Since then, Isotonix has been proud to include its isotonic form of Pycnogenol in other nutritional supplements, including:

Prime Joint Support Formula - Get it Here

• Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend, formulated to promote skin elasticity, support healthy collagen production, replenish essential vitamins and minerals for the skin, and provide the skin and body with improved antioxidant defenses;
• Might-a-Mins Spectrum Isotonix OPC-3, which provides a strong antioxidant defense which is especially beneficial for children who need neurological, metabolic, or digestive support;
• Prime Joint Support Formula by Isotonix, endorsed by Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, the only joint supplement on the market to deliver three primary bone & joint ingredients – glucosamine, Pycnogenol and hyaluronic acid – in isotonic form;
• and Isotonix Champion Blend Plus, endorsed by basketball superstar Carmelo Anthony, which helps the body needs to preserve your muscles with essential nutrients, keep your body’s defenses up with powerful antioxidants, and provide you with a huge boost of energy from great vitamins.

While other supplements on the market can claim to have Pycnogenol, the superior Isotonix delivery system ensures that its ingredients – including Pycnogenol – are absorbed by the body in the most efficient, effective manner. Without the need for fillers and binder found in most pills and tablets, Isotonix nutritional supplements deliver maximum results in each and every serving.

also look at  Rosemary Ellis, editor-in-chief at 7 Years Younger by Good Housekeeping 

More Produce Cuts Cancer Risk

More Produce (Organic or Not) Cuts Cancer Risk  By Kimberly Beauchamp, ND People concerned about the risks of eating nonorganic produce, will be happy to hear that they can eliminate cancer from their concerns. Researchers teamed up to compare the cancer prevention effects of fruits and vegetables and the potential increased cancer risk from pesticide exposure from these foods, and the findings published in Food and Chemical Toxicologyreport that the benefits of eating produce far outweigh potential cancer risk caused by conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. The researchers used an analysis done by The World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute of Cancer Research in 2007 to estimate the number of cancer cases that could be prevented every year if half of the people in the United States ate 80 grams (one serving) more of fruits and vegetables each per day. They also used information from the USDA Pesticide Data Program to estimate the number of cancer cases from pesticide exposure that could be attributed to eating this much more produce. They found that if half of the US population were to eat one more serving of fruits and vegetables each per day 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented every year, and up to 10 cancer cases could be caused every year by an increase in pesticide exposure. “The positive health effects that could result from an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables will greatly exceed any putative negative effects that might be associated with the increased intake of pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables,” concluded the researchers, a team formed between the consulting firm, Exponent, and the University of California, Davis. It should be noted that the study was sponsored by the Alliance for Food and Farming and the authors have consulted for agrochemical companies. Know the risks The study helps sheds light on the gap between public perceptions of what causes cancer and what’s actually been proven. Some cancer risk factors can’t be prevented, like family history or age. Others, you can do something about. Here are some well-known risk factors and the cancers they may cause: Smoking and other tobacco use increases the chances of developing cancer of the lung, larynx, mouth, esophagus, bladder, kidney, throat, stomach, pancreas, and cervix. Obesity/overweight increases the risk of breast, colon, kidney, esophagus, and uterine cancer. Alcohol increases the risk of developing mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast cancer. Sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light increase the risk of several forms of skins cancer. Certain hormones, like those used to treat menopausal symptoms in women may increase the chance of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. The take-home message? Don’t use tobacco products, maintain a healthy weight, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, use alcohol in moderation (no more than a couple of drinks per week), use sunscreen and protective clothing especially during prime sunburn hours, and explore other options for managing menopausal symptoms. (Food Chem Toxicol 2012: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2012.08.055)

Pill Coatings Interfere with Absorption By Olivia Mungal

Pill coatings, also known as enteric coated pills, have been long believed to protect the stomach, but there is little evidence the coating protects the stomach better than a non-coated pill. Authors of a new study by the University of Pennsylvania found most, if not all of assumed drug resistance cases may actually be caused by pill coatings.

For over a decade, cardiologists and drug researchers have claimed that anywhere from 5% to 40%  of the population is “aspirin resistant”.  In the study, researchers did not find a single case of true aspirin resistance out of the 400 healthy people who participated in the study. Instead, they found the coating on aspirin interfered with the way that the drug entered the body, making it appear in tests that the drug was not working at all.

These studies question the value of coated, low-dose aspirin. This product adds cost to treatment, without any clear benefit.” said Dr. Garret FitzGerald, chairman of pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Although the study was partially financed by the world’s largest aspirin manufacturer, Bayer, this study leaves many doctors and pharmacologists wondering if enteric coating could be blocking or reducing absorption for other pharmaceuticals and supplements. Bayer claimed there was no difference between the effectiveness of a coated or uncoated aspirin, but Dr. FitzGerald argued there was no reason patients should use anything other than uncoated pills. Taking supplements without binders or coatings may make all the difference.  Not all supplements are created equal. Learn More 

Santa’s List Makes 

Holiday Shopping a Breeze!

Everyone knows shopping for the perfect gifts for their loved ones can be a real hassle, but SHOP.COM is making holiday shopping a piece of cake with Santa's List! This great feature makes it easier than ever to organize your wish lists for the holidays – and is a great way to help answer the age old question: “What do you want for Christmas?”

This is a great opportunity for parents to sit down with their kids and create their holiday wish lists. Santa’s List makes that process extremely easy – with premade collections based on age that you can browse to find the perfect gifts. You can also search through any of our partner stores to find gifts for your Santa’s List as well! Once you’ve made your list, it’s easy to share it with whomever you live via email, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Using Santa’s List is quick and easy – and takes all the guesswork out of holiday shopping! Make the most of the holiday shopping season by sharing this with your friends, family, and preferred customers – and show them just how easy it is to make a list of their own. Have a look at this quick video (below) – which shows you just how easy it is to make your holiday wish list.