Posts Tagged ‘Ubiquinol’

The popular antioxidant Resveratrol can counteract the effects of a fatty diet?  Mais Oui!

Flaxy, buttery croissants, decadent sauces, crepe Suzette, and steak au poivre may all come to mind when we think about French cuisine.  The French have a reputation for eating what they want, smoking (which we do not condone), and drinking wine oftentimes with lunch and dinner.  So why is there a plethora of research stating that the French experience fewer instances of cardiovascular disease than say, we Americans?  It just doesn’t seem fair.

There have been many theories over the years as to why the French have been somewhat spared the unwanted effects of heart disease.  Perhaps part of the protection comes from wine, as has been suggested by countless research studies.  A powerful antioxidant found in red wine, Resveratrol, seems to have protective health properties.  Also worth noting is that the French tend to eat less than Americans.  They seem to choose quality over quantity, whereas we Americans (in truly American fashion) choose both!

A recent study explored supplementation with Resveratrol along with a high fat diet in mice and discovered that the mice that were fed a high fat diet and Resveratrol were just as healthy as mice fed a healthier/low fat diet without the Resveratrol.  A third group of mice that were simply fed a high fat/high calorie diet without Resveratrol experienced many more health problems overall than the other two groups.  And other research studies have concluded that high doses of Resveratrol can mimic some of the health benefits of caloric restriction in mice.

So there seems to be compelling evidence that this wonder antioxidant, Resveratrol, has all kinds of protective properties.  However, scientists are hypothesizing that it would take many, many glasses (or bottles!) of wine to truly reap the significant benefits of Resveratrol.  We carry a superb supplement called Rubi QNol® CoQ10 that is an amalgam of our highly absorbable Ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10) plus 50 mgs of the antioxidant powerhouse Resveratrol (the equivalent of 100 glasses of wine).  Together they form a great team that fight free radical damage, boost the immune system, and can help protect the heart.

Yep, we’ll drink to that!

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is some more information about the power of antioxidants in our health archives. Enjoy and be healthy!

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/35927,

Reference:

“Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet,” Baur JA, Pearson KJ, et al, Nature, 2006; 444(7117): 337-42. (Address: Department of Pathology, Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. E-mail: D.S. at david_sinclair@hms.harvard.edu or R.deC at deCaboRa@grc.nia.nih.gov ).

Dark chocolate.  It’s not just for dessert anymore.  It turns out that some of the components of dark chocolate are responsible for improved cardiovascular health.  Some recent research indicates that incorporating (some) dark chocolate into healthy eating habits can help reduce blood pressure, boost insulin sensitivity, and can also add to overall heart health.

In a study involving 20 subjects with never-before treated Essential Hypertension (EH), consumption of flavanol-rich dark chocolate (DC) for a period of 15 days was found to reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and improve several markers of cardiovascular health, as compared with consumption of flavanol-free white chocolate (WC), for the same duration of time. The subjects (10 men, 10 women; average age: 43.7 years) were randomly divided into two groups, where one group was assigned to consume DC (100 g/day – containing 88 mg flavanols) while the other group was assigned to consume WC (90 g/day – no flavanols) for 15 days, in an isocaloric manner. A 7-day chocolate-free run-in phase preceded the first 15 days of treatment, after which subjects went through another 7-day chocolate-free phase, which was followed by another 15 days of treatment, in which patients were crossed over to receive the treatment they had not received before. Various measurements were taken and evaluated after each treatment period. After consumption of DC, 24-hour non-invasive ambulatory blood pressure decreased (systolic: -11.9 mm Hg; diastolic: -8.5 mm Hg), serum LDL cholesterol decreased (from 3.4 to 3.0 mmol/L), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) scores improved. Results from oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were used to calculate the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), which decreased after consumption of DC, while both the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICK1) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) improved after consuming DC. None of these beneficial effects were seen after consumption of WC. This study suggests, if included as part of a healthy diet with a balanced caloric intake, flavanols from cocoa, such as those found in dark chocolate, may help to improve various markers of cardiovascular health in patients with essential hypertension.

With sweet news like this, it’s easy to stay on the heart healthy track!

+++++++++++++++++++++

Explore our health archives for many other ways to improve cardiovascular health. For heart healthy supplements, try one of our powerful antioxidant supplements with both Ubiquinol and Resveratrol, Rubi Qnol®CoQ10.

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/34679,

Reference:

“Cocoa reduces blood pressure and insulin resistance and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypertensives,” Grassi D, Necozione S, et al, Hypertension, 2005; 46(2): 398-405. (Address: Dipartimento Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 Coppito, L’Aquila, Italy).

With record breaking low temperatures around the country lately, old man winter can sure be ruthless on our skin!  Cranked up office and home heaters, coupled with dry, cold, and windy days can really take all of the protective moisture out of our skin.  But sometimes, when the going gets tough, the tough decide to invest in good moisturizers and quality supplements, derived from the best, natural ingredients.

For example, it is widely understood that omega-3 fatty acids are good for your immune system, but they are also great for your skin!  Foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fish are all good sources of omega-3 and can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin while fighting the negative effects of free radical damage.

Evening Primrose Oil (or EPO) is known for its ability to help improve both PMS symptoms and some side effects of Menopause. It contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid or (GLA), which can help maintain cholesterol levels to normal and can promote better circulation.  Our bodies convert Gamma-linolenic acid into a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin that promotes healthy skin.

If you are experiencing overly dry skin, it’s also a good idea to find a high quality moisturizer that can penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis.  One great example is our anti-aging Derma-QGel day crème.  It is made from the powerful antioxidant CoQ10, and natural oils and extracts from avocados, almonds, jojoba, evening primrose, and aloe, to name a few.  This cream helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and offers tremendous hydration while promoting cell renewal.

Bathe your skin with quality moisturizers, eat foods rich in Omega-3’s and be sure to take in Omega-6 essential fatty acids too.  These methods, in conjunction with drinking plenty of water and avoiding washing your face with drying soap, can greatly improve the texture and quality of your winter skin.  And old man winter can blow those harsh winds all he wants.  You’re protected, both inside and out.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Would you like to read more about important antioxidant protection? Find information about Ubiquinol, omega-3 fatty acid, CoQ10 and more by looking at our health archives.  We have high quality, cold-pressed Evening Primrose Oil at a very special price.  And as always, we offer free shipping on everything.  Here’s to your health!

{ Technorati claim token: 7G25PD9G3ZH4 }

Before you slather another piece of toast or a baked potato with loads of butter, think about what that added fat may do to your body and to your overall health.  Now that’s not to say that you can’t ever indulge in a dollop or two, but it has been discovered that it’s better to fill your life-and your plate-with “good fats” like olive oil, found most prevalently in heart healthy Mediterranean diets.  There has been myriad research indicating that a diet rich in good fats, vegetables, fish, fruits, and yes red wine, can be very good for you, your immune system and your heart.

In a study involving 3,042 men and women aged 18-89 years from the Attica region of Greece, adherence to a Mediterranean diet was found to be associated with increased levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and decreased levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol. Participants, who had no clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease, completed validated food frequency questionnaires from which a ‘diet score’ was determined, which assessed the level of adherence to a Mediterranean diet. After adjustment for confounding factors, TAC was found to be 11% higher and oxidized LDL-cholesterol concentrations were found to be 19% lower among those in the highest tertile of diet score, compared with the lowest tertile. While consumption of red meat was found to be inversely associated with TAC, consumption of olive oil and fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, were found to be positively associated with TAC. This study suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean diet, through its positive effects on TAC and oxidized LDL levels, may be of benefit in maintaining cardiovascular health.

So fill your plate high with rich, antioxidant foods and reap the rewards of a healthier, happier lifestyle.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ensure that you are getting the best possible antioxidant protection.  And don’t settle for subpar Omega-3 supplements.  For better health choose highly potent and absorbable Omega-Gel®. And read more about other antioxidants like Resveratrol and Ubiquinol, that both play an important part in fortifying the immune system.

Reference: http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/34703, “Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with total antioxidant capacity in healthy adults: the ATTICA study,” Pitsavos C, Panagiotakos DB, et al, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005; 82(3): 694-9. (Address: First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece, and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece).

Ever notice that when you’re really tired, rushed or stressed out that you also seem sluggish, fuzzy, and unmotivated?  I can only speak for myself, but I’ve noticed a pattern that I have to assume is fairly common.

Perhaps I have a particularly taxing week at work, and then the car breaks down, then I’m late for a flight that I already had to reschedule once before, and now the presentation won’t be done on time.  Stress then rears its ugly head, which in turn makes me count cracks in the ceiling all night, which leads to me feeling less than svelte as I go about my daily routine.

And then this domino effect continues.  It pervades my eating, drinking and exercising habits in an insidious way.  I start to make excuses why I absolutely have to have that maple doughnut bar oozing with sugary goodness, or that double cheeseburger-with fries of course, otherwise the burger is lonely.  Top all that off with a triple fat full mocha with extra whip and candied orange peels.  Here’s the troubling thing; all this actually makes me feel better!  I have more energy and I’m sated.  I can focus on my work, on driving, on saving that little kitten in the big Oak tree.  I feel like superman!

Until I don’t.  Then the crash comes, oh how I resent you sugar crash!  Just when I thought everything was going so well.  But I was simply fooling myself, masking what my body really needed with my out of control crazy cravings for sugar, caffeine, and lots o’ fat.  That’s not to say that there isn’t a time and place for indulgence.  But I was using this sustenance as a kind of super fat-sugar-coffee inflated life raft, rigged to help me handle my stressful, insomniac existence.  However, my little plan failed me miserably, so much so that I slogged home and blended myself an extra thick margarita for good measure.

At the risk of sounding like a 90’s fitness icon, it was time for me to “stop the insanity.”  I knew better.  I knew that the stress hormone cortisol was working against me and making me eat things I knew I shouldn’t.  And the fact that I wasn’t getting enough sleep made it all the worse.  My body craved instant (but not sustainable) energy to make it through the day and I ate it in abundance.  What I really should’ve done was take my vitamins, had one cup of coffee (which is my usual, sane practice), eaten my bran cereal, gone to work, drank plenty of water, had a very sensible and fuel-laden lunch of salad, a low fat turkey sandwich, and maybe some fruit which is my usual custom.  I then would’ve had enough sustained energy and patience to deal with the missed flight and the broken down car and maybe, just maybe, I still would’ve gone to the gym, just to blow off a little steam lifting weights.

Now I know better.  And you should too.  This is my cautionary tale.  It’s fine to have treats, but don’t rely on them to keep you going.  They will let you down every, single time.

Happy holidays.  And by the way.  Who moved my eggnog latte??

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Want to read more about enhanced energy and daily health?  Check out our health concerns archives.  And even if you overdo it at the dinner table, there is digestive help.  We also have powerful  probiotics to promote a healthy digestive tract and help synthesize vitamins and nutrients.

Most of us are aware that antioxidants are good for us.  They help fortify our immune systems and protect us from free radicals that can cause cell damage.  Antioxidants are found in certain super foods like berries, salmon, whole grains, many vegetables and quality supplements.  There has been myriad research regarding the relationship between a healthy diet replete with antioxidants and certain diseases such as cancer and coronary artery disease (CAD).

In a study involving 42 patients (27 men, 15 women) with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) and 49 apparently healthy subjects (33 men, 16 women), patients with CAD were found to have significantly higher cellular DNA damage, quantified via TL, which was significantly higher in patients with CAD (87.3 microm), as compared to healthy controls (79.3 microm). In addition, levels of plasma TRAP, vitamin C, gamma-tocopherol, and alpha-carotene were lower in patients with CAD as compared to controls. Erythrocytic catalase activity, on the other hand, was increased in patients with CAD. The authors conclude, “…reduced overall antioxidant status was closely connected to higher susceptibility of DNA damage in CAD patients.”

It makes sense to protect yourself from potential diseases and other unwanted health conditions.  Grab a salmon salad, some omega-3 supplements and blueberries with frozen yogurt and start enjoying a life filled with healthy, powerful antioxidants!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have a lot of information about antioxidant protection.  Read all about antioxidant support in our health concerns archives!  And for unsurpassed Resveratrol health benefits, try our Rubi QNol® CoQ10 supplements with Ubiquinol.

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/38664

There are so many beautiful sights to see this time of year.  Leaves changing, bright, shiny holiday decorations strewn around lamp posts and in store windows.  And don’t forget the tempting Thanksgiving pies and other goodies lovingly placed on practically every table in the country.  But think if you couldn’t enjoy these cheery sights like the rest of us.  If your eyesight is going, enjoyable things like reading or going to a museum can become depressing.  But there is ongoing research that suggests better dedication to proper nutrition and antioxidant consumption can help mitigate the effects of certain eye problems.

In a study involving 828 healthy subjects between the ages of 20 and 60 years, various risk factors for age-related maculopathy were found to be associated with low dietary intakes of various antioxidants. The authors of this study set out to determine if the risk factors for age-related maculopathy, such as increasing age and tobacco use, and the putative risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and being of the female sex, were linked to a dietary lack of antioxidants that have been previously shown to benefit retinal health. The most significant finding was the association between increasing age and a relative lack of dietary zeaxanthin. Additional associations were found as well. Tobacco use was associated with a relative lack of dietary vitamin C, alcohol consumption was associated with a relative lack of dietary alpha-linoleic acid, and being of the female sex was associated with a relative lack of zinc. The authors state, “We showed that several variables related to risk of ARM are associated with a relative dietary lack of key nutrients, which may protect against this condition. Indeed, it is biologically plausible that the risk that these variables represent for ARM may reflect, at least in part, an associated and parallel dietary lack of key nutrients (e.g., age and dietary intake of zeaxanthin).” To determine the effects of zeaxanthin supplementation in such a population, additional research is needed.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Want to read more about eye health?  Click here for our health concerns archives.  For unsurpassed antioxidant protection, try our Omega-Gel and Rubi-QNol supplements.

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/37193