When we think of circulatory health we want to focus on the entire cardiovascular system.  The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart and blood vessels.  The heart pumps blood containing oxygen and nutrients through vessels to organs in the body and in turn removes carbon dioxide and waste products.

The heart is constantly pumping blood at a rate of roughly 100,000 beats per day. Therefore, it is important to focus on supplements that can help maximize the strength and performance of this organ.  Supplements like Coenzyme Q10 can support energy production in heart muscles.  Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and krill oils can promote the healthy flow of blood within the arteries and veins.  Arginine can help relax the blood vessels to further promote healthy circulation of blood.  Hawthorn can improve heart function and B-vitamins can protect it.  Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in high concentrations in the mitochondria (powerhouse) of cells.  Heart muscle cells are particularly rich in Coenzyme Q10.  People with congestive heart failure have lower levels of Coenzyme Q10  in their heart muscles and can increase the output of the heart by supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 (1).  There is also substantial evidence that shows supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 can have a favorable effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (2). While it is clear that Coenzyme Q10 aids heart function, it is poorly absorbed from the diet.  A blend of conjugated linoleic acid, flax seed oil, and soybean oil can aid the absorption of this nutrient. This is extremely important because these healthy fats aid the uptake of Coenzyme Q10 in the intestine (3).  A 50 mg dose maximizes absorption.(4)

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids found in fish oil and in krill oil.  These essential fatty acids are not produced by the body and have an abundance of health benefits in the circulatory system. They reduce inflammation caused by free radicals which can lead to hardening or thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) (5). They also play a role in preventing blood clot formation and can promote healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. Supplementing with fish or krill oil is important because the American diet greatly lacks these essential fatty acids.  Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) should also be added to the diet.  Vitamin K2 prevents the calcification of arteries and protects against heart disease (6,7).  Krill oil is also rich in phospholipids which are found in cell membranes. This form of omega-3 fatty acids appears to be better absorbed by the body and has a more pronounced effect on cholesterol levels (8).  Krill oil also contains astaxanthin which is an antioxidant red/orange carotenoid pigment naturally produced by the krill.  

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for circulatory system health.  In circulatory tissues, arginine is converted to nitric oxide which has a relaxing effect on the interior lining of blood vessels and helps promote healthy blood pressure. Arginine also reduces platelet adhesion which further promotes healthy blood circulation (9).  

Hawthorn has traditionally been used to support the circulatory system. It has been shown to increase the strength of contractions in the heart and to increase the output volume of each contraction (10). B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-12 (cyanocobalamin) and folate help to lower homocysteine levels.  Elevated homocysteine levels are considered a strong indicator of heart disease risk. 

The final important ingredient is resveratrol, a potent antioxidant. Cardiovascular tissues endure a great exposure to oxygen and free radicals.  Free radicals enter the blood from the air we breathe and from the foods we eat.  Supplementing the diet with high potency antioxidants like resveratrol can not only neutralize these harmful free radicals but can also preserve good health and longevity (11).

1. Molyneux SL, Florkowski CM, Richards AM, Lever M, Young JM, George PM. Coenzyme Q10; an adjunctive therapy for congestive heart failure? N Z Med J. 2009 Oct 30;122(1305):74-9.
2. Ho MJ, Bellusci A, Wright JM. Blood pressure lowering efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for primary hypertension Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Oct 7;(4):CD007435.
3. Liu ZX, Artmann C. Relative bioavailability comparison of different coenzyme Q10 formulations with a novel delivery system. Altern Ther Health Med. 2009 Mar Apr;15(2):42-6.
4. Bhagavan HN, Chopra RK. Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Free Radic Res. 2006 May;40(5):445-53. Review.
5. Simopoulos AP.The omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio, genetic variation, and cardiovascular disease. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:131-4.
6. Gast GC, de Roos NM, Sluijs I, Bots ML, Beulens JW, Geleijnse JM, Witteman JC, Grobbee DE, Peeters PH, van der Schouw YT.A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease.Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Sep;19(7):504-10. Epub 2009 Jan 28.
7. 7) Beulens JW, Bots ML, Atsma F, Bartelink ML, Prokop M, Geleijnse JM, Witteman JC, Grobbee DE, van der Schouw YT. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification Atherosclerosis. 2009 Apr;203(2):489-93. Epub 2008 Jul 19
8. 8) Werner A, Havinga R, Kuipers F, Verkade HJ. Treatment of EFA deficiency with dietary triglycerides or phospholipids in a murine model of extrahepatic cholestasis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2004;286:G822-G832.
9. 9) Adams MR, McCredie R, Jessup W, et al. Oral L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent dilatation and reduces monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells in young men with coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis 1997;129:261-9.
10. 10) Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med 2003;114:665-74.
11. 11) Marques FZ, Markus MA, Morris BJ Resveratrol: cellular actions of a potent natural chemical that confers a diversity of health benefits Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009 Nov;41(11):2125-8. Epub 2009 Jun 13.
    

Açai (Euterpe oleracea), pronounced ah-sigh-ee, is a small, round, purple fruit that is produced by a certain species of palm tree native to Brazil. Açai is an antioxidant-rich super-food currently considered by many to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth. Açai has traditionally been used for improving general health and well-being.1 Açai berries contain protein and fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron.1 This fruit has been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants than raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, strawberry and blueberry.

1Açai contains high amounts of anthocyanins—water-soluble pigment compounds with potent antioxidant actions.1 Anthocyanins have some of the strongest physiological effects among plant compounds.

2 They may also aid the eyes and improve night vision. Other beneficial phytochemicals that have been identified in açai fruit include proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids and plant
sterols, including beta-sitosterol.

3,4 Açai fruit has been shown to have significantly high antioxidant protection against a variety of free radicals, especially for superoxide and peroxyl radicals.

5Recent studies have demonstrated that antioxidants in açai fruit are able to enter human cells in a fully functional form and neutralize free radicals even at low doses.

5 The antioxidant actions of açai fruit may also protect against abnormal cell growth and division. In a recent study, açai polyphenols were shown to have antiproliferative effects on human leukemia cells.

6 The antioxidant effects of anthocyanins such as those found in açai fruit have been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation have been associated with cardiovascular disease

7 preliminary studies indicate that açai fruit decreases lipid peroxidation.

4 Anthocyanins such as those found in açai fruit are known to improve circulation by reducing capillary permeability and increasing the strength of microvessel walls. Other cardiovascular benefits include helping to prevent blood clots, improving circulation and preventing artherosclerosis. Plant sterols, such as those found in açai fruit, have been used to maintain cholesterol levels, aid the immune system and maintain a healthy prostate. Açai fruit may decrease inflammation by inhibiting specific enzymes that are involved in causing inflammation (COX-1 and COX-2).5 Thus açai may be helpful for individuals with joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.

REfERENCES
1. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz f, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive
Database. 9th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research faculty; 2007.
2. Health & Medicine on Squidoo. 2008. Available at: http://www.squidoo.com/açai-research Accessed October 8, 2008.
3. Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Patel D, Huang D, Kababick JP. Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freezedried
Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (açai). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8604-10.
4. Jensen GS, Wu X, Patterson KM, Barnes J, Carter SG, Scherwitz L, Beaman R, Endres JR, Alexander SG. In Vitro and in
Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Capacities of an Antioxidant-Rich fruit and Berry Juice Blend. Results of a Pilot and
Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. J. Agric Food Chem. 2008; 56, 8326-8333.
5. Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Huang D, Owens J, Agarwal A, Jensen GS, Hart AN, Shanbrom E. Antioxidant capacity
and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (açai). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov
1;54(22):8604-10.
6. Del Pozo-Insfran D, Percival SS, Talcott ST. Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone
forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 feb 22;54(4):1222-9.
7. Castelao J, Gago-Dominguez M. Risk factors for cardiovascular

In the cold winter time, many of us prefer to hibernate than to remain active. Most of us give up the gym because of the bad weather and feel the need to serve rich meals, considering that strengthen our immune system. Here are some healthy tips that can help you to keep your body in a perfect shape.

Serve 5 small meals a day
When getting older than 20 our burning metabolic rate drops by 10% with each decade. This process of decline of metabolism can be reversed by adopting a diet which involve the service 5 small servings of food per day against the 3 meals rich.
Not recommended serving heavy meal because the body needs only a certain amount of food - depending on the activities performed, and the remaining food will be stored and processed in fat.
Not recommended under any circumstances serve a single heavy meal daily, ingestion of large portions of food creates confusion in the body - which charges a strong feeling of hunger -- burning metabolic rate decreases and as result of fat deposits.

Reduce body weight without losing nutrients
Focus on nutrients and not on dietetic foods!
For many people, following a diet tasty food deprivation are arguing for or renouncing almost totally tasteless food, depriving the body of food or taking extreme measures may endanger the health and even if we obtain weight loss it is for a short period of time.
What foods are recommended to be consumed to prevent weight gain?
I. 25% of the diet should be based on animal protein:
- Eggs;
- Fish and seafood;

II. 50% of the diet should be based on fruit and vegetable, for their Antioxidant effect, vitamins and fibers. The most recommended for the weight loss are:
- Broccoli;
- Cabbage;
- Spinach;
- Asparagus;
- Dandelion;

III. 25% of the diet should be based on raw nuts and seeds, Beans and vegetables, whole grains, especially brown rice, bread, amaranth, millet, sorghum, buckwheat.

It is recommended to avoid high fat food and carbohydrates such as sugar, white flour, white rice and alcohol. Even in the early days of adopting the system will miss the spicy taste of fatty foods within 2-3 weeks taste will adjust and you redefine the term "tasty food”, enjoying the real taste natural foods.

More liquid, less gained pounds
If a fluid deficit, the body is inclined to store water, the water retention is directly proportional to the excess weight. By increasing the percent of fluid, will tell the body that the retention of water is no longer necessary.
Consumption of a glass of hot water with lemon during the day, especially before meals, reduces fluid retention.

Morning ritual of losing weight!
Every morning on an empty stomach, drink a mixture of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of maple syrup and 300 grams of hot water, this content promotes a digestion smooth and enhance metabolism.
Never should neglect breakfast, which has to be richer and healthier. In the morning the body is most in need of energy, so during the day, metabolism got enough time to burn calories served at breakfast.

The power of herbs
Chinese herbs are used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the metabolic properties:
-Astragalus;
-Ginseng;
-Green tea;
To determine the most appropriate forms of administration, recommended consulting a specialist.

Don't forget about your daily gym
Everybody knows that physical activities increase the metabolism and helps burn excess calories.
If you want to lose weight, always choose to exercise with any occasion:
- Always choose stairs vsthe elevator;
- Try to walk when the distances that need to be taken are not excessive;
- Enroll to a gym club;

According to specialists a good exercise program is meat if it is done at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes (per session).

Result:
Besides weight loss and other benefits are obtained: energy, strength, good mood!

Please check out great herbal products for weight loss at Weight loss
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METABOSTART PLUS (14 DAY)

H1N1 Flu Scare Isn’t OverH1N1 Flu Scare Isn’t Over
•People are upset they can’t get a vaccine
•Local schools are having vaccination days
•A weakened virus is used in nasal vaccines and is contagious for several days afterwards
•The vaccin is not effective or has unknown side effects
•The rate sickness spreads is alarming
•Winter isn’t the only time of year we have problems with illness –Fall, Spring and Summer bring problems as well!

Building Your Immune Defenses
•NSP has a variety of options to build your immune defenses
•Today we’ll talk about two products we haven’t heard a lot about recently:
–Olive Leaf
–High Potency Garlic

Main Parts of the Immune System
1.Innate Immunity
–White blood cells, acid and digestive enzyme secretions, the skin and chemical compounds in the blood that attach to foreign organisms and neutralize them.

2.Acquired (natural) Immunity
–It is powerful
–It is what we “build up”
–It is activated by antigens
–It is governed by the body’s lymph system

How Do We Acquire Natural Immunity?
1.We are exposed to trillions of organisms from which we do not get sick.
2.We acquire immunity from exposure to antigens (chemical compounds unique to an invading organism or toxin) from which our bodies build up antibodies.
3.Antibodies give the body memory to protect against toxins previously exposed to.
•Childhood illnesses and even adult exposure to antigens build our immune system and make us more resistant to illness.
•This is especially true when illness is treated with natural means rather than with chemical/synthetic medications.

What Can Hinder Proper Building of Our Immune Defense?
•Deficiencies of
–Vitamin A
–Carotenoids
–Zinc
–Selenium
–Iron
•Fluoride in oral hygiene items
•Pesticides
•Herbicides
•Radiation
•Chemical toxins

What Can Hinder Proper Building of Our Immune Defense?
•Injected toxins that bypass the natural immune response
•Poor diet
•Ingestion of harmful things
•Hidden Infections
•Unnatural and resistant strains of organisms from labs
•Presence of heavy metals
•Neuro-toxic substances such as MSG and mercury

•Low fat/unhealthy fat diets
•Stealth viruses
•Infections
•Fungi
•Bacteria
•Candida
•Too much exercise -especially for an already unhealthy person

Olive Leaf Extract
•The olive tree lives a very long life and is resistant to viruses, fungi, insects and bacteria
•Olive Leaf contains a chemical called Oleuropein.

People Have Used Olive Leaf Extract for the Following:
•Viruses
•Retroviruses
•Bacteria
•Spirochetes
•Chlamydiae
•Fungi
•Yeasts
•Molds
•Protozoa
•Helminths
•Cryptosporidium
•Chicken pox
•Childhood illnesses
•Shingles
•Ear infections
•Diphtheria
•Encephalitis
•Bladder infections

•The relief of arthritic inflammation
•Diabetes –reducing the need for insulin
•The elimination of chronic fatigue
•The creation or restoration of abundant energy
•Normalization of heart beat irregularity
•Improvement of blood flow
•Lessening of pain from hemorrhoids
•Attenuation of toothaches
•Antioxidant quenching of free radical pathology
•Obliterations of fungal infections such as mycoticnails, athlete’s foot, jock itch
•Permanent relief from malaria, dengue fever,
other exotic and deadly tropical diseases
•Excellent to take for protection when traveling

Garlic
•Garlic will strengthen and build the liver
•Contains allicin–gives garlic the “anti-infection” properties
•Has volatile compounds so it can spread rapidly throughout the body
•Useful for hard to reach parts such as the inner ear

Garlic Has Amazing Components Germanium

•Positive effects against radioactivity
•Inhibiting multiplication of abnormal cells
•Activation of natural killer cells and macrophages
•Tumor inhibiting activity
•Increase the body’s ability to absorb calcium
•Retard aging
•Improve stamina and endurance
•These are only a few!

Nature's Sunshine Products Available

High Potency Garlic

Olive Leaf Extract

Vitamins. How much do we need and where do we take them from?

Antioxidants definition.

Antioxidants are natural compounds that help protect the body from, harmful free radicals. Many different factors can lead to an excess of free radicals as: exposure to radiation, whether from the sun or from medical x-rays, environmental pollutants such as tobacco and automobile exhaust, household chemicals, a diet high in fat. By destroying free radicals, antioxidants help to detoxify and protect the body.

Thousands of antioxidants naturally occur in plant foods. The most well known are vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and selenium. Foods rich in natural antioxidants are tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and peppers. Vegetables and fruits that have a rich color are high in phytonutrients. Blueberries, spinach, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe and mangoes are also containing antioxidants. Citrus fruits are rich sources of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Vegetable oils such as olive oil, soybean oil, safflower oil and whole grains such as wheat, brown rice and soybean provide natural antioxidants.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are the powerful plant compounds that work as antioxidants. Tomatoes contain lycopene - a red carotenoid that exhibits antioxidant properties. Higher consumption of such foods is known to maintain and boost immune functions. Green tea is rich in polyphenols and flavenoids that have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral properties.

Where to find?

Some of most known antioxidant supplements include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Selenium and Zinc. Other antioxidant enriching substances are green tea extract, gingko biloba and flavonoids such as grape seed extract and red wine.

Although colorful fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants, and should be a part of our diet, it can be difficult to consume the right amount every day to ensure that we are getting all of the antioxidants that our body needs. This is where antioxidant supplements can be helpful, and should be considered an essential part of your supplementation program.

Health problems

Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer etc are all contributed by oxidative damage. Indeed, a recent study conducted by researchers from London found that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection.

Nature's sunshine new products

Nature's sunshine anounced and released new products for kids on their anually conference in Las Vegas in September.

Theare called Sunshine Heroes and they are 6 new or improved products for kids as follow:

SUNSHINE HEROES CALCIUM PLUS D3 (90 SOFT CHEWS)

SUNSHINE HEROES MULTIPLE VITAMIN & MINERAL (90 SOFT CHEWS)

SUNSHINE HEROES OMEGA 3 WITH DHA (90 SOFT CHEWS)

SUNSHINE HEROES PROBIOTIC POWER (90 CHEWABLE TABLETS)

SUNSHINE HEROES WHOLE FOOD-ANTIOXIDANT (90 SOFT CHEWS)

SUNSHINE HEROES WHOLE FOODS-PAPAYAZYME (90 CHEWABLE TABLETS)

For more info on all new products please go to New Products

General info

Vitamins and minerals are substances your body needs in small but steady amounts for normal growth, function and health. Together, vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients. Your body can't make most micronutrients, so you must get them from the foods you eat or, in some cases, from dietary supplements.

Vitamins and health.

Vitamins are essential to good health. Vitamin A helps to develop and maintain body tissues such as bone and skin; it also helps the body’s vision, nervous system functioning, reproduction, and growth. The B vitamins are responsible for increasing the production of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well as assisting with metabolism, building red blood cells, and maintaining the protective covering of the nervous system.

Vitamin C helps form tissues, cells, bones and teeth; heals wounds; and improves the immune system’s performance. Vitamin E protects the outer cell membranes from harm, thus assisting the immune system in fighting off diseases. Vitamin K helps the body’s blood lot in wounded areas.

Minerals.

Minerals also have a broad range of functions. As many as 20 minerals play significant roles in the body. “Microminerals,” or minerals that the body only needs traces of, can fight off serious illness. These include copper, iodine, chromium, iron, fluorine, tin, zinc, nickel, vanadium, manganese, silicon, molybdenum, and selenium. “Macrominerals,” or minerals that the body needs large amounts of include magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur.
Zinc is responsible for helping metabolize proteins and keeping enzymes functioning. Copper is needed by enzymes for metabolizing. Iodine assists the thyroid gland in working properly. Calcium and phosphorus build bones and teeth. Iron delivers oxygen to the body’s cells. Potassium helps muscle contraction, maintains the fluid balance of cells, helps transmit messages through the body’s nerves, and keeps the kidneys and heart working correctly.
How they interrelate. Vitamins and minerals not only help the body function, but they work to strengthen each other. The body absorbs iron through the help of vitamin C. Vitamin D helps the body absorb phosphorus and calcium. Vitamins D and K are the only vitamins the body can supply for itself. The skin creates vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin K is produced by intestinal bacteria. Outside sources must supply the body with all other vitamins.