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Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of a yellow wildflower that grows throughout the United States. It contains a special kind of fatty acid that the body converts to a beneficial hormone-like substance. Capsules containing evening primrose oil are frequently used as natural remedies by women to help relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as premenstrual syndrome.
In one study from the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, researchers tested the effect of evening primrose oil on 56 menopausal women aged 45 to 59 with menopausal hot flashes. The women were given two capsules per day of evening primrose oil (500 mg per capsule) for a continuous 6 weeks. The results showed there was a 42% improvement in the severity of hot flashes, as well as beneficial improvements in their life activities and quality of life.
Regarding PMS symptoms such as headache, food cravings and joint pain, insomnia, breast pain and fatigue, a research study evaluated the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in sixty-eight women with PMS. They received one to two grams per day (1,000 mg. to 2,000 mg.). The timing of the capsules was arranged so the women received them three days before their usual PMS symptoms began, up until the beginning of menstruation.
The women completed questionnaires which showed that 61% found complete relief of their symptoms and 23% had partial relief, with these results obtained after three months of supplementation. Relief of breast pain was the symptom most benefited. (Reference: Evening primrose oil in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Clinical Uses of Essential Fatty Acids. Montreal: Eden Press).
Mineral supplements such as magnesium and calcium have also been found to be natural remedies for hot flashes and night sweats. One recent example is a study from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Women with at least 14 hot flashes a week, received 400 milligrams of magnesium oxide for 4 weeks, increasing to 800 milligrams per day if needed. At the end of the study, the magnesium supplements had reduced their frequency of hot flashes from 52 to 28 per week — a 41% reduction. Fatigue, sweating, and distress were also significantly reduced.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the effective calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, allergies, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/04/14/menopause-hot-flashes-improved-by-evening-primrose-oil/
Greetings to you,
Here is a handy chart below that shows some of the best foods high in dietary fiber and the number of grams of fiber in each one. There are many magnificent health benefits available from eating fiber in foods. According to the Mayo Clinic website, dietary fiber can help control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, maintain bowel health, relieve constipation, help with a healthy weight, and prevent cardiovascular disease (CV disease).
Fiber is the bulk or roughage part of plant foods that the body can’t digest or absorb. When it is eaten in foods, it passes through the body relatively unchanged. This helps to detoxify the body, keeps it clean inside, and helps its organs function well. In addition, the vitamins and minerals present in these plant foods contribute to and support all these benefits.
This news is provided to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs. Since 2001, Nutrition Breakthroughs has provided health articles and effective natural remedies. Their mission is to provide nutritional supplements that work well and help people avoid drugs and their side effects. A good example of this is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2014/07/15/the-many-health-benefits-of-eating-fiber-in-fruits-vegetables-grains-beans/
Blue and purple colored berries are delicious treats that provide many health benefits, particularly for the eyes. These fruits get their colorings from one of the plant kingdom’s most powerful healing substances called anthocyanins. In one recent study, Japanese scientists in Tokyo studied the effects of black currant anthocyanins on work-induced computer eye problems and visual fatigue.
With a dose of 50 milligrams of black currant, there was a significant increased ability of the eyes to adjust to darkness, as well as reduced eye strain and improvement in symptoms of eye fatigue or vision problems. The participants also described an added bonus of reduced lower back pain.
The bilberry fruit is a close cousin to the famous blueberry. During World War II, British fighter pilots reported improved nighttime vision after eating bilberry jam. One of the most important studies on bilberry eye health was done by researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Center in Boston, MA.
The researchers used an enriched extract of bilberry in a test tube along with human retina cells. The cells were exposed to oxygen damage and bilberry was shown to have a profound antioxidant effect – protecting and reversing the damage.
Bilberry removed the stress in eye tissue, which is a strong indicator that it can safeguard the eyes against disorders of aging such as macular degeneration (blurred vision), cataracts (cloudy vision) and glaucoma (eye pressure affecting the optic nerve). The results were published in Alternative Medicine Review.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the effective calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/04/26/studies-blueberry-benefits-eyes-reduces-strain/
Sometimes just taking a drink of pure, fresh water can lighten our spirit and improve overall health. Hydration means to supply with ample fluid or moisture. Studies are finding that being well-hydrated with water can assist with weight loss, help relieve fatigue and migraines, and improve mood and concentration.
Water is one of the best natural remedies and is vital to life. It ranges from 75% of body weight in infants to 55% of body weight in the elderly. The more water we drink, the better it circulates through the body, bringing essential nutrients and vitamins to places they are needed and flushing out toxins.
Water provides its health benefits without calories or sugar and actually comes in many forms such as spring water, carbonated water, mineral water, distilled water and well water. It is present in soups, stews, and teas, and is found within the most beneficial of all foods: vegetables and fruits.
Water is gaining attention for its ability to be an appetite-controller that has no side effects, costs very little and requires no prescription. In a study from the American Chemical Society, participants aged 55 to 75 all ate a low-calorie diet during the study. They were divided into two groups — one of the two groups drank 2 cups of water prior to their meals and the other didn’t. Over the course of the 12-week study, the water-drinkers lost five more pounds than the non-water drinkers.
Researchers from the Netherlands set out to prove the common notion that dehydration is considered to result in headaches and they studied 18 patients with migraine headaches. One group was given a placebo and the other was instructed to increase their daily intake of water. In the group that increased their intake of water by a quart a day, the total overall hours of headache were reduced by 21 hours in 2 weeks.
An easy way to increase the water intake is to fill a container with a quart of water and bring it along to drink throughout the day. Avoid tap water and use the filtered, spring or distilled varieties. Eating more raw fruits and vegetables is another key strategy; not only because of their high water content, but because of the plant chemicals they contain. Known as “phytochemicals”, these active nutrients provide the colors of the plants and give benefits to the heart, eyes, hormones and more.
This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid featuring calcium and magnesium Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, hair growth, allergies and more energy.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/03/28/health-benefits-of-water-weight-loss-headache-relief-detoxification/
There are certain foods that can greatly help the appearance of the skin; smoothing wrinkles and fine lines and easing skin dryness. These include healthy proteins, especially oily fish like salmon, as well as quality fats like avocados, almonds and olive oil, and the vitamins A, B, C and E.
The famous Vitamin C can significantly enhance skin health and appearance and is becoming known as an anti wrinkle vitamin. It helps to increase collagen levels in the body, which is the body’s most abundant protein. Collagen acts to connect the body together and is found in skin, hair, nails, bones and muscles.
Vitamin C is not produced naturally in the body and must be obtained from sources like citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and vitamin supplements. Collagen declines in the body after age 40 and can be depleted by a high sugar intake, fast foods and smoking.
In support of vitamin C as an anti wrinkle vitamin, a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition announced the results of researchers from the United Kingdom. They discovered that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled skin appearance and skin dryness. Vitamin C majorly improved overall skin appearance in a study of 4,025 women aged 40 to 74.
This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Joints and More, which naturally increases collagen levels in the body and helps to create smoother skin, hair and nails – as well as helping to ease stiff, painful joints and other aches and pains.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/05/14/top-9-best-foods-for-skin-health-and-beauty/
Sometimes just taking a drink of pure, fresh water can lighten our spirit and improve our health. Hydration means to supply with ample fluid or moisture. Studies are finding that being well-hydrated with water can assist with weight loss, help relieve fatigue and migraines, and improve mood and concentration.
Water is vital to life and ranges from 75% of body weight in infants to 55% of body weight in the elderly. The more water we drink, the better it circulates through the body, bringing essential nutrients and vitamins to places they are needed and flushing out toxins.
Water provides its health benefits without calories or sugar and actually comes in many forms such as spring water, carbonated water, mineral water, distilled water and well water. It is present in soups, stews, and teas, and is found within the most beneficial of all foods: vegetables and fruits.
Water is gaining attention for its ability to be an appetite-controller that has no side effects, costs very little and requires no prescription. In a study from the American Chemical Society, participants aged 55 to 75 all ate a low-calorie diet during the study. They were divided into two groups — one of the two groups drank 2 cups of water prior to their meals and the other didn’t. Over the course of the 12-week study, the water-drinkers lost five more pounds than the non-water drinkers.
Researchers from the Netherlands set out to prove the common notion that dehydration is considered to result in headaches and they studied 18 patients with migraine headaches. One group was given a placebo and the other was instructed to increase their daily intake of water. In the group that increased their intake of water by a quart a day, the total overall hours of headache were reduced by 21 hours in 2 weeks.
An easy way to increase the water intake is to fill a container with a quart of water and bring it along to drink throughout the day. Avoid tap water and use the filtered, spring or distilled varieties. Eating more raw fruits and vegetables is another key strategy; not only because of their high water content, but because of the plant chemicals they contain. Known as “phytochemicals”, these active nutrients provide the colors of the plants and give benefits to the heart, eyes, hormones and more.
This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid featuring calcium and magnesium Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, hair growth, allergies and more energy.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/03/28/health-benefits-of-water-weight-loss-headache-relief-detoxification/
Greetings to you,
Here is a great educational chart about carbohydrates including which ones are the healthiest, those that are not as healthy, and why. It’s almost a complete overview of carbohydrates contained in a picture.
One might think that carbohydrates are just things like cookies, cakes and bread. Actually the healthiest carbs come from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The plant chemicals found in veggies and fruits are nature’s best remedies for many parts of the body including the eyes, brain, heart, glands and bones.
Regarding which types of carbohydrates to eat for good sleep, researchers at the University of Sydney Australia gave two different kinds of meals to the study participants a few hours before bedtime. They found that a carbohydrate-based meal such as brown rice or whole grains significantly shortened the time needed to fall asleep.
See some more interesting facts about carbs below.
To your good health,
Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II with Absorbable Calcium and Magnesium
and other Natural Remedies
Toll free: (888) 861-0326
Article Source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/02/21/a-chart-on-carbohydrates-which-are-healthiest/
Avocados are a healthy, creamy, tasty food, whether they sit on top of a sandwich, an omelet or a salad — or become transformed into guacamole. Avocados balance hormones, contain beneficial fats, and feature over twenty vitamins and minerals.
They are a uniquely high source of plant sterols, which is the part of the plant that corresponds to cholesterol in people. Eating plant sterols has been proven to lower cholesterol and increase heart health in several research studies from sources like the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Another key benefit of avocados is their ability to block estrogen absorption in the body. They contain key plant sterols that can reduce excess estrogen. This allows increased progesterone to be present in women and testosterone in men.
Some of the causes of excess estrogen include exposure to toxins and pollutants in the environment, chemical estrogens in plastics, hormones from food, and toxic cleaning products. Eating some avocado regularly can take the edge off the toxic load and provide better hormonal balance.
Increased estrogen levels can lead to weight gain, tiredness, headaches, water retention, breast tenderness and insomnia. Regarding excess weight, one study in the “Nutrition Journal” showed that adding half an avocado to the lunch time meal resulted in a feeling of satisfaction and a 40% reduction in the desire to eat during the 3 hours after lunch.
According to Michael Lam, M.D. who specializes in nutritional medicine: ”Plants contain over 5,000 known sterols that have progesterone enhancing effects. People who eat more wholesome plant foods have a far lower incidence of menopause symptoms because their pre- and post-menopause levels of (hormones) do not drop as significantly.”
The avocado is a pear-shaped fruit that is free of cholesterol and salt and is a high source of potassium. They are high in fiber and also contain lutein, which is a plant pigment that is proven to strengthen the eyes. Eating avocados can help prevent heart disease with its healthy fats that reduce cholesterol in the body. Adding some avocado to meals is a great way to help balance hormones – half an avocado is a good amount.
Avocado oil is another concentrated form of plant sterols that can be used for cooking in any high heat application like stir-fry, bar-b-q or roasting. It also makes a great base for salad dressings and sauces. An avocado in any form is a great food for overall health and particularly good hormonal health.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Learn more about the natural sleep aids and natural joint and pain relief products made by Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/05/09/avocado-increase-progesterone-and-testosterone-naturally/
Health Studies: Cranberries Boost Immunity, Oral Health, Bladder Health, More
Posted on: April 21, 2015
Best known for their juice, sauce and dried versions for snacking, cranberries are little red fruit gems that are high in vitamins C and E. They have been shown in research studies to boost immunity, fight oral bacteria, prevent and treat urinary tract infections, and improve heart and skin health.
Cranberries benefit oral health by preventing bacteria from binding to the teeth, according to Researchers at the Eastman Department of Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The research team found evidence that cranberry juice disrupts the formation of the building block of plaque, and certain properties in the juice disarm the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Similarly, cranberries help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, thus fighting off infections of the bladder. One research study with women who had a history of recurring bladder infections, found that daily treatment with cranberry concentrate capsules (400 mg. twice per day for three months) significantly reduced the recurrence of urinary tract infections.
Drinking cranberry juice is helpful, but it’s important to select a natural cranberry juice that is unsweetened or sweetened from fruit sources, rather a cranberry juice cocktail sweetened with white sugar. It should be diluted with water in order to lessen the natural acidity in the juice.
Regarding white sugar, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that when healthy volunteers consumed a large amount of refined sugar, their immune system‘s white blood cells had an impaired ability to destroy bacteria for at least five hours.
Other ways to get more cranberries into the diet is to enjoy them in trail mixes, add frozen cranberries to smoothies, throw a few into a muffin recipe, or use dried cranberries in a salad or vegetable side dish. Cranberry powder supplements are available and may provide the most benefits.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Learn more about the natural sleep aids and natural joint and pain relief products made by Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/04/02/infographic-cranberries-boost-immunity-oral-health-bladder-health-more/
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a natural plant-based sweetener with zero calories that actually improved our health? Many people would prefer to avoid eating lots of white sugar as it affects everything from weight, to teeth, to immunity, to the health of our organs.
Although in the world of sugar substitutes, many of the options available are artificial sweetners made in the laboratory such as Equal (aspartame), Splenda (sucralose) and SweetNLow (saccharin – which is a coal tar derivative).
A recent study published in a medical journal that writes about metabolism reported that diet soda drinkers suffer with the same health problems as those who opt for regular sugared soda, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
At the same time that studies are discovering more and more health problems from consuming artificial sweeteners, one natural option – the Stevia plant – is collecting positive research outcomes for its benefits. It’s a South American plant from the same family that includes chrysanthemums and sunflowers. Honey is also natural, but it contains very concentrated sugars that can cause cells to store fat.
Stevioside is the natural extract from stevia leaves that gives it its sweetness. Stevia extract can taste 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, with one teaspoon equaling a whole cup of sugar. Very small amounts go a long way. Stevia is not absorbed well into the stomach, and when it passes through the body, there is no accumulation of it.
The cells of the pancreas receive a healing effect from stevia. A study in the journal “Metabolism” found that stevioside reduced blood sugar levels after meals in type 2 diabetic patients. Regarding high blood pressure, one study in a British medical journal gave participants with high blood pressure stevia capsules for a year. The researchers concluded it is a well tolerated and an effective alternative therapy.
In a test tube study from “Antiviral Research” stevia was shown to be an effective antiviral substance that worked as a blockade to prevent a virus from attaching to other cells. Stevia also inhibits the growth of oral bacteria, making it a good ingredient for mouthwashes, toothpastes and bleeding gums.
Stevia is available as fresh or dried leaves, as a powdered extract or as drops. Its health benefits are best realized when the whole plant is used to make the extract. Truvia (made by Coca-Cola) and PureVia (made by PepsiCo) contain only portions of the active ingredients, not the entire plant. So look for stevia or stevioside amounts when purchasing this natural sweetener.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, providing natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Learn more about the natural sleep aids and natural joint and pain relief products made by Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Article source: http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/blog/2015/03/09/stevia-studies-0-calorie-natural-sweetener-helps-diabetes-immunity-blood-pressure/
News on Natural Remedies, Good Sleep and Good Health 