Anti oxidants for Immunity, Aging, Skin and Hair: Vitamin Supplements

The market is chockfull with supplements which claim to have potent anti aging benefits and cancer fighting properties. Vitamins are loaded with anti-oxidants which play a crucial role in reducing free radical damage, which is responsible for its potent health benefits

Vitamin Supplements are
loaded with Antioxidants 

What are the Benefits of Anti-Oxidant Supplements?

The remarkable benefits of anti oxidants are immense. Vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are potent anti oxidants and provide the several health benefits.

Antioxidants are molecules which inhibit the process of oxidation, which is a chemical reaction involving transfer of electrons to an oxidizing agent. This reaction results in the production of free radicals which are responsible for a chain reaction. This chain reaction can result in cellular damage and even cellular death.

Antioxidants interfere with this chain reaction as they oxidize themselves and remove the free radical intermediaries. Some of the key antioxidants include ascorbic acid, polyphenols and thiols.

Anti oxidants thereby help in strengthening and reinforcing the immune mechanism and defense system of the body and delay the onslaught of aging.

Vitamin C Supplement: Anti Oxidants for Enhanced Immunity

Vitamin C is an extremely powerful antioxidant which supports the body’s immune mechanism. In addition, it promises excellent anti-aging benefits. Vitamin C can delay the manifestation of wrinkles, help keep the skin supple and firm and will also lend a wonderful glow. Natural food sources of vitamin C are: limes, lemons, oranges, bell peppers, gooses berries, mangoes, apples, kiwis, and papaya. Vitamin C fights free radical damage and battles stress and its brutal effects effectively. The RDA for vitamin C is 60 mg per day.



Mode of Action of Antioxidants



Vitamin A Supplement: Antioxidants to Slow down Aging

Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant. It encourages general well being and prevents the occurrence of cancer, particularly, cancer of the prostate, breast and colon. Vitamin A staves off and wards off the development of age-related macular degeneration, glucoma and cataract . It is essential for healthy skin and hair. There are several synthetic supplements for vitamin A; still, a popular belief is that natural sources for the vitamin are a lot better than the supplements. Excellent food sources of the vitamin are: carrot, tomatoes, papaya, spinach, mangoes, and melons. The RDA for vitamin A is 5000 I.U.

Vitamin E Supplement: Antioxidants for Healthy Skin and Hair

Vitamin E is very important for healthy skin and hair. It peps up the working of the immune system and keeps your body functioning optimally. Vitamin E rich diets exert a protective effect in many common health conditions, such as, cancer, cardiac diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s diseases and Parkinson’s disease and fibrocystic breast disease. Rich sources of the vitamin are: almonds, avocados, cashew nuts, whole grains, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts and safflower seeds. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 I.U.

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Health Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin and Hair: Aloe Vera Lotion Side Effects

Aloe Vera is widely used as an ornamental Plant. However it has been used since centuries, to mange skin ailments and to treat gastro-intestinal tract upsets and derangements, effectively and naturally. Native to the Sub Saharan Africa, it is now found in arid climates across the globe.

Aloe Vera Plant has
several benefits

What is Aloe Vera?: Pure Aloe Vera from Aloe Vera Plants

The Aloe Vera plant belongs to the lily family. It is a succulent plant having thick fleshy leaves which exudes a viscid transparent gel that exerts several beneficial effects on our body.

Pure Aloe vera gel can be easily expressed at home. Wash a fleshy, gel filled leaf of the plant. Then, slit the center of the leaf using a knife. Collect the gel in a bowl and use as required. This is the pure form of the gel.

Aloe Vera Juice Health Benefits: Uses of Aloe Vera

The health benefits of aloe Vera juice are profound. Taken internally, the juice helps your gastro-intestinal tract to function optimally. It prevents acidity, heart burn and stomach pains; treats ulcers successfully and wards off a host of abdominal derangements.

The recommended dosage is half a cup of the juice twice everyday.

The gel extracted from the leafy is packed with a host of vital agents. The gel contains anti inflammatory agents that reduce inflammation, swelling and pain quickly; thus making it useful in painful conditions such as: gastritis, stomach ulcers, piles / hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, inflammatory conditions of the skin, etc.

Aloe Vera also contains a powerful compound that fights itchiness, thus making it very useful for allergic reactions.

Aloe Vera is a potent anti septic too and speeds up the process of healing considerably.

Common uses of aloe Vera are:

• Topical application of the gel to treat minor burns, sun burns, abrasions, cuts, rashes, stings, ulcers and frost bites.
• It is known to effectively clear up warts and acne
• Taken internally, aloe Vera soothes inflamed GI tract and relives gastric complaints.

Aloe manages most
of the hair problems

Aloe Vera Hair Gel: Aloe Vera Gel For Hair

Applying aloe Vera gel to your hair and scalp has been recommended by most hair care experts. Aloe Vera nourishes the scalp, stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth.Scalp treatment and massaging with Aloe Vera is very beneficial.  It fights dandruff and other inflammatory conditions of the scalp effectively. When applied to the hair shaft, it makes the hair shiny and glossy, giving the hair a healthy sheen. Use the gel twice per week; massage in to the scalp and leave on for an hour. It works as a wonderful conditioner as well. Aloe vera is effective in treating hairloss problem.

Benefits of Aloe Vera on Skin: Aloe Vera Gel Benefits

Aloe for a beautiful
skin

Aloe Vera is used for diseased conditions of the skin as well as for cosmetic purposes. It is particularly helpful when applied to damaged skin. It relives pain and itching almost instantaneously. Aloe Vera speeds the process of cell regeneration, enhances blood circulation and effectually fights secondary bacterial / fungal infections. The gel manages burns, sun burns, frost bites, ulcers, warts and shingles. Another potential use of the aloe Vera is treatment of psoriasis. It soothes the skin and prevents flare ups.

Aloe Vera Capsules and Aloe Vera Lotion: Side Effects of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is available in the form of juice, capsules, cream and gel. Aloe Vera also makes s soothing bath lotion. Add 1 cup of aloe Vera juice to a bath tub of warm water.

In rare cases, one may complain of mild allergic skin reaction. Some people may experience stomach cramps and / or diarrhea. Do not take aloe Vera if pregnant or breast feeding.

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Health Benefits of Vitamin E: Vitamin E Uses for Skin and Scars

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922, when rats were given a diet that was lacking in vitamin E, and they were unable to reproduce. When wheat germ oil was administered to them, they could reproduce. Then, vitamin E was isolated and was called the anti sterility vitamin.

Vitamin E provides
Several Health Benefits

What is Vitamin E?: What Does Vitamin E Do?

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It is also called tocopherol; ‘tokos’ meaning ‘offspring’ and ‘phero’ meaning ‘to bear’.Vitamin E is essential vitamin that has several pivotal roles to play, ranging from fertility, cardiovascular health, skin care, optimal nervous system functioning and prevention of cancer.

Vitamin E Health Benefits: Vitamin E Uses

• Vitamin E is a powerful anti oxidant; protecting the cells from free radical damage (i.e. damage caused by pollution, smoke, chemicals, stress, etc).
• Vitamin E plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the nerve cells.
• The vitamin influences the reproductive system too and is often called the ‘anti sterility’ hormone.
• Vitamin E is also known to protect the heart and stave off cardiovascular diseases.
• Being a potent free radical, vitamin E has the potential to prevent the development of cancer.

Vitamin E Food Sources: Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E rich foods are: wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, whole wheat, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli and avocados.

A number of conditions are associated with vitamin E deficiency; acne, anemia, gall stones, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer being the common ones. Severe deficiency of vitamin E is relatively rare.

Vitamin E supplements are recommended by health care professionals to mange a host f medical conditions. Typically, vitamin E is given in a dose of 400 - 600 I.U. per day. It is well tolerated in high doses as well. However, do consult your doctor before starting the supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are onto anti coagulant drugs.

Vitamin E for a
Healthy Skin

Vitamin E for Skin: Vitamin E for Scars

Along with vitamin C and vitamin A, vitamin E is an important ‘beauty vitamin’. Vitamin is a powerful free radical scavenger and destroyer, and this halts the onslaught of ageing and decelerates its process. Vitamin E can help delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep the skin looking glowing and radiant.

Vitamin E promotes rapid skin healing. Application of vitamin E oil / cream along with internal administration of the vitamin promises to treat scars effectively.

Even as vitamin E supplementation is therapeutic to manage circulatory disorders like heart diseases, high blood pressure, and varicose veins, it is decidedly beneficial for cosmetic purposes too. Vitamin E oil effectively treats scars, stretch marks, eczema, psoriasis, burns and cuts down skin cancer risk.

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Vitamin A for Skin, Eyes and Immunity: Preventing Vitamin A Toxicity

Recent studies in Australia have shown that 25000 IU of Vitamin A prompts the ability of insulin to control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. However, with a Required Dietary Intake of 2500 IU, Vitamin A overdose is associated with serious diseases including liver cirrhosis. Scientists are working towards exploring safer Vitamin A derivatives which are effective and can be prescribed in higher doses.

What is Vitamin A?

Chemical Structure of
Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble nutrient which is stored in the liver. Vitamin A is present in the body in various chemical forms called retinoids.

Though the role of Vitamin A in preventing night blindness and cataract are well known, Vitamin A was used in early 1940s to treat a host of skin disorders including acne, pimples and psoriasis. However due to the high risk of toxicity associated with high dosage of Vitamin A, this was discontinued. Currently Retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivate and a prescription drug, is used for treatment of acne and a host of other skin conditions.

Major Benefits of Vitamin A: Vitamin A for Skin, Eyes and Immunity

The role of Vitamin A in enhancing health has been explicit. Vitamin A benefits humans in more than one way,

• Vitamin A is known for its ability to maintain vision and fight conditions like night blindness. This Vitamin is a key constituent of the chemicals found in the retina, which are essential for a normal vision.  In addition Vitamin A helps the eye adjust to changes in the intensity of light. Vitamin A is effective in management of dry eye complains.
• Vitamin A is considered beneficial in treatment of skin problems. The nutrient promotes healing of wounds, burns and ulcers. Its role in improving conditions like dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and rasacea has been proven time and again.



Animal Liver is packed
with Vitamin A

• Vitamin A is crucial in enhancing immunity of the body. Vitamin A is vital to fight common infections like common cold, flu and other types of upper respiratory tract infections.  Studies have shown that Vitamin A is effective in repairing lung tissue and reducing the attacks of auto-immune disorders like Asthma.  The role of this Vitamin in management of irritable bowel disease and gastric ulcers is noteworthy, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin A Toxicity: Natural Sources of Vitamin A

• Vitamin A toxicity can manifest in the form of generalized weakness and vomiting.
• Consistently high levels of the vitamin are associated with liver cirrhosis.
• In addition other symptoms associated with Vitamin A toxicity include hair fall, brittle nails, bleeding gums, fatigue, nausea and irritability
• Vitamin A intake in pregnant females should be limited. Studies have shown that consuming more than 2500 IU of Vitamin A each day is closely linked with birth defects in the infant.

Normal vegetarian diet comprising of carotenoid rich vegetables and fruits rarely result in Vitamin A toxicity. However inclusion of too much liver or oily fish may occasionally result in an overdose. It should be noted that a mere 125 grams of polar bear liver can provide as much as 2 million IU of Vitamin A, a situation that can result in acute toxicity.

Some of the natural sources of Vitamin A include egg yolks, organ meat such as liver (which provides Vitamin A in high concentration), Apple, green leafy vegetables, mango, tomatoes, prunes are some of the rich sources of Vitamin A.

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