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 Ginseng to Treat Impotence and Depression Naturally: Optimum Dosage and Precautions of Ginseng Supplements

Ginseng is one of the most popular herbs which is added to different types of health drinks, energy tonics, fruit juices and vitamin supplements due to its potential benefits like enhancing energy levels and ability to fight stress. These health drinks are popular among teenagers, but often these drinks contain very little quantity of this wonder herb. Panax Ginseng is also referred to as the Asian Ginseng which has been used in Chinese medicines for over thousands of years for longitivity and to enhance quality of life. This Chinese Ginseng is different than American Ginseng (P.quinquefolius) and Siberian Ginseng (E. Senticosus), which has completely different effects on human health.

Ginseng has a great
influence on the

endocrine system

Ginseng Health Benefits: Prevents Cancer, Boosts Immunity and Treats Impotence 

The medicinal part of the Ginseng herb is its slow growing root which contains thirteen different ginsenosides, which are the active ingredients of the herb. In addition the herb contains panxans, which are substances believed to lower blood sugar levels and polysaccharides, which play a crucial role in boosting the immune response. The major health benefits of Ginseng herb include,

• A large scale study conducted in Korea found that the use of ginseng reduced the risk of developing cancer by half. Ginseng is considered to boost the production of “killer T cells”, which are the part of the cellular immunity of the body and play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Further, as this herb stimulates the immune system it also plays a protective role against common infections like flu.
• Ginseng plays a crucial role in regulating the production of stress hormones by support the endocrinal organs namely the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands. This enhances the ability of an individual to combat stress and also is effective in treating fatigue and feeling of tiredness.
• Ginseng has a direct action on smooth muscle tissue and hence is considered effective in management of erectile dysfunction and impotency in males. Some claims indicate that this herb increases testosterone and sperm production in the body and thereby enhances fertility in men. 

Optimum Dosage of Ginseng Supplement: Precautions while taking Ginseng Supplements

Though the use of the herb is rarely associated with side effects, there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration while using this herb as a supplement,

• Though ginseng may be available in a variety of forms including powder, tincture, tablets and capsules, it is always recommended to consume standardized products that contain about 7% ginsenosides. Ginseng powder and tinctures are considered more potent than other forms of the herbal supplement
• Avoid ginseng when pregnant or when one suffers from uncontrolled hypertension. Ginseng also needs to be avoided in individuals with cardiac arrhythmias
• Ideal dose of ginseng herb ranges between 100 mg- 250 mg per day. However it can be increased to twice the dosage, especially in individuals recovering from a chronic illness or a major surgery.



Ginseng helps control
depression and impotence

• Side effects associated with ginseng include headaches, stomach upsets, insomnia and restlessness. In females ginseng is often associated with breast tenderness and irregular menstrual bleeding. 

Ginseng Supplements for Depression: Ginseng controls Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

In addition Ginseng Supplements play a crucial role in management of depression and diabetes,

• In a study conducted on individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes, it was observed that 200 mg of ginseng supplement each day helped lower the blood sugar levels considerably compared to those on placebo
• In another study it was observed that ginseng can stimulate the production of endorphins, which are ‘feel good’ hormones which play a crucial role in management of depression

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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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