Natural Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is widely used as an essential dietary supplement. Recent studies have asserted that nearly 40% from elderly populations from the United States depend on regular vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is also known as ascorbic acid. While a majority of mammals can produce vitamin C within their system, humans and few other animals like birds and chimps are unable to do so. So we need external sources of vitamin C in order to meet the daily requirement. Here, we will discuss few sources of vitamin C. Remember these are not exclusive or limited, however, they contain high amount of vitamin C content.

Parsley

This is one of great sources of vitamin C. The yummy and vibrant flavor in combination with great healing properties is often overshadowed by its role as a table garnish. Parsley contains both vitamin C and Vitamin A, which means parsley has a potent antioxidant property. Since vitamin C is water-soluble, a regular intake of parsley ensures rendering free radicals from the water-soluble parts of the body. Since vitamin C functions wonderfully as an anti-inflammatory agent, parsley as one of the great sources of vitamin C is really beneficial in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Broccoli

Broccoli is an important member of cabbage family and one of the wise sources of vitamin C. In fact, it is one of the highest ranked natural sources of vitamin C, as enlisted in different medical organizations or research institutes. It is extremely powerful in combating against cancer. It contains indole-3-carbinol, which has the property to offer protection against breast cancer and other estrogen related cancer. A wide number of scientific studies have confirmed broccoli has the ability to enhance the detoxification in the body.

Bell Pepper

Bell pepper tastes great and it is one of the wonderful sources of vitamin C. Not only bell pepper tastes great, but the elegant exterior makes it a choice for Christmas vegetable ornaments. This is one of the highest ranked natural sources of vitamin C. It offers strong protection against the formation of free radicals and it reduces the risk of different degenerative diseases including cardiovascular diseases. In addition, bell peppers are useful in promoting optimal health, lung health, better eyesight, offering protection against rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.

These three natural sources of vitamin C discussed here are marked as the highest ranked sources of vitamin C. In fact, all of them are rich in other nutritional contents such as vitamin A, vitamin B, dietary fiber, manganese, potassium and many others. However, there are plenty others. So, make your daily diet rich with fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Significant Functions of Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also referred to as retinol, is an essential nutrient required in a small quantity in order to ensure normal and healthy functioning of different bodily systems including vision, growth and development, safeguarding of epithelial cellular integrity, improved immune function, and reproduction. Essentially, the functions of vitamin A in the human body system can be categorized under two distinct segments – (1) vision and (2) rest of the body. In this article, we will shade light on these segments in order to find out the significant functions of vitamin A in human body.

Maintenance of Visual Cycle

The maintenance of visual cycle within the retina located in the eye is one of the most significant functions of vitamin A. Vitamin A is carried to the ocular tissue as well as to the retina. The production of the visual pigmentation, known as rhodopsin, is greatly influenced in the presence of vitamin A. In fact, the absence of vitamin A obstructs the photochemical reactions responsible for seeing objects in the dim light, hence causing night-blindness. In fact, night-blindness indicates there is strong deficiency in vitamin A supply in the system.

Integration of Epithelial Cells

The growth and development of epithelial cells through the body is strongly influenced by the presence of vitamin A. Without the presence of vitamin A, the growth and development of epithelial cells is highly disrupted. This is one of the most critical functions of vitamin A. When vitamin A deficiency (VAD) occurs, it leads to the reduction of goblet cells production in the epithelial tissues, resulting in a decrease in mucous secretion. Both the decreased level of mucous secretion and inadequate cellular integrity leads the body to become vulnerable towards different pathogenic health conditions.

Deficiency of Vitamin A

Since too many overlapping conditions are possible, the diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is difficult. However, the significance of different functions of vitamin A is unquestionable. As defined by World Health Organization, VAD may be associated with irreversible blindness, poor reproductive health, vulnerability to anemia, slow bodily growth and development, and non-specific symptoms contributing to high rate of mortality. However, it is very difficult to identify whether there is any deficiency caused by vitamin A only, since all of these symptoms may be associated with other inherent problems as well.

As we can understand from the above discussion that vitamin A plays a significant role in human health system. So, it is better to consider a diet rich with valuable nutrients in order to keep various health complications at bay.

The Top Antioxidant Juices Used during Body Purification

So you have taken decision regarding your body purification. This is crucial to every human being since we accumulate so many toxic wastages in our body through different modes. One of the most significant modes is of course our diet. Since you have planned to purify your system, you must be concerned about making few alterations to your diet. Let the top antioxidant juices handle it for you.

The Significance of Antioxidant

Before considering top antioxidant juices, you may wonder why specifically we are talking about only antioxidants when it comes about purification of the system. It is due to several reasons. First of all, a major number of serious diseases and health complications are associated with degenerative health complications, which primarily occur as a result of free radical formation in the body.

Free radicals, in short, are the unstable molecules, which, while reacting with other healthy molecules, 'steal' electrons from others, hence converting the healthy molecules to an unstable one. This is occurred like a chain reaction, damaging the nearest molecule. This chain reaction is eventually fatal, leading to serious damages to the cellular system, causing different degenerative health conditions.

Antioxidant helps protecting our bodies from free radical production, since it donates the free radicals one of its electrons and makes the unstable molecules to the stable ones, leading to a cessation of the chain process. Since many toxic contents accumulated into our system contribute significantly to the formation of free radicals, with the help of top antioxidant juices we can ensure the maximum possible purification.

Changing Diet

Although they are termed as top antioxidant juices, the most interesting part is that all of the ingredients of top antioxidant juices are easily available in the market or you can say in nature as well. If you would like to continue your journey with citrus fruits, a great source for vitamin C antioxidants, you may choose an orange and a grapefruit and put them to mix with the help of a fruit juice mixer. Don’t forget to mix lime as well. This combination not only belongs to the top antioxidant juices, but also offers an excellent support to the health of the immune system.

Now, when you consider about the purification of your digestive system, you should care to prepare another combination of top antioxidant juices with mango, pineapple and lemon juice. Another combination of top antioxidant juices can be made by using cantaloupe, papaya, honey dew, white grapes and melon together. This offers great protection against kidney problem. You may also combine strawberries, lime juice, white grapes and apples together which not only benefits skin but also offers protection to liver and kidney health.

Benefits of Liquid Vitamin C

Many researchers term vitamin C as a multipurpose health supplement that affects almost all parts of our body and keeps us strong, fit and healthy. Considering from the technological aspect, medicine industry is now growing, so is true with the vitamin processing sector. The latest trend of vitamin processing sector is the development of liquid vitamin. In this article, we will discuss about the potential benefits associated with liquid vitamin C.

Ease of Use

Similar to the other types of liquid vitamins, liquid vitamin C is easy to consume. This is one of the most favorable points marked with any liquid vitamins such as liquid vitamin C. For many individuals, it becomes a concern when time comes to swallow the large sized vitamin C tablet. For them, liquid vitamin C is definitely a wise solution to the problem. In addition, liquid vitamin C is available in different flavors, so you may choose according to your preference.

Easy to Absorb

This is another advantage associated with any liquid vitamins, and liquid vitamin C is no exception. Our body can easily absorb liquid vitamins compared to the tablets or capsules. This is mainly because of the fact that the vitamins are not broken down for the purpose of getting absorbed. Quite obviously, since the absorption process is so fast, the effectiveness is definitely faster.

Higher Concentration
Similar to any other liquid vitamins, the liquid vitamin C also comes in higher concentration of nutrients in each volume compared to the traditional medicines. In fact, they have nearly 3-5 times more concentration compared to the tablets or capsules. This, in turn, aids in higher degree of bio-activity and an increased level of wellness benefits. Additionally, liquid vitamins including liquid vitamin C facilitates the best option to get required nutrients and minerals, hence strengthening the immune system better.

Disadvantage

Although there are several advantages of liquid vitamins, there is a major drawback associated with the intake of liquid vitamins. So is true with liquid vitamin C. Since only a limited amount of vitamin contents are actually absorbed and over 90% of the content are destroyed during the digestive procedure in the stomach, a very little amount of liquid vitamin content is allowed to enter into intestines, where it is actually absorbed.

However, researchers are continuously working in this field in order to ensure the maximum benefits received from liquid vitamins. More studies are actually needed in order to find out the solution to overcome the drawbacks so that the benefits of liquid vitamin can be enjoyed with its maximum potential.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E Lowers the Risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant which offers a wide array of health benefits. A regular intake of vitamin E is associated with a wide spectrum of advantages including skin improvement, prevention from degenerative disorders such as cardiovascular complications, eyesight problems, etc. An increasing line of researches have confirmed that foods rich in vitamin E have the potentiality to lower the risk for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Now we will reflect over few interesting facts found from different scientific studies concerning the claim.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Studies

Over 32 million people from United States are affected with Alzheimer's disease. It is diagnosed as the most common form of dementia, usually prevalent among elderly population. At its early stages, Alzheimer's disease progresses very slowly by affecting different segments of brain area responsible for regulating thought, memory, and language. In the due course of time, the condition becomes worse and the affected individuals become unable to identify close ones or forget to accomplish simple tasks like reading or sitting in a chair.

According to the studies conducted by the National Institute of Aging (NIA), foods rich in vitamin E content may aid in protecting individuals against the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in the case of vitamin E estimates as 22 IU on a daily basis. Although vitamin E supplements offer potential health benefits, dosages higher than 2000 IU in a day may heighten the risk of bleeding due to the anticoagulation property of vitamin E. Potential measures need to be taken regarding the possible interactions of other medications.

Researchers are increasingly taking their interest and effort in finding out the effectiveness of foods rich in vitamin E as well as the benefits of other antioxidants in averting or delaying age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. No matter what the researchers suggest in recent future, a regular intake of foods rich in vitamin E with fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables can put many health complications at bay. So think.

Parkinson's Disease and Related Studies

Parkinson's disease refers to a health complication during which an individual's nerve cells are serious affected. It is believed that the secretion of dopamine neurotransmitter ends or does not function effectively for the individual suffering from Parkinson's disease. No researches have been yet confirmed the exact causes behind the development of Parkinson's disease. At its worst end, individuals experience extreme difficulty in talking, walking, moving or even performing simple tasks. Till date, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease.

According to Parkinson's Disease Society, foods rich in vitamin E may offer protection to the brain against the development of this disease. However, additional studies suggest that vitamin C does not offer any help in this particular aspect. Reports published in Lancet Medical Journal assert that people depending consistently on foods rich in vitamin E have lower risk for developing Parkinson's disease; however, there is no strong evidence in the support of supplements. However, scientists have not come under single conclusion how vitamin E helps.

What Is Vitamin C and Its Benefit?

Sometimes in life, many people are diagnosed having vitamin C deficiency by their healthcare professionals and they are then advised to take vitamin C supplements. You may wonder what exactly vitamin C is and how they offer benefits to our overall health system. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, as isolated during 1928. In this article, we will begin our discussion by giving a brief overview on what vitamin C is and then continue our discussion by analyzing its potential benefits, its availability in nature and associated side effects.

Vitamin C is soluble in the water. It is a vital component influencing healthy growth and development. Quite obviously, similar to other water soluble vitamins, vitamin C dissolves in the water. That means our body is unable to stock them up. Additional supply of water-soluble vitamins excretes from the body with the process of urination. Hence, people need a persistent supply of these types of vitamins.

Potential Benefits

Since you gain a basic understanding about what vitamin C is we now look further in identifying different spectrums of potential benefits associated with this vitamin. Vitamin C is inevitably required for healthy growth and development in the sense that it helps in repairing the damaged tissues in the body. It is an essential ingredient in collagen formation. Collagen significantly contributes to the development of skin, scar tissues, ligaments, blood vessels and tendons.

Additionally, we must not forget to consider what vitamin C is contributing to heal the injuries, as well as to refurbish and retain cartilage, teeth and bones. Vitamin C is a great contributor of antioxidants as well. Hence, it helps in blocking the cellular damages caused by free radicals, formed as a result of by-product during energy transformation. Free radicals are truly responsible for premature aging and other degenerative diseases.

Availability

Admitted that our bodies can not produce this vitamin, but our Mother Nature has an abundant supply of this vitamin, since almost all the fruits and vegetables have at least some quantity of vitamin C in it. Tomatoes, broccoli, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, green peppers, papaya, mango, blueberries, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, red peppers, winter squash, watermelon, cauliflower, raspberries, cranberries, and other green leafy vegetables are great sources of vitamin C.

Side Effects

Although toxicity is very rare since the body is unable to store vitamin C, 2000 mg/day is set as limit what defines vitamin C is going to produce adverse effect beyond this limitation. Consuming higher dosages than necessary may lead to the development of stomach upset and diarrhea. A deficiency in vitamin C may lead to several health complications including dry hair, gum inflammation, rough skin, easy bruising, bleeding from nose, anemia and many others.

Homemade Vitamin C Serum for Skin Care

In recent days, many women do care buying vitamin C serum for their intensive skin care. Since vitamin C serum has the power to rejuvenate the skin, for many women it has become the daily and essential need. If you care for having a glowing, wrinkle free skin, you may definitely consider buying vitamin C serum for your skin in order to have a thorough and gentle, however, effective skin care. Before making vitamin C serum at home, let us explore few benefits.

Potential Benefits

Vitamin C serum is believed to have the capacity for reversing the aging process, by breaking through the skin surface and offering the cells the required energy to revitalize and to get repaired, which becomes visible with the outer healthy glow. This serum also offers protection against environmental damages caused by sunlight, pollutants or harmful chemicals on one hand, it smoothes all the visible symptoms of aging like wrinkles and non-elasticity.

Many experts recommend using vitamin C serum on a daily basis since they prevent the cellular damages caused by ultra-violet rays. This type of cellular damage not only heightens the risk for premature aging, but also increases the possibility to develop cancer. It has been shown that 10% concentration of vitamin C can offer excellent benefit in stimulating collage and decreasing wrinkles. Additionally, it also lightens the darkness of pigmentation.

Here we will discuss how to make 10% of vitamin C serum at home. Obviously preparing this serum at home has some added advantages such as great savings, fresh, not oxidized for sure, etc. After you prepare, you can store the serum in your refrigerator for further use, however, it is better if you make it in small amount, so that you could be able to apply it fresh, active and un-oxidized over your skin area.

Important Precautions

Since the ingredients are active. The preparation we are going to discuss about will contain relatively low degree of pH, however, for some individuals it may turn to act like an irritant. If you find same in your case, you better try using quarter concentration in order to initiate. You must give this concentration a try since you find your skin is getting accustomed with it. Then increase the concentration slowly. For tingling sensation, wash off without delay.

Essential Ingredients

This homemade recipe to prepare vitamin C serum is divided into two parts, so are their essential ingredients. These two parts are (1) active ingredient and (2) base ingredient. Vitamin C serum prepared by active ingredient is meant to offer stimulation of collagen, reduction in wrinkles, prevention against sun and environmental damages. The active ingredient includes 1.0-1.2 gm vitamin C. This active ingredient should be L-ascorbic acid, however, not any sort of tablets.

For the base part, the required ingredients are 1 teaspoon glycerin and 1 teaspoon water.

Preparation

First take a small-sized distilled glass container and pour the L-ascorbic acid and water to dissolve. You may use a distilled stirrer to make the process faster. You just need to make it sure that the substance has become fully dissolved within the water. Now mix the glycerin in it. After that, put the mixture in a non-transparent glass in order to maintain gradation of vitamin C. Store the mixture in any dry cool place. You are ready with your own homemade fresh serum.

Essential Facts to Know about Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as retinol or carotenoid, is a fat soluble vitamin. It helps in forming and maintaining healthy teeth. In addition, it has strong significance in maintaining skeletal and soft tissues. Apart from that, mucous membranes and skin health suffer greatly if there is a deficiency of vitamin A. The name retinol comes from the fact that vitamin A is responsible for producing the pigments in retina. In this article, we will discuss few important facts about vitamin A including its role as antioxidant, available food source, and side effects.

Vitamin A as an Antioxidant

Retinol is an active form of vitamin A. It is beneficial to promote healthy vision, especially during dark light. One of the most essential facts to know about vitamin A is that it acts as an antioxidant, so it offers valuable protection against free radical formation. Free radicals are unstable form of molecules contributing to premature aging and degenerative diseases such as different chronic conditions, cardiovascular disease, eyesight problem, cancer and many others. Beta carotene is a variety of carotenoid. This is an antioxidant.

Food Sources

Before considering commercially available supplements for vitamin C, you must need to be facilitated with some important facts about vitamin A and its natural resources. Similar to other antioxidants, nature has plenty sources of vitamin A. Generally, vitamin A is available from animal sources such as eggs, milk, meat, cod, cream, liver, cheese, and cream. One of the most important facts to know about vitamin A animal sources that you must keep in concern is that all of these animal sources contain high level of cholesterol and saturated fat.

However, the availability of vitamin A is not limited to animal sources only. In fact, you have plenty of fruits and vegetables that help you to meet the essential requirements. These are carrots, winter squashes, pumpkin, pink grapefruit, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, broccoli and other green and leafy vegetables. While buying vegetables for vitamin A, consider the fruits or vegetables with intense vibrant color. The more intense is the color, the more beta-carotene contents are. This is one of the essential facts to consider about vitamin A veggie source.

Side Effects

If you have insufficient supply of vitamin A, you are subject to experience different health complications including infections, vision problems, etc. However, if you are on excessive dietary supply of vitamin A, you are vulnerable towards many different health complications as well. High dosage of vitamin A during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If an adult takes several hundred thousands of vitamin A, he is at higher risk for developing acute vitamin A poisoning. Infants and young children are more vulnerable about excess vitamin A intake, they may become ill if larger dosages are administered.

Top 5 Antioxidant Foods

We all know antioxidants can fight against aging process and different degenerative health conditions such as cardiovascular complications, high blood pressure, eye problems and many others. Antioxidants offer protection against the formation of free radicals, hence slowing the aging process and cellular damage as a whole.

Although many companies launch their antioxidant supplements claiming for the only great source of antioxidants, the fact is there is a wide variety of antioxidant foods available around us and our Mother Nature is offering us great sources of antioxidant foods open-handedly. In this article, we will shed light on top five antioxidant foods available worldwide.

Berries

Berries are one of the excellent antioxidant foods. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries contain high amount of proanthocyanidins. This is one kind on antioxidants that aids in preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, blueberries have the ability to impede age-related decrease in cognitive functioning. Strawberries also fight against cancer.

Broccoli

Similar to other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage, broccoli helps in preventing cancer and cardiovascular complication. Broccoli contains high amount of indole-3-carbinol which is a powerful antioxidant. It has the ability to break down estrogen, hence reducing the risk of breast cancer as well as other estrogen-sensitive cancer possibilities.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are good source of antioxidant foods. They have a wide number of health benefits including cancer prevention, impediment to macular degeneration and cataract problems, maintenance of cognitive function with aging, etc. Various studies have confirmed individuals depending largely on tomato or tomato based products have lower risks for prostate cancer.

Red Grapes

These are another excellent source of antioxidant foods. We know that a certain quantity of red wine can aid in strong and healthier heart. This is due to the fact that red grapes contain resveratrol and quercetin antioxidants which protect the heart health by combating against free radicals in the body. Resveratrol is also found beneficial for cancer prevention.

Garlic

Since ancient times, garlic is well-adored among different cultures for its vast medicinal property. The antioxidants in garlic help preventing cancer, cardiovascular complications and other degenerative health conditions. It reduces the cholesterol level in the body as well. Studies assert that regular intake of garlic can be useful in preventing cancer.

Although we limit our discussion about five antioxidant foods, there are plenty available in the nature. In fact, our Mother Nature holds a holy supply of these essential and valuable foods in the nature that can benefit us for living a healthier and longer life. In order to meet the requirement for antioxidant foods, allow 5-8 serving of antioxidant foods in your daily diet.

2 Great Antioxidant Drinks

In recent days, people are becoming more concerned about maintaining a good health. For that purpose, an increasing number of individuals depend on different additional dietary supplements that offer us exclusive benefits complementing our health and providing protection against various health complications. While considering about health products, a huge number of people actually depend on health drinks. Most of the health drinks are rich with antioxidant properties. In this article, we will exclusively shed light over two drinks consisting of antioxidant properties.

Coffee

Although there is a strong debate associated with the benefit of coffee, a huge number of studies actually confirmed that coffee has potent antioxidant property; hence it can be categorized under antioxidant drinks. Since we know that antioxidants offer great health benefits by preventing the onset of degenerative diseases, thus similar to other antioxidant drinks, a regular intake of coffee may offer protection against the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease or cataracts. Different studies have confirmed that coffee has high levels of antioxidants.

The combination of caffeic acid and quinic acid makes chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid is the most profuse polyphenol available in the coffee. In fact, it represents the major portion of coffee antioxidants. An increasing line of studies assert that coffee antioxidants are not only the major components of coffee, but it is an active component of human body as well. Many studies have already confirmed the usefulness of coffee in managing type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis and gallstone. In fact, coffee is found to offer significant contribution in cancer studies.

Acai Berry Juice

There are excellent health benefits of Acai berry juice. In fact, this juice offers holistic medicinal benefits and excellent healing property. It consists of polyphenols, phytochemicals and anthocyanins. It belongs to the group of extraordinary antioxidant health drinks. The compounds that make up Acai berries work as antioxidants when the juice is consumed by human. Since early ages, Acai berry health drink us used for good health and longevity. As good as any other antioxidant drinks, a regular intake of Acai berry juice offers protection against premature aging, cardiovascular disease and degenerative health conditions.

Anthocyanins are known as the more powerful variety of antioxidants. Anthocyanins, a form of polyphenols, are assumed to alleviate the adverse effects of unhealthy fatty diet and smoking. In fact, anthocyanins have the ability to alter and arrest and recover the symptoms of several age-related conditions as found in general population. Since, we desperately need antioxidant supply for healthy maintenance of our bodies, antioxidant drinks like Acai berry juice have probably no other alternative. So drink regularly Acai berry juice and keep the aging problems at bay.

What Are Antioxidants and Its Impacts on Free Radicals?

In today's market, we see many commercialized products come with a word on the label, called antioxidants. In fact, we can see many researchers or health magazines discuss about it. But many of us simply do not know what antioxidants are. In this article, we will explore what antioxidants are and whether they can offer benefits in preventing cellular damage. Here we go.

Prior developing our knowledge regarding the relation between antioxidants and prevention of cellular damage, we should focus our attention on exploring what antioxidants are and how they benefit our overall health system. In simple terms, antioxidants refer to the specific substances which have the capacity to prevent cellular damage resulting from free radicals.

Role of Free Radicals

Free radicals are kind of cells that develop naturally within the body. These particular cells lack one electron as a result of weaker atomic bond between two molecules in given cells. This is how free radicals are formed. Quite obviously, these types of cells are unstable in nature since they do have atomic instability as a result of inadequate electron.

These unstable free radicals then react with normal cells in order to collect electron from them for the purpose of stabilizing themselves. This, in turn, results in new free radical formation. Typically, a free radical put its effort in taking electron from the nearest cell, hence converting that targeted cell a free radical itself and the process continues.

Usually our bodies are capable of handling this free radical formation if and only if antioxidant supply remains constant and the production of free radicals does not become too excessive. Excessive free radicals production or inadequate supply of antioxidants may lead to permanent DNA damage, eventually increasing the risk of cancer.

The Reaction between Antioxidants and Free Radicals

When you supply antioxidants to your body, these antioxidants look for free radicals in your body and provide them one electron in order to neutralize their action. This eventually prevents further damages of the cells concerned. This is how electron stealing mechanism ends with the help of antioxidants. Antioxidants also have the capacity to repair previously damaged cells.

Now you may wonder what role antioxidants are playing soon after their donation of one electron to the free radicals, whether antioxidants become unstable molecules since they lack one electron. This is not the case. In fact, antioxidants are acting like a searcher here that look for the damaged cells and repair and then get eliminated from the body as waste products.

Availability of Antioxidants

Our Mother Nature has a great abundance of natural antioxidants. You can found them plenty in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Primarily yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables are huge sources for antioxidants. You can avail from carrot, papaya, strawberry, cantaloupe, tomato, broccoli, spinach, etc. Don’t forget to take at least 5-7 servings rich with fruits and vegetables.

However, it is not advised to go for commercialized medications in order to fulfill the needs, since the proof for effectiveness of these medications in long term needs further research support. No matter what claims for antioxidants contents are they making, it is better to go for natural supplements. Think wise about your health and take appropriate action.

The Dosage of Vitamin C for Eye Protection

In the year 1928, Vitamin C was separated. It is also referred to as ascorbic acid. This is an excellent vitamin which functions like an antioxidant and has the capacity to offer protection to the brain cells and eye cells as well. Since the eye is a sensitive organ, it is highly vulnerable to environmental damage caused by sunlight, pollutants or harmful chemicals. An increasing level of pollution and depletion in the ozone layer heighten the risk of eye damage, especially in the Western Hemisphere,

The Higher, the Better

From the time when Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling eulogized the advantages of excessive dosage of vitamin C, medical community raises the question about the particular intake defining the optimal dosage of vitamin C. Since earlier decades many heath care professionals argue that 60 mg of RDA is sufficient to fulfill the needs of antioxidants and makes the optimal dosage of vitamin C, many contemporary researchers believe that additional vitamin C dosage ensures extra supply of antioxidants.

Ideal Amount

This is one of most controversial answers ever, if you wish to inquire about the ideal dosage of vitamin C. Probably, different healthcare professionals have different opinions. People taking healthy diet rich with fruits and vegetables may not even need additional supplements of vitamin C. However, those not having good diet may need to take 50 to 300 mg dosage of vitamin C once or twice per day. The ideal formulation must include bioflavonoids. Ideal daily dosage of vitamin C offers protection against heart disease, eye health, and other degenerative conditions.

Cancer Prevention

Vitamin C has a significant role in cancer prevention. Research has shown patients intervened with high dosage of vitamin C have longer lifespan than patients without having additional vitamin C dosage. Medical researches conducted during 1970s first emphasized the possibility of treating cancer by implementing high dosage of vitamin C, however many follow researchers raise their doubt against this claim. During 2005, studies have shown lymphoma cells are mostly influenced by vitamin C intervention.

Additionally, various researchers suggest that vitamin C has the capability to boost up the production of hydrogen peroxide, which destroys cancerous cells, while keeping the healthy cells intact. Moreover, vitamin C can successfully slow down the growth of few tumors. The requirement of vitamin C supplements for cancer patients may typically vary between 50mg to 300mg once or twice per day. The content must be rich with bioflavonoids. However, more researches are needed in order to understand the specific role of vitamin C in cancer treatment.

Eat Foods High in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. It is also known as ascorbic acid. Although the role of this vitamin in human body is critically significant, human like other mammals are unable to produce this vitamin with the help of any bodily mechanisms. So, in order to meet the requirement, we need to eat foods high in vitamin C.

Reason to Take in High Volume

You need to eat foods high in vitamin C mainly because of the reason that vitamin C is not stocked up in the body, hence eliminated very easily. So there is always a daily need for this vitamin. As suggested by Food and Drug Administration in the United States, we must have 60 mg of vitamin C daily, referred to recommended dietary allowance (RDA).

Controversies Regarding RDA

RDA limit is not set on the basis of optimal requirement, but the minimum requirement which is used to prevent various health complications such as scurvy or other deficiency diseases. Many researchers now feel that RDA limit 60 mg per day is too low to meet the requirement. In fact, Institute of Medicine recommends that the RDA should be 75 mg daily for woman, 90 mg for man.

It is also suggested that smokers must have additional 35 mg daily. It is due to the fact that the metabolic functions of vitamin C of the smokers is very quick, since the oxidative stress rate for them is excessively higher. A study conducted by Nutritional Surveys estimates that the supply of vitamin C is inadequate for 11% women and 21% men in the United States.

Ideal Diet for Vitamin C

Researchers assume that the daily requirement for vitamin C can be met with a diet consisting of five daily serving of green vegetables and fresh fruits, the foods high in vitamin C. However, it is unfortunate that only 15% of adults and children in aggregate eat foods high in vitamin C, hence lack the ideal diet for meeting the daily requirement for vitamin C.

Many people believe that citrus foods are only high in vitamin C; however, this is not the case. Despite citrus foods are high in vitamin C, they are not making the whole. In fact, there are too many to consider. There are plenty of other foods high in vitamin C as well. Let us have a look in the availability of vitamin C in other natural sources.

Availability

In order to meet the daily requirement of vitamin C, you can count on broccoli. In fact, broccoli is one of the most important natural foods high in vitamin C. Only half cup servings can provide 45 mg of vitamin C. Tomato is another wise source of vitamin C. A small sized tomato can fulfill the requirement of 25 mg of vitamin C.

Another two great natural foods high in vitamin C are mango and papaya. Only half of a medium-sized mango or papaya can offer 95 mg of vitamin C. Apart from that many vegetables like kohlrabi, jicama, and potatoes are great sources of vitamin C. Additionally, kiwi fruit contains 55 mg of vitamin C.

Eat Foods High in Antioxidants

Have you ever thought of living without breathing? The answer must be a big "No" since it is not possible living without breathing. To be more precise, we can not live without breathing oxygen. In fact, all the essence of life is within oxygen. However, this oxygen may act as the worst enemy to our health system. Excessive oxidation is not only harmful to our system, but also destructive in terms of cellular damage and impaired functioning of cells. We need antioxidants.

Significance of Antioxidants

In order to fight off against free radicals and various degenerative diseases, we need to eat foods high in antioxidants, since our Mother Nature is the great source of antioxidants. There are plenty of natural foods high in antioxidants property. Antioxidants are also known as phytonutrients. Various researches have been conducted to establish the potential benefits received from antioxidants in protecting cellular damage caused by oxidative free radicals.

Antioxidant Power in Foods

Human Nutrition Research Centre under Tufts University conducted research to determine the total possible power of antioxidants in different foods. It has been founds that the vibrant colored carotenoid rich natural vegetables and fruits are those foods high in antioxidants. Studies show a strong inverse relation between carotenoid and other degenerative diseases including cancer, cardiovascular complication, cataract, macular degeneration, and immune system disorders.

Oranges, prunes, kiwi, raisin, pink grapefruit, berry, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprout, carrot, tomato, broccoli, red pepper, and kale are known foods high in antioxidants. These are the foods high in antioxidants as identified by Human Nutrition Research Centre. However, the most famous foods high in antioxidants are apples, potatoes, bananas and iceberg lettuce, but these foods are not ranked higher in the beneficial list since they have little antioxidant value.

Hyped Commercialized Foods

Although the aggressive marketers commercialize their foods claiming as high in antioxidants contents, many of these claims are actually hype. In general, the ingredients included in these types of claims involve the names of micro sea algae, milk thistle, pine bark, grape seed extract, gingo biloba, and synthetic a-lipoic acid. However, none of these foods are ranked in the list declared in the report by Human Nutrition Research Centre.

It is always better to look for natural sources of vitamin C instead of artificial medications since the long term effects of these medications have not yet been analyzed thoroughly. Since the foods high in antioxidants such as tomatoes, red bell peppers, spinach, peaches, carrots, apricots and strawberries are naturally available, so think twice before you buy any product with these foods as ingredients. When these foods are so abundant in nature, why don’t you consider them eating fresh?

Few Facts to Know about Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant, is available in eight different varieties. Each of the varieties has unique biological property that is measured as the strength of utilization within the body. a-tocopherol is one of the varieties of vitamin E found in human body. It works like an active antioxidant. In this article, we will explore few facts about vitamin E including its potential benefits, side effects, availability, etc.

Vitamin E as Antioxidant

Since vitamin E plays the role of antioxidant, it offers the protection against free radical production in the body. This is one of the most important facts to know about vitamin E. Free radicals are unstable molecules formed as a by-product of energy metabolism. Free radicals lack one electron and in order to stabilize these molecules 'steal' electron from other healthy molecule, eventually making the healthy and stable ones to the unstable and unhealthy.

Antioxidants like vitamin E play a significant role in blocking this chain reaction of free radicals by donating electron in order to stabilize the molecules. One of the most interesting facts about vitamin E is that more researchers now become interested in determining whether vitamin E is able to contribute in the delaying or preventing the development of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Providing protection to vitamin A as well as essential fatty acids from oxidation are another significant facts to know about vitamin E benefits.

Side Effects of Vitamin E

The majority of the studies concerning the safety measure of vitamin E usage are limited to the duration of couple of months or lesser than that, so only insignificant facts are know about vitamin E usage on long term basis. Based on animal studies, many researchers argue since vitamin E functions as an anticoagulant, hence excessive dosage of vitamin E may contribute to the bleeding problem. The Food and Nutrition Board under the Institute of Medicine has determined 1000mg or (1500IU) as the maximum upper limit for vitamin E intake.

Vitamin E Availability

Although many individuals show their strong unwillingness about taking fat intake in their daily diet, it is important to consider some healthy sources of fats in regular diet in order to meet the requirement of vitamin E. Eggs, almond oil, olive oil, corn oil, palm oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, tomato juice, apples with skin, raw mangoes, dried almonds, dried hazelnuts, English walnuts, raw avocado, raw spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, raw turnip greens are good sources of vitamin E.

A sprinkling herb can make all the difference

The connection between music and food has long been defined. Good food, it has often been said, is like good music. It keeps you happy, but clamors for more.

Where there is food, there is flavor. When it comes to reporting flavors, the four herbs – parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme – do a excellent service to food. Parsley is a real versatile herb; you can add it almost anywhere. If you add some parsley to omelets, you just see the difference it makes to it. Parsley, actually, is a dish in itself.

Like parsley, sage is also often eaten on its own. Fresh sage leaves are fried whole and eaten with gnocchi – Italian dumplings, mostly potato-based. The Italians also often flavor the focaccia bread with sage. Sage, of course, is most commonly used in stuffing turkey. But one must be careful while using dried sage as too much of it can make a dish taste unpleasant.

Rosemary goes very well with lamb. If you are roasting lamb, make slits in it and stuff it with rosemary sprigs.

Like the rosemary, thyme is pretty versatile as well. There are different kinds of thyme – including the lemon thyme, good for seasoning seafood and sweets.

The good thing about these four herbs is that they are not just for enhancing flavors. Researchers believe that the herbs have various kinds of curative qualities. Rosemary and sage contain powerful anti-oxidants and are particularly good for digestion. Parsley has high levels of beta-carotene, besides working as an effective mouth-freshener. Thyme does wonders to those suffering from a hangover.

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Originally published in Blurtit.com on 24th September, 2006 20:03

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Lets talk about daikon...

The daikon is basically a variety of radish. The size is huge and it is mild-flavored in nature. Daikon is very popular in Japan and an essential part of Japanese cuisine. You can simmer it and serve it alone. Or you may use it grated as an add-ons in soup. You can also mix daikon along with Soya sauce in Japanese hamburgers to make it more delicious. It is quite obvious when you taste sushi, a very famous Japanese cuisine made of vinegary rice; you surely never forget to add some takuan with it. So you should know that daikon plays a significant role in the preparation of takuan. Kaiware, daikon radish sprouts, contain a hot-peppery flavor, which is simply a lovely addition to any kind of sandwiches, salads or stir-fishes.

If you love to taste daikon pickle at your home, there is a wonderful recipe for you to go ahead. It won’t kill much of your precious time, but in return give you a really hot-n-delicious yummy item, and it will be hard for you to resist your watery tongue, trust me! So take some chopped daikon along with some red chili in a mixing bowl and toss them for some time, add some salt to it to taste. Cover it and put it in refrigerator and watch water releasing from it. Take it after 30 minutes and drain all the waters and make it as dry as possible. Put it in the mixing bowl once again and stir it with vinegar, black pepper and sesame oil for some time. Refrigerate again for 12 hours. And the rest…well, leave the rest on your watery tongue!

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Originally published in Blurtit.com on 23rd September, 2006 02:52

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Lets talk about dandelions...

Certainly you can eat dandelions. Not just eat, but you can make such recepies with dandelions that can definitely bring a gourmet’s crown for you. But before going to any easy but interesting and tasty recipe, let’s have a little closer look on dandelion. Dandelion (scientific name: Taraxacum asteraceae), is basically a large genus of flowering plant, which is considered as weed by many gardeners, whereas, the fact says that it has a great contribution in the field of cooking and medicine. Dandelion leaves can be used in soup or salad, and flowers are used for preparing wine.

Now, here is a less time-consuming but very delicious recipe of dandelion, called Dandelion on Cream. Check it out.

Ingredients:

• ¾ lb fresh dandelion leaves
• 2 small cup of water
• 3-4 green chili (little-fried)
• 2 red chili (little-fried)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1½ tbsp butter
• 1 cup white cream
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Method:
Put neatly washed and well-chopped dandelion leaves into a mixing pan, add water and salt and allow it to boil for some time at low heat. Add butter in another mixing pan and let it gets hot so that it can melt out properly. Now add the flour into it and make a smooth paste. Add some salt to taste. Now mix the chilies, both red and green, with it. Now add the cream with it and mix it properly. Add the boiled dandelions with this mixture. Mix well and reheat if necessary. Serve it with meat in a large bowl, and don’t forget to add some more cream on it to give it real snowy look.

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Originally published in Blurtit.com on 23rd September, 2006 02:53

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Madeleine Tin

A Madeleine tin is also known as Dariole moulds. It comes in a multi-coated steel material. This is used to bake cookies, cakes, biscuits, and other baking cuisine etc. It is available in various sizes and shapes to support cook’s passion and dream to create variety in his art. Apart from its various shapes and sizes, Madeleine tin is adorable for its strength and durability.

There are various companies in the world who manufacture this product. And it is considered as a very common and essential utility product in the whole Europe. The price of a Madeleine tin varies among USD $9.00 to USD $14.00 in general.

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Originally published in Blurtit.com on 23rd September, 2006 02:58

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French calls it Daube...and you?

In cooking, the French use Daube to mean Marinated beef stew (Daube de boeuf), in which ingredients may vary for different recipes, but the output generally comes…just utterly delicious! The following is a wonderful recipe for such a mouthful dish…enjoy!

The preparation for this dish will take 30 min and cooking will take not more than 4 hours. To cook for 5 persons, the ingredients will be 2.5 lbs stewing beef in 1.5-inch cubes, 1 liter red wine, 4 sliced carrots, 2 garlic cloves, 3 chopped onions, 2 chopped shallots, 8 oz. diced bacon, chopped herb mix (thyme, sage, rosemary) to choice, 1 shot Armagnac or other brandy, 1 thick diced ham slice, 5 tbsp oil or butter, salt and pepper to taste.

Now start your preparation by melting butter or oil in a large pressure cooker and brown meat cubes on all sides. Then add bacon and brown, then salt and pepper. Add chopped onions, shallots, carrots, ham, and herbs. Mix them nicely. Warm the Armagnac (or other brandy) in a small pan for a little time, then pour over the meat and light it with a match and flame it. Now add crushed garlic. Again repeat this step with warmed red wine and pour over the meat and cover the pan tightly and cook over very low heat for 2 hours. Now turn off heat, but do not open the lid and let it be same till next day comes. The very next day, cook it on low heat for another 2 hours and serve hot. Don’t forget to give me a feedback.

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Originally published in Blurtit.com on 23rd September, 2006 03:06

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