Vitamin D regulates the body’s calcium and phosphorus levels to maintain strong bones and teeth. It also helps immune system function. This vitamin can be obtained through the diet but is also synthesized by the skin after exposure to sunlight. Given Canada’s long,...
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Look out for your eyes: lutein
When was the last time you “looked” at your diet with respect to how it may be helping or hurting your eyes? Most of us don’t think about vision health until it’s too late, and cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are already setting in. However, foods...
Joint Benefits: ease arthritis naturally
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability among adults. By the year 2030, an estimated 20% of North Americans will be over 65 and at risk for the condition. Fortunately, there is a growing acceptance in the health care community and the...
Daily multi may improve bad behaviour
A new study suggests it may be possible to improve bad behaviour by providing daily vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Scientists from the UK wanted to test if getting adequate nutrients would cause a reduction in antisocial behaviour among prisoners. They...
Pycnogenol helps veins in legs and eyes
Pycnogenol is a patented extract of maritime pine bark. Like grape seed extract, pine bark belongs to a class of nutrients in the flavonoid family called proanthocyanidins. These compounds have antioxidant activity and play a role strengthening connective tissues,...
Plant sterols up immunity during stress
Plant sterols and sterolins are natural plant fats that have recently gained worldwide attention as natural immune enhancers. The pioneering researcher Dr Patrick Bouic and his team conducted several studies to show how plant sterols affect the human immune system. In...
Nutrient deficiencies worsen flu
While many people take daily vitamin C to help ward off winter colds and flu, recent research shows other nutrients are also critical to keeping healthy during flu season. The University of North Carolina released a startling report indicating that a selenium...
Low energy? Look at your iron intake
The RDA for iron in men is 8 mg—for women, it’s 18 mg. The body uses iron in two key areas: to transport oxygen to tissue and cells, and to make hemoglobin for red blood cells. Insufficient iron causes anemia, a condition where the body produces fewer than normal red...
Diabetes: Finding a healthy balance
Diabetes is a serious and growing health problem in the Western world. Recent figures put the estimate at about 5% of the population, of which 90% is type II or adult-onset diabetes. This type is thought to be most related to diet and lifestyle choices. Though there...
Omega fats may reduce diabetes risk
Scientists at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center report that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, may improve insulin resistance in overweight individuals. Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Researcher Yvonne Denkins,...