How Useful is Green Tea Antioxidant Activity?
Green tea antioxidant activity comes from its active ingredients. These include polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, theaflavins and several others. One of the most useful properties of green tea antioxidants is their help against free radicals.
Free radicals (FR) are molecules or atoms with an unpaired electron - call it a lonely electron if you will! Because of this unpaired electron, they are very reactive because the unpaired electron will be "seeking" another electron to fulfil a pair. FRs are naturally produced during cell metabolism and also from external causes such as UV radiation, attacks by micro-organisms, toxic substances, tobacco smoke, ozone and apparently even intensive exercise.
FRs have damaging effects on cell membranes and internal structures giving rise to cardiovascular disease, impairment of immunity and cancer. They also damage DNA, LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and other molecules.
When the system is in balance, the body's own mechanisms are able to deal with FRs through the use of antioxidants or through a process called compartmentalization. Green tea antioxidants via the polyphenols and other compounds support this process. For example one of the catechins - EGCG is a powerful antioxidant - more powerful than vitamins E and C. It is largely the antioxidant activity of EGCG and the other polyphenols that gives it its medical usefulness.
Some of the uses of green tea antioxidants are that: They prevent DNA damage. They scavenge free and superoxide radicals. They change the actions of many oxidative enzymes and also prevent the formation of those free radicals whose formation is speeded up by metals.
It is therefore well worth taking if one wants to take advantage of green tea antioxidant benefits. One can do this through regularly drinking the beverage or as I personally prefer, taking it as a supplement. The best supplements are multi-ingredient products whose different components will work synergistically together to maximize the effect.
I personally use such a product from which I not only get the green tea antioxidants, but also the benefits of a whole range of other ingredients which I have found to be very helpful in protecting vision, maintaining skin tone, managing weight plus a host of other aspects of good health. The ingredients include ginko biloba, policosanol, zeaxanthin, lutein, resveratrol, lycopene and many others. If you would like to know more about the multi-ingredient supplement that I have researched and now take, then please visit my website today.
Discover Green Tea and the Health Benefits it Provides
You hear a lot about green tea and health benefits provided by it. But, just what can you actually expect to see? The answer to that question depends on several things.
First of all, just how good is your nutritional intake on a daily basis? Unless you are taking an excellent multi-nutritional supplement, it probably is not that great. From the age of 30, earlier if possible, you need to begin making efforts to delay the effects that age has on the cells of the body.
You don't need drugs to do that, you need nutrients.
The five main causes of aging in the cells are free radicals, glycation, inflammation, DNA damage and lack of methylation. Most companies that make anti-aging supplements focus only on free radicals and the antioxidants that can prevent it, but the other issues are just as, if not more important.
Why would a company make an "incomplete" supplement? One reason is cost. Most supplement companies charge as much as they can for their products, while spending as little as they can on ingredients.
For example, those that promote green tea and health benefits provided by it, often fail to list the amount of the active component that is actually in the supplement, because they don't measure it. As it is a plant, the potency of green teas can vary greatly.
The active components are called catechins; a plant antioxidant. There should be at least an 80% concentration of catechins in the plant, if it is to be effective. It should also be combined with other ingredients, to provide the greatest benefit.
The ideal daily dosage is 60 mg of an extract that contains 80% catechins, since that is the amount that has been used in scientific studies concerning green tea and health benefits.
Greens Are Great Healing Foods
Greens are Great Healing Foods
Organic greens have been called some of the most healing foods on our planet*. Cereal grasses, especially, like oat grass, barley grass and wheat grass, contain every known vitamin, mineral, amino acid and enzyme necessary to sustain life. This includes minerals like calcium and magnesium that can help the body stay alkaline. They are also a great source of chlorophyll, which can help purify and build blood*.
Chlorella too is a green that can be very healing*. It helps the body detoxify, especially of heavy metals, like the cereal grasses do, and also has great antioxidant power*. Chlorella can also help stimulate your immune system and is good for the intestines.* For example, research shows that chlorella stimulates the growth of the good bacteria and absorbs toxic substances in the intestines.* Chlorella is full of many vitamins and minerals, including the powerful antioxidant, lipoic acid.
Greens including chlorella, if grown in the right soil, are rich in minerals and can hence be helpful along with coral calcium in bringing the body's pH back into a more alkaline range.
Grasses Can Repair Damaged DNA!
Grasses also seem to be an excellent intracellular DNA repair agent. This is important since we are all exposed to so many chemicals which can cause DNA damage, which in turn can lead to cancer. Cereal grasses can prove to be powerful agents to help restore and rejuvenate damaged DNA. In order to have all these benefits, you need to look for grasses that have not been burned or frozen, and that contain the whole grass, not just the juice. Adding lots of leafy greens to your diet, such as spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens can also be a good idea. But if you don't like or don't take the time or effort to eat organic leafy greens that come from rich soil two or three times per day, you might want to consider a good greens supplement.
Greens From the US Probably Contaminated, Even if Organic
In addition, most greens you buy in the United States come from grasses grown in the US. This can be a problem because our water supplies contain high levels of pesticide residues and contaminants, so even organically grown grasses in the US often end up contaminated. Our top soils are also in bad shape from years of chemical-based farming, and even if grown organically, it can take years for land to return to its pristine, healthy state. In addition, many grass or green mixes today add so-called natural flavors which is just another word for toxic MSG that can damage brain cells, and/or some kind of refined or artificial sugar, such as maltodextrin. This may make your greens taste better, but it will over time adversely affect your health. You can always take your greens in capsule form or mix the powder with juice at home if you need something to make it more palatable.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Copyright 2008 Karen Pijuan. This article may be copied only in its entirety and only if all links, including those in the resource box or the about-the-author section, remain intact.
UV Radiation and Your Skin
As you age, your skin begins to show signs of the wear and tear of time. Much of this aging is caused by UV radiation and how it impacts the layers of your skin.
UV Radiation and Your Skin
UV stands for ultraviolet light. It is a form of electromagnetic radiation produced as part of the light spectrum by the sun. There are three forms of the radiation, known as UVA, UVB and UVC. Of these three, we are most exposed to UVA radiation. The atmosphere of our planet blocks nearly all of the other two spectrums, which is a good thing since UVA is the weakest of the three forms of radiation.
For most people, the dose of ultraviolet light on an average day is actually quite small, but the effects can add up over time. This is particularly true if you actively seek out the sun through sun bathing and such. Over time, UVA radiation acts upon the collagen in the epidermis of your skin. It does not cause a sunburn, but it penetrates deeply into the layers of the skin and causes damage. The damage can include premature aging of the skin, DNA damage that can result in mutations and possible skin cancer. Because of this, it is vital that you use sun block that is oriented to provide protection against UVA. Most sun blocks are tailored to UVB protection, which simply is not enough protection.
The human body has a natural method of protecting itself from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. You probably already know what it is - tanning. When you tan, your skin color turns to a darker brown shade. The body accomplishes this by producing melanin in the skin, the functional cause of the change of color. The more melanin produced, the darker your skin turns and the more protection there is against ultraviolet light penetration.
So, do you want to block all ultraviolet light from your skin? Oddly, the answer is no. The reason has to do with how your body processes ultraviolet. In nominal amounts, the UV light is actually beneficial because the body uses it to produce Vitamin D. Without Vitamin D, you can develop Rickets or other problems with the strength of your bones.
At the end of the day, getting outdoors is a good thing. It is wise, however, to use a sun block that will protect you from ultraviolet radiation.
Water Filters and Purifiers – What are the Health Benefits?
Water filters, purifiers and water filtration systems convert ordinary tap water into perfectly safe drinking water. They remove impurities and contaminants by means of a fine physical barrier or a chemical process.
Health benefits of a water filter:
A water filter or water purifier is very beneficial for healthy living. Ordinary water contains numerous contaminants including bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals, and man-made chemical pollutants that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These contaminants not only cause the water to taste bad, but are also very harmful to your health.
A water filter kills all of these organisms and filters out the contaminants to make the water fit for drinking. Thus water filters save us from many dangerous bacterial and viral diseases that spread due to the contamination of water.
The working technique of water filters is based on sieving, ion exchanges and other processes. A water filter can eliminate particles much smaller than the holes through which the water passes.
Alkaline water ionizers provide alkaline water. The following are the health benefits of alkaline water:
o Promotes optimal physical performance.
o Protects DNA from oxidative damage.
o Alleviates blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
o Betters liver function exams in hepatic disorders.
o Betters gastro duodenal ulcers and prevents recurrences.
o Betters allergic disorders such as asthma, urticaria, rhinites and atopic dermatitis.
o Betters hypertension and hypotension.
o Betters serum bilirubin levels in newborn babies.
o Impressively suppressed the growth of cancer cells transplanted into mice, demonstrating their anti-cancer effects.
The following are acid water health benefits:
o Electrolyzed oxidizing water inactivates Escherichia coli and Listeria on plastic kitchen cutting boards.
o It reduces bacterial load of treated alfalfa sprouts between 91.1% and 99.8%.
o It can reduce food borne pathogens.
o It is a useful disinfectant for hospital infections.
Water filters and purifiers can be purchased at water filter stores and online. The Pur water filter and Brita water filter are the two well-known brands of water filters.
Is Oxidative Stress Affecting your DNA?
Many people today are becoming more aware of using antioxidants (from specific foods or supplements) to combat oxidative stress. When asked why antioxidant strategies are taken, many say they fear oxidative damage to their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a molecule containing genetic instructions for building cells.
These fears may be justified. The fact is, the resulting mutation from oxidized DNA may trigger pathological outcomes, including cancer, neurological degeneration and organ failure. Other oxidation targets include proteins, cell membranes, lysosomes, mitochondria, blood and tissue lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins or antioxidant molecules themselves.
So, how does oxidative stress begin and what attacks the DNA?
Oxidative Stress on our DNA
Our bodies use oxygen to create energy as fuel for our cells, forming by-products in the process. Carbon dioxide and water are two such by-products, but others include reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have both beneficial and potentially dangerous roles in human physiology.
ROS are reactive species because they lack an electron. This electron deficiency then forces the reactive species to aggressively seek a new one from any source, including cell membranes and DNA. Usually, the ROS are neutralized by antioxidants our bodies form (endogenous antioxidants, e.g., glutathione) and by antioxidants provided from food (dietary antioxidants, e.g., phenolics).
Reactive Oxygen Species--the good side, the bad side
The beneficial roles of ROS include antibacterial and antiviral actions, cell-to-cell signaling (such as by nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide), stimulation of enzyme functions, and regulation of cells controlling release of hormones. That's the good. However, when your body produces more ROS than needed to perform these useful functions, and when you body doesn't have enough antioxidant reserves, this creates a positive-ROS state, or oxidative stress.
How to possibly prevent an oxidative attack
Even during healthy and normal metabolism - but worsened by exposure to added environmental pathogens such as ultraviolet radiation, smoke or other pollutants - the ROS (which are formed continuously) are attacking each cell in our bodies thousands of times per minute or more than a million times per day!
When counterbalancing antioxidant mechanisms are insufficient, DNA lesions occur, including loss or oxidation of base material and breaks of DNA strands. The good news is that not all DNA lesions become pathogenic, as our cells (hard-workers, indeed) also contain mending functions for correcting the DNA injury, called base excision repair (BER).
While it works to repair most of the time, BER may not fully correct all injuries to DNA, leading to mutated DNA, as found in carcinogenesis, aging or age-related diseases.
Give your body a "metabolic tune-up"
For 20 years, Dr. Bruce N. Ames of the University of California-Berkeley has analyzed ROS-initiated DNA lesions, aging onset and disease progression, and has advocated nutritional remedies as protection, including dietary supplementation with lipoic acid, acetylcarnitine, folic acid, biotin, vitamins C, E, B6 (pyridoxine) and -12 (cyanocobalamin), iron and zinc. Together, these nutrients provide what Dr. Ames has coined a "metabolic tune-up."
An excerpt from a 2002 publication in the Annals of the NY Academy of Science (partly edited)
In feeding studies in old rats, these mitochondrial metabolites and antioxidants furnish several benefits that include 1) arresting the age-associated decline of ambulatory activity and memory, 2) partially restoring mitochondrial structure and function, 3) inhibiting age-associated increase of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, 4) elevating levels of antioxidants, and 5) restoring activity and substrate binding affinity of a key mitochondrial enzyme, carnitine acetyltransferase. These mitochondrial metabolites and antioxidants 1) protect neuronal cells from neurotoxin- and oxidant-induced toxicity and oxidative damage; 2) delay the normal aging of human fibroblast cells, and 3) inhibit oxidant-induced acceleration of aging. These results suggest a plausible mechanism: with age, increased oxidative damage to proteins and lipid membranes, particularly in mitochondria, causes a) a deformation of enzyme structure, with b) a consequent decrease of enzyme activity as well as c) substrate binding affinity for their substrates. An increased level of substrate restores the velocity of the reaction and restores mitochondrial function, thus delaying mitochondrial decay and aging.
So, if you want fight reactive oxygen radicals, eat the right antioxidant foods.
References and Reading
* Liu J, Atamna H, Kuratsune H, Ames BN. Delaying brain mitochondrial decay and aging with mitochondrial antioxidants and metabolites. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Apr;959:133-66.
* Ames BN. A role for supplements in optimizing health: the metabolic tune-up. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004 Mar 1;423(1):227-34.
* PubMed, online database of the US National Library of Medicine, http://pubmed.org
* Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Oxidative Stress, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidative_stress
Reading and References
* Nutrient Data Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/contact.html
* Phytochemical database of the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, http://www.pl.barc.usda.gov/usda_chem/achem_home.cfm
* Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, http://www.wikipedia.com
Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc.
Sunscreen – Key Ingredients For Sunscreen Protection
Usually sunscreens carry aromatic molecules conjugated with carbonyl groups as their principal ingredients. This general structure is to facilitate absorption of high energy ultraviolet rays and release energy from lower energy rays preventing the ultraviolet rays capable of damaging the skin from reaching it.
Therefore, when you are exposed to UV light, most of the ingredients retain their properties without any significant chemical change of photo degradation to retain the UV absorbing potency. Proper use and application not only help protect skin from exposure, they can help repair sun-damaged skin.
Sunscreens containing avobenzone will contain a chemical stabilizer for slow break down. Certain sunscreens also contain enzymes like photolyase capable of repairing UV damaged DNA
When you are buying sunscreens, it is most likely that you will be looking for the SPF number or the Sun Protection Factor. However, unless the product you are buying is "water resistant" you must reapply sunscreens after sweating or swimming.
More about ingredients
Modes of activity is another important factor that would determine the ingredients in your sunscreen. These are either UV absorbers or UV reflectors or some even have a combined action. UV absorbers physically contain the UV radiation to prevent it from reaching the skin. The active particles become energized in this process to a higher frequency or energetic level to contain the UV radiation.
With this type of sunscreen ingredient, when you come out of the sun, the UV exposure reduces and the energy level of the sunscreen particles drops back to their former frequency, releasing energy again.
Natural sunscreen lotions
Several natural sunscreen lotions have natural base ingredients. These ingredients improve the skin integrity. Presence of Vitamins C and E at effective concentrations in your sunscreen is known to protect against skin cancer and act as antioxidants protecting from free-radical damage. This property will be further enhanced when applied topically because they prevent free radical damage from UV radiation.
Aloe Vera, a plant has been established as a component to prevent DNA damage to the skin as a result of exposure to sun and the use of this ingredient in treating burns of all descriptions is also well known.
UV reflectors
UV reflectors are used to scatter UV light so that it cannot penetrate the skin. This process, normally, is dependent on the physical size of the sunscreen particles. Therefore, when applied, these ingredients are thicker and opaque. UV reflectors are exceptionally effective in blocking UVA radiation. However, the thick application that is necessary, tend to plug the pores of the skin and can potentially produce miliaria as a consequence of blocked sweat glands.
Once you are out of the sun, all sunscreens need to be washed from the skin thoroughly. To repair skin that has sun damage, use skin care products that replenish moisture and are rich in antioxidants. If you begin developing sun spots or age spots, maintain moisture and hydration and use products that help smooth skin tone and reduce discoloration. Your skin will be glad you did!
Sun Damage and Its Treatment, Part II – Antioxidants
In Part I of this series, I discussed the importance of retinoids in the treatment of sun damaged skin. The second most studied class of anti-aging products is antioxidants.
A Powerful Natural Skin Healing Oil – Mother Nature’s Own Remedies
With the increasing incidents of skin cancer (No 1 cancer in Australia), acne, stretch marks, scars, burns, wounds or many other skin ailments, it has become evident that the struggle of the biggest organ in the body (the Skin) to deal with the continuous exposure to different types of environmental aggressions, such as UV rays, chemical or pollution, is affecting everyone without discrimination. The healing process of damaged skin now has a powerful ally, Tamanu oil, a natural oil used for centuries for its medicinal benefits.
For nearly 100 years Tamanu oil has been medically studied in laboratories and proven to have amazing healing properties including the reduction in scar tissue and anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. The oil is extracted from the nuts of the "Sacred Tree" of Tahiti and has been used by the Polynesians for centuries as a natural "medicine" and cosmetic.
The remarkable composition of the Tamanu oil - fatty acids, glycerids, unsaponifiables (sterols), essential fatty acids, triterpens, xanthons, steroids and Coumarins - has been scientifically proven to provide superior anti aging qualities - moisturizing, nourishing and regenerating the cells of the epidermis.
The synergy of the naturally occurring compounds in this unique oil provides the skin with a number of medically proven results:
- one of the most remarkable benefits is the cytoprotective effect against UV-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress, thus defining its role as a new biological UV filter with a SPF 18-22.
- regenerating effect on the epidermis cells promoting wound healing (burns, cuts, cracks, scars...) and in particular improves the appearance of aged scars (1 year or older)
- anti acne, anti septic, anti inflammatory, anti viral, antibiotic, anti-coagulative, fungal inhibitor and antibacterial effects
- cancer chemo-preventive agents (anti-tumor-promoting agents)
Tamanu oil is completely natural and totally free of preservatives, parabens, petro-chemicals, animal products or animal by-products or any other little hidden cheap nasties. It is available at a 100% concentration and the recently improved extraction process preserves all the beneficial properties of the raw product in an easy to use refreshing light green oil that exhibits a subtle nutty scent.
Perfection in a bottle.
With Tamanu oil now readily available, every child, teenager, man and woman has access to the holistic principles of ancient global beauty secrets.
Say good bye to your acne, scars, wrinkles, burns, wounds, anti aging and skin cancer with Tamanu oil.
How to Tan Safely
Melanoma is a potentially fatal skin cancer, and is the most common type of cancer in women between the ages of 25-29 years old. More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the USA this year alone. When you expose yourself to the sun, you dramatically increase your chances of developing melanoma.
Indoor tanning is not safe either. Regular tanning bed use can increase the risk of developing melanoma by fifty-five percent. Indoor tanning lamps can emit both UVA(ultraviolet A) and UVB(ultraviolet B) radiation, and the new high-pressure beds can expose you to as much as 15 times UVA as that of the sun! This exposure affects the skin in a number of ways, including skin aging, DNA damage, and, of course, skin cancer. Therefore, there is no such thing as a safe suntan!
So, what is the answer for you if you like the "tanned look"? Obviously, abstaining from tanning at all is the safest method, but not very likely for most people who like being tan. Spray tanning booths in tanning salons could be a viable alternative, as well as sunless tanning products for home use. Products have advanced tremendously in the last few years, and it can be fairly easy and reasonably priced to apply your own tan. However, with spray tan booths and with home sunless products, application is not always even. Streaking and blotching can occur, as well as uneven skin tone.
Custom airbrush and spray tanning is gaining in popularity. This procedure was once only used by celebrities and people who could afford it. It has become more affordable as its popularity has grown. It's easy to see the benefits of these spray tans.
-It is safe(DHA has been approved by the FDA for over 30 years for external use)
-When applied by a professional, you are assured even coverage
-Customized formulas are available for your skin tone
-The process is very quick. It takes approximately 1/2 hour from start to finish
-It provides an "instant tan" from the bronzers used
-It generally can last 7-14 days, depending on how well you typically hold a tan
As you can see, sunless tanning is an excellent alternative to UV tanning. It is safe, fast, and provides a great looking tan!