What Are Fat Soluble Vitamins?

Fat Soluble Vitamins are those vitamins which dissolve in fat. They are Vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are absorbed through the small intestines and stored in our fatty tissues and liver cells, then dispensed throughout our body as we need them.

A, D, E are typically excreted slower than vitamin k.

It is possible for vitamins A and D to accumulate too much in the body and create toxic levels. Though this is rarely from simply eating foods enriched with either of these two vitamins, it can, however, easily be accomplished by taking too many supplements. Therefore, be very careful when adding vitamin A and D supplements to your daily regime.

Understand that vitamin A in the form of beta carotene is not a problem, since it is a natural form.

You probably want to rely only on your multi-vitamin for any extra source of these two (A and D), because of the toxicity concern.

I might also add that vitamins D and K are produced by the body, unlike A and E, which must be provided from the foods we eat and from supplementation.

The Importance of Folate

Folate is a natural source of a water soluble B vitamin found in our food.

Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic version of folate. This synthetic form is provided as an additive in 'fortified' foods, and is often used in vitamin supplements.

Why do we need folate?

Folate has many important roles in the proper function of our body. These include:

1. It helps to produce and maintain new cells.
   
2. It helps to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia.
   
3. Since it is needed to make DNA and RNA, it also helps in preventing changes to DNA, which can cause cancer.
   
4. It helps maintain and metabolize normal levels of the amino acid homocysteine.
   

Who Needs folate?

Everyone, actually, but certain groups of people need to make certain that they consume enough of this nutrient in either its natural, food state, or supplemental vitamin state. These groups include:

1. Women who are trying to become pregnant
   
2. Women who are pregnant
   
3. Women who are breastfeeding
   
4. People who consume too much alcohol (more than a couple of drinks per day)
   
5. People who take medicines that can interfere with the absorption and action of folate (ask your doctor)
   
6. people who are anemic from folate deficiency
   
7. People with liver disease
   
8. People on kidney dialysis
   
9. People who suffer from malabsorption
   

You should talk with your doctor first before self-diagnosing for any disease. It is also best to consult with them in case of interactions from vitamins with medications or other conditions you may be experiencing.

Antioxidants and Wine

Did you know that red wine contains extremely large amounts of antioxidants? Contrary to what some may believe, white wine does not have these same high levels.

A glass of red wine each day per week is plenty to aid your cardio health and boost your immune system. Drinking too much is definitely not a good thing, so drink in moderation.

Red wine is processed from grapes with the skins, unlike white wine. It is the grape skins (and seeds) that contain the high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. The skins also help give red wine its color as well.

Phenolic antioxidants are also present in white wine, but to a much smaller degree. If you drink wine, it is best to choose a red variety which gives you more health benefits. It can also help keep your LDL cholesterol levels in check, as well as aid the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Scientific studies have shown quite a number of advantages of drinking a glass of wine per day. You can read more about what these studies presented by going here.

Disease Prevention With Vitamin Supplements

We all should eat well balanced meals in order to get the proper nutrition for our body. How many of us actually do eat right though?

This is where vitamin supplements can help you.

Vitamin deficiencies range from being physically tired, loss of appetite, catching colds often, emotionally stressed, canker sores in the mouth, chapped lips, dry skin, and the list goes on.

Aside from just plain not eating right, other things can rob your body of needed vitamins. These things can include excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and medications.

With or without a healthy diet, a regime of daily vitamins certainly can help prevent the onset of common ailments as well as act as a disease prevention.

Your genes, of course, play a big role in your outcome of diseases such as cancers, hearth problems and arthritis. If your family history includes any of these, this is all the more reason to supplement your diet.

Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C, B (especially B6, B12 and folic acid), D and E. Preferably you want to acquire these through the foods you eat as natural nutrients are much better. But to be safe, at the very least a multi-vitamin should be part of your daily routine.

In early stages of life and as you age into senior years, vitamins play an even more important role. During these stages of life, the body reacts differently, digests differently, and have more instances of everyday activities (including medicines) that can counter their effects.

To be safe and to prevent deficiencies, take your daily vitamin supplements to help keep your body healthy and strong and to prevent diseases.

Antioxidants Fight Free Radicals

Free radicals are a fact of life. They can be in everything we consume, including the food we eat, water we drink, and even in the air we breathe. They are found in chemicals, bacteria, parasites, and just about everything we can see and touch. They can damage and literally destroy our good cells, which can lead to serious diseases.

Scientific tests have shown that free radicals can cause symptoms of liver and lung damage, accelerated aging, cancers, heart disease, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and a number of other destructive changes to the body.

Antioxidants can actually neutralize these free radicals. By neutralizing these rogue molecules, antioxidants work to protect us from diseases and harmful elements which can be devastating to our health. Ideally, you would consume them through raw/uncooked plants such as fruits, vegetables, and sprouts. Cereal Grasses (Barley, Wheat, Kamut, Oat) and algaes (Spirulina, Chlorella), along with fresh, raw juices are considered the absolute best antioxidants.

When you know you are not eating enough of these natural nutrients, the antioxidant supplements beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E are recommended as part of your daily diet. Their benefits also help boost your immune system, which lessens your chances of cancers and other diseases. This is not to say that antioxidants, in either supplemental form or natural food form, will in fact prevent any kind of disease. They will not. But, your chances of being healthier and living longer can be much greater if you keep your immune system strong and reduce the amount of free radicals that mutate your cells.

Vitamin Benefits for the Muscles

We tend to think of maintaining and strengthening muscles of the arms, legs, back, etc. We work them and nourish them through exercise and eating right.

Are you aware of other important muscles in the body? Did you know that the heart is a muscle too? Did you know that our muscles are responsible for holding our internal organs in place? That being said, we have to consider all muscles when we as we plan both fitness routines and vitamin supplementation.

Let's look at which vitamins benefit our muscles the most.Vitamin C is a must that aids in the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These elements all work together enabling our muscles to contract properly. Each and every muscle of the body, including the heart, must contract properly in order to maintain good, general health to the entire body.

Our muscles also rely on vitamin C for healthy blood vessels. Blood vessels are the oxygen (and other nutrients) lifeline to our muscles.

Vitamin C aids the body in forming collagen and elastin. These two elements provide structure to our muscles by enforcing our connective tissues.

The B vitamins are essential for creating red blood cells for the whole body. Our muscles need these healthy strong, red blood cells in order to function well. Our entire body relies on them as a matter of fact.

Deficiencies of B vitamins can lead poor muscle coordination, which can lead to even further problems with our entire structure. So, make sure you are getting enough B complex in your diet, or daily supplements.

Both vitamin B and C work with other nutrients to perform their functions well, therefore a good, multiple vitamin is recommended for everyone, whether you decide to add other supplements or not.

Along with these nutrients, you must also get regular exercise to sustain, maintain, and strengthen every muscle in your body.

Some natural supplements to aid the muscles include:

1. StretchEasy Formula - Prevent stretchmarks, improve skin tone, flexibility and elasticity. A good all-around muscle aid.

2. JointEase Plus for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. It assists the joints, especially if you have joint problems, which supports the muscles.

Did You Get Your Vitamin F Today?

By: Tom Nuckels

There is a popular myth that one should avoid all fat in the diet, but there is a category of fats that is necessary for good health.

Fatty acids are the building blocks for oils and fats. Those that are necessary for health and can not be manufactured by the body are called essential fatty acids (EFAs). The essential fatty acids are occasionally referred to as vitamin F. These polyunsaturates must be supplied through the diet.

EFAs have desirable effects on many disorders. They reduce blood pressure, help prevent arthritis, lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce the risk for forming blood clots, and improve the skin and hair.

Some of the conditions helped by EFAs include candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, eczema, and psoriasis. They are found in high concentrations in the brain and aid in the transmission of nerve impulses and are needed for the normal development and functioning of the brain. A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to an impaired ability to learn and impaired memory.

EFAs are needed by every cell of the body. They are necessary for rebuilding and producing new cells. EFAs are also used for the production of prostaglandins, the hormone like substances that function as chemical messengers and regulators of many body processes.

Essential fatty acids are divided into two basic categories, omega-3 and omega-6, based on their chemical structures. Omeg-3 EFAs include alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaeanoic acid (EPA). They are abundant in fresh deepwater fish, fish oil, and certain vegetables including canoloa oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. The Omega-6 EFAs include linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. They are found most abundantly in raw nuts, seeds, and legumes, and in unsaturated vegetable oils like borage oil, grape seed oil, primrose oil, sesame oil, and soybean oil.

These oils must be consumed in pure liquid or supplement form in order to supply essential fatty acids. They must not be subjected to heat (in processing or cooking) as it destroys EFAs and creates dangerous free radicals. If oils are processed to make them more solid (hydrogenated), as in production of margarine, the linoleic acid is converted into trans-fatty acids, which are harmful to the body.

The daily requirement for essential fatty acids is satisfied by an amount equivalent to 10 to 20 percent of total caloric intake. Of all EFAs, the most essential is linoleic acid. A number of sources are available to obtain the daily requirement of EFAs.

EMU Oil

is an excellent source for linoleic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid. These all have anti-inflammatory properties. Emu oil is used topically for the relief of rashes, hemorrhoids, poison ivy, insect bites, arthritis, joint pain, muscle strains, and burns. It is also used as a facial moisturizer for reducing wrinkles and lines.

FISH Oil

is a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Salmon, mackerel, menhaden, herring, and sardines are excellent sources of fish oil because they have a higher fat content and provide more omega-3 factors than other fishes. Four ounces of salmon contains up to 3,600 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, while 4 ounces of cod contains only 300 milligrams.

People with diabetes should not take fish oil supplements because of the high fat content, but they should eat fish for its essential fatty acids.

FLAXSEED and Flaxseed Oil

are rich in omega-3 EFAs, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. They also provide the B vitamins, protein, and zinc. They contain no cholesterol and are low in saturated fats and calories.

The nutty taste of ground flaxseed is pleasant. Ground flaxseed can be mixed with water or any fruit or vegetable juice. They can also be added to salads, soups, yogurt, cereals, baked goods, or fresh juices. The seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder.

An alternative to the seeds is flaxseed oil. Organic cold-pressed flaxseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids. Studies have shown it can reduce the pain, inflammation, and swelling of arthritis. It can lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and help reduce the hardening effects of cholesterol on cell membranes.

GRAPE SEED Oil

is among the highest natural sources for linoleic acid and among the lowest in saturated fats. It contains no cholesterol and no sodium. Its light nutty taste brings out the flavor in many foods. It can be (unlike other oils) heated to temperatures as high as 485 degrees F without producing dangerous and possibly carcinogenic free radicals. This makes it good for use in cooking. Buy only grape seed oil that is cold-pressed and contains no preservatives.

PRIMROSE Oil

contains 9 to 10 percent gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This fatty acid helps prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure. It can relieve pain and inflammation, enhance the release of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. It aids in lowering cholesterol levels and is beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver.

Tom Nuckels is health article author and owner of the LpVitamins.com website. His customers range from children to the elderly and from carpenters to doctors. To learn what liquid vitamins and phytonutrients can do for you, visit www.lpvitamins.com .

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Natural Sources Of B Vitamins

Most of us can get enough of our required daily vitamins from the food we eat. This is where you get natural sources of vitamins. Those who are on certain special diets, or simply have poor eating habits may not be so fortunate and therefore should seriously consider taking vitamin supplements to keep your body functioning well.

Following are some good, natural sources of B vitamins:

B1 (Thiamine) - brewer's yeast, unrefined ceral grains, blackstrap molasses, oatmeal, organ meats, rice husks, brown rice, egg yolks, most vegetables, milk, bran, peanuts.

B2 (Riboflavin) - brewer's yeast, milk, cheese, whole grains, legumes, nuts, kidney, fish, organ meats, blackstrap molasses, leafy green vegetables, fish.

B6 (Pyridoxine) - whole grains, canteloupe, cabbage, organ meats (liver, kidney), unmilled rice, blackstrap molasses, soy beans, wheat germ, eggs, walnuts, peanuts, brewer's yeast, wheat bran.

B12 (Cobalamin) - pork, fish, kelp, peanuts, bananas, milk, cheese, lamb, organ meats (liver, kidney), beef.

B13 (Orotic Acid) - Root vegetables, whey, the liquid part of soured or curdled milk.

B15 (Pangamic Acid) - Brewer's yeast, brown rice, whole grains, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, whole brown rice.

B17 (Laetrile) - Apples, apricots, nectarines, plums, peaches, cherries.

Vitamins and Natural Remedies For Menopause

Women can go through many changes during menopause, both physically and mentally. Not all will experience the same symptoms nor the degree of them. One thing is for certain though, you must make sure your body is receiving the proper nutrients to defend and combat against these changes.

Dry skin and changes in eye sight can be issues women face in later years. Vitamin A can help with this, but it can be toxic when taken in too large of doses. Therefore, it is recommended that you take not more than the daily recommended dosage of vitamin A supplements. What you can do is consume foods that contain beta carotene, which naturally converts to vitamin A. A few examples of these foods are milk, liver, eggs, meat, tomatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, and carrots.

The B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, are needed for those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

We all need these b vitamins at all ages, but during the menopausal years they are even more essential. Among other things, these particular elements can help with stress and mood swings.

B6 is responsible for redistributing amino acids which create proteins in the body. It also helps to form important enzymes.

B12 is sometimes known as the energy vitamin, and for good reason. It is needed in converting the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. It also keeps red blood cells healthy and can be a great preventative for heart disease. B12 fights symptoms of fatigue and can indeed boost your energy level.

Vitamin C is essential for many of the bodily functions and in senior years it is especially beneficial for bone repair, healing, and maintaining good collagen levels.

Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and is a defense for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is obtained from few foods and is acquired mostly from sunlight on the skin.

Vitamin D helps control how much calcium is absorbed from foods we eat and distributes this calcium to our teeth, bones, muscles and blood. I might also add that D is one of the elements essential for a strong immune system.

Vitamin E can be used as an estrogen substitute and has been known as an effective remedy for hot flashes.

Other than vitamins, you might also be interested in some of these very good natural remedies for menopause:

Dong Quai for Hormone Balancing, Menopause and PMS

MellowPause for Menopause

Serenite-LT - A Long Term Solution to Chronic Insomnia

Thanda Passion Booster for Improved Female Libido and Pleasure

MindSoothe for Depression, Insomnia, OCD and Anxiety

Dementia Fighting Vitamin

In the news this morning was a story about a breakthrough in the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a lack of vitamin B9 (Folate and folic acid) can triple your risk of developing this terrible disease. Many of us already knew the importance of folate and folic acid to dementia, but this study further confirms it.

B9 aids the body in creating new cells. It is essential that we consume enough of this element.

As we age, our body naturally decreases its ability to create new cells. It is already known that heavy consumption of alcohol and 'street drugs' interfere with this process. As our brain cells (specifically) die, they need all of the help they can get to reproduce more cells.

Folate naturally occurs in leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens, lettuces, dried beans and peas and in some fruits.

If you are concerned with memory problems it appears as though adding a supplemental dose of B9 to your diet surely wouldn't hurt. Make sure you are also getting enough B12 too, as it too helps your entire nervous system.

If you are into natural remedies as I am, you might be interested in the following products to help with and prevent memory problems.

1. Get Info on MemoRise for Improved Memory and Retention

2. Get Information on Triple Complex Brain Tonic Tissue Salts

You can read the story I referred to above here.