Before (pre) and after (post) the supplementation period, participants performed a discontinuous cycle ergometry test to determine the PWCFT [physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT)]. Results: Significant increases in PWCFT (28.6%) from pre- to post-supplementation were found for the BA treatment group (p<0.05), but no change was observed with PL treatment. These findings suggest that ninety days of BA supplementation may increase physical working capacity by delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in elderly men and women.

The researchers believe that beta-alanine supplementation may help in the prevention of falls, and the maintenance of health and independent living in elderly men and women.

Post from: Blisstree

Beta-Alanine Improves Muscle Endurance Among the Elderly

Yo-Plus and is the only yogurt available that contains Optibalance™, a blend of special probiotic cultures and a natural fiber. Yo-Plus is a good source of calcium, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. When compared with Dannon™’s Activia™, only Yo-Plus has the added benefit of dietary fiber for added digestive health benefits, plus vitamins A and D.

Have you tried Yo-Plus yet? No? You can print some coupons for some discount.

Post from: Blisstree

Discount Coupons for Yo-Plus Probiotic Yogurt with Fiber

This cooler contains probiotic milk, milk with omega-3, lactose free milk, lactose free milk with vitamin A and D, lactose free milk with chocolate, and milk fortified with calcium. Click on the image and see the notes to find out which is which.

I don’t know about you, but they are starting to sound less like milk, and more like an artificial chemical solution to me. No wonder some unscrupulous manufacturers are “fortifying” milk with melamine!

Image from Flickr, credit: tuchodi

Post from: Blisstree

Fortified Milk

As milk the primary source of calcium, we would all benefit in drinking milk (and eating dairy products) well into adulthood. If you are vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, milk allergic, or simply do not like the taste of milk,  you need to make sure you’re getting enough calcium from other calcium-rich food sources or calcium supplements to keep your bones healthy as you age.

According to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, healthy men and women supplemented with 1,200 mg of calcium per day (amount equivalent to four glasses of milk)  reduced their risk of bone fractures by 72 percent. They also found that it is essential to maintain high calcium intake to prevent bone loss or osteoporosis.

How much calcium do you need?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of fat free or low-fat milk each day, providing 90 percent of the recommended daily value of calcium for most adults. Milk is also an excellent source of vitamin D, helping the body absorb this much-needed calcium to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Photo Credit: Grzesiek

Post from: Blisstree

Do You Drink Milk?

McCann & Ames point out that evidence for vitamin D’s involvement in brain function includes the wide distribution of vitamin D receptors throughout the brain. They also discuss vitamin D’s ability to affect proteins in the brain known to be directly involved in learning and memory, motor control, and possibly even maternal and social behavior. The review also discusses studies in both humans and animals that present suggestive though not definitive evidence of cognitive or behavioral consequences of vitamin D inadequacy.

Vitamin D is naturally present in only a few food items. There are food products such as milk and yogurt that are enriched with Vitamin D, and while our bodies can produce Vitamin D upon sun exposure, many still suffer from Vitamin D deficiency as the efficiency of Vitamin D production is also function of skin tone, making populations with darker skin tone at risk for rickets, bone fractures and possibly other diseases including several types of cancer due to a inadequate vitamin D.

Thus, experts conclude that Vitamin D supplementation is warranted for groups whose vitamin D status is exceptionally low, particularly nursing infants, the elderly, and African Americans.

Post from: Blisstree

Vitamin D in Brain Function, Supplementation May Be Necessary

As reported in the study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry:

“The findings of the present study indicate that blueberry protected against the ovariectomised -induced bone loss as it prevented the loss of whole-body BMD and had an intermediary effect on tibial and femoral BMD,” wrote the researchers.

“This effect may be due to the components of blueberry which function as free radical scavengers. This observation is supported by a report which ranks the blueberry extract to have the highest antioxidant capacity in comparison with other fruits and reference compounds such as vitamin C.”

Naturally, these findings will have to be confirmed in humans, but before that, further studies are also necessary to identify the bioactive component(s) of blueberry responsible this effect, the mechanism(s) of action and the lowest effective dose of the compound.

Photo Credit: Blueberries, by Kevin Lawver

Post from: Blisstree

Blueberries May Help Fight Osteoporosis

Aside from that, egg consumption also offer a roster of other health benefits. They are an excellent source of choline (important in fetal brain development but well, maybe it’s never too late), selenium (prevents cancer), lutein and zeaxanthin (prevents cataracts and macular degeneration) and vitamin D (for healthy bones).

So, how do you like your eggs?

Post from: Blisstree

Break an Egg!

[Professor Wenyuan Shi] determined that an extract of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is effective against tooth-decaying bacteria, providing the scientific basis for the ancient practice of chewing licorice root. “This was particularly charming because in both Chinese and in Western cultures, people have been chewing it maybe for the taste, but it also has a lot of good health reasons. It stimulates saliva flows, has anti-bacterial properties and keeps bacteria from adhering to your teeth”, explained Professor Shi.

C3 Jian is currently working with a candy manufacturer on the healthy lollipop’s production. It is recommended to eat one lollipop after breakfast and another one before going to bed at night for a period of ten days. Then, in order to maintain the treatment’s effectiveness, one should eat a lollipop about 2-4 times a year.

Cool, huh? Read more from The Future of Things and more related documentation compiled by the Medgadget.

Post from: Blisstree

Cavity-Fighting Lollipop

After analysing samples from 15 olive oil mills, researchers have demonstrated that olive oil is very rich in polyphenols. According to Professors Alberto Fernández and Antonio Segura, “as preventive substances, polyphenols help to combat any oxidative disease associated with the degenerative process.”

The polyphenols found in olive oils are powerful antioxidants and is thus highly beneficial for the prevention of cell aging and osteoporosis.

Post from: Blisstree

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Against Degenerative Diseases

Breakfast Idea #4: Waffle Sandwich. Toast two frozen whole grain waffles and spread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter; add a glass of 100 percent orange juice.

Health Benefits:

• Choose whole grain waffles fortified with calcium for an extra dose of this bone-building nutrient.
• Use protein-packed peanut butter, which is a good source of the B-vitamin folate needed to make healthy blood cells, or sunflower seed butter if nut allergy is an issue.
• Orange juice also supplies folate, as well as vitamins B6, thiamin, and riboflavin that your body uses for energy production.

For more information, visit Florida Juice.

Post from: Blisstree

Breakfast Tip #4: Power Packed for Your Muscles and Bones