23 October 2014

CAROTOMAX (previously known as Shaklee Beta Carotene)

The Most Powerful Antioxidant Protection You Can Buy!

Shaklee CarotoMax® blends five potent antioxidant carotenoids: Alpha Carotene, Beta Carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin. The carotenoids in CarotoMax® are powerful, fat-soluble antioxidants that have been implicated in the long-term health of the eyes, prostate, cervix, lungs and heart. Research also suggests that arotenoids, working together, support a strong immune system.

Potent Protection of Cells from the Inside*


Achieve an enhanced level of antioxidant protection with Shaklee CARATOMAX. Shaklee harnesses the antioxidant protection found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants by isolating and delivering more potent forms of natural flavonoids and carotenoids.*

Beneficial Carotenoids


The average daily intake of the carotenoids lutein, lycopene and beta carotene is only 8 mg – CarotoMax provides over 13 mg of these highly beneficial carotenoids
Helps maintain overall wellness and longterm health of the eyes*
Fat-soluble, so it normally gathers in the organs of the body
Contains unique concentrated extracts from tomatoes, Grapeseed Extract, Brocoli Sprouts Extract, Corn Oil, oil of palm and marigold, among others

Carotenoid Content Equivalency in CarotoMax

  • Beta carotene 102 servings of Bananas
  • Lycopene 714 servings of Apricots
  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin 285 servings of pink grapefruit
  • Alpha carotene 89 servings of Raspberries
Servings per Container : 30 Capsules
Serving Size : 1 Capsule per day

* This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.


Beta-carotene(Carotomax)

Overview:

  • Beta-carotene is a type of pigment found in plants, especially carrots and colorful vegetables. The name beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name for carrot. It gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their rich hues. Beta-carotene is also used as a coloring agent for foods such as margarine.
  • Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A (retinol) by the body. Vitamin A is needed for good vision and eye health, for a strong immune system, and for healthy skin and mucus membranes. 
  • While large amounts of vitamin A in supplement form can be toxic, the body will convert only as much vitamin A from beta-carotene as it needs. That means beta-carotene is considered a safe source of vitamin A.
  • However, too much beta-carotene can be dangerous for people who smoke. (Getting high amounts of either vitamin A or beta-carotene through your diet -- not from supplements -- is safe.)
  • Beta-carotene is an antioxidant. It protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells through a process known as oxidation. Over time, this damage can lead to a number of chronic illnesses. There is good evidence that getting more antioxidants through your diet helps boost your immune system, protect against free radicals, and may lower your risk of two types of chronic illness -- heart disease and cancer. But the issue is a little murkier when it comes to taking antioxidant supplements.

Therapeutic Uses:

Prevention

  • Population based studies suggest that people who eat 4 or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene may reduce their risk of developing heart disease or cancer. Foods rich in beta-carotene include those that are orange or yellow, such as peppers, squashes, and carrots.
  • However, a few studies indicate that people who take beta-carotene supplements may be at increased risk for conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Researchers think that may be because the sum total of all the nutrients you eat in a healthy, balanced diet offer more protection than beta-carotene supplements alone.
  • There is also some evidence that when smokers and people who are exposed to asbestos take beta-carotene supplements, their risk of lung cancer goes up. For now, smokers should avoid taking beta-carotene supplements.


Treatment

Sun Sensitivity
Studies suggest that high doses of beta-carotene may decrease sensitivity to the sun. People with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare genetic condition that causes painful sun sensitivity, as well as liver problems, are often treated with beta-carotene to reduce sun sensitivity. Under a doctor's guidance, the dose or beta-carotene is slowly adjusted over a period of weeks, and exposure to sunlight gradually increased.

Age related Macular Degeneration

A major clinical trial, the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS1), found that people who had macular degeneration could slow its progression by taking zinc (80 mg), vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 mg), beta-carotene (15 mg), and copper (2 mg). Age related macular degeneration is an eye disease that occurs when the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision, starts to deteriorate.

Metabolic Syndrome
A study in 2009 found that higher total carotenoid intakes, mainly those of beta-carotene and lycopene, were associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and with lower measures of body fat and triglycerides among middle-aged and elderly men.

Oral leukoplakia

Oral leukoplakia is a condition in which white lesions form in your mouth or on your tongue. It is usually caused by chronic tobacco or alcohol use. One study found that people with leukoplakia who took beta-carotene experienced fewer symptoms than those who took placebo. Because taking beta-carotene might put smokers at higher risk of lung cancer, however, you should not take beta-carotene for leukoplakia without the strict supervision of your doctor.

Scleroderma
People with scleroderma, a connective tissue disorder characterized by hardened skin, have low levels of beta-carotene in their blood. That has caused some researchers to think beta-carotene supplements may be helpful for people with scleroderma. So far, however, research has not confirmed this theory. For now, it is best to get beta-carotene from foods in your diet and avoid supplements until more studies are done.

Dietary Sources:

The richest sources of beta-carotene are yellow, orange, and green leafy fruits and vegetables (such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash). In general, the greater the intensity of the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more beta-carotene it contains.

Dosage and Administration:

Beta-carotene supplements are available in both capsule and gel forms. Beta-carotene is fat-soluble, so you should take it with meals containing at least 3 g of fat to ensure absorption.

Pediatric

  • Children should eat a healthy diet to ensure they get enough beta-carotene.
  • For children younger than 14 with erythropoietic protoporphyria , your doctor can measure blood levels of beta-carotene and make dosing recommendations.

Adult

  • For general health, 15 - 50 mg (25,000 - 83,000 IU) per day is recommended. Try to get most of this amount in your diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables will ensure you get enough beta-carotene, and will also give you the added benefits of other nutrients and antioxidants.
  • Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day to provide about 3 - 6 mg of beta-carotene.
  • For adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a doctor can measure blood levels of beta-carotene and make dosing recommendations.

Precautions:

So far, studies haven't confirm any benefit from beta-carotene supplements alone in preventing cancer. Getting beta-carotene in your diet, along with other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, does seem to protect against some kinds of cancer. However, beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer in those who smoke or drink heavily. This supplement should not be used by heavy smokers or drinkers, except under a doctor's supervision.

Although beta-carotene offers protection from sunlight for people with certain skin sensitivities, it does not protect against sunburn.

Side Effects

Side effects from beta-carotene include:
  • Skin discoloration (yellowing that eventually goes away)
  • Loose stools
  • Bruising
  • Joint pain

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

While animal studies show that beta-carotene is not toxic to a fetus or a newborn, there is not enough data on beta-carotene in humans to know what levels are safe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take beta-carotene supplements only under the supervision of your doctor. It's safe to get beta-carotene through the food you eat.

Pediatric Use

Side effects in children are the same as those seen in adults.

Geriatric Use

Side effects in older adults are the same as younger adults.

Interactions and Depletions:

Beta-carotene supplements can interact with the following medications:
Statins -- Taking beta-carotene with selenium and vitamins E and C may decrease the effectiveness of simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin. The same may be true of other statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor). If you take statins, talk to your doctor before taking beta-carotene supplements.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol -- Cholestyramine, a medication used to lower cholesterol, can lower levels of dietary beta-carotene in the blood by 30 - 40%, according to a 3-year study in Sweden. Colestipol, a cholesterol lowering medication similar to cholestyramin, may also reduce beta-carotene levels. Your doctor may monitor your levels of beta-carotene, but taking a supplement usually isn't necessary.
Orlistat -- Orlistat (Xenical or Alli), a weight loss medication, can reduce the absorption of beta-carotene by as much as 30%, thereby reducing the amount of beta-carotene in the body. You may decide to take a multivitamin if you take orlistat. If so, make sure you take it at least 2 hours before or after you take orlistat.
Other -- In addition to these medications, mineral oil (used to treat constipation) may lower blood concentrations of beta-carotene. Ongoing use of alcohol may interact with beta-carotene, increasing the risk of liver damage.

Alternative Names:

B-carotene; Betacarotenum; Provitamin A; Trans-beta-carotene
  • Reviewed last on: 12/11/2010
  • Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

14 October 2014

Sop Kale & Chickpea

Tau tak selalu lar gi pasar, saya lar dan mungkin anda juga selalu melalui tempat jual sayur-sayuran yang banyak serta menghijaukan ? Kemudian tak tahu lah nak pilih yang mana satu yang terbaik untuk kita makan. Sebab banyak sangat sayur-sayuran yang dijual dan ditanamkan...Setelah saya mentelaah dan membaca kaitan kepentingan di dalam tubuh badan untuk menghalang dari radikal bebas, anti oxidant, anti cancer dan detox, saya akan cuba pastikan makanan yang berkhasiat di dalam setiap makanan khususnya dalam masakan seharian kita.



Benefits of Kale

Even the looks of it is appetizing! The thick folds of kale's dark green leaves has a certain aura of nutritional richness. Kale has been called "the new beef", "the queen of greens", and "a nutritional powerhouse" (1). Wonder why? Well...

1- One cup has 36 calories, 5 gm fiber, and 0 fat. So it helps digestion. Kale also has other nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium.
2- High in iron. "Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef." Did you know that iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen, cell growth, liver function, etc.?
3- High in vitamin K. This is significant in protection against various types of cancer as well as bone health and preventing blood clotting. Also, increased levels of vitamin K may help Alzheimer's patients.
4- Filled with antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids that help protect against certain types of cancer. In fact, kale has 45 anti-cancer flavonoids (2)!
5- Great anti-inflammatory food. It has 10% of the RDA omega-3 fatty acids which help fight against arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune disorders.
6- Cardiovascular support as it lowers cholesterol levels.
7- High in vitamin A which is essential for healthy vision, skin, and preventing lung and oral cavity cancers.
8- High in vitamin C which important for our immune system, metabolism, hydration and maintaining cartilage and joint flexibility.
9- Hugh in calcium. "Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk." Calcium helps prevent bone loss, osteoporosis and maintaining healthy metabolism.                
10- Great detox food as it is filled with fiber and sulfur, which are essential for detoxifying our bodies and keeping the liver healthy! (1)


What could we say more? Kale rocks!

Kale and Chickpea Soup


Ingredients:
2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) crumbled dried sage
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper
3 cups (750 mL) sodium-reduced
chicken stock or chicken stock, homemade
2 cups (500 mL) cubed peeled sweet potatoes
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) cubed chicken, about 6 oz/175 g, or smoked turkey
1 sweet red pepper, chopped
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 cups (750 mL) chopped kale

Method: 
1- In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; fry onion, garlic, sage, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
2- Add stock, 3 cups (750 mL) water, potato, chicken cubes, red pepper and chickpeas; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 minutes.
3- Add kale; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. (Make-ahead: Let cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate until cold. Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days.) (3).  
Note: chicken cubes are an exchange from the original recipe.

This soup can be enjoyed as a dinner main dish alongside your choice of bread and side kicks. Or, as a filling lunch time satisfying dish! You can also substitute kale for spinach as a change. It is so warm and hearty. Don't forget that even if you are vegetarian you can still get some protein from the chickpeas. This is a won-win food situation :) Try it and let us know your application experience in your comments below.


Sources:
1- Mind Body Green: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html
2- Herbal Remedy: http://herbalsatt.blogspot.ca/2012/06/58-kale-has-45-different-anticancer.html
3- Canadian Living Magazine: http://www.canadianliving.com/food/kale_and_chickpea_soup.php
Photos:
1- http://nourishproject.ca/seven-days-of-green-and-kale-contest/
2- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html
3- http://herbalsatt.blogspot.ca/2012/06/58-kale-has-45-different-anticancer.html
4- http://www.canadianliving.com/food/kale_and_chickpea_soup.php

4 Foods with More Vitamin A than Carrots

They're not the only way to get your fill of this essential nutrient.

"Eat carrots so you don't need glasses" might be the advice you remember getting from your parents when they wanted you to take in more veggies as a kid. Carrots are packed with vitamin A, which can indeed improve your vision. But that's not where its benefits stop: It also boosts your immune system and cuts your risk of heart disease.
There are two types of vitamin A, one of which comes primarily from animal products (retinol), and one of which comes primarily from plant-based foods (beta-carotene). While both types are important, you don't have to rely only on carrots to get your fill. Here are some foods that actually have more vitamin A per serving than a half-cup of raw carrots, which comes in at 10,692 international units (IU) of retinol and 0.534 milligrams of beta-carotene.
ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
One Cup Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin delivers tons of vitamin A no matter how you consume it. One cup of puree will give you 14,100 IU of retinol and 0.706 milligrams of beta-carotene. Even canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie dole out the vitamins, though the latter is obviously packed with sugar and fat.
SHUTTERSTOCK
A Medium Baked Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes deliver carb-y satisfaction while still being packed with vitamins, especially A. One potato contains 21,909 IU of retinol and 1.096 milligrams of beta-carotene, or 438 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A. Oh, and it has more potassium than a banana!
ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
A Small Kale Salad
Kale is known as a superfood for a reason: Aside from the 70,829 IU of retionol and 3.5 milligrams of beta-carotene in four cups, you’ll get 500 percent of your daily vitamin C and 3,000 percent of your vitamin K.
ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
1 Tablespoon of Cod Liver Oil
Fish oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen your heart, clear up your skin, and fight off Alzheimer’s, along with a host of other functions. But a tablespoon of cod liver oil also contains 13,600 IU of retinol and four milligrams of beta-carotene—which is eight times as much as that half-cup of carrots.
ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
1/2 Cup Baked Butternut Squash
Sensing a theme here? The more orange the food, the more likely it is to be full of vitamin A. This half-cup has 11,343 IU of retinol and 0.572 milligrams of beta-carotene. It's also filled with fiber, which will keep you satisfied and full of energy
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