Vitamin Information Center

CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel—glucose, which is needed by every
cell in our body. They also provide valuable nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and es-
sential fatty acids) and fi bre, which is important for intestinal health.
Food Sources
There are two classes of carbohydrates—simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates
include naturally occurring sugars in milk and fruit, and refi ned sugars (granulated
sugar). There is a major difference among these simple carbohydrates: fruits offer
a range of nutrients and fi bre, while refi ned sugars provide empty calories and lack Macronutrients | 9
nutritional value. Excess sugar consumption is linked to dental caries, obesity, insulin
resistance, high triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and compromised immune
function. The World Health Organization recommends reducing sugar intake to below
10 percent of total calories. Aside from candy and baked goods, sugar is also found in
pop, condiments (ketchup, barbecue sauces), juices, ice cream, and other sweets.
Complex carbohydrates include starches and indigestible dietary fi bre. Starches
are found in bread, pasta, rice, beans, and some vegetables. Today many of our
starches are refi ned and processed, which strips the food of its fi bre and nutrients. For
example, white bread, pasta, and rice are much less nutritious, so choose the brown
or whole-grain products.
Dietary fi bre is found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and the indigestible parts of
whole grains such as wheat and oat bran. In addition to supporting intestinal health
and proper elimination, fi bre also improves blood sugar balance, lowers cholesterol,
reduces the risk of colon and breast cancer, and plays a role in weight management.
The recommended intake of fi bre for adults 50 years and younger is 38 g for
men and 25 g for women; for men and women over 50 it is 30 and 21 g per day,
respectively, due to decreased food consumption. Sadly, most people get only one-
third to one-half of the recommended amount. To boost fi bre intake, incorporate
more raw vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes in your diet and consider a
fi bre supplement.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index (GI) is a scale that measures how quickly carbohydrates are broken
down into sugar. Those that are broken down quickly—such as simple carbohydrates
and refi ned starches—have a high GI. Foods that are broken down slowly—such as
most vegetables, fruits, and unprocessed grains—have a low GI.
Numerous studies have linked high-GI diets to obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 di-
abetes, and increased risk of heart disease. Eating high-GI foods can lead to blood sugar
imbalances that may result in fatigue, increased appetite, and food cravings. For these
reasons, it is best to minimize high-GI foods and maximize your intake of low-GI foods.
See Appendix B for more information on the GI and the rating for common foods.

Nowadays many people are asking themselves the same question, if the Acai Berries really help them lose weight or not.
Though there are a lot of uses of Acai Berries, the first and most known feature is that it helps you to cleans your intestines. It not only clears you intestines but if you eat it regularly it also enlivens your body and gives it high energy levels because it acts like an anti-toxidant in that it kills all the harmful substances within your body, such as small viruses and bad cells.
If you are looking for the fruit with the most antioxidants then most people would say blueberries since they are full of antioxidants. But with Acai Berries, the amount of anti-toxidants is far more numerous. In addition to that, thanks to the nutrients the Acai Berries include, consuming acai berry is a natural shield against many kinds of illnesses and disorders, from blood clotting to diabetes.
It is as well another known fact that acai helps those people who want to lose weight thanks to its attribute in helping fat burning happen more effectively. As a result of its composition which contains fatty acids, fiber, phytsterols and amino acids, it is a lot easier to get rid of your excessive fats.
The last but not the least of the features of Acai Berries are that, provided you consume a worthwhile amount, it helps you to develop muscles and turns your digestion into a far more regular process. And both of these processes are necessary in order to lose weight. Due to the fiber and fatty acids in the acai berry you feel full longer and your body accelerates the metabolism, and so burns calories far quicker. Lastly, thanks to phytsterols, your digestion becomes stronger and supplies your body more nutrients from each food item you consume.

You can get Acai berry pills on a free trial. Dont pay full price before trying, Viva Caps Acai offer a 100% free trial to see if this product is for you. You can access and order free acai pills through the Natural Cures blog

Acai juice is originated from the Acai berry that is harvest from the Acai palm. The Acai palm is originated in South America and a local product from many Amazons and especially Brazilians. While many think that these Acai juices and blends are made right from the berries as their picked that is not true. While this can be true when your in South America it is not in the United States. The Acai berry needs to be frozen and processed to keep its beneficial qualities up to par. Once the berry is picked because of its high fatty acids it starts breaking down the antioxidants and fibers that are inside of it.

So how do we get a beneficial Acai berry here in the United States? The better products will have the Acai berry frozen immediately and broken down into a freeze dried product and then used in their product. So many of the smoothies and juices are actually artificially flavored not natural drinks, you must check the label to find out. Since the berry contains at least 10 times more antioxidants than grapes and even blueberries many companies are using this as a marketing ploy to sell a drink. Especially since the berry is similar in look to a grape as it is about an inch large and purple with a seed in the middle.

The facts are that the Acai juice that is on the market can have less helpful qualities than many of the pills that are available. If you enjoy the Acai juice products then they are for you. But many times these Acai juice products are higher priced than their pill substitutes and it can be harder to know exactly the levels of antioxidants you are getting. Either way the Acai berry is helpful to your body and should be part of everyone’s diet.

In re­ce­nt ye­ars, it is e­vide­nt that a lo­to­f p­e­o­p­le­’s fo­cus have­ turne­d in the­ dire­ctio­n o­f Acai B­e­rry. It has b­e­e­n ab­le­ to­ garne­r this re­sp­e­ct due­ to­ the­ w­o­ndro­us e­ffe­cts it has o­n he­alth and p­hysical fitne­ss. The­ fruit has it’s ro­o­ts in the­ Am­az­o­n, w­he­re­ the­ B­raz­illian p­e­o­p­le­ have­ fo­r se­ve­ral ye­ars calle­d it-”Go­d’s gift”. The­ fruit as a p­re­p­aratio­n co­ntains all the­ ne­ce­ssary nutritio­nal re­quire­m­e­nts ne­e­de­d b­y the­ b­o­dy including the­ m­aj­o­r vitam­ins and m­ine­rals, a sto­re­ o­f anti-o­xidants that aid the­ b­o­dy in ge­tting rid o­f to­xins, and also­ use­ful O­m­e­ga fatty acids.

O­­ne o­­f­ the di­etary sup­p­lements extracted f­ro­­m the b­erry f­rui­t i­s Acai­ B­urn. The i­ngredi­ents that are co­­mb­i­ned to­­ make Acai­ B­urn i­nclude: Acai­ extract, green tea, chro­­mi­um p­o­­lyni­co­­ti­nategarci­ni­a camb­o­­gi­a, and gymnema sylvestre.

Over ti­me, d­ue to i­n­­ten­­si­ve resea­rch a­n­­ tests ca­rri­ed­ out, the followi­n­­g ha­ve been­­ foun­­d­ to be ben­­efi­ts d­eri­ved­ from the a­d­mi­n­­i­stra­ti­on­­ of A­ca­i­ Berry:

- M­arke­d m­e­tab­o­lic rate­ incre­ase­

- R­eli­a­ble a­n­d co­n­ti­n­o­u­s wei­ght lo­ss when­ u­sed pr­escr­i­pti­vely

- E­n­e­r­gy pr­o­du­cin­g

- E­ase­ o­f m­e­di­cati­o­n I­.e­ can e­asi­ly b­e­ tak­e­n o­r­ally i­n pi­ll fo­r­m­

- Tox­in­ n­e­utra­liz­in­g­ a­g­e­n­t

- Stabilization­ of blood su­gar

In­­ a­s much a­s the tests ca­rried­ out ha­ve highlighted­ the in­­heren­­t a­d­va­n­­ta­ges, some d­isa­d­va­n­­ta­ges w­hich ha­ve a­lso been­­ p­in­­-p­oin­­ted­ in­­clud­e:

- The m­­ar­ked inc­r­ease in m­­etabolic­ r­ate m­­ay c­ause a loss of­ apetite(Anor­exia)

- I­f no­­t­ use­d pre­sc­ri­pt­i­v­e­l­y, t­he­ we­i­ght­ l­o­­st­ c­o­­ul­d be­ e­asi­l­y be­ re­gai­ne­d

- M­a­y no­t­ be sui­t­a­ble f­o­r­ peo­ple t­o­ who­m­ ca­f­f­ei­ne i­n co­nt­r­a­-i­ndi­ca­t­ed.

Ad­visably then, it is rec­om­­m­­end­ed­ that Ac­ai Bu­rn be u­sed­ su­p­p­ortively with d­iets c­ontaining low C­lories and­ a regu­lar ex­erc­ise regim­­e.

Acai­ B­u­rn­ has b­e­e­n­ p­ro­ve­d sci­e­n­ti­fi­cal­l­y to­ ai­d the­ b­o­dy i­n­ i­t’s se­ve­ral­ fu­n­cti­o­n­s, an­d as su­ch, to­ fu­l­l­y harn­e­ss i­t’s man­y advan­tage­s, i­t i­s i­mp­o­rtan­t that an­ atte­mp­t to­ l­o­se­ so­me­ w­e­i­ght b­e­ fo­l­l­o­w­e­d cl­o­se­l­y w­i­th ve­ry ri­go­ro­u­s he­al­th hab­i­ts.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec 03, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. announced its plans to market PreNexa(TM), the first and only single gel capsule prenatal vitamin with the most plant-based Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 265 mg) for women considering pregnancy, pregnant women and new mothers who are breastfeeding.(1-6)
“Martek’s life’sDHA(TM), the DHA in PreNexa(TM), is derived from a natural plant source grown outside the ocean.(1,7) It is also the same DHA source used in infant formulas and has been granted Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in infant formulas by the United States Food and Drug Administration,” said Steve Dubin, CEO of Martek.(8) The availability of PreNexa(TM) avoids the potential of being exposed to oceanborne pollutants like mercury because it derives its DHA from microalgae, a direct plant source. In addition, for women with an allergic sensitivity to fish, PreNexa(TM) offers healthcare professionals the first single-capsule prenatal vitamin with plant-based DHA.
DHA is a key omega-3 fatty acid used throughout the body. It works to support fetal and infant brain and eye development.(9,10) The source of DHA for many other prenatal vitamins is fish oil, which can leave patients with a fishy smell, taste and after taste.
The plant-based DHA in PreNexa(TM) is derived from algae grown in fermentation tanks and processed in a closed and controlled manufacturing process. Whereas, fish-based DHA is obtained by extracting DHA after the fish have eaten algae and the oil has been processed through varying filtration methods.(7) “PreNexa(TM) represents an advancement in delivery by being the first single-capsule prenatal vitamin with the most plant-based DHA for women, before and after the birth of their child,” said Mark Evenstad, Vice Chairman/President of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.
DHA is polyunsaturated and contains 22 carbon fatty acids which are predominantly found in fish and marine animal oils. Since many women do not consume the amount of DHA recommended by many experts in diet alone, a prescription prenatal vitamin with DHA can be just what a mother and her baby need to help ensure her DHA intake is greater than or equal to 200-300 mg per day during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.(10,12,13)
Developing infants cannot efficiently produce their own DHA, they must obtain this vital nutrient through the placenta during pregnancy or from an outside source such as breast milk after birth.(14) Mothers continuously lose their omega-3 fatty acid stores during pregnancy.(15) Furthermore, it takes an average of six months to recover from the loss, so a daily source of DHA is recommended by many health experts.(10,12)
PreNexa(TM) is a once daily single gel capsule that includes: Folic Acid (1.2 mg), Vitamin C (25 mg), Vitamin D3 (170 IU), Vitamin E (30 IU), Iron (30 mg), Calcium (160 mg) and Vitamin B6 (25 mg).(1) It also contains a gentle stool softener known as docusate sodium, which is an added benefit for approximately 50 percent of pregnant women who suffer from irregularity at some point in their pregnancy.(1,11)
PreNexa(TM) is available nationwide, by prescription only, in bottles containing a 30 day supply. This once-daily, single gel capsule with the most plant-based DHA, can be conveniently taken at anytime, day or night.
Upsher-Smith is pursuing drug therapies to improve people’s lives. The company is driven by the ever-changing needs of patients, physicians, pharmacists and healthcare organizations. Focused on market expansion in women’s health, dermatology, cardiology and in developing products for neurology, their perspective is not “more products” but the “right products” to improve lives. For additional information about PreNexa(TM), visit http://www.prenexa.com, or to learn more about Upsher-Smith, visit http://www.upsher-smith.com.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six years of age. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. In the case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately. Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for a complete list of warnings and precautions.
References: 1. PreNexa (package insert). Minneapolis, MN: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc; 2008. 2. CitraNatal DHA (package insert). San Antonio, TX: Mission Pharmacal Company; 2007. 3. Duet DHA(ec) (package insert). Newport, KY: Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc; 2007. 4. Prenate DHA (package insert). Atlanta, GA: Sciele Pharma, Inc; 2007. 5. PrimaCare Advantage (package insert). St. Louis, MO: Ther-Rx Corporation; 2008. 6. PrimaCare One (package insert). St. Louis, MO: Ther-Rx Corporation; 2007. 7. Martek Biosciences Corporation. Data on file. 8. U.S. FDA GRAS Notice No. GRN 000041. 9. Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-fishoil.html. Accessed September 9, 2008. 10. Koletzko, et al. The roles of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy; review of current knowledge and consensus recommendations. J Perinat Med 36 (2008) 5-14. 11. American Pregnancy Association. Pregnancy and Constipation. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/constipation.html. Accessed August 21, 2008. 12. Simopoulos AP, Leaf A, Salem N Jr. Workshop on the essentiality of and recommended dietary intakes for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999;61:57-62. 13. Arterburn LM, Oken HA, Bailey Hall E, et al. Algal-oil capsules and cooked salmon: nutritionally equivalent sources of docosahexaenoic acid. J Am Diet Assoc. (2008);108:1204-1209. 14. Szajewska, et al. Effect on n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of women with low-risk pregnancies on pregnancy outcomes and growth measures at birth: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal Clinical Nutrition, (2006);83:1337-44. 15. Hornsta G, AI MD, van Houwelingen AC, Forman-van Drongelen MM. Essential fatty acids in pregnancy and early human development. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. (1995);61:57-62.
SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.

Nutritional Armor - It would be nice if you could put on armor everyday to protect your body from all those things which would harm it. Cell research has shown that free radical damage causes early aging, and free radicals come from the environment. The good news is that nature holds secrets like the Acai berry which can be consumed and become a natural armor against free radical damage.

When you read Acai facts, it’s hard to believe this amazing fruit has not been used in most health products. The berry contains an intense concentration of flavanoids called anthocyanins known to reduce the occurrence of heart disease. Acai also contains fatty acids which help the body absorb the fat soluble vitamins like A, D and E.

The nutritional armor you wear when using Acai also includes a variety of vitamins and other elements like phytochemicals. There is calcium, fiber and protein also packed into these little berries. You will find minerals like potassium and magnesium which are required by your body’s systems for efficient operation.

Knights on White Horses

When you read the facts about Acai, it’s easy to see that consumption of the berry will give you the ability to fight disease and increase your energy levels. When you put on Acai armor, it’s like having knights on white horses come to your defense. Except in this case the “knights” are essential nutrients and the “white horses” are the antioxidants.

Reading Acai facts presents an interesting story of a plant known to contain exceptional health benefits for years. In South America the Acai berry has been used in fruits drinks as a nutritional supplement. The fact is the berry has up to 30 times the number of anthocyanins as any other dark colored fruit.

Most people have read about the heart health benefits of drinking a glass of dark wine each day. It’s the anthocyanins in the wine which are protecting your cardiovascular system. It’s amazing to think this natural remedy has been hiding in the Amazon for thousands of years.

A summary of Acai facts shows you the tremendous nutritional value of the berry. The berry is turned into a delicious drink that can be used regularly in your daily diet. It makes it easy to insure you are getting the nutritional supplementation you need to stay as healthy as possible. Acai Facts You Never Knew!

Before we dig into the amazing acai facts, let’s take a look at the famous acai story. Legend says that there lived an Amazon Indian girl called “Iaca.” Her father was the chief of the tribe. It so happened that their tribe faced acute shortage of food. Thus, the chief ordered every newborn to be killed in order to let the existing members survive. When the chief’s daughter, Iaca, gave birth to a baby, the tiny life had to be terminated too! Iaca couldn’t overcome her baby’s death and wailed for many days in her hut.

One day, she heard a cry outside. Curiosity got the better of her and she followed the baby’s cry that led her into the forest. She came across a tall, attractive palm tree loaded with dark purple tiny berries. This came as a rude shock to her. Here was so much food for the tribe and she had to kill her baby! This harsh truth struck her like a bolt of lightening and she died right there against the tree.

The next day, the tribesmen found Iaca’s body and the treasure of food too. The rule was removed and the tribe became healthier and stronger after eating the wonder fruit, which was named as “Acai” after the chief’s daughter. Actually, it’s “Iaca” spelled backwards!

Among all the interesting acai facts, one especially intriguing is that out of all the native Indian tribes, only those who consumed acai berries survived; the rest perished due to European germs!

Astounding Acai Facts! Acai juice is known popularly as the “Wine of Amazon.” Acai can’t be transported in its whole fruit form. It has to be processed into freeze dried powder or liquid form. The amount of disease-combating antioxidants found in acai is higher than any other fruit found on the earth. The ORAC value of acai berry is 1026 as compared to spinach’s 150 and broccoli’s 130! Acai berry contains anthocyanins that are 30 times more than that present in red wine! This fruit is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E; minerals like calcium, iron, and phosphorus; protein, dietary fiber, and essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6, and 9 that are also present in virgin olive oil. This fruit with abundant health benefits and loads of nutrients is dark purple in color and just one inch in diameter!

Brazilians have been relishing on acai fruit for decades. A cold bowl of these rejuvenating berries for breakfast daily is your way towards a healthy and youthful life in the future. Chomp Chomp!

The fact is that using the Acai berry will increase your energy, improve organ function, strengthen the immune system and fight free radicals. It’s hard to find a single product which can accomplish so much in one drink. Read the facts and see for yourself all of the health benefits.

The current world we live in is loaded with products that claim to do the most amazing things in the world. Obviously, many of these products are huge scams, and can’t possibly do everything they say. Anti-Aging products are becoming huge as the baby boomers start to get a little bit older.

Acai berry is the new superfood that has hundreds of benefits. The main goal of many people who use it is weight loss, but it also has the ability to prevent early aging! The amino acids and certain minerals in acai berry are ideal in helping with muscle contraction that causes wrinkles. So, not only does acai berry actually help with aging, it can actually prevent it.

The fatty acids in acai berry are high in omega 3 fish oils. These oils enter the cell membranes and can actually prevent inflammation of the skin. Inflammation is the number one cause of aging, and if this can be eliminated, you will live much younger!

Many of the products on the market today are in the form of makeups and other products you put directly on your skin. They call themselves anti-aging products, but in all reality they are not at all. Anything you put directly on your skin is just used to cover up anti aging effects. No matter what they tell you, it won’t actually prevent or cure the effects of aging.

All-natural products such as acai berry are now becoming the solution. Acai Berry
is just one of many solutions that you can now find that can help prolong your young features.

Nails are important parts of our hands and feet. Many people ignore their nails though they serve many important functions. Nails reflect an individual�s personal and health habits �� good or bad. Aside from their cosmetic appeal, nails serve many important functions. Nail disorders can affect our ability to pick up small objects, the way we walk, and our sense of touch. Infrequent in children, nail problems usually increase throughout life and affect a high number of the elderly. This is due to the susceptibility of the nail to fungal infections, its increased thickness with age, circulation problems, and the use of medications.

There are many natural remedies and supplements, which can be helpful for you to give natural nail care.

*If your nails become dry and brittle then it is a sign for deficiency of vitamin-A in your body. If vitamin A is lacking in your body, then it can slow down the growth of your nails. For this, increase the intake of vitamin A in your regular diet. Garlic, parsley, watercress and papaya are some of the foods that are rich in vitamin A.

* Nails also need adequate amounts of calcium to grow healthier.

*Vitamin B is very essential for your natural nail care. Deficiency of which can make your nails to become more fragile with horizontal and vertical ridges. Foods such as fenugreek, dandelion, kelp and parsley are rich sources for vitamin B.

*Folic acid is another essential protein for nails and provides a better natural nail care by maintaining flexibility and strength of nails. It can be mainly found in spinach leaves, citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, whole grains and also legumes and kale.

*Silicon promotes firmness and strength to nails. One can find rich silicon contents in onions, avocados, whole wheat, comfrey, oats, strawberries, alfalfa, rice and nettle.

*Biotin helps in natural nail care by increasing the hard and thick growth of nails. Eggs, brown rice, brewer�s yeast, fish, soya bean and oats are rich sources for biotin.

*Fatty acids are more useful in making nails glossier and flexible. Evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, salmon and black current oil are rich sources for fatty acids.

* Do not forget the dietary requirements contributing to the health of your nails. Drink lots of water and add foods that are rich in calcium, Vitamins, zinc, sulfur, silicon and biotin.

a coenzyme produced during the metabolism of carbohydrates,
fatty acids, and amino acids. Abbreviation acetyl CoA

Many dog owners wonder if using a canine supplement is a good idea. If you have a healthy dog or puppy, many experts caution against supplements. However, there can be benefits to supplements, especially if your dog is sick or has a health problem. Read on to learn tips to keeping your canine healthy.
Continue Reading…