Cod Liver Oil

Oil from fish contain Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both are omega-3 fatty acids.

The major difference between cod liver oil and fish oil is that cod liver oil is high in vitamin D. A lot of people, particularly those who don't have adequate sun exposure, are deficient in vitamin D and would therefore obtain all the health benefits from taking cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is very excellent for you, more than you ever knew. Research studies ranging from 1918-2001 give cod liver oil an A+ rating. This wonderful golden oil contain big amount of elongated omega-3 fatty acids, preformed vitamin A and the sunlight vitamin D, essential nutrients that are hard to obtain in sufficient amounts in the modern diet. Samples may also naturally include small amounts of the significant bone- and blood-maintainer vitamin K.

As sunshine is the main source of vitamin D, a significant number of people should consider switching from fish oil in the warm weather months when they tend to have more sun exposure -- to cod liver oil in the cool weather months, when their sun exposure is minimal. However, many people don't get enough sun exposure even in warm weather months, meaning their vitamin D levels may still be too low in summer, they would therefore benefit from cod liver oil even in warm weather months.

Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in millions of people, the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints, as they grow older. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fats, help counter inflammation, so a number of people with another form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease), and take fish oil supplements to help reduce symptoms. There is also an inflammatory element in osteoarthritis, but this is apparently the first study to look at fish oil's effect on the disease in humans.

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help to balance the omega-6 fatty acids, which are found mostly in vegetable oils. When these two groups of fatty acids are out of balance, the body releases chemicals that promote inflammation. People appear to produce more of these inflammatory chemicals when experiencing psychological stress (e.g., academic examinations). With a fatty acid imbalance, inflammatory response to stress appears to be amplified.

Sources of cod liver oil

EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements typically contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA, though more purified (i.e., higher in EPA and DHA) fish oil supplements are sometimes available. In addition, DHA is available in a supplement that does not contain significant amounts of EPA.

What are the benefits of cod liver oil?

Benefits of the Omega-3 Found in Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

* Helps fight and prevent heart disease, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, hyperactivity and many other diseases

* Increases your energy level and ability to concentrate

* Provides greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold

* Helps pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications

Preliminary evidence also shows that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may help regulate the rhythm of the heart. EPA and DHA have been report to assist avoid cardiac arrhythmias.

Cod liver oil is effective in treating arthritis as well. Researchers funded by Great Britain's Arthritis Research Campaign found that the elongated omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil reduce both pain and damage in inflamed joints.

Cod liver oil also reduces the generation of free radicals in the system and inflammatory processes as in arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

EPA and DHA also have anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, fish oil is used to help people with various inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of high intake

Though fish oil is rich in heart-healthy omega-3s, supplements can pose dangers. They can raise the threat of hemorrhagic stroke, and people taking anticoagulants should not receive them. Large doses may suppress the immune system.

The American Heart Association does say that people with heart disease should consider taking the supplements, but only if they don't eat enough fish and after consulting a doctor. Eating fish is a better option for most people.

Cod liver oil is made from livers, of course. The liver is a filter, so toxins (such as PCBs) get concentrated there. Thus cod liver oil is more likely to be contaminated than other fish-oil supplements.

Daily requirement

Most researchers studying the effects of EPA and DHA in humans who have a variety of health conditions have given those people at least 3 grams of the total of EPA plus DHA—an amount that may require 10 grams of fish oil, because most fish oil contains only 18% EPA and 12% DHA.

In one examination, the most amount of fish oil tolerated by people being treated for cancer-related weight loss was report to be about 21 grams per day. However, in people who do not have cancer, the maximum tolerated amount may be different.

Pregnant women should limit their intake of vitamin A (which is in cod liver oil). Not for those with diabetes except on the advice of their physician.

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Iron Deficiency Symptoms

Iron is of great importance in human nutrition. The adult human body contains between 3-4 g of iron, of which 60-70 percent is present in the blood (Hb iron) as circulating iron, and the rest (1 to 1.5 g) as storage iron. Each gram of hemoglobin contains about 3.34 mg of iron.

There are two types of iron, haem-iron and non-haem iron. Haem iron is better absorbed than non-haem iron. Foods rich in haem-iron are liver, meat, poultry and fish. They are not only source of willingly obtainable iron but they also encourage the absorption of non-haem iron in plant foods eat at the same time.

Iron is more often than not absorbed from duodenum and upper small intestine in the ferrous state, according to body needs.

The rate of iron absorption is greater than before by many factors similar to iron reserves of the individual, the presence of inhibitors (e.g. phosphates) and promoters (e.g. ascorbic acid) of iron amalgamation and disorder of duodenum and jejunum.

Iron absorption is greater when there is an improved demand for iron, as for example for the period of pregnancy.

The absorbed iron is transported as plasma ferreting and stored in liver, spleen, bone marrow and kidney. While red cells are broken down, the liberated iron is reutilized in the creation of new red cells.

The total every day iron loss of an adult is almost certainly 1 mg and about 2 mg in menstruating women. Major routes of iron loss are:

* Through hemorrhages, that is wherever blood is lost, iron is lost, the causes of which may be physiological (e.g. menstruation, childbirth) or pathological (e.g. hookworms, malaria, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcer)

* Basal losses, such as excretion through urine, sweat and bile and desquamated surface cells.

* The recent widespread use of IUDs in the family planning programmed is an additional cause of iron loss.

* Hormonal contraceptives on the other hand decrease menstrual blood loss by about 50 percent.

Iron is mostly absorbed from duodenum and upper small intestine in the ferrous state, according to body needs.

The rate of iron absorption is greater than before by a lot of factors like iron reserves of the individual, the existence of inhibitors (e.g. phosphates) and promoters (e.g. ascorbic acid) of iron absorption and disorders of duodenum and jejunum.

Iron absorption is greater when there is an increased demand for iron, as for example during pregnancy.

The absorbed iron is transported as plasma ferreting and stored in liver, spleen, bone marrow and kidney. When red cells are broken down, the liberated iron is reutilized in the formation of new red cells.

Most of the iron is found in the red blood cells, where it forms part of that very complex protein known as hemoglobin. It is a red substance that gives color to the blood. It carries the oxygen to the tissues and keeps us living.

Everyone knows that iron rusts when it is exposed to the air. Rusting is even more rapid when the air is damp. This chemical reaction is known as oxidation. Particles of iron attach itself to a molecule of oxygen from the air, forming iron oxide. This is exactly what happens when the red blood cells pass through the lungs. The air within the lungs is warm and damp, and the iron in the red cells actually rusts as it passes through the lung. All this happens with split second timing. From there the cells are approved by the blood stream to the heart, and then pumped to all the different parts of the body, forever carrying their load of oxygen.

Thus we see that iron is very important to the well being of all parts of the body. A good number of the iron from the worn out cells is not needed, but is separated from the hemoglobin in the liver and spleen and used over and over again. However a certain amount of iron may be lost from the body for various reasons such as bleeding hemorrhoids, injuries, menstruation, hookworm infestation or stomach ulcers.

Sometimes the level of the iron in the body may be lowered, owing to chronic blood loss or more probably to a poor diet. Iron may not be properly absorbed because the stomach is not producing sufficient hydrochloric acid. Sometimes this occurs during pregnancy.

Iron deficiency causes secondary anemia. The hemoglobin content of the red cells is diminished. The size and volume of the red cells are below average. Present is normoblastic hyperplasia in the red bone marrow. Iron deficiency anemia occurs in children and adults due to severe blood loss.

Deficiency symptoms of iron

The patient usually complains of weakness, easy fatigue, and irritability. Other symptoms include heartburn, flatulence, vague abdominal pains, soreness in the mouth, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and palpitation of the heart. The skin and mucous membranes are pale, the nails are often brittle, and there are fissures or sores at the corners of the mouth.

Three stages of iron deficiency have been described:

* First stage is characterized by decreased storage of iron without any other detectable abnormalities.

* An intermediate stage of latent iron deficiency that is iron stores are exhausted, but anemia has not occurred as yet. Its recognition depends upon measurement of serum ferreting levels. This stage is the most prevalent stage in India.

* The third stage is that of overt iron deficiency when there is a decrease in the concentration of circulating hemoglobin due to impaired hemoglobin synthesis.

The end outcome of iron deficiency is nutritional anemia, not a disease. It is slightly a syndrome caused by malnutrition. As well anemia there might be other functional turbulence such as impaired cell mediated immunity, decreased résistance to infection, increased morbidity and mortality and diminished work performance.

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Benefits of Alanine

It is luxury amino acid as it is synthesized in the body. It is also glycogenic and antiketogenic. Alanine is used by the body to construct protein and was first isolated in 1879. The alpha-carbon in alanine is substitute with a levorotatory (l)-methyl group, making it one of the simplest amino acids with admiration to molecular structure and is one of the most widely used in protein construction. In the liver alanine may be transaminated with alpha keto glutarate to make glutamate. Also in the liver alanine may be rehabilitated to glucose.

Alanine is a significant source of power for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system; strengthens the protected system by producing antibodies; helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids. Alanine produces power by stimulating glucagon secretions from the pancreas and is linked to glycogen released from the liver. In cases of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), alanine has been used as a source for the creation of glucose in order to become stable blood sugar over long periods.

Alanine is synthesized in muscle tissue from split chain amino acids. It helps control blood sugar levels and chronic deficiencies may guide to muscle loss and poor glucose tolerance. Alanine is the major amino acid utilized by the liver for gluconeogenesis under normal circumstances.

Alanine is present in prostate fluid, and it may participate a role in supporting prostate health. In one study of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, it was found that 780 mg of alanine per day for two weeks and then 390 mg for the next two and a half months, taken jointly in mixture with equal amounts of glycine and glutamic acid decreased the symptoms.

Alanine comes from the breakdown of DNA or the dipeptides, anserine and carnosine, and the change of pyruvate, a compound in carbohydrate metabolism

Sources of alanine

As with the extra amino acids, excellent sources of alanine include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

A number of protein-rich plant foods similar to avocado also supply alanine.

Benefits of alanine

It is necessary for the metabolism of glucose and tryptophan and beta-alanine is a ingredient of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) as fit as coenzyme A. It has also demonstrated a cholesterol-decreasing effect in rats.

People suffering from Epstein Barr (also sometimes referred to as glandular fever) as well as chronic fatigue syndrome; have been connected to extremely high levels of alanine although having low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine.

Alanine plays a main role in the move of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver. It aids in the metabolism of glucose, an easy carbohydrate that the body uses for energy.

It also guards next to the buildup of toxic substance that are free in the muscle cells when muscle protein is broken down to rapidly meet energy requirements, such as happens with aerobic exercise.

Investigate has found that for people with insulin-dependent diabetes, taking an oral dose of L-alanine can be extra effective than a conventional bedtime snack in preventing night hypoglycemia.

Deficiency symptoms of alanine

As alanine is synthesized in the body so deficiency of alanine is unidentified. It may happen in people whose diet is very much deficient in proteins.

Deficiency of alanine has been found in patients with hypoglycemia, diabetes, and alcohol-induced hepatitis.

Symptoms of high intake

Alanine does not have any side effects, but people with kidney or liver disease should not eat high intakes of amino acids without consult a health care expert.

High levels of alanine, beside with low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine, have been linked with the Epstein-Barr virus and chronic fatigue condition.

When extra is required

People on low protein diet may require more supplements of alanine.

Daily requirement

Mainly people do not require supplementing with alanine since it is fine provided for in the diet, and can be synthesized from pyruvic acid (formed in the breakdown of carbohydrates).

People on a very low protein diet, could be at threat of a shortage.

Mainly people do not require supplementing with alanine; for those who do use this amino acid as a supplement, suitable amounts should be strong-minded with the consultation of a physician.

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Boron Minerals, Boron Information, boron vitamins

Boron is a trace mineral that is desirable by the body in minuscule amounts. It was exposed in 1910 as a necessary element for plants but in 1985 scientific investigate discovered it was a necessary nutrient for people, too. Boron benefits include healthy bones and appropriate brain functioning.

The significance of boron in the diet is only start to be understood. In fact, little was known about the association between boron and health until the 1980's. For centuries, however, the healing salt boric acid, a compound that contain boron, was touted by healers for its ability to get better brain function, memory and organization.

As the mineral boron gain more concentration, it became obvious that it functions as an activating agent. That is, boron triggers a variety of function in the body that is essential for life. For instance, boron helps to regulate levels of other essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals are necessary bone health, signifying that boron might play an important role in preventing osteoporosis. It may also defend already brittle bones from fractures by helping to restore calcium.

Boron plays a very important role in helping to prevent osteoporosis by helping construct and uphold healthy bones. It helps decrease the loss of calcium and magnesium in the urine, which is wanted to help build strong bones. Boron elevates stage of serum estrogen and ionized calcium. Boron also helps uphold healthy cell membranes for usual cell function, and facilitates number of enzyme reactions for the body. Studies have exposed that a deficiency in this mineral might impair mental functioning and depress mental alertness.

Sources of boron

Foods that are high-quality sources of boron contain prunes, apples, pears, raisins, and tomatoes.

It is also establish in soil and drinking water, mainly in arid climates. Boron is also built-in in many vitamin and mineral supplements.

Benefits of boron

Boron is also concerned in processes that build and mend joints, giving it a significant role in the anticipation of arthritis.

Boron also helps to stop tooth decompose, once more because of its participation in the metabolism of other necessary minerals. Its ability to control calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus not only protects bones but also helps to stay teeth physically powerful and healthy.

Boron also appears to be worried in the metabolism of hormones. In exacting, it raises testosterone levels in men and helps to build muscle. Boron also helps to regulate estrogen levels because by helping to change vitamin D to a lively state. Estrogens in turn increase calcium absorption, so the capability of boron to affect estrogen levels strengthens its capability to protect bones from disease and fractures.

It helps to put up and keep healthy bones.

It also very helpful to stop bone thinning leading to osteoporosis.

It improved protection of healthy cell membranes.

It also helps to keep up appropriate mental functioning and alertness.

It maintained level of serum estrogen and ionized calcium.

It inhibits the improvement of osteoporosis.

Helps keep adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium to stop bone demineralization.

Boron also affect memory and brain function, and it keep cell walls physically powerful so that appropriate transfer of nutrients can take place throughout the body.

Deficiency symptoms of boron

Because of its involvement in so many processes in the body, boron deficiency can result in a variety of health problems.

Signs of boron deficiency might contain problems with bone health, depression, decrease capability to handle stress, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint problems, hormonal imbalance, muscle pain (weakness), memory problems, tooth decay and receding gums.

Symptoms of high intake

Symptoms of boron toxicity contain rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and circulatory problems. In tremendous cases boron toxicity can outcome in shock followed by coma.

Daily requirement

While there is no specific recommended daily amount of boron, adequate intake of the mineral is important.

It is normally believed that no more than 3 mg of boron per day are wanted by the body to uphold health. It should also be well-known that boron is potentially toxic in doses greater than 100 mg.

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