Supplements

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The science behind telomeres is fast becoming a pop culture phenomenon. Just about anyone interested in anti-aging interventions has heard about its effect on aging. People with longer telomeres are said to look and feel younger, regardless of biological age.

A few years ago resveratrol was the talk of the town. However, when new research showed that resveratrol does more to improve quality of life than extend life span, the hype died down. The anti-aging community soon after found its new saviour.

Coaxing telomerase into lengthening telomeres is the new hope for longer human lives.

It turns out that humans do have a built-in mechanism to control the process of aging. The passage of time along with poor lifestyle choices wears down telomeres. The function of telomerase is to rebuild the tips of the DNA. The problem lies in the fact it can’t keep up with the damage. No matter how carefully you follow the direction of your doctor, eat right and exercise, the gradual decline of your genetic code persists. Mutations give us age spots, sagging skin and weaker organs. When our telomeres get too short, we die.

Despite the lack of funding, a small group of biotech laboratories are working around the clock to find out what substances can lengthen telomeres. Companies such as Sierra Sciences in Reno, Nevada use sophisticated robots to test compounds. Their goal is find something that can effectively halt the aging process. So far the best compound they have found has reached 15.89% of this target.

Continue Reading Does Astragalus Really Lengthen Telomeres?
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gary-hair11-267x300Resveratrol is one of the most discussed supplements on health message boards such as Longecity at Imminst.org. There is a wealth of information in a giant thread entitled the “500 club.” Users chime in about benefits and side effects experienced as well as how much they take daily. You’ll commonly read about increased energy. This effect has been proven in mouse studies. You’ll also come across less common results like reversal of gray hair.

There is more feedback about reversal of hairs in the beard than on the scalp. Some have photographed their lower face as evidence. In one example some hairs were dark at the root and white at the tip. Although far from conclusive it seems there is substance to the claims.

So far resveratrol users that claim to have less gray on the scalp are met with scepticism. First off, it is very hard to prove because it is a noted improvement, not a dramatic reversal. There are generally 100,000 hairs on the average human head to account for. Secondly, there is no way to confirm that the resveratrol alone is solely responsible for the reversal. Let’s remember that it is a compound taken by people concerned with optimal aging and health. Any number of positive lifestyle changes may help darken the hair.

Since gray hair reversal from resveratrol hasn’t been studied or proven it isn’t a good bet to buy it based on a handful of antidotes on the internet. Some lucky folks may experience less gray hair but this should be thought of as a pleasant side effect.

Primarily resveratrol’s strength lies in prevention and treatment of a number of age-related diseases. It will certainly make you feel younger. Whether it helps you keep your youthful good looks is still up for debate.

Continue Reading Can Resveratrol Prevent or Reverse Gray Hair?
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Research backing the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids keeps piling up as years pass. The evidence is so overwhelming that the most conservative health professionals have jumped on the bandwagon. Nutritionist Dr. Dean Ornish, known for advocating whole foods, recommended taking a fish oil supplement in his TED talk entitled “Dean Ornish on Healing”.

“If you don’t remember anything else from this talk, 3 grams a day of fish oil can reduce the risk of a heart attack and sudden death by 50 to 80 percent” said Ornish.

As a practicing doctor he developed a diet plus simple interventions that actually reversed heart disease without surgery. In the past, this was thought impossible. Clearly bad lifestyle choices can harm our health, but now we know that good ones can potentially reverse the damage.

Of course the health benefits don’t stop at heart health. The brain for example is 60 percent fat, so fatty acids are important building blocks for our body. The numerous benefits could fill another article. Let’s get to the meat of it and take a look at popular fish oils offered by Carlson.

Continue Reading Carlson Fish Oil Review: Overhyped or Worth It?
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Staying active is crucial to good health, however it is equally important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot sun. Bottled water can replace diminished fluids, however it will not restore electrolytes that are lost through the sweat glands. Sports drinks are formulated with electrolytes but also contain tons of sugar, calories and artificial flavors. Now, there is a natural solution that was previously overlooked: coconut water.

What is Zico Coconut Water?

Zico coconut water is a natural beverage usually sold in 1-liter boxes. It contains 100% pure coconut water and is infused with natural flavor essences. Drinking it replaces essential electrolytes as well as minerals, lost due to sweating. This makes it an ideal workout companion.  If electrolytes aren’t replaced, muscles can get cramped and sore. After long workouts the potassium and calcium loss may even lead to muscle weakness and an abnormal heart beat. A single serving has more potassium than a banana, which is typically considered one of the best sources of potassium.

How Many Calories Does Coconut Water Contain?

For those who are watching their calorie intake, Zico coconut water has only sixty calories per serving and is completely fat free with no added sugar. Because of the natural carbohydrates found in the coconut, it has fifteen grams of carbs, but when exercising in the heat particularly exercise that lasts more than an hour, carbohydrates are needed as fuel.

Continue Reading Zico Coconut Water Review: Worthy of the Hype?