6 Sustainable Seafood Picks 

Fish and other seafood is a healthy option because it offers lean protein and has an excellent supply of omega fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health. For health, fish may be eaten at least once or twice a week, which can eliminate some of the fattier red meats from the diet. However, making smart seafood choices may not be as easy as simply heading out to a local restaurant and ordering a seafood dish.

Seafood that is raised and harvested through sustainable practices is healthy both for one’s body and for the environment. Some types are overharvested, harvested using practices that harm the ocean floor or shipped far away from their original locale using energy-heavy transportation methods. For example, some non-sustainable seafood choices that are best to avoid include bass types, such as grouper, shark, orange roughy, caviar and red snapper.

The following six choices are much better for the environment.

Oysters

Diners should choose farmed oysters rather than wild-caught oysters.

Salmon

A delicious source of fatty acids, salmon are a great dining choice when they are farmed in closed rather than open pens.

Farmed Clams

An amazing addition to soups, stews and chowders, farmed clams are an extremely sustainable choice around the world. Another good choice in the United States is hand-raked clams.

Albacore Tuna

Equally delicious on sandwiches as it is as a fillet in a gourmet dish, albacore tuna caught by pole or troll is a safe choice for the environment, although bluefin and yellowfin tuna, generally, are not.

Sardines

Delicious from a can in flavored oils, sardines are a sustainable choice when they are purse seine caught rather than when they are caught by trawling.

Sablefish

Not as familiar as some other fishes, Alaskan sablefish are a rich, tender and a sustainable choice.

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Recommended Supplements for Vegetarians 

 

Vegetarian eaters have a variety of delicious foods that they consume, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and grains. However, the exact foods vegetarians eat depend on the type of vegetarian. All types stay away from meat, most forgo seafood, while some also abstain from dairy products and eggs. Vegans steer clear of any product or ingredient produced by animals.

In order for vegetarians to consume a diet that is rich in all of the nutrients they need, they must think through their food choices carefully. One key nutrient they must take care to find from non-animal sources is protein. However, they may miss out on other vitamins and minerals from food sources as well and may need to consider taking some, or all, of the following supplements.

Calcium

Often found in dairy products, vegetarians who do not eat dairy products may need to take calcium in supplement form. Women, in particular, need to ensure that they are receiving enough calcium for bone health.

Iron

Iron is most readily found in red meat. Women in their childbearing years need plenty of iron. Although iron can be found in non-animal sources, such as dried fruits and lentils, some may need to take it in supplement form along with vitamin C for proper absorption.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These fatty acids are found in fish and fish oil supplements, however, vegetarians who do not eat fish may not be receiving enough. A fine supplement choice without fish is flaxseed oil.

Vitamin B-12

This vitamin, often found in meat, is important for red blood cell production. Most multivitamins or vitamin B-complex supplements contain B-12.

Zinc

Although the mineral zinc can be found in plant sources, a supplement may be necessary because zinc from plants is difficult to absorb.

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The Top Natural Wrinkle Fighters Revealed 

 

Along with controlling lifestyle factors — such as maintaining healthy eating habits, managing stress levels and avoiding extensive sun exposure and cigarette smoke — the use of safe and effective skincare products can go a long way in helping to reduce and prevent premature wrinkles.

Natural ingredients are aimed at supporting the collagen production that slows down with age, forming wrinkles that eventually become more pronounced as collagen-filled tissues are increasingly damaged by time and free radicals.

Vitamin C

One of the most popular ingredients shown to boost healthy collagen levels is vitamin C. While consumption of this nutrient is critical for maintaining overall health, science has demonstrated that using it topically in body care products is approximately 20 times more effective than taking it internally. It is thought to rejuvenate skin by improving collagen synthesis, along with providing protection from free radical damage.

Antioxidants

Other powerful antioxidants such as CoQ10 and green tea have also been touted as valuable components to include in a natural skin care protocol. Along with essential oils of rose and geranium, they rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles and maintain optimal cell health.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Botanical sources of alpha-hydroxy acids that encourage the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural tissue plumping agent that aids in maintaining supple skin, are also recommended. One can also use hyaluronic acid topically.

Plant Stem Cells

Along with these popular beauty staples, one of the more recent advances in the field of natural skin care involves using plant-based stem cells to diminish wrinkles and other signs of aging. Active plant stem cells are said to restructure and renew the skin’s epidermis as well as increase protection from environmental stressors.

Many of these stem cells are derived from fruits. For instance, certain species of apples may have the ability to awaken dormant cells, making them act younger by stimulating healthy cell renewal and delaying cell aging. The anthocyanins in grapes could provide similar encouragement of healthy cell behavior along with the added benefit of increasing the skin’s UV tolerance, and argan fruit stem cells appear to accelerate the skin’s natural repair process.

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What in the World is Horny Goat Weed? 

 

While researching herbs and supplements, have you ever come across something and asked yourself, “what in the world is that?” This series of articles will give you insight about some of the lesser-known herbs currently available on the market. From there, you can decide whether it’s a natural remedy worthy of further exploration.

Today, it’s all about Horny G0at Weed!

Horny goat weed, also known as epimedium, is an herb that is used in a variety of ways in alternative medicine. Despite the unsophisticated name, this herb has been proven to have a variety of positive health effects, especially on joint pain and stiffness.

History

Horny goat weed grows mainly in China. It is a hardy wildflower plant, although the leaves are the part that is used medicinally. It has a variety of uses in traditional Chinese medicine, although it is mainly used as an aphrodisiac. According to Chinese legends, its use as an aphrodisiac was discovered when a farmer noticed amorous behavioral changes in his goats after grazing on the plant.

Uses

Horny goat weed has been shown to be an aphrodisiac due to a compound in the leaves that is similar to the medication, Viagra. However, horny goat weed may be used for both osteoporosis and joint pain. It appears to have phytoestrogen compounds that stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, which build bone. In addition, it appears to increase blood flow to joints, which, in some people, increases lubrication, decreases pain, and decreases degeneration.

Cautions

Because horny goat weed contains several active compounds, it can have side effects and interact with some other medications. It should be avoided by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Because it decreases blood clotting, it shouldn’t be taken by people with bleeding or clotting disorders. In addition, its phytoestrogens may make hormone-sensitive conditions, including certain types of cancers, worse. In addition, it lowers blood pressure. It should not be taken by people who are on anti-hypertension or anti-clotting medications. As with any new remedy, it is wise to check with your health team before starting.

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Can Fasting Boost Immunity? 

 

While fasting can help a person meditate and focus, plus assist in weight loss efforts, researchers are discovering that a prolonged fast may do much more.

A study was first performed in mice, but scientists at the University of Southern California recently completed a similar study in humans. The study indicated that fasting for two to four days — taking in no food, but drinking water — triggers bodily responses that can help to restore and strengthen the immune system.

Researchers believe that fasting may be particularly beneficial for senior citizens or for people who have immune systems that are weakened by cancer treatments.  Prolonged fasting also protected against toxicity in a pilot clinical trial in which a small group of patients fasted for a 72-hour period ( drinking water, but not eating any foods) prior to chemotherapy, supporting this research. Some scientists believe that prolonged fasts will be proven to “reboot” the immune system. Although more research is needed in this area, fasting is known to have several benefits:

• As soon as a fast is begun, the body goes into “starvation mode” and begins burning excess fat, glucose and ketones for fuel.
• Old, weakened white blood cells are also burned when the body needs fuel.
• After the older white blood cells are broken down, the body starts producing new cells, which scientists believe will create a stronger immune system.
• The USC study indicated that the body has a greater ability to fend off disease after a fast, but it will also be better at resisting the ill-effects of chemicals, such as chemotherapy and radiation used for cancer treatments.

One of the authors of the study asserted that fasting shows promise, especially for cancer patients. “While chemotherapy saves lives, it causes significant collateral damage to the immune system. The results of this study suggest that fasting may mitigate some of the harmful effects of chemotherapy,” said co-author Tanya Dorff, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital.

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The Benefits of Vitamin K 

 

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin best known for its ability to help blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding. It is also important in maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin K deficiency is rare.

Vitamin K is actually a group of compounds known as naphthoquinones. The group includes vitamins K, K1, K2 and K3, with K1 being the natural form that humans derive from foods.

How Your Body Benefits From Vitamin K

In addition to regulating blood clotting, vitamin K facilitates the transport of calcium within your body, making it beneficial to your bones. Having sufficient amounts of this vitamin may help reduce bone loss and osteoporosis, resulting in fewer fractures. By moving calcium through your bloodstream instead of letting it accumulate, it may also prevent calcification of soft tissues and arteries.

Vitamin K Deficiency

While rare, there are conditions that can lead to vitamin K deficiency. The first signs of a deficiency may present themselves as blood oozing from your nose or gums. Osteoporosis may be another sign of deficiency. Certain health problems such as Crohn’s disease, gallbladder or liver disease, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis may also lead to a deficiency in K. Prescription blood thinners and long-term hemodialysis are other risk factors for deficiency. Your doctor can determine if you have a deficiency with a simple blood test.

Vitamin K and Bone Health

Vitamin K helps your body use calcium to build bones. Low levels of vitamin K have been found in osteoporosis patients, especially in postmenopausal women. Studies of athletes found that vitamin K had a positive effect on their bone health.

Best Sources of Vitamin K

Foods highest in vitamin K include leafy greens such as turnip greens, spinach, kale and dark green lettuce. Cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli get their dark green color from this nutrient. Other foods rich in this vitamin are asparagus, beef liver and green tea. Heat does not destroy vitamin K, but freezing may.

Eating a healthy diet is the best way to get enough vitamin K to ensure healthy bones. Post-menopausal women and those who take certain medications may need to supplement their vitamin K intake in pill form. Your doctor can best decide if you need vitamin K supplementation.

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