Supplements - What Do You Really Need?
Go visit your local vitamin store and you may be overwhelmed but the
number of vitamins and nutritional supplements that are available. But
what do you really need based on the latest research? A recent Reader's
Digest article tackled this question and concluded some of following
vitamins were worth spending your money on to maximize health benenefits:
Vitamin E - reduce your risk to heart disease and alzheimer's
and improve immune function
B vitamins & folic acid - now shown to increase you risk
of heart disease and stroke
Selenium - studies have shown a daily dose of 200 mcg may reduce
a man's risk of prostate cancer by half
Calcium - if you are a walker or your primary form of exercise
is low-impact or non-weight bearing you may need some extra calcium
in your diet
A Multi-Vitamin Can FIll Your Nutritional Gaps
A daily multi-vitamin can assure you of getting the right mix of nutrients
each day. To improve nutrient absorption, always take your multi with
your largest meal of the day and be consistant. Merlino Fitness recommends
the 30 day renewal pack from Oasis Wellness which includes a daily time-released
multi-vitamin, anti-stress tab, energy booster and immune system support.
Packaged in daily, convenient AM, Noon and PM packets.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin For Bones & Joints
Studies have shown that using a supplement containing glucosamine and/or
chondroitin, may improve joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin show
promise with rebuilding joint cartilage and improving your body's own
joint lubrication by increasing the production of synovial fluid. If
have joint discomfort, arthritis, or just want added joint support you
may want to try these supplements. We recommend "Bone
& Joint" formula from Oasis Wellness which includes glucosamine
and chondroitin along with bone building nutrients like calcium, boron,
vitamin D, magnesium, and manganese.
Are You Getting Your B6?
Vitamin B6 helps your body make nonessential amino acids or proteins
which are used to make body cells. B6 also helps your body produce insulin,
hemoglobin and many antibodies that fight infection. The RDA is 2.0
milligrams for adult men and 1.6 milligrams for adult women. Where is B6 found?
chicken(3 ounces) .5 mg
pork loin(3 ounces) .4 mg
peanut butter(2 tablespoons) .1 mg
almonds(1 ounce) .1 mg
whole-wheat spaghetti, cooked(1/2 cup) .1 mg
B Vitamins
The B complex vitamins include thiamin(vitamin B1), riboflavin(vitamin
B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic
acid. Although their functions vary, most help your body produce energy
within its trillions of cells. We will be highlighting each B vitamin
and its function over the next few weeks. Look for B vitamins in these foods:
pantothenic acid - sweet potato, lean ham, red beans
Calcium Is Key
Calcium is a key nutrient in keeping bones strong. Make sure you're
adding low fat food to your diet that contains calcium like low fat
yogurt and skim milk. If you are lactose intolerant or don't get enough
calcium rich foods in your diet, you may want to pick up a supplement.
For better calcium absorption pick a calcium supplement that also contains
Boron, Magnesium & Vitamin D.