Increase Mental Focus Using these 3 Supplements

 Courtesty of Bellenews.com

Ever had those days when you feel like you just need a boost? What about a mental boost? It could be easier than you think. For those who have to be at full mental capacity, these supplements can be gifts and can turn us into the mental tigers that we need and want to be. Below, you will find five supplements that can help give you that mental NOS boost and get your workdays done effortlessly.

B Vitamins

B-complex vitamins have aid in many digestion properties and allow glucose to be converted to energy. These vitamins are easily broken down in water and can be found in various proteins. Vitamin B12 can help elevate the mood and has been known to reduce stress when properly supplemented.

Memory and concentration have been known to be improved with B-complex vitamins. In the elderly, focus has been drastically improved in addition to memory abilities when using these vitamins religiously. According to Dr. David B. Samadi, Chairman of the Department of Urology and Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, cognitive problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, can be prevented through a lifelong supplementation of B-complex vitamins and may also help in treating the degenerative problem once detected.

The elderly and young are not the only people that can benefit from this incredible set of vitamins. Women who are pregnant can also find various health benefits associated with using B vitamins. For example, folic acid (B12) is supplemented to pregnant women to ensure proper development of children during infancy. Lack of B12 during child development can lead to problems with learning and cognitive function.

NATURAL FOODS THAT CONTAIN B VITAMINS: sardines, salmon, tuna, cod, lamb, scallops, shrimp, beef, yogurt, milk.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is a nutrient that is metabolized in the kidneys/liver and allows for the conversion of fat in into energy. Not only does this nutrient help with fat metabolization, l-carnitine stimulates a neurotransmitter in the brain that can also improve memory and improve mood which typically leads to an overall better feeling of self-esteem.


NATURAL FOODS THAT CONTAIN L-CARNITINE: beef, chicken, cod, asparagus, milk, legumes, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, various nuts.


Vitamin K2

Most of are lacking in this vital vitamin and it really isn't our fault. Typically, most people do not eat grass-fed beef nor do they drink raw milk. Pasteurization of milk reduces the amount of vitamin K2 and is the reason why we are deficient in this needed vitamin. Supplementing with this vitamin helps with calcium metabolism. What this leads to is reduced coronary calcification. Now, you may be wondering how this ends up boosting brain power. Well, the answer is simple. Having a strong heart and circulatory system will lead to having strong brain function. 


 NATURAL FOODS THAT CONTAIN VITAMIN K2: kale, spinach, mustard greens, parsley, broccoli, romaine lettuce.




 

Krill Oil for Your Health

New on the market is a great product called krill oil. This super oil is known for its high level of omega-3 fats. These ALA-rich oils are able to provide an abundance of benefits for anyone who is looking to improve their lifestyle by providing omega-3s that are much different from the more common fish oil.

Many may wonder "what is krill oil and where does it come from?" Well, the answer may surprise you. Krill are small crustaceans that are found in the ocean and are the primary source of food for large animals such as the blue whale. So... that makes me think if krill are able to provide the necessary nutrition for such a large animal than there has got to be many benefits for us. Lets go ahead and look at the uses of our little buddies:

Lowers Heart Disease

Krill oil may lower heart disease by providing the necessary omega-3s that help lubricate the coronary walls and may help prevent the attachment of dangerous fat plaque that can cause heart attacks or even a stroke. Additionally, circulation problems may be a thing of the past when taking these supplements over time. When compared to fish oil, krill oil has been shown to have a higher success rate in studies using mice according to the US National Library of Medicine.

The oil found in krill have amazing antioxidants which attach to free radicals that can otherwise be dangerous to the human body. These oils are also more easily absorbed by the human body, compared to the omega-3s found in fish oil due to the structure of its lipids. Once again, the US National Library of Medicine has documented that krill oil is almost 100 percent absorbed by the body while fish oil has an absorption rate of only 15 to 30 percent.

Reduce Inflammation and Arthritis

The reasons to consider supplementing with krill oil are tremendous. For those who suffer with arthritis or joint inflammation, krill oil may be the answer you are looking for. According to a study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, a "300mg daily supplementation of krill oil resulted in significant decreases in inflammation and arthritic symptoms in cardiac and arthritis patients."

Compared to more chemical substitutes, krill oil has been able to hold its own in the possibility of reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A Canadian doctor studied the c-reactive protein(CRP) which is associated directly with inflammation and was able to conclude krill oil supplementation reduced this protein over time. Furthermore, another study published in Surgical Neurology has shown that krill oil can even replace ibuprofen as a means to ending aches and pain in the body. 

Increase Brain Power!

Krill oil is also a superfood for your brain and has study-proven benefits that cognitive abilities can be increased with this oil. Memory and reasoning skills may be improved with this oil and has been proven by using mice as test subjects. These subjects have had improved test results in alertness and concentration when compared to mice who were not administered the oil. 

Another amazing benefit of krill oil may be the ability to reduce symptoms of depression with consistent supplementation. Testing using Unavoidable Aversive Light Stimulus (UALST) has shown that krill oil has a direct and positive effect on mice. Director of scientific writing at Aker BioMarine, Lena Burri, PhD, has no doubt that krill oil can reduce depressive symptoms without the negative side effects associated with traditional anti-depressants.

Ultimately, krill oil can be a wonderful supplement for anyone who is interested in improving overall mental and physical health.

Foods That Contain Antioxidants

For many, getting older is often seen as a negative. With the use of antioxidants, the aging process can be slowed down while allowing a person to age gracefully. Antioxidants basically attach to free radicals and prevent cells from aging through a process called oxidation. By eating foods or beverages high in antioxidants, the fountain of youth can be potentially tapped to keep you looking younger later into your years. Below, you will find a list of foods that are often under looked as great sources of antioxidants.

1. Dark chocolate

Now dessert does not have to be such a bad thing. Enjoy a couple pieces of dark chocolate to increase your antioxidant uptake. Remember, milk chocolate is not what you want to be consuming. The more cacao the chocolate has, the more benefits that it offers. Not only does it have more than twice the amount of antioxidants of wine, it tastes great!

2. Green tea

Green tea is actually giving coffee a run for its money and is another great source of antioxidants. Also, green tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which may be help for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Another known fact, green tea may have up to 10 times more antioxidants than those found in vegetables and fruits.

3. Pomegranates

One of the earliest recorded fruits, the pomegranate has been touted as a symbol of life, fertility, and longevity. Punicalagins, chemicals found in this fruit, are known to help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardio circulation. Another added benefit is fresh squeezed pomegranate has been known to reduce the amount of heart blockages by up to 30 percent for those who drank one ounce of juice everyday for up to a year. 

4. Red wine

This is one of the more popular beverages that has high antioxidant properties. Wine, specifically reds, are known to have polyphenols and resveratrol. These compounds are regarded as anti-aging chemicals that will keep you feeling and looking great. Red wine is also great for your overall cardiovascular health and may promote good kidney function.

5. Coffee

Often carrying a bad reputation for its other side effects, coffee is actually a great source of antioxidants and is the number one source for most Americans. Another benefit associated with drinking coffee is that java drinkers have half the chance of developing liver cancer according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, coffee may be able to reduce the chances of colon cancer by stimulating the bowels. 

6. Blueberries

Although last on the list, the blueberry is actually number one on the list of fruits with the most antioxidants. This berry is one of the most popular and for good reason. The blueberry has the ability to repair damaged DNA structure while still being a tasty snack. For those that can only get blueberries in season, this berry can be frozen with no damage to the antioxidants.

Eating Healthy at a Asian Food Buffet

For many people, the cuisine at a buffet can pose serious problems with a healthy lifestyle. However, with a little preparation it is possible to eat at a buffet and still not go overboard.

1. Stay away from foods that are breaded or deep fried. This will include General Tso's chicken, egg rolls, fried fish.

2. Try to visit a hibachi buffet. These types of buffets will have an assortment of fishes, meats, and chicken that have no added calories and are really good for those maintaining a high-protein diet. If you are working out to gain muscle mass, these buffets are really good in terms of value and will help you get your protein for the day without costing you an arm and a leg.

3. Eat foods that are roasted or barbequed. Chicken, ribs, and pork can be healthy substitutes for sugar-heavy dishes that are commonly found in the buffet. Once again, great sources for protein.

4. Sushi is a good choice for anyone who wants to have an abundance of nutrients and can be a very healthy choice as well. Sashimi sushi can be very healthy for someone who is trying to eat more raw foods. Raw food diets have been known to improve skin, nails, and hair while providing a excellent source of protein.  In addition, sushi at a good buffet will be a very cost effective way to enjoy an otherwise expensive dinner.


If you have any additional tips on how to eat healthy at a buffet, feel free to include them in the comments. Together, we will become ZEN STRONG!

The Power of Coconut and Olive Oil

We all want to look and feel our best. One of the most useful products that I have come across is coconut oil and olive oil. These two oils can do wonders for your hair, nails, and skin. Below, you will find multiple uses to bring new life to your body.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used to lighten age spots if you rub the areas directly with the oil. This can dramatically make a person look younger. Remember, results are not instant and will require some time to see any progress. Be consistent and there will be change

 Coconut oil is a good type of fat that when consumed may aid in the ability to lose weight. It helps increase ATP production and increase energy. By doing so, your energy and metabolism will increase allowing your body to lose weight with a proper exercise routine.The fatty acids in coconut oil (called medium-chain triacylglycerols, or MCT) are shorter and more water-soluble than those in other oils, such as olive or canola. “So they’re more directly routed to the liver, where they’re readily burned for fuel,” explains Peter Jones, Ph.D., professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.

If pregnant, a woman can rub coconut oil on her belly and breasts to prevent stretch marks or even lighten them if they are already there. It is important to only use cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil to get the most benefit. 

Rubbing the oil onto your skin after a shower will be one of the best moisturizers that you can ever buy. The oil is natural and has no perfumes, additives, chemicals, or toxins that would otherwise clog pores. Lastly, this oil has a natural coconut scent that is quite lovely.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is excellent in protecting your cells from damage thanks to a wonderful antioxidant called polyphenols. This means that it can protect your heart from coronary damage and free radicals that can cause you to age faster.

According to MayoClinic, olive oil has monounsaturated fats which may lower cholesterol levels when consumed in your diet. Another great benefit would be that insulin levels can controlled the use of this oil. Overall, when insulin is controlled, sugars are used more efficiently and do not get stored as unhealthy fat in the body.

Although many uses for olive oil can be used internally, there are also many uses for it externally. It can be used as a cheap makeup remover and has no added ingredients, such as alcohol, that will dry out the skin. High grade Olive Oil has oleic acid, carotenoids, oleuropein, and vitamin E which is absorbed and used by our skin. Oleic acid helps to soften the skin, vitamin E improves the elasticity of the skin, and carotenoids protect your DNA and RNA.   

 

Fresh Starts

 Courtesy of JeffreyPaulblog.com



Officially, this is the first post of many...

For many, the act of starting fresh can be seen as a challenge. However, it must be known that everyday is a new day to accomplish goals, challenges, or to even finish a task you have been procrastinating on. The purpose of this blog will be to inspire everyone to become stronger, healthier, both physically and mentally, while allowing yourself to become successful in all aspects of your life.

With patience and time, we can all become inspirations to those around us.

Together.... we will become....                  ZEN STRONG!