Carnosine is an exciting amino acid that has incredible anti-aging potential. It has made headlines recently for its ability to turn back the clock on the primary cause of aging – advanced glycation end-products (AGE). AGE is responsible for causing protein in your skin and within your body to link to sugars and cause cell death. An increase in AGEs in skin means your skin cells stop replicating and die. Once this happens your skin loses elasticity, collagen, and forms wrinkles.
Carnosine is exciting because of it’s ability to not only protect your skin and body from the formation of AGEs , but also it is one of the only known substances that can actually reverse previously formed AGE cross links. Studies have been conducted on human skin cells that show by saturating dead cells in carnosine they miraculously spring back to life.
The major medical application of carnosine up until now has been to reduce cataracts in the eye with carnosine eye drops. However, a new study shows that carnosine has a beneficial impact on skin. Internal supplementation with carnosine led to an improvement in overall skin appearance and a reduction of fine lines in human test subjects. See study here.
by admin on June 24, 2011
Rhodiola Rosea has been used for centuries in Russia for its ability to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
New scientific Studies have proven that is can help depression and Anxiety. It has been found to inhibit monoamine oxidases A and B which scientists believe may be partly responsible for its antidepressant effect.
However it also contains numerous compounds that may be beneficial. One of the compounds believed to contribute to it’s effect of reducing anxiety is a class of compounds called Rosavins. Additionally, it contains numerous antioxidants.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder effects millions of people across the globe. Its symptoms include such things as:
Rhodiola Rosea
- worry
- tension
- irritability
- restlessness
- fear of social situations
- difficulty concentrating
- heart palpitations
- sleep disturbances
A recent study tested the effect of Rhodiola on humans with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The result showed that supplementation with this valuable herb greatly reduced their symptoms of anxiety without serious side effects. The study is found here.
by admin on June 16, 2011
Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi, HolyBasil)
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, has been used in India for thousands of years to fight stress and help the body adapt to stressful conditions.
New studies confirm that Tulsi does in fact provide anxiety relief.
Tulsi was studied for its ability to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and was found to significantly reduce anxiety in humans.
This study shows that Tulsi or Holy Basil can be an effective anxiolytic and should be studied further for is ability to treat other psychiatric disorders.
by admin on June 14, 2011
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a common ingredient in many teas.
In recent human studies it has been shown to to have a significant anti-hypertensive effect.
It contains numerous antioxidants and anthocyanins which have been shown in numerous studies to be effective against
- cancer
- bacterial infections
- aging and neurological diseases
- diabetes, and
- inflammation.
In addition to lowering blood pressure Hibiscus tea also has the ability to reduce your cholesterol.
A recent study published in the journal of nutrition demonstrates the ability of hibiscus tea to lower your blood pressure. Study
Another study demonstrating the powerful anti-hypertensive effects of hibiscus can be found here.
