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Life is Movement - Exercise and Everyday Living

Movement is life. The ability to increase blood flow and enhance energy producing mitochondria function is essential for everyday functioning and maximizing physical performance. This further includes healthy sexual function. Since movement is life, the better our heart and arteries function, the more we can move, the healthier we are. Furthermore, the easier it is achieve movement the more likely we will maintain a higher level of physical health.

• Cardiac Function - The stronger the contraction of the heart muscle the greater output of blood, and the less effort exerted by the heart. With age the cardiac contraction gets weaker, and less blood is pushed out of the heart on each contraction. This lessens the ability to perform at a higher physical level. Since blood flow will become the limiting factor.The herb terminalia arjuna has been used in India for centuries as a cardio tonic, in support of stronger heart function.(1)

• Arterial Blood Flow - The health of arteries is dependent on the ability of arteries to maintain elasticity and flexibility. Inorganic nitrates (e.g. spinach) provide a source of exogenous nitric oxide to support relaxation of the arteries. This helps regulate blood pressure. In conjunction with a strong cardiac output, healthy blood flow can be maintained even with aging. Arterial stiffness, and the inability to relax the artery, is a common health problem with aging. 

• Mitochondrial Optimization -  Nitrates deliver a energy surge from the mitochondria! The mitochondria in our cells are the oxygen-consuming and energy-producing powerhouses that utilize oxygen and produce energy more efficiently after nitrate consumption. Research has demonstrated that dietary nitrates tend to lower the oxygen cost of exercise and enhance endurance performance. A study published in Cell Metabolism (2) reveals that a short term increase in dietary nitrates results in a boost to the muscle efficiency during exercise thereby improving performance by increasing the efficiency of the mitochondria. 

CARDIO VITALITY


REFERENCES:

1.  Dwivedi S, et al. Revisiting Terminalia arjuna - An Ancient Cardiovascular Drug. J Tradit Complement Med 2014 Oct

2. Larsen FJ, et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab. 2011 Feb.

Rhodiola - New Longevity Pathways

Rhodiola is traditionally known as a promoter of physical and cognitive vitality. However, research is beginning to shine light on the extensive anti-aging benefits of rhodiola extract and its active constituents. As a mediator of longevity, rhodiola has been shown to increase lifespan independently of dietary restriction, which involves activation of SIRT1. Therefore, rhodiola extends life via other pathways and provides a realistic alternative to dietary restriction. Also important, is the role rhodiola plays in the health of the mitochondria. Salidrosides, an active constituent of rhodiola, enhance mitochondria biogenesis and respiration, decreases toxic mitochondria superoxide levels and protects heart cells against exhaustive exercise induced damages.

LONGEVITY NATURALLY (250mg per serving of Rhodiola))

REFERENCES:

(1) Schriner SE, et al. Extension of Drosophila lifespan by Rhodiola rosea through a mechanism independent from dietary restriction. PLoS One. 2013 May.

(2) Xing S, et al. Salindroside stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and protects against H2O2 induced endothelial dysfunction. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014.

 (3) Ping Z, et al. The Protective Effects of Salindroside from Exhaustive Exercise-Induced Heart Injury by Enhancing the PCG-1  α -NRF1/NRF2 Pathway and Mitochondrial Respiratory Function in Rats. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2015

Curcumin - New Study Substantiates Role in Amyloid Caused Memory Deficits

New research validates earlier studies that curcumin may play an effective role in improving memory function in amyloid affected brain function. Using a rodent model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), curcumin was shown to reduce levels of amyloid (a characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease) and ameliorate memory deficits. Chronic administration of curcumin improved cognitive functioning through the removal of amyloid and improved functioning of the memory center of the brain (the hippocampus). Curcumin affected two processes in the hippocampus related to memory formation: increasing the protein BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor) and increasing ERK activation. ERK is an essential process involved with  hippocampus learning.  

CURCUMIN  XTRA-MAX 

YELLOW LONGEVITY

YELLOW NATURALLY

REFERENCES:

(1) Zhang L, et al. Curcumin Improves Amyloid β-Peptide (1-42) Induced Spatial Memory Deficits through BDNF-ERK Signaling Pathway. PLoS One. 2015 Jun.

Lutein and Alzheimer's Disease

Lutein, is a carotenoid which passes through the blood-brain-barrier, and accumulates in the retina of the eye. In the retina lutein is a powerful antioxidant and protective filter, which blocks damaging blue light from damaging the retina, and reverses oxidative damage to the eye. ¹

However, lutein is now being shown to not only protect the eye but also the brain. Data from studies examining brain health and lutein, have shown a correlation between improved brain functioning and concentration of brain lutein. Researchers attribute this to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of lutein. Furthermore, lutein concentrates in the brain at much higher levels than any other carotenoid. While lutein was also the only carotenoid consistently associated with cognitive functioning, the carotenoid zeaxanthin has been shown to also have a role in brain health.^2,3

Studies of cognitive impairment underscore a correlation between level of lutein with cognitive functioning. Such a correlation was found in Alzheimer’s (AD) patients, with lutein concentrations in the plasma and brain are significantly lower in those with AD as compared to the control subjects. In older women given lutein supplements, there was shown improvement in cognition. Given this evidence, it has been suggested that lutein may offer prevention in the development of cognitive dysfunction including AD. ³

VISION VITALITY™  (35 mg Lutein per serving)

REFERENCES:

(1) Carpentier S, et al. Associations between lutein, zeaxanthin, and age-related macular degeneration: an overview. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Apr.

(2) Johnson EJ. A possible role for lutein and zeaxanthin in cognitive function in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr 2012 Nov.

(3) Xu X, et al. Advances in the researches of lutein and alzheimer's disease . Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2015 May.

Glucoraphanin - the broccoli Ingredient that protects against Air Pollutants

Glucoraphanin is found in broccoli, and is a converted in the body to sulforaphane. As a powerful Nrf2 activator, sulforaphane reduces oxidative stress, enhancing the removal of environmental toxins, increasing cellular antioxidant defense and contributing to healthy organ function. In highly polluted areas of China, glucoraphanin / sulforaphane was shown to enhance detoxification of airborne pollutants. Air pollutants (especially the fine particulates), from cars, factories and even smoke in the air, can irritate and inflame the lungs. Consequences of air pollution may include lung cancer and cardiopulmonary disease.  Study results of approximately 300 Chinese participants taking a broccoli sprout beverage, rich in glucoraphanin,  showed a rapid and sustained  urinary excretion of benzene. Benzene is a hydrocarbon, highly toxic and a carcinogenic component of air pollution. In addition, other toxic air pollutants were also  found in increased amounts in the urine as compared to the placebo group. Therefore, the ability of glucoraphanin (via sulforaphane and nrf2) to enhance the detoxification of air pollutants is viewed as a potential weapon in cancer prevention in toxic air environments.(2) 

XGEVITY™     

REFERENCES:

(1) Egner PA, et al. Rapid and sustainable detoxication of airborne pollutants by broccoli sprout beverage: results of a randomized clinical trial in China. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2014 Aug.

(2) Kensler TW, et al. Keap1-nrf2 signaling: a target for cancer prevention by sulforaphane. Top Curr Chem. 2013;329:163-77.

Healthy Cardiovascular Function - Beyond Cholesterol

Cardiovascular health has been concerned with cholesterol. HDL being considered the "good" cholesterol while LDL being the "bad". However, additional factors must be taken into consideration when identifying risk factors.

(1) LDL is classified as to particle size. Small dense LDL poses the greatest threat for the development of atherosclerosis. Large LDL (which are more buoyant), have minimal risk. Most LDL tests do not discern between the two types - specific tests for LDL must be specified.

(2) Inflammation (as indicated by CRP - C-reactive protein) is considered the key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Inflammation injures the arterial wall, which then experience an influx of cholesterol into the site of the injury. Oxidized cholesterol accumulates in the endothelium and causes further damage.

(3) Oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1) on the endothelium markedly increases the uptake of oxidized cholesterol. Suppression of the LOX-1 receptor greatly decreases cholesterol intake into the arterial wall.

(4) Blood Sugar / Insulin Resistance - higher levels of blood sugar results in increased damage of the endothelium.

Natural support for cardiovascular health:

• Bergamonte® is a citrus extract which supports healthy cholesterol, including increasing HDL and LDL (large particle - considered as healthy) and decreasing small dense LDL (the harmful LDL). Furthermore, Bergamonte® supports lower inflammation (lower CRP), and reduced blood sugar.(1)

• Magnesium is of major importance in cardiovascular health. Benefits of magnesium include reduction of hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias.(2) Magnesium also reduces CRP levels (3) and improves endothelium tone.

• Curcumin is a multi-faceted cardiovascular health promoter. As a powerful anti-inflammatory, curcumin provides systemic inflammation reduction.(4) Curcumin is also anti-hyperglycemic and enhances insulin sensitivity.(5) Insulin resistance is considered a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.

• Taurine acts as a vasodilator and myocardial protective. (6)

• Vinpocetine plays several significant roles in the inhibition of atherosclerosis. First, it decreases the uptake of cholesterol by reducing the Lox-1 receptor sites (7). Additionally, vinpocetine suppresses the pathological changes in the artery which include proliferation of vascular smooth muscle (8) and inhibits NFKappa-B arterial inflammation.(9,10)

VASCULAR STRENGTH™

REFERENCES: 

(1) HP Ingredients Bergamonte® Research. 2015.

(2) Kolte D, et al. Role of magnesium in cardiovascular diseases. Cardiol Rev. 2014 Jul-Aug.

(3) Dibaba DT, et al. Dietary magnesium intake is inversely associated with serum C-reactive protein levels: meta-analysis and systematic review. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr

(4) He Y, et al. Curcumin, Inflammation, and Chronic Diseases: How Are They Linked? Molecules. May 2015.

(5) Ghorbani Z, et al. Anti-hyperglycemic and insulin sensitizer effects of turmeric and its principle constituent curcumin. Int J Endocrinol Metab.2014 Oct.

(6) Karabacak K, et al. Effects of taurine on contractions of human internal mammary artery: a potassium channel opening action. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2015 Apr.

(7) Cai Y, et al. Vinpocetine attenuates lipid accumulation and atherosclerosis formation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2013 May.

(8) Cai Y, et al. Vinpocetine suppresses pathological vascular remodeling by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2012 Nov.

(9) Jeon KI, et al. Vinpocetine inhibits NF-kappaB-dependent inflammation via an IKK-dependent but PDE-independent mechanism, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2010 May. 

(10) Zhuang J, et al.Inhibitory effects of vinpocetine on the progression of atherosclerosis are mediated by Akt/NF-êB dependent mechanisms in apoE-/- mice. PloS One. 2013 Dec.

Wildcrafted Berries - Healthy Blueberry Lingonberry Bilberry Grown in the Wild

Wild crafted berries are grown and harvested in the wild. In contrast to cultivated berries, which use significant amounts of pesticides, wild berries do not use pesticides. As such it is a much healthier choice for those wishing to gain the benefit of berries without the toxic buildup of pesticides in the body. Furthermore, wild crafted berries have been shown to have higher amounts of anti-aging anthocyanins, the dark colored pigments in berries associated with supporting brain, cardiovascular and general body health.

Wild blueberry species were shown to have potent anti-inflammatory action, by inhibiting NFKappaB activation, and thereby inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines.(1,2)

We use only wildcrafted berries in all of our formulas. Wildcrafted blueberries are harvested from Alaska, while bilberry, lingonberry, blackberry. black currant and chokeberry are grown in the wilds without pesticides from Sweden. BLUE NATURALLY™ &  PURPLE LONGEVITY® have the full mixed complex of all the different species of wild berry.

 Wild crafted berries are also contained in:

LONGEVITY NATURALLY™ (blueberries)  VISION VITALITY™ (blueberries & bilberries), AIR VITALITY™ (blueberries). XGEVITY™ (blueberries).

REFERENCES:

(1) Kang J, et al.  Phenolic acids of the two major blueberry species in the US Market and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2015 Mar.

(2) Taverniti V, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of a wild blueberry anthocyanin-rich extract in human Caco-2 intestinal cells. J Agric Food Chem 2014 Aug