Monthly Archives: August 2021

Recent studies have found that supplements, by and large, can be a rip-off. Take the hallowed multivitamin, a part of millions of daily routines since childhood. In 2019, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine evaluated studies involving almost half a million people and determined that multivitamins don't lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline or early death. Don't waste your money on multivitamins, they advised; get the vitamins and minerals you need from food.

That's a very good policy in any situation. However, there is one scenario in which taking a supplement (or a multivitamin containing it) is necessary, even recommended, experts say. Read on to find out what it isand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "Long" COVID and May Not Even Know It.

Today, most experts agree that you should get your essential vitamins and minerals from your daily diet. However, they universally say taking a supplement is crucial for certain groups of people.

That recommendation involves folate (vitamin B-9), known as folic acid in its synthetic form.

"For most people, it's best to get folate from food. A balanced diet usually provides all you need," says the Mayo Clinic. "However, folic acid supplements are recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant, could become pregnant, are pregnant or are breast-feeding."

Folic acid is crucial for the development of a healthy brain and spinal cord in utero. If a woman is deficient in folate or folic acid during pregnancy, her baby could be born with spina bifida, a birth defect in which the tube containing the spinal cord doesn't close completely. That can result in complications ranging from difficulty walking to paralysis. According to the National Institutes of Health, folate deficiency can also result in premature birth or low birth weight.

However, there is an easy way to prevent these complications. "Taking a daily prenatal vitamin ideally starting three months before conception can help ensure women get enough of this essential nutrient," says the Mayo Clinic.

RELATED: The #1 Best Supplement to Take For Immunity

"All women of reproductive age should get 400 mcg of folic acid every day to get enough folic acid to help prevent some birth defects," says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's important to take it consistently, because major birth defects of the brain and spine resulting from folate deficiency can happen in the first few weeks after conception, often before a woman knows she's pregnant.

If you're of childbearing age or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about what vitamins and supplements are right for you. And no matter what life stage you're in, it's always a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider before you start taking a new supplement.

RELATED: 9 Everyday Habits That Might Lead to Dementia

"Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia in the elderly," says a new study," says a report in Frontiers in Neuroscience. "Increasing evidence indicates that folate plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. To investigate the role of folate deficiency/possible deficiency in the risk of AD and the benefical effect of sufficient folate intake on the prevention of AD, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed." The results? "That folate deficiency/possible deficiency increases the risk for AD, while sufficient intake of folate is a protective factor against AD." And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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The #1 Cause of Needing to Take Supplements, Say Experts - Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

All our life, our family cultivated olive trees, selling their harvest to big companies every year, says Evi Prodromou, who runs Yanni's Olive Grove with her husband Yannis Prodromou at Nea Potidaea, Chalkidiki, in sun-drenched northern Greece. 6,000 olive trees flourish on their waterfront estate, where their olives are harvested by hand starting each September, and milled within hours, to make exceptional early harvest extra-virgin olive oil.

In 2012, everything changed for Evi and Yannis. At the peak of Greece's devastating economic crisis, they decided to start pressing their own olives, launching their own brand instead of selling their goods to bigger corporations to package and sell. The Chalkidiki region's green table olives are sought after around the world, so everyone thought we were coming from Mars, Evi remembers. It was a very difficult path, but we tried, and we tried, and they say God can help you if you try.

All that trying has led to stunning success for Yanni's Olive Grove, who have won more than 50 awards at major international olive oil competitions for their outstanding extra virgin olive oil. Before 2012, the two were experienced farmers, but they didn't know how to run a business or build a brand. So they set aside time to learn as they went, and as they learned, they thrived. What Yanni's lacks in size, they make up for with their commitment to quality and their passion for building a sustainable future for their children, and their children's children.

Pressed from single-varietal green Chondroelia of Chalkidiki olives, Yanni's olive oils share an intensely fruity, bright aroma, a spicy, bitter yet beautifully balanced flavor, and a bright green hue. They also sell olive snackstheir newest product is sun-dried olives combined with dried fruits like cranberries and currants, in a mess-free pouch perfect for snacking on the go. You really get the true taste of olives without so much salt, explains Evi. These are perfect for people with heart issues since they're so low in salt, or diabetes, as the olives are sweet without added sugar.

The couple has learned a lot since 2012, when they began their journey at the American Farm School (AFS) in Thessaloniki, Greece. We didn't go to university, but we want ourselves and our children to have as much knowledge as possible, Evi explained. Science is the major helper in every type of business, and we look to science to make things better.

A focus on science has led to partnerships with the Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (Alzheimer Hellas), as well as Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, and the National and Kapodistrian University in Athens. Yanni's has played an integral part in a series of MICOIL studies, the first clinical trial in humans to evaluate the effects of different kinds of olive oil on patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, which can lead to Alzheimer's disease. Published in the Journal of Alzheimer's, the study showed measurable health benefits of Yanni's early harvest extra-virgin olive oil. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties have real, incredible effects on our health.

The National Herald

The family olive grove at Nea Potidaea in Chalkidiki, Greece.

Yanni's is in the process of launching MICOIL, a food supplement enriched with Vitamins E & K based on the early harvest high phenolic Chalkidiki olive oil. It's entirely natural and full of Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, and polyphenols.

Although the studies keep finding good news, this has been a hard year for northern Greece's olive harvest. Water is precious here, says Prodromou. The water level is very low because of the heat. Evi and Yannis's small team is constantly working to protect the environment, maximize the efficiency of their cultivation, and take care of their land. We have the ability to minimize irrigation in order not to lose water, says Evi. We continue to try, because that's all we can do.

We do everything we can to help the land, says Evi, which is their most valuable resource and the beginning of everything they do. The land that they love is even their logo; It's very simple, a small tree on a small piece of land. If you turn it upside down, the person thanks God for everything he has, Evi explains.

Yanni's is devoted to sustainability, including recycling and waste management. They're always looking for partnerships and opportunities, like the Gaia Sense smart farming system, which Yanni's olive groves tried for the first time as a pilot olive tree cultivator, and a unique QR code traceability system, so each bottle of oil can be traced to its specific plot of land.

Evi and Yannis are proud of our childrenthey love the land and are following in our footsteps. Their 21-year-old son is studying business administration, and their 23-year-old daughter graduated from Aristotle University with a degree in food chemistry, specializing inwhat else? olive oil and olives. She's currently pursuing her master's degree in pharmaceutical studies, with a focus on food supplements.

One day soon, their children plan to take over Yanni's. In Evi's words: We are trying to do something small, but we are planting major roots, so we can grow, and they can grow, and keep growing.

The family behind Yanni's Olive Grove works with researchers to advance olive oil health knowledge while making award-winning Greek extra virgin olive oil!

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Yanni's Olive Grove: Love of Science, the Land, the Future and Olive Oil - The National Herald

A somber stat: Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension or are taking medication for hypertension, pet the CDC. That's some 108 million Americans. While you should always consult with your doctor before updating your supplements regime, research shows that certain nutrients may help lower high blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes can make a dramatic difference in reducing high blood pressure, too. "There are many general healthful habits that can help reduce high blood pressure," said Kristin Gillespie, MS, RD, LD, CNSC, advisor for Exercisewithstyle.com. She said these include:

Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink or abstaining from booze completely along with quitting smoking are also important healthy habits (with a slew of other health benefits beyond reducing high blood pressure).

Now, when it comes to your diet and supplementation, learn more about how magnesium, omega-3s, potassium, vitamin C, and calcium may play a role in reducing high blood pressure. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

You may have heard that magnesium may help you sleep and quell anxiety, but it may help keep your blood pressure at healthy levels, too. "There is a growing body of literature supporting the efficacy of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure," says Gillespie. "This is felt to be the result of increased nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator within the body, causing relaxation and widening of blood vessels, increased blood flow, and reduced blood pressure." For more on magnesium, check out 19 magnesium benefits you didn't know you needed.

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"Omega-3 fatty acids have various functions in the body, including keeping your blood vessels strong. A reliable source of research suggests that they too may be able to help lower blood pressure," said Shannon Henry, RD, with EZCareClinic, which offers walk-in and online healthcare services for weight loss plans, nutrition/diet therapies, and treatments.

For omega-3s through your diet, seek out fatty fish like salmon and sardines, nuts and seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, noted Henry. See these:26 Best Omega-3 Foods to Fight Inflammation and Support Heart Health.

"Potassium is widely known for its effect on blood pressure; many studies have supported a link between increased potassium intake (either from food or supplements) and decreased blood pressure," says Gillespie, further explaining that this is due to the fact that potassium works to stimulate sodium excretion from the body, thus helping the blood vessels to relax. It should be easy to get sufficient potassium in a healthy, balanced diet. Pass the bananas, please. And avocados, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

READ MORE: Best Supplements for Sleep, According to Experts

Who knew this vitamin could potentially help keep high blood pressure at bay? "Research has suggested that those with low vitamin C levels have more of a predisposition toward high blood pressure than those with optimal levels," said Gillespie. "In a literature review of eight studies, vitamin C supplementation was associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure levels. Researchers have suggested that this is because vitamin C acts as a diuretic, excreting excess fluid and salt from the body to ultimately lower blood pressure."

READ MORE: Best Supplements for Reducing Inflammation, Say Dietitians

"The human body needs calcium for strong bones and to strengthen blood circulation, muscle contraction, and heart rate," said Henry of the important mineral.

Most people will get all the calcium they need from their diet, said Henry, calling out calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy green vegetables, and canned fatty fish. It's worth noting, though, that "a 2015 review found that an increase in calcium intake can lower blood pressure, but only a little. The authors realize that more studies are needed before doctors can be sure how it works and how much people should take," Henry added.

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Best Supplements for High Blood Pressure, According to Dietitians - Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Foods for good gut health

One of the easiest ways to foster a healthy microbiome is by consuming probiotics, which are live microorganisms that improve and restore existing microorganisms living in the digestive system. Mitchell-Paterson says examples of probiotics in foods include yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso soup and soft cheeses.

She also recommends adding in prebiotics such as linseed sesame, almond meal and oat, wheat, rice or bran fibres into your daily diet. To put simply, prebiotics are types of fibre that feed good gut bacteria.

As for foods to avoid, Mitchell-Paterson says to stay clear of sugary and highly processed foods.

Its important not to overindulge on added sugars and processed fats because theyre energy-dense, nutrient-poor and highly detrimental to the microbiome and immune function, she says.

This can throw the microbiome off balance and reduce the growth of good bacteria in the gut, while poor diet choices can slow metabolism and cause inflammation.

If youre finding it hard to consume your probiotics and prebiotics daily, Mitchell-Paterson says supplements may help.

She recommends opting for products that contain probiotic bacterial strains such as slippery elm powder, inulin, glutamine, zinc and aloe vera (like the NC Gut Relief with Honey more on that soon).

These are generally safe products to take, however there are some cautions regarding taking these products with certain medications as they may bind the medication making it less effective, she says, adding if this is the case, its best to speak with your GP before trying a new product.

If youre reading this and thinking supplements will probably work best for you, youre in luck as Starts at 60s Marketplace stocks a range of gut-friendly products.

If you want to ease into it, the NC Gut Relief with Honey Chewables are a good place to start. The chewables are easy to eat on-the-go and contain ingredients curcumin, glutamine, slippery elm, quercetin, aloe vera, guar gum, pectin, disodium phosphate and honey. Theyre currently on sale for $23.96, down from $29.95.

While were on the honey theme, for those who like things a little sweeter, we also have NC Gut Relief with Honey available. The supplement comes in powder form (150 grams) and is recommended once a day (5g). Wed recommend mixing it with water or juice, or sprinkling it over food.

Meanwhile, you can pick up the same product but without the honey here.

If youre having trouble with bowel movements, the NC Bowel Cleanse may be of interest. The chewable tablets contain extracts of the plant Senna tora, which was traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relive constipation, moisten the intestines and open and relax the bowels. The chewables, which come in a 60 pack, are currently on sale for $15.16, down from $18.95.

Another product we have available that helps with gut digestion is the Organic Hemp Protein Powder. It comes in a vanilla flavour and is dairy free and vegan friendly. Wed recommend adding it to a smoothie, sprinkled through your breakfast cereal or in a glass of milk or water. The protein powder is currently on sale for $19.99 down from $80 (thats a whopping $60 off!).

You can browse through more gut-friendly options here.

Q: What is gut health?A: Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract.

Q: How can you boost gut health?A: They are certain foods and supplements you can take in order to improve your gut health.

Q: Why is gut health important?A: Gut health plays a vital role in your overall health and wellbeing. In fact, gut health affects more than just digestion, it can have effects on your mood and immune system, and has even been linked to chronic illnesses, including cancer and type 2 diabetes.

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Eat to feel better: Boost your gut health with these foods and supplements - Starts at 60