吃得到的美麗 Nutrients That Improve Appearance

「人如其食(You are what you eat)」，這句話最早是出自十八世紀法國作家薩瓦蘭(Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin)。 這句話如果套用在營養學，意思就是如果你希望健康美麗，就要吃「好」的食物！

這裏就簡單介紹幾種營養補充劑，讓你由内到外更健康美麗！

改善頭髮、皮膚和指甲的維他命營養補充劑
維他命B雜可喻為美容維他命
市面上維他命B雜產品種類繁多， 最好選擇活性B雜維他命。 而其中的維他命B6對皮膚和頭髮健康尤為重要。

生物素對頭髮和指甲的神奇效力
生物素是一種類似維他命的化合物， 補充足夠生物素可以讓頭髮質量和指甲強度產生顯著分別。 很多自然療法醫師建議每天服用5,000微克（mcg）以達到顯著效果。

用維他命C對抗自由基
維他命C有助於保護皮膚免受紫外線輻射的傷害。在一項德國臨床研究中，每天使用維他命C四周可以使皮膚的自由基清除能力加強22％。研究結果表明， 維他命C可以在服用後瞬間發揮作用， 而相應調高服用量後， 功效倍增。

葡萄籽精華保護皮膚預防過早衰老
葡萄籽提取物含有稱為低聚原花青素（OPC）的化合物。 OPCs是超強效抗氧化劑，並具有其他美容特性。研究表明，葡萄籽具有減少炎症和保護皮膚免於過早衰老的能力。

科學研究表明，葡萄籽提取物具有與膠原蛋白結合的能力，使其能夠促進肌膚更年輕及具彈性。

薑黃素和乳香減少皮膚炎症和紅腫
薑黃素和乳香可以緩解疼痛，它們還可用於減少皮膚發紅和炎症性皮膚病。

此外，薑黃素也有助減少皮膚病，如牛皮癬，濕疹甚至皮膚癌等。

矽膠(二氧化矽)幫助製造膠原蛋白
二氧化矽是健康頭髮、皮膚和指甲不可或缺的重要營養素。二氧化矽對於膠原蛋白的產生至關重要，而頭髮、皮膚和指甲正是身體中含有最多膠原蛋白的部分。

膠原蛋白不足可導致指甲脆弱、生長緩慢、頭髮質量差和皮膚鬆弛。增加二氧化矽的攝入量可以增加膠原蛋白的產生，效果極佳，它甚至可以減少暗瘡爆發 。

Omega 3和Omega 7促進頭髮生長
深海魚油所含的 Omega 3脂肪酸已被證明可以促進毛髮生長和改善密度，並舒緩皮膚乾燥。它們同時具有抗炎作用。

沙棘果中蘊含Omega 7脂肪酸。這種稀有的脂肪酸摻入細胞壁後，讓細胞保持充足水分，皮膚更具彈性更潤滑。

美容營養素
以上提到的各種營養素具有臨床認證， 服用後外觀明顯得到改善，值得一試。

Nutrients That Improve Appearance

Vitamins & Supplements for Hair, Skin & Nails
B Vitamins for Beauty
It’s important to select B vitamins in the active (sometimes called methylated) form. Vitamin B6 is especially important to healthy skin and hair, so make sure you consider pyridoxal-5-phosphate, or the P-5-P form of B6 for most consistent results.

Biotin for Strength in Hair & Nails
Biotin is a vitamin-like compound that can make a measurable difference in hair quality and nail strength. Dosage is important. Many integrative practitioners recommend up to 5,000 micrograms (mcg) a day to see significant results.

Fight Free Radicals with Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps protect the skin from damage by UV radiation. In a German clinical study, using vitamin C daily for four weeks was shown to increase the free radical-scavenging activity of the skin by 22 percent. Results of the study showed that the vitamin C went to work rapidly, and the benefits increased with higher doses of vitamin C.

Protect Skin From Premature Aging with Grape Seed
Grape seed extract contains compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanins (OPC). OPCs are super-potent antioxidants and have other beauty-specific benefits as well. Research has shown that grape seed has the ability to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from premature aging.

Scientific studies have shown that grape seed extract has the ability to bond with collagen, allowing it to promote youthful skin and elasticity.

Curcumin & Boswellia For Reducing Skin Inflammation & Redness
Curcumin & Boswellia are able to relieve pain, they are also useful for reducing skin redness and inflammatory skin disorders.

Curcumin also improves collagen deposition and vascular density, especially in wounds and injuries. Additionally, curcumin has shown promise at reducing skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and even skin cancer.

Create Collagen with Silica
Silica is a very important nutrient for healthy hair, skin and nails. Silica is critical to collagen creation, and our hair, skin, and nails are some of the highest collagen-containing parts of our body.

Reduction in collagen results in brittle, slow growing nails, poor hair quality, and sagging skin. Increasing intake of the mineral silica can increase collagen production with excellent results. It may even lessen acne breakouts.

Support Your Hair Growth with Omega 3 & Omega 7
Omega 3 fatty acids from cold-water fish have been shown to support hair growth and thickness, as well as reduce dry skin. They are also anti-inflammatory.

There is another omega fatty acid found in sea buckthorn berries called omega 7. This rare omega is incorporated into cell walls and is good at holding on to water. If the cells are better hydrated, skin appearance is enhanced.

Nutrients for Beauty
There are certainly clinically demonstrated nutrients that can make a significant difference in appearance, including those parameters we identify as “beauty.” There is no one beauty nutrient; rather, an array of beneficial herbs, vitamins, and oils each address different aspects of hair, skin, and nail health. Putting together a protocol of effective products can result in visible differences.

Sources:
“Association of vitamin B-6 status with inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammatory conditions: The Boston Puerto Rican Health Study” by J. Shen et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2/10

“Biotin and biotinidase deficiency” by J. Zempleni et al., Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab, 11/1/08

“Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation” by L.G. Hochman et al., Cutis, 4/93

“A case-control study of Panicum miliaceum in the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced alopecia” by G. Gardani et al. Minerva Medi, 12/07

“Dietary silicon intake and absorption” R. Jugdaohsingh et al.. Am J Clin Nutr, 2002

“Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair” by R.R. Wickett et al., Arch Dermatol Res, 12/07

“Human skin condition and its associations with nutrient concentrations in serum and diet” by E. Boelsma et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2003

“Effect of zinc deficiency on blood glutathione levels” by B.J. Mills et al., J Nutr, 6/81

“Effects of oral supplementation and topical application of supercritical CO2 extracted sea buckthorn oil on skin aging of female subjects” by B. Yang et al., J Appl Cosmetol, 1-3/09

“Inflammation causes tissue-specific depletion of vitamin B6” by E.P. Chiang et al., Arthritis Res Ther, 2005

“Innate immunity: A crucial target for zinc in the treatment of inflammatory dermatosis” by A. Brocard et al., J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 1/24/11

“Mackerel-derived fermented fish oil promotes hair growth...” by J.I. Kang et al., Int J Mol Sci, 9/14/18

“Nutritional skin care: Health effects of micronutrients and fatty acids” by E. Boelsma et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2001

“Oral supplementation with fish oil reduces dryness and pruritus...” by R.C. Barcelos et al., J Dermatol Sci, 9/15

“The role of lipoxygenases in pathophysiology; new insights and future perspectives” by R. Mashima and T. Okuyama, Redox Biol, 12/15

“Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: scanning electron microscopy” by V.E. Colombo et al., J Am Acad Dermatol, 1990

“Xenobiotics in vitro: The influence of L-cystine, pantothenat, and miliacin on metabolic and proliferative capacity of keratinocytes” by D.H. Obrigkeit et al., Cutan Ocul Toxicol, 2006

“Zinc deficiency and the prolonged accumulation of zinc in wounds” by A. Senapati, Br J Surg, 7/85

補充適當營養 靈魂之窗有保障 Common Eye supplements

以下簡單介紹一下常見的眼部營養補充劑：

1.）葉黃素和玉米黃素

綠葉蔬菜含有葉黃素和玉米黃素，例如羽衣甘藍和菠菜等。橙色和黃色的水果蔬菜中也含有一定濃度的葉黃素和玉米黃素。研究發現每天攝取葉黃素10毫克和玉米黃素2毫克有助維持眼睛健康。

2.）蝦青素

蝦青素來自一種叫做雨生紅球藻的微藻， 遇上乾旱環境這種微藻便會產生豐富的蝦青素自我保護，免受強烈紫外線侵害 。 由於蝦青素的抗氧化功能比玉米黃素和葉黃素更強，因此許多研究人員認為蝦青素是針對眼睛的最佳抗氧化劑。

3.）維他命D

維他命D對乾眼症有保護作用。研究發現，身體缺乏維他命D有機會引致眼部退化， 嚴重者甚至會導致失明，並誘發眼部的自身免疫力疾病。 營養學家建議服用維他命D同時 ， 最好也服用檸檬酸鎂，因為維他命D需要有足夠的鎂才能在腎臟轉化和被利用。

4.）鎂補充劑

臨床研究證實鎂補充劑可降低眼壓 （IOP）。在一項臨床研究中顯示，10名青光眼患者每天服用121.5 毫克鎂，持續一個月後，眼部的血液供應量和視力得到明顯改善。

5.）維他命E

維他命E是一種強效抗氧化劑，有助保護眼部細胞免受自由基引起的氧化損傷。建議每天服用200-400 IU的維他命E.

6.）銀杏葉提取物

銀杏葉提取物或有助患有青光眼但眼壓正常人士改善視力和預防眼睛受損。根據另一項研究顯示，銀杏葉可以改善眼部微絲血管循環，從而有助治療青光眼。

7.）維他命A、β-胡蘿蔔素和鋅

維他命A和胡蘿蔔素有助保護眼睛免受感染，預防眼睛乾澀和夜盲症等。鋅有助保護免疫系統功能和促進維他命A的吸收。同時減少眼睛的氧化損傷。

8.）奧米加-3脂肪酸（DHA和EPA）

研究顯示DHA和EPA對乾眼症和黃斑退化症有改善作用，並有助促進眼內液體流通，降低眼壓高風險。

9.）葡萄籽

葡萄籽提取物提供了兩種抗氧化劑~ 原花色素和低聚原花色素，可降低各種退化性眼疾的風險。

10.）生物類黃酮

生物類黃酮有助保護血管，包括視網膜中的微細血管，並有助改善眼睛的血液循環。

Main Dietary Nutrients & Nutritional Supplements To Promote Eye Health

1.) Lutein and zeaxanthin are primarily found in green leafy vegetables, with kale and spinach. Lower concentrations of both nutrients are also found in orange- and yellow-coloured fruits and vegetables. Studies have found health benefits for lutein at a dose of 10 mg per day, while for zeaxanthin at 2 mg per day.

2.) Astaxanthin is produced by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis when its water supply dries up, forcing it to protect itself from UV radiation. Astaxanthin is far more powerful an antioxidant than both lutein and zeaxanthin. Many researchers believe it to be the most powerful antioxidant for eye health.

3.) Vitamin D has a protective role in the development of dry eyes and its deficiency appears to be linked with higher risk of blindness and age-related eye degeneration as well as with autoimmune conditions that affect eyes. You are recommended to take with magnesium citrate as vitamin D requires magnesium for its conversion in kidneys.

4.) Magnesium supplements have been shown to lower intraocular eye pressure (IOP). In a clinical study, 10 gaucoma patients were given 121.5 mg magnesium twice a day for a month. After a month the blood supply to the eye and their field of vision improved.

5.) Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that contributes to the protection of the eye cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. About 200-400 IU of vitamin E per day is recommended.

6.) Ginkgo biloba extract appears to improve preexisting visual field damage in some patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma. According to another study,Ginkgo biloba improves ocular blood flow, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of glaucoma.

7.) Vitamin A and beta-carotene help protect the eyes from infections, prevent dry eyes and night blindness. Zinc contributes to the normal immune system function and absorption of vitamin A. It also assists various antioxidants in reducing oxidative damage in the eyes.

8.) Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) have shown to be beneficial for individuals with dry eye syndrome and macular degeneration. It may also help proper drainage of intraocular fluid from the eye, decreasing the risk of increased eye pressure.

9.) Grape Seed is a source of two powerful antioxidants proanthocyanidins and oligomeric proanthocyanidins that are known to reduce the risk of various degenerative eye problems.

10.) Bioflavonoids protect blood vessels, including delicate capillaries in the retina and help improve blood circulation in the eye.

常見的眼部不適 Common Eye Conditions

以下是一系列比較常見的眼部不適情況：

1.眼睛乾澀。當眼睛未能產生足夠淚水分泌， 成因有很多，包括身體缺少水份，身體發熱， 攝取過多咖啡因 ，血液含糖分過高， 更年期不適或受藥物影響等。 與此同時， 如果身體缺乏維奧米加3奧米加7 非飽和脂肪酸 與維他命D和A等， 亦會造成眼睛乾澀。當然現代人長期使用手提電話或電腦，或者是更重要的成因。

2.青光眼。 青光眼可造成視覺神經受損，嚴重可導致視力減弱甚至失明。多數青光眼病例是由眼壓增加引起的，眼壓增加導致視神經纖維被破壞而影響視力。然而，約有25％病例在眼壓正常時仍會出現青光眼症狀。 研究顯示， 這種情況與眼壓無關，實際上是自身免疫系統導致神經病變（自身免疫系統相互攻擊並損害視覺神經）。

3.白內障。 表徵是眼球混濁 ，導致視力模糊。這是最常見的退化性眼部疾病，通過手術可矯正視力。

4.黃斑部退化病變。當黃斑部（眼睛正後方視網膜的主要聚焦區域） 退化並停止運作 ，病人逐漸喪失用於觀察細節的能力，是50歲以上人士最常見的眼部退化問題。

5.糖尿病視網膜病變。 糖尿病人由於血糖水平長時間處於高水平而引起的視網膜毛細血管破壞（即眼睛中最微細血管）。如果不及時治療，可導致永久失明。

6.圓錐角膜病變。 主要症狀是眼角膜變薄 （ 這問題年青人尤為常見）導致各種視力問題，包括近視、視力模糊或影像重疊、散光和對強光過敏。

7. 眼球折射光不正常（主要由眼球形狀改變引致）：

- 近視（近視） - 接近的物件看得清楚，遙遠的物件看起來模糊;
- 遠視（遠視） - 接近的物體看不清楚， 遙遠的物件反而看得清晰;
- 散光 - 視像變形而且模糊;
- 老花 - 隨年齡增長， 眼部晶片硬化和括約肌失去彈性，導致遠視（近距離物體難以看清楚）。

最常見的眼部營養補充劑包括葉黃素、玉米黃素、維他命b雜和胡蘿蔔素等等， 銀杏葉提取物除了補腦， 對改善眼部問題也很有幫助。

The following are the most common eye conditions, please spend some time to read :

1. Dry eyes. This problem occurs when eyes are unable to produce enough tears (complex mixture of water, mucus, and fatty oils). Possible causes may include dehydration, central heating, caffeine, excessive sugar in the blood, hormonal imbalance during menopause, some medications, and especially deficiency of omega 3, omega 7, vitamin D and A.

2. Glaucoma - damaged eye’s optic nerve leading to a vision loss and blindness. It is believed that most cases of glaucoma are caused by an increased pressure in the eye which gradually damages the nerve fibres that are essential to vision. However, in about 25% cases glaucoma develops when eye pressure is normal. There is evidence that this non-pressure related damage to the optic nerve is actually a form of an autoimmune neuropathy > (own immune system attacks and damages the optic nerve).

3. Cataract - clouding of the lens that often blurs vision. It is the most common age-related eye problem. It is usually treated with a surgery.

4. Macular degeneration – when the macula (the sharp focusing area at the back of your eye) begins to break down and stop working. The result is a gradual loss of the central, ‘sharp’ vision that you use for seeing detail, It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.

5. Diabetic retinopathy - caused by chronic high blood sugar levels which damage retinal capillaries (smallest blood vessels found in the eye). If left untreated it will gradually lead to a permanent vision loss.

6. Keratoconus - thinning of the cornea (most prevalent among younger people) which leads to various vision problems including near-sightedness, blurred or double vision, astigmatism, and increased sensitivity to light.

7. Refractive errors (mostly caused by changed shape of the eye):

- Near-sightedness (myopia) - faraway objects look blurry;
- Far-sightedness (hyperopia) - near objects are not clear;
- Astigmatism – images are stretched out and blurry;
- Presbyopia – an age-related hardening of lens and loss of elasticity leading to long-sightedness (difficulty to clearly see close objects).

MAIN DIETARY NUTRIENTS & NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS TO PROMOTE EYE HEALTH

1.) Lutein and zeaxanthin are primarily found in green leafy vegetables, with kale and spinach. Lower concentrations of both nutrients are also found in orange- and yellow-coloured fruits and vegetables.

薑黃素使癌細胞凋亡 Curcumin Starves Cancer Cells to Death

薑黃素是一種天然多功能多酚， 由於有更多研究顯示薑黃素能預防和治療癌症， 薑黃素日益受到科學界重視。

一項新的研究表明，薑黃素嚴重限制癌細胞從血液中的葡萄糖中提取能量的能力。

這種機制特別適用於癌症預防或治療用途，因為它可以針對絕大多數癌症。

以往的研究還表明，薑黃素可以減少炎症，預防化學成分幹擾細胞，關閉癌細胞增長途徑，並干擾惡性細胞的生長和發育。

根據多項研究表明薑黃素對結腸直腸癌，乳腺癌，前列腺癌，肺癌和肝癌具有特異性抑制作用。

根據根黃素的多種作用機制， 科學家清楚地表明薑黃素應該可以作為任何綜合性癌症化學預防方案的核心要素。

Curcumin is a powerful, multi-functional polyphenol that is gaining increasing recognition for its cancer chemopreventive properties.

A new study shows that curcumin sharply restricts cancer cells’ ability to extract energy from glucose in the blood.

This mechanism is especially appealing for cancer chemoprevention because it would target the great majority of cancers.

Previous studies also show that curcumin can reduce inflammation, prevent chemical stress, shut down cancer-promoting pathways, and interfere with malignant cells’ growth and development.

This confirms previous studies showing that curcumin has specific effects against colorectal, breast, prostate, lung, and liver cancers.

These multiple mechanisms of action make it clear that curcumin should be a central element of any comprehensive cancer chemoprevention regimen.


References
1. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=curcumin+and+cancer. Accessed September 21, 2018.
2. Bianchi G, Ravera S, Traverso C, et al. Curcumin induces a fatal energetic impairment in tumor cells in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting ATP-synthase activity. Carcinogenesis. 2018 Sep 21;39(9):1141-50.

苦艾的用途 Brief introduction of Wormwood uses

苦艾是一種味道非常苦澀的植物， 因此而得名。 苦 艾作為藥用草本歷史悠久 。它對於肝臟、膽囊和消化系統都有滋補作用，其活性成分更具有殺菌作用。對於那些消化不良的人仕，艾草具有顯著的舒緩作用。艾草可以增加胃酸和膽汁分泌，改善消化和加強營養物質的吸收。經常服用，可以幫助身體回復健康和充滿活力，對應長期患病後的康復期尤為重要。

苦艾的葉子和花芽可以用作驅蟲劑、抗炎藥、防腐劑、解痙劑、抗腫瘤藥、驅風劑、利膽藥、調經劑、退熱劑、 安眠藥 、興奮劑和健胃藥等， 功效多不勝數。 一般情況下 ， 苦艾會在開花前收割，待曬乾後便可使用。

雖然苦艾有眾多益處， 使用上卻要謹慎，此植物適宜作為短期治療用途，宜服用較低劑量；如有疑問，應在服用前咨詢醫護人員的意見。不建議兒童或孕婦服用。

順勢療法處方也有採用苦艾製作，大多取用苦艾葉。 功能有刺激膽汁和胃液分泌 ，有助治療肝臟和膽囊疾病。

Wormwood is a very bitter plant with a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It is valued especially for its tonic effect on the liver, gallbladder and digestive system, and for its vermicidal activity. It is an extremely useful medicine for those with weak and under-active digestion. It increases stomach acid and bile production, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients. If taken regularly, helps the body return to full vitality after a prolonged illness.

The leaves and flowering shoots are anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, carminative, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypnotic, stimulant, stomachic and other tonic uses. The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and then dried for later use.

Use with caution, the plant should be taken internally in small doses for short-term treatment only, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for children or pregnant women.

A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. It is used to stimulate bile and gastric juice production and to treat disorders of the liver and gall bladder.

牛磺酸促進腦細胞再生和改善身體健康 Taurine Boosts Brain Cell Regeneration & Supports Whole-Body Health

牛磺酸促進腦細胞再生和改善身體健康

牛磺酸是“體內最重要的物質之一”。 但隨著年齡的增長，牛磺酸水平逐步下降。

研究發現，牛磺酸可以促進與學習和記憶相關的大腦區域的新細胞形成。

牛磺酸還可以增強神經突起組織的功能，協助腦細胞相互溝通。

過去的研究也表明了牛磺酸能維持和改善以下功能：
- 心血管健康
- 胰島素敏感性
- 免疫系統的調節
- 中樞神經系統的調節
- 肝功能
- 眼睛健康
- 聽力功能

Taurine Boosts Brain Cell Regeneration & Supports Whole-Body Health

Taurine is "one of the most essential substances in the body". But as we age, taurine levels decline.

Research has found that taurine can promote new cell formation in the area of the brain associated with learning and memory.

Taurine also enhances neurites, tiny projections that help brain cells communicate with each other.

Past research has also shown the ability of taurine to maintain and support:
-Cardiovascular health
-Insulin sensitivity
-Modulation of the immune system
-Regulation of the central nervous system
-Liver function
-Eye health
-Hearing function

大蒜與心臟健康 The Garlic bulb and Heart Health

大蒜與心臟健康

世界各地的飲食習慣大多包含大蒜，地中海、中國和中東等地也都如是。大蒜自古以來都有食用和藥用價值。

近年已有多項關於大蒜的研究，發現大蒜能改善心臟病、血壓高、膽固醇高和癌症等等。據美國國立衛生研究院的研究顯示，大蒜也能有效治療糖尿病、花粉症、感冒和流感等不適。

著名草藥學家James A. Duke博士稱大蒜為“能用於任何心臟或循環系統疾病的主要植物。”

大蒜對保護心血管承擔起三個重要作用：它可以降低膽固醇和三酯甘油脂，降血壓和防止動脈粥樣硬化（導致動脈血管閉塞）。

經發酵的老蒜提取物（Aged Garlic Extract）常用於治療慢性冠狀動脈疾病和緩慢鈣化（導致動脈硬化）等問題。一項關於停經後婦女心血管疾病的研究顯示，服用老蒜提取物配合適量運動，對調節低密度膽固醇(俗稱壞膽固醇)有正面作用。

而最近一項為期12週的研究顯示，每日服兩粒老蒜提取物（總共480毫克），能顯著降低收縮壓(或稱爲上壓)數值。

The Garlic bulb and Heart Health

A staple in diets around the world, from the Mediterranean to China and the Middle East, garlic has also been used medicinally since ancient times.

Garlic has been studied for heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, it’s also been used to treat diabetes, hay fever, colds, and flu.

Herbalist James A. Duke, PhD, calls garlic “our premier plant for virtually any heart or circulatory condition.”

Garlic’s cardiovascular (CV) protection works like threefold armor: it cuts cholesterol and triglycerides, lowers blood pressure, and protects against atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been used to treat patients with chronic coronary artery disease and to slow calcification (which leads to hardened arteries). In a study of CV disease in postmenopausal women, a program of AGE combined with exercise had a major impact on LDL (bad) cholesterol.

A recent 12-week study showed that two capsules daily (480 mg total) significantly reduced participants’ systolic (top number) blood pressure.

Sources:

“Aged Garlic Extract Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensives …,” K. Ried et al., Eur J Clin Nutr, 11/21/12

“Fresh Garlic Extract Induces Growth Arrest … Breast Cancer Cells,” S. Modem et al., Genes Cancer, 2/12

National Institutes of Health, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

五款促進血液循環的營養補充劑 Five Supplements for Circulation

1.葡萄籽提取物
臨床研究表明葡萄籽提取物是一種天然血管擴張劑。它有助於血管放鬆，從而改善血液流動。葡萄籽提取物蘊含一種稱為原花青素OPC的天然化合物， 研究證明有助於降低腦氧化應激作用，這有助於保持腦細胞更年輕和更健康。

 2.辣椒
辣椒作為草藥使用已有悠久歷史， 有助舒緩牙痛和頭痛，但它也可以幫助改善血液循環，這要歸功於一種叫做辣椒素的成分。事實上，在你吃辣椒或其營養補充劑的那一刻，它幾乎可以立即改善你的血液流動。

3.銀杏葉
德國醫生喜歡使用銀杏葉來改善患者的血液循環，以及其他多種健康問題。 銀杏葉被認為可以改善記憶力，促進大腦血液循環，以及幫助哮喘患者舒緩症狀。它還能令血液更快地輸送到心臟，甚至可以增強血管彈性。

4. 蜂花粉
許多人服用蜂花粉補充劑來對抗過敏和感冒，但大多數人不知道它也可以幫助循環。蜂花粉含有一種叫做蘆丁的抗氧化劑，可以強化血管，有助於防止血液凝塊，從而導致嚴重的健康問題，甚至死亡。它甚至可以幫助防止動脈硬化。

5. 山楂
眾所周知，山楂有助改善心臟健康，增加血液循環。山楂還可以通過增加心肌健康來改善心律。

Five Supplements for Circulation
1. Grape seed extract
Grape seed extract is known to be a vasodilator. It helps the blood vessels relax, which improves blood flow. Compounds from grape seed extract called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) have also been shown to help lower brain oxidative stress, which helps keep the brain cells younger and healthier.

2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has been used for thousands of years for everything from toothaches to headaches, but it can also help improve circulation, thanks to an ingredient called capsicum. As a matter of fact, the minute you eat cayenne pepper or take a supplement, it improves your blood flow almost instantly.

3. Ginkgo Biloba
German doctors actually use Gingko Biloba to improve their patients’ circulation, along with multiple other health issues. It is thought to improve memory due to increased circulation in the brain, as well as help patients with asthma. It also helps blood get to get the heart faster and even strengthens the blood vessels.

4. Bee Pollen
Many people take bee pollen supplements to combat allergies and colds, but most don’t know that they can also help with circulation. Bee pollen contains an antioxidant called rutin that can strengthen the blood vessels and potentially help prevent blood clots that can lead to serious health problems or even death. It may even help prevent the hardening of your arteries.

5. Hawthorn
Hawthorn has been known to increase circulation by making your heart healthier. Hawthorn may also improve your heart’s rhythm by increasing your heart muscle health.