Posts Tagged ‘Antioxidants’
Saturday, November 8th, 2008
Vitamin P: Bioflavnoids
Vitamin P is also referred to as bioflavnoids. These are the water soluble companions of ascorbic acid, found in the same category of foods. The main function of Vitamin P is to maintain the health of the blood vessels in the human body. These plant pigments have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral and anti-carcinogenic properties. Hesperidin, rutin, quercetin and a range of other naturally occurring compounds including oligomeric pro-cyanidins in red wine are collectively known as bioflavnoids. They are not really vitamins, but are popularly referred to as Vitamin P. These are necessary for the absorption of Vitamin C in the body. They are a common ingredient of Vitamin C supplements due to their ability to absorb and enhance its effect. They help maximize its effects by inhibiting the breakdown of the vitamin.
Bioflavnoids are powerful antioxidants and protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals which are the toxic by-products of the various chemical reactions taking place in the body round the clock. Exposure to free radicals such as pollution, smoking, fumes etc. can harm the body in a number of ways and result in various diseases such as cancers, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory disorders etc. Vitamin P is not manufactured in the body and must be obtained through diet.
Benefits:
Bioflavnoids enhance the absorption and efficiency of Vitamin C.
They are used to treat sports injuries as they are pain relieving.
They can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding.
They provide relief from back pain, swelling and pain in the legs.
They are used to treat oral herpes.
They protect the structure of capillaries, have an antibacterial effect and promote blood circulation throughout the body.
They are involved in the production of bile.
They are known to play an active role in lowering cholesterol levels in the body, thereby preventing heart disease.
They are helpful in the treatment of cataracts.
Deficiency:
In order to get an adequate intake of bioflavnoids, it is essential to take a lot of fruits and vegetables in the diet. However, deficiency of bioflavnoids can still occur on account of several factors characterized by bruising or deficiency of iron.
Food Sources:
Food sources of bioflavnoids include blue and red berries, citrus fruits, pink bark, buckwheat, onions, garlic, green tea, peppers, grapes, pine bark etc.
Dosage:
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin P varies depending on the gender, age and medical condition of the individual. In order to avoid its deficiency, it is necessary to consume it through diet. However, its toxicity level must be kept in mind. 500 mg is recommended for supplementation.
Side Effects:
Extremely high doses of Vitamin P may cause diarrhea. Before taking the supplementation, you must consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if it is required by your body or not. You must also make note of any medical problems you might be susceptible to such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease etc.
For maximum benefits it is recommended to use bioflavnoids with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium. Absorption of bioflavnoids in the body might be slow but they can be stored in the body in minute quantities. They help relieve pain and symptoms related to varicose veins. They are also known to increase the resistance to sore throat and colds when combined with Vitamin c in everyday dietary intake. In order to bring about the total well being of the body, it is essential to combine exercise, a well balanced diet and adequate relaxation. You must also follow an appropriate supplementation program in order to avoid any deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in the body.
Vitamins and minerals form an important food group for growth and development of the human body. They are not responsible directly for the energy releasing processes of the body but control them by regulating the various chemical and biological reactions that take place in the body throughout the day. Thus, it is important to take them in an adequate amount on a daily basis.
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Tags: Absorption Of Vitamin C, Antioxidants, Array, Back Pain, Bile, Blood Circulation, Blood Vessels, Bronchitis, Cancers, Chemical Reactions, Cholesterol Levels, Free Radicals, Human Body, Pain In The Legs, Plant Pigments, Quercetin, Red Wine, Respiratory Disorders, Sports Injuries, Vitamin C Supplements, Vitamin P
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Tags: Absorption Of Vitamin C, Antioxidants, Array, Back Pain, Bile, Blood Circulation, Blood Vessels, Bronchitis, Cancers, Chemical Reactions, Cholesterol Levels, Free Radicals, Human Body, Pain In The Legs, Plant Pigments, Quercetin, Red Wine, Respiratory Disorders, Sports Injuries, Vitamin C Supplements, Vitamin P Posted in Importance of Vitamin P, Vitamins & Bodybuilding | No Comments »
Sunday, January 1st, 2006
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Supplementation plays a crucial role in bodybuilding and a number of other athletic sports. In order to boost your performance and heighten the efficiency of your work outs, it is essential to consume these supplements. A regular exercise routine combined with a nutritious diet plan along with proper rest and supplementation is the key to developing the body of your dreams.
Before deciding to buy any product you must consult a general physician or fitness expert to settle on the best suited supplements keeping in mind the specific requirements of your body. It is essential for you to keep in mind your own requirements and not follow someone else’s supplementation program as it might prove useless according to your body’s needs. You must also make a note of your body weight, body type and any ailments you might be suffering from such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma etc.
There are a number of supplements available in the market these days ranging from powders and meal replacement supplements (MRPs) to serums and snacking bars. You must opt for one that is best suited as well as beneficial for you. The supplements market is humungous in terms of demand and variety.
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant which occurs naturally in the human body. It is both water as well as fat soluble and is easily supplied to all the cell membranes. It offers protection from free radicals inside as well as outside the cell while other antioxidants may provide only extra cellular protection. Lipoic acid is capable of regenerating other antioxidants such as vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione.
In bodybuilding and other sports, alpha lipoic acid plays a crucial role as an energy producing component. Its antioxidant properties only come to light when it is present in the cells in excess in the ‘free state’. There is little alpha lipoic acid flowing in the body, only what is essential to support the basic functions. It is only through proper supplementation that you can attain it in excess in the body.
It is found in meat and vegetables such as spinach, peas, broccoli, rice barn, brussel sprouts etc. It can easily be absorbed in the blood stream as well as the brain and protects the brain and nerve tissue by stopping free radical damage. It is available in the form of capsules and injections in health stores and can also be obtained online.
Benefits of Alpha lipoic acid:
This compound is known for its unique antioxidant properties and a number of other uses. It is likely to benefit people belonging to all age groups in some way or the other.
This multipurpose antioxidant helps deactivate the wide variety of cell damaging free radicals found in a number of bodily systems. Some of these radicals are smoking, junk foods, vehicle exhaust, pollution etc.
Peripheral Neuropathy: This can be caused by injury, nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy, alcoholism, shingles, thyroid imbalance, kidney failure etc. ALA is said to have improved the symptoms in a number of patients.
It aids in the prevention as well as treatment of a number of diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol levels, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cataract as well as declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function, immunity etc.
Research is being conducted to determine its efficiency in the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) and multiple sclerosis.
It helps form glutathione which helps in the process of detoxification.
Dosage:
Before consuming lipoic acid you must consult your physician regarding the dosage. The dosage depends upon the purpose you are ingesting it for as well as your body type and weight. Its effect on different individuals varies.
Side Effects:
Side effects of ALA include headache, allergic reactions, nausea, muscle cramps, swelling on the face and hands, tightness in the chest, uneasiness while breathing etc.
Consuming any supplement under supervision can result in a number of benefits whereas taking the wrong medication can prove fatal. Therefore, it is recommended that you do your research well before making up your mind to purchase any drug.
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Tags: Ailments, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Antioxidant Properties, Antioxidants, Athletic Sports, Bodybuilding, Cell Membranes, Cellular Protection, Diet Plan, E Vitamin, Exercise Routine, Free Radicals, Glutathione, Heart Disease, Meal Replacement, Nutritious Diet, Proper Rest, Proper Supplementation, Supplementation Program, Work Outs
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Tags: Ailments, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Antioxidant Properties, Antioxidants, Athletic Sports, Bodybuilding, Cell Membranes, Cellular Protection, Diet Plan, E Vitamin, Exercise Routine, Free Radicals, Glutathione, Heart Disease, Meal Replacement, Nutritious Diet, Proper Rest, Proper Supplementation, Supplementation Program, Work Outs Posted in Alpha Lipoic Acid, Body Building Supplements | No Comments »
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