ThaTSexZGurLSHeLLe's blog: "This and That!"

Just some info some one may be interested in. michellevarner.unfranchise.com Antioxidants Antioxidants act as cell protectors, working against the damaging byproducts created by oxygen during normal cellular metabolism. Antioxidants bind with these byproducts, known as free radicals, rendering them powerless before they can cause the cellular damage that can lead to more serious health issues. Isotonix® OPC-3™ Composed of grape seed, pine bark, red wine, bilberry and citrus extracts, Isotonix OPC-3 is a safe, nontoxic antioxidant that delivers unparalleled protection from free radicals and helps support the body’s circulatory system. Potent free radical scavenger & neutralizer Helps maintain healthy circulation Supports healthy blood glucose levels Primary Benefits: Promotes Cardiovascular Health by: Helping maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins Promoting / Supporting healthy nitric oxide levels Promoting / Supporting healthy blood vessel dilation Supporting healthy platelet activity Helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels Demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity Supports visual health Potent free radical scavenger Supports a healthy complexion Supports healthy blood sugar levels Supports healthy sperm quality Helps reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain Helps maintain joint flexibility FREE RADICAL PROTECTION There are seven different types of free radicals and several nutritional substances with antioxidant capabilities for each type. Scientists now believe that by increasing the body's intake of antioxidants we can actually delay or prevent much of the deterioration and illness caused by aging; even, perhaps add five to ten years to our life span. The challenge: finding the right antioxidants, in the right amounts, to effectively target the different types of free radicals in the body. Physicians and Biochemists in research centers such as UCLS, USC School of Pharmacy and Mt. Sinai Medical School has discovered: Free radicals can cause cancer Free radicals can cause atherosclerosis Free radicals can cause emphysema Free radicals can cause cataracts and glaucoma Free radicals can cause high blood pressure Free radicals can cause immune system deficiencies Free radicals can cause heart disease Free radicals can cause arthritis Free radicals can cause stroke Free radicals can cause Parkinson's Disease Free radicals can cause various dermatoses Free radicals can cause premature aging of the skin A natural anti-aging, antioxidant breakthrough. Key Ingredients: Grape Seed Extract : 25 mg Grape seed extract is typically extracted typically from the seeds of red grapes (instead of white), which have a high content of compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Grape seed extract is extremely rich in polyphenols, a compound high in antioxidants. Grape seed extract has even been found to promote healthy cholesterol levels. French research on grape seed antioxidant activity and safety is all-encompassing and highly credible, as the French government actually categorizes the OPC from grape seed as a pharmaceutical product that is subject to strict monitoring just as any American drug prescribed by a family doctor. Red Wine Extract: 25 mg Resveratrol, a compound found primarily in red wine, is a naturally occurring antioxidant. Resveratrol is found in grapevines (Vitis vinifera L). It occurs naturally in grape vines, roots, seeds and stalks, with its highest concentration in the skins. The concentration of resveratrol in red wine is significantly higher than in white wine. In the late 1990s, scientists took note of a phenomenon among the French. There were very low rates of heart disease in the provinces where residents consistently ate high fat foods and drank red wine. The protective properties of red wine have protected the French against heart disease for years and subsequent scientific studies have further proven the fact that the OPCs found in red wine are particularly beneficial for protecting the heart and blood vessels. In test tube and animal studies, red wine extracts promoted healthy platelets and helped blood vessels remain open and flexible. In animal studies, red wine extract was shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol): 25 mg Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne. This unspoiled and natural forest environment is the unique source of Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol represents a natural combination of genetically programmed constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids. The extract has four basic properties - it's a powerful antioxidant, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide, which helps to vasodilate blood vessels. As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol combats many aggressive free radicals before they cause oxidative stress to vital organs. Its super-antioxidant capabilities help boost the immune system, strengthen blood vessel walls and capillaries, relieve PMS and supports optimal circulation. Today, Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients in the natural product marketplace. Published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol's beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, eye health, skincare, optimal blood sugar levels, anti -inflammatory properties, sports nutrition, allergy relief and menstrual disorders, among many others. Bilberry Extract : 25mg Bilberry extract is derived from the leaves and berry-like fruit of a common European shrub closely related to the blueberry. Extracts of the ripe berry are known to contain flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants. Scientific studies confirm a positive effect on vision and venous circulation. Bilberry extract strengthens capillaries, aids in minor wound healing; studies have found it helps to relax smooth muscles like those found in the uterine wall. Citrus Extract (Bioflavonoids): 25 mg Bioflavonoids are found in certain plants to act as light filters protecting the delicate DNA chains and other important macromolecules by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. They have been found to suppress the aromatase enzyme activity in human cells, which suggests they may contribute to the reduction of estrogen-dependent ailments. Flavonoids also brought about a marked inhibition of liver damage caused by another toxin, carbon tetrachloride. What Makes This Product Unique? Isotonix OPC-3 is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus extract bioflavonoids. Isotonic supplements actually bear chemical resemblance to the body's tears, plasma and blood. The body welcomes the assimilation, integration and superior delivery of this product. In addition to being powerful antioxidants, the OPCs in Isotonix OPC-3 have been shown to provide a variety of health benefits including but not limited to cardiovascular health, relief of PMS, sexual vitality, anti-inflammatory properties, visual health, healthy blood sugar levels and maintaining joint flexibility. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. Isotonix OPC-3 contains OPCs from grape seed extract, red wine extract, bilberry extract, Pycnogenol® from pine bark and citrus fruit. Our grape seed extract is a superior source of OPC, containing 92 percent of active ingredients with pine bark containing 84 percent of active OPC ingredients. The red wine extract contains flavonoids called leucocyanidins from the skin of red grapes. These are the three best sources of oligometric proanthocyanidins available. Over 20,000 different flavonoids have been discovered, of which a select few are water-soluble and easily absorbed by the body. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the top three of the most bioavailable and potent forms of OPCs. Pycnogenol in Isotonix OPC-3 is the most clinically researched and potent bioflavonoid. There may be other OPC products on the market that have a little bit of everything mixed in, but only Isotonix OPC-3 uses the highest quality ingredients with clinical studies behind each ingredient to create the most effective and potent product on the market. Isotonix OPC-3 also contains an unmatched delivery system in isotonic form delivering maximum results. Isotonix dietary supplements are a replica of the body's own fluids such as tears, plasma and breast milk. All fluids in the human body have a certain concentration, which is called the osmotic pressure. The body's common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of all body tissues. In order for a substance to be used in the body's metabolism, it must be changed to the isotonic state. The efficiency of absorption is also affected by the digestive system. All substances that are used in the stomach go through a degradation process (breakdown) before they can be passed through the opening from the stomach to the small intestine to allow absorption. The digestive process can cause substances to lose some nutritive value and this whole process takes time! The secret of the isotonic process is probably now becoming clear! When an isotonic substance enters the body, it will be absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly. With isotonic fluids, little nutritive value is lost making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient. There is nothing artificial about it. An isotonic fluid is nature's own nutrient delivery system. Isotonix OPC-3 delivers quality and results every time. Frequently Asked Questions: What is OPC-3TM? OPC-3 is a dietary supplement that bears as active ingredients the most powerful bioflavonoids currently known to research scientists. These bioflavonoids are scientifically termed "oligomeric proanthocyanidins," commonly abbreviated OPC. The purest and best-researched OPCs chosen for OPC-3 are prepared from grape seed, red wine, bilberries, Pycnogenol from pine bark and citrus fruit. This combination of potent OPCs is unique to OPC-3, as is the Isotonix delivery system, which enables rapid and highly efficient absorption of the OPCs. Isotonix OPC-3 has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits including but not limited to cardiovascular health, relief of PMS, sexual vitality, anti-inflammatory properties, visual health, healthy blood sugar levels, and maintaining joint flexibility. What is a bioflavonoid? Bioflavonoids are complex organic plant compounds. Plants and fruits differ in colors based on the specific bioflavonoids they contain. Bioflavonoids have always played an important nutritional role. A rapidly increasing number of clinical studies show how versatile bioflavonoids support health. Bioflavonoids found in OPCs play a key role for cardiovascular health and maintaining vascular integrity. Clinical studies have demonstrated support of healthy blood flow and enhanced cell vitality. Normal collagen renewal is promoted, with supports firmness of the skin, joint cartilage and connective tissue. And OPCs helps the body's immune response. What sets Isotonix OPC-3 apart from other bioflavonoid products? OPC-3 offers exclusively OPCs, scientifically proven to be the most potent for human health in the optimal servings. In addition to being powerful antioxidants, the individual OPCs have been shown to provide a myriad of specific health benefits. This science-driven selection of OPCs is unique to OPC-3, as is the Isotonix delivery system, which enables rapid and highly efficient absorption of the OPCs. The potent nutrients in combination with the highly effective delivery system make OPC-3 the most powerful natural free radical scavenger, anti-aging and cardiovascular health protecting product available. Is Isotonix OPC-3 safe? Absolutely! OPCs are among the most valuable constituents of a healthy human diet. OPCs have been researched and used for over 30 years throughout Europe. Extensive safety studies were conducted and laboratory testing revealed no evidence for human toxicity or allergic reactions. OPC-3 contains pure OPCs in combination with carefully balanced quantities of potassium and little sugar, which set up the isotonic delivery system. OPC-3 is free of harmful chemicals, preservatives and alcohol. OPC-3 should be taken as directed. How long does it take for me to benefit from Isotonix OPC-3? OPC-3 not only provides the most potent OPCs available, the unique Isotonix delivery system ensures that the small intestine rapidly absorbs the OPCs, which are available in the blood stream within minutes. This is because the OPCs are delivered in liquid form. The liquid is isotonic, which means it duplicates the environment in our cells and blood stream regarding pH, electrolytes, etc. This enables the OPCs to transit into our body without barriers and with a high level of bioavailability. Though you might not notice it, within minutes after consumption, Isotonix OPC-3 will begin to support your blood circulation. This is not an assumption, but objectively measured in clinical trials. OPC-3 immediately begins to work to strengthen blood vessels, which helps maintain your circulation. Further, OPC-3 supports healthy blood vessel dilation and platelet activity. What will I feel when taking Isotonix OPC-3? Within minutes after consumption of OPC-3 the proanthocyanidins are delivered to the blood stream where they immediately get into action. Smooth blood vessels will switch to a relaxed state, which will result in an increase in blood vessel diameter. This supports healthy blood flow. Additionally, OPC-3 supports healthy blood perfusion all-over the body, which helps promote a healthy oxygen and nutrient supply as well as healthy waste removal. What is the advantage of taking Isotonix OPC-3 regularly? Many effects of OPC-3 start to work after a single serving. Studies with human volunteers have found that particular health merits of OPCs may take a while to develop until they reach full swing. This may be the case in health concerns resulting from everyday wear and tear, where time simply has taken its toll. Taking Isotonix OPC-3 daily enables the body to sustain a consistent antioxidant defense. Isotonix OPC-3 enhances the vitality of our cells, and the cells, in turn, will continue to fulfill their individual tasks efficiently. Take for example, those cells producing collagen. These cells will continue to produce collagen and skin will maintain its elasticicity, and the health of blood vessels and joint cartilage will be supported. Another example is immune cells, which will maintain healthy duplication in the bone marrow and support healthy synthesis of antibodies. OPC works to maintain and enhance overall cell vitality. Why should everyone take Isotonix OPC-3? Free radical damage and oxidative stress are reality. Everyone is subject to it. Free radicals develop as byproducts when cells of the body generate energy from burning calories with oxygen. These molecules behave somewhat like hot sparks, which destroy any other cell matter they come into contact with by ridding the other cells of their excess energy. This damage doesn't cause noticeable harm at first, yet it adds up over the years. This process is largely responsible for the aging process. If you do not have adequate protection from free radicals, you could appear to age faster and experience health problems you could have avoided. Free radicals have been linked directly to premature aging, poor circulation, poor heart health and poor immune health. OPCs are the most powerful natural free radical neutralizers and you get the best of all OPCs by taking Isotonix OPC-3. This product should be taken for a long healthy life. Regular use every day is vital to keep free radicals in check. Laboratory studies have shown that OPCs are more powerful antioxidants than vitamin C and vitamin E. Isotonix OPC-3 demonstrates anti-inflammatory benefits and helps maintain normal levels of histamine secretion. Isotonix OPC-3 strengthens capillaries and supports healthy circulation by helping to maintain normal blood pressure and blood lipid profiles healthy. Women experience a soothing of the PMS symptoms. Can you take Isotonix OPC-3 in soda, juice, coffee, etc., rather than water? It is possible but not recommended. This product should only be taken as directed. In order to keep the product in an isotonic form and to achieve the maximum delivery speed, it needs to be taken on an empty stomach with 2 oz. of water per capful. Mixing the products with anything else besides other Isotonix and water slows down the delivery time and may also affect the percentage of uptake. I'm healthy and athletic, why should I take Isotonix OPC-3? Everyone is vulnerable to the aging process caused by continuous free radical damage. Athletes tend to be exposed to elevated levels of oxidative stress. Free radicals develop as byproducts during metabolism when calories are processed with oxygen. Athletes inhale 10 to 20 times more oxygen during physical activity over rest periods. The increase in activity creates additional free radicals. In fact, these free radicals are known to limit performance, as free radicals appear to take their toll on muscle tissue. Studies on recreational athletes have shown a 20% endurance increase with OPCs, as compared to a control group receiving placebo. Another study has shown that athletes using OPCs suffered significantly less muscle cramping during and after performing. Isotonix OPC-3 helps to maintain healthy blood flow and this supports oxygen supply to muscles.* Does OPC-3 have visible benefits? As OPCs support collagen production in the skin, an increase of smoothness and elasticity is the natural result. Such an effect was objectively measured in women aged 40 years and older. Skin smoothness was increased after 3 months as measured by 3-dimensional topography. Likewise, increased skin elasticity was recorded with a special instrument (cutometer). It requires patience until skin cells have renewed significant amounts of collagen to show visible effects. It is essential to continuously take OPC-3 to keep skin cells at their peak vitality. On a short-term basis many people notice a fresher-looking skin complexion. This is a result of healthy blood micro-circulation, which helps detoxify the skin and improves the nutrient supply. Regular use of OPC-3 helps defy photo-aging of the skin.* Does OPC-3 have a rejuvenating effect? The damage caused by free radicals adds up with time. A cause for more worry is the fact that your body's own mechanisms to keep free radicals in check decline with increasing age - when you need them the most. Suddenly, we find ourselves confronted with some typical age-related problems. Some cells of our body are more vulnerable to free radicals than others. OPC-3 has the ability to go in and do a knock-out job, cleaning and scavenging the free radicals that feast on cellular energy, and take it away from vital processes. A typical example is cells of the nervous system. Their membranes are highly vulnerable to free radicals and OPCs have shown to significantly protect nerves. These studies were controlled with groups receiving inactive dummies. Some parents wish to have a child but then it turns out that the father-to-be has sub-fertile sperm. Again these cells are rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, which are extremely vulnerable to destruction by free radicals. Moreover, sperm require 90 days to develop from progenitor cells into fully functional mature sperm. This leaves 90 days for free radicals to harm sperm membranes while they develop. In clinical studies sub fertile men were treated with OPCs for 90 days, to secure protection of the developing sperm. The results indicated that the OPCs supported sperm quality.* What are the proven heart health benefits of OPC? Scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, who received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of vitamin C, discovered OPCs. Szent-Györgyi found that OPCs work in a similar fashion. They strengthen walls of arteries, veins and capillaries. In the past 20 years scientists discovered that OPCs bear a lot more benefits for the cardiovascular system. Epidemiological studies have shown that regular intake of powerful OPC antioxidants supports a healthy cardiovascular system. OPCs appear to be particularly helpful in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and healthy arteries. Pycnogenol® in Isotonix OPC-3 plays a key role, as it stimulates an enzyme in the body to promote healthy nitric oxide (NO) levels. NO is a tiny molecule which serves as a key messenger molecule in the blood stream. It promotes relaxation of smooth muscle-surrounding arteries and supports normal artery diameter and blood flow. Healthy NO levels help maintain normal blood pressure. This benefit has been explicitly demonstrated with Pycnogenol in two clinical studies. NO also promotes healthy blood platelet activity thus preserving a normal, fluid environment. OPCs are especially helpful for smokers. OPC-3 packs a powerful punch when it comes to maintaining excellent heart health. How can OPC-3 help my eyes? Loss of eyesight is the disability people fear more than all others. Isotonix OPC-3 contains specific OPCs successfully tested for eye health. Pilots of the Royal Air force used bilberry OPCs during World War II for support of nighttime vision and adjustment to darkness. Bilberry extract was shown to also help maintain overall eye health in the vast majority of people in a study. Pycnogenol has demonstrated to support healthy capillaries in the eye. Pycnogenol was demonstrated to support healthy capillaries in the eye. Isotonix OPC-3 helps maintain visual health and supports visual acuity.* Does OPC-3 have benefits specifically for women? Some OPCs were shown in clinical trials to help women who suffer from mild pain and cramping during the menstrual period. When women were supplemented with OPCs, starting at least a week before their menstrual period, pain values were found to be significantly lowered. What exactly is Pycnogenol? Pycnogenol is the trademark of Horphag Research (UK) Ltd. for a standardized extract of bark of the French maritime pine tree. Pycnogenol is particularly renowned for its extensive clinical research with more than 120 studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals. The flavonoids in Pycnogenol are particularly powerful as antioxidants and, furthermore, stimulate an enzyme which generates nitric oxide (NO). NO plays a key role in regulating cardiovascular health. NO triggers relaxation of arteries, restoring the normal diameter of blood vessels and supports healthy blood pressure and circulation. NO allows platelets to be less "sticky" allowing the blood to maintain a normal, fluid viscosity. Pycnogenol has been awarded various patents for its ability to influence platelet activity. Also, in one of the few clinical trials of Pycnogenol, it dramatically inhibited smoking-induced platelet aggregation for longer than three days at a 200 mg dose. How do I take OPC-3? Each capful of Isotonix OPC-3 contains 125 milligrams of bioflavonoids, of which 75 milligrams are oligomeric proanthocyanidins in an isotonic-capable base. That means that the OPC-3 active ingredients will be delivered in the highest concentration to the small intestine, where most absorption of nutrients occurs. To start using Isotonix OPC-3 for its benefit as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, take two level capfuls for every 150 pounds of body weight for the first seven days. This is referred to as the saturation serving. Then, switch to a daily serving of one capful, per 150 lbs. of body weight, as a maintenance dose. For example, if you weigh 190 pounds, you would take three servings of Isotonix OPC-3 per day for seven days, then switch to two servings per day for long-term health maintenance. Isotonix OPC-3 has a pleasant natural grape flavor, is a vegetarian product and mixes instantly when added to water. This product should be taken on an empty stomach for the fastest, most effective delivery of the active ingredient. OPC-3 is a natural food supplement that should be taken for a lifetime. What is the history of OPCs? In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier was leading an expedition up the St. Lawrence River. Trapped by bad weather, Cartier and his crew were forced to survive on a ration of salted meat and biscuits. Cartier's crew began to suffer from severe deficiency of vitamin C and showed symptoms of scurvy. Many crewmembers died before the surviving members encountered a friendly Native American who saved most of their lives. He told them to make a tea from the bark and needles of the pine tree to cure their malady. They complied and, as a result, Cartier and many crewmembers survived. Some 400 years later, Professor Jacques Masquelier of the University of Bordeaux, France, read a book by Cartier detailing their expedition. He concluded that pine bark not only contained some vitamin C, but obviously was a good source of bioflavonoids, whose effects are similar to those of vitamin C. Further studies and research revealed that the pine bark contained an array of proanthocyanidins complexes. These compounds were also found in a variety of plants, including grape seeds, cranberries, peanut skin, lemon tree bark and citrus rinds. Masquelier termed the active ingredients of the pine bark "pycnogenols", which today are referred to in the scientific community as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.