Health for life

Melatonin is a powerful natural hormone that is well known for its association with circadian rhythms that promote a healthful sleep cycle. Researchers from the University of Granada reporting in the Journal of Pineal Research have found that melatonin helps to control unnatural weight gain without reducing the intake of food.

The hormone was shown to improve blood lipid profiles, lower triglycerides and oxidized LDL cholesterol and boost health-promoting HDL cholesterol. Found naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, small quantities are shown to provide a powerful array of health benefits and promote deep sleep that is so critical to systemic repair functions throughout the body.

Melatonin is a natural hormone normally secreted by the pineal gland at night time to encourage sleep and levels trail off during the early morning hours as we awaken. The importance of 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep is paramount to cellular repair and maintenance functions that promote vibrant health. New research demonstrates that melatonin exerts control over metabolic functions that determine fat accumulation, obesity and lipids that help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Researchers broke test subjects into three groups where one cohort was supplemented with melatonin. They found that the melatonin supplemented group experienced a significant reduction in body weight with no difference in calories consumed as compared with the non-supplemented subjects. Additionally, they determined that melatonin helped to lower systolic blood pressure and provided a significant improvement in dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Improvements in blood lipid ratios and lowering of circulating triglycerides are critical to lowering the overall risk of heart disease.

Melatonin is naturally found in some fruits and vegetables including mustard, Goji berries, almonds, sunflower seeds, cardamom, fennel, coriander and cherries. The researchers publishing the result of this study believe this is the first proof that melatonin can act as a critical hormonal agent in the fight against cardiovascular disease and lipid dysfunction. They did note that the protective effect of melatonin was more pronounced in younger subjects in this study prompting dietary intervention or supplementation at an earlier age to yield maximum health benefits.

The study authors concluded"administration of melatonin and intake of food containing melatonin might be a useful tool to fight obesity and the risks associated to it.” In addition to natural food sources, many health-minded individuals will want to supplement with 1 to 3 mg of melatonin each night, taken 30 minutes before retiring to promote sound sleep, avoid unnecessary weight gain and ward off the damaging effects of oxidized blood fats that promote heart disease.

The choice between a low fat and low carb diet has been a battle of epic proportions among health conscious individuals for decades. The medical profession has been advocating low fat for cardiovascular health in the belief that fat is bad and excessive carbs promote health. Low carb has been popular since the late Dr. Robert Atkins made a diet of bacon, cheese and meat popular in the 1970’s. Which dietary lifestyle reduces your risk for disease and assists with weight management goals?

When weight loss is your only goal, do you choose a low fat or low carbohydrate diet? A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that it really makes no difference. The study followed 300 obese participants split between the two dietary patterns and found that both groups lost about 7% of their body weight or roughly 15 pounds over the course of two years. The primary source of calories didn’t count with regard to the final weight loss result. The important element is to determine which diet is better for your health.

The low fat diet which is regularly touted by medical professionals and pharmaceutical manufacturers is dangerous to your health and is the driving force behind the rampant rise in heart disease. By substituting high carbohydrate foods which are low fat or no fat, dieters set the stage for wild swings in blood sugar and metabolic dysfunction. This ultimately leads to diabetes and heart disease as insulin becomes resistant to continually high blood sugar and the inner lining of the arteries are damaged by high blood pressure, oxidized LDL cholesterol and hormonal imbalance.

There are primarily two different types of low carbohydrate diet. The first is the Atkins menu plan which initially limits fruits, vegetables and most carbohydrates in favor of a diet full of meat, cheese and processed foods which have been manufactured to reduce sugar and available carbs.

By limiting carbs this diet promotes rapid weight loss initially, but many people report difficulty remaining on the diet and find that weight loss stalls after losing 20 to 25 pounds. Additionally, many people include processed meats with the Atkins program which are known to increase cancer risk due the high level of preservative nitrites.

The second type of low carb diet centers on fresh vegetables and leafy greens, nuts, seeds, lean meats and monounsaturated fats. Research confirms that eating a low carb diet that eliminates all sugar and processed carbs is not only best for weight loss, but also promotes overall health. A low carb lifestyle prevents excess sugar from remaining in the blood after each meal and reduces levels of dangerous triglycerides that convert to fat reserves.

The low fat vs. low carb debate will likely continue as people try to make the right choice for their health and weight loss goals. Both have been shown effective in promoting weight loss, but evidence abounds that the low fat approach is dangerous to health and should be avoided. Low carb alternatives are the best strategy but the Atkins approach may not promote health, depending on how it is followed. A diet filled with fresh vegetables in their natural form is best for optimal health and weight loss success.

Researchers reporting in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis found that the full spectrum of vitamin E tocotrienols supplemented for 30 days decreased artery-clogging triglycerides by 28%. Vitamin E tocotrienol supplementation along with carbohydrate restriction is recommended for individuals with a triglyceride level above 80 mg/dl to reduce cardiovascular and chronic disease risks.

Triglycerides are generated in the liver in response to a diet high in processed carbohydrates and hydrogenated or trans fats. They accumulate in organs around the body, especially the cardiac muscle where they influence the expression of genes that promote coronary artery disease. Triglycerides also lead to aggravated accumulation of blood platelets and are known to cause potentially deadly clots that cause heart attack or stroke.

Cutting edge research from a team of Singapore researchers found that the full spectrum of vitamin E tocotrienols, especially the gamma and delta forms suppressed negative gene expression that generates excess lipids in the form of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally these lesser known isomers of vitamin E lower LDL cholesterol oxidation and inhibit the ability of the compound to attach to endothelial cells where they form unstable plaque leading to coronary artery disease.

Researchers demonstrated that supplementation with a full spectrum vitamin E preparation including all 4 essential tocotrienols lowered total cholesterol by 25% and triglyceride levels by 28%. Participants in the study received a dose of vitamin E tocotrienols (including gamma-delta tocotrienols) of 120 mg per day for a period of 30 days. Beneficial HDL cholesterol levels were unaffected.

Publishing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, scientists examined the impact of vitamin E supplementation on the genesis of liver triglycerides and subsequent impact on heart health. They found that tocotrienols suppress the development of immature fat cells, helping to reduce the level of inflammation generated by fat tissue. Inflammation is a primary cause of heart disease and any nutrient that reduces this dangerous cellular flame will help squelch the number one killer in the US and western civilizations.

Vitamin E tocotrienols also deal a powerful blow to cancer initiation processes by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. Health-minded people will want to ensure a diet naturally high in nuts, seeds, vegetables and unprocessed vegetable oil to benefit from this amazing nutrient. Supplementation with a full spectrum vitamin E gelcap is necessary to achieve the health-promoting results demonstrated in most research studies.