Are You Getting Enough Vitamin E?

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, April 15, 2015

You might not place the same importance on vitamin E that you do on other vitamins, but it plays a critical role in the state of your overall health. Read on to find out more.

With so many vitamins, minerals and nutrients playing essential roles in your overall wellness, it can be difficult to keep track of your intake of everything. Vitamin E is an especially crucial nutrient your body needs to maintain great health. As a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant protection, vitamin E has a strong involvement in your body's production of red blood cells and it is needed for vitamin K absorption. If your vitamin E levels are too low, it can be detrimental to your health; therefore, it's critical to know the signs of deficiency and understand the best sources of this nutrient so you can replenish your intake to help renew your health.

Signs of Deficiency
If you have a severely low amount of vitamin E in your body, these are some of the adverse effects that may occur, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center: 

• Eyesight problems
• Weak muscles
• Diminished muscle mass
• Abnormal eye movements
• Problems with balance or walking

In addition, a new study suggests that a serious vitamin E deficiency might harm your brain. The study, conducted on zebrafish, illustrated that consuming a diet with a lack of vitamin E led to a 30 percent reduction in DHA-PC, a brain molecule that may play an important part in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Essentially, an insufficient amount of vitamin E might cause a disruption in nutrient supply to the brain, possibly causing these negative effects.

How to Get More Vitamin E in Your Diet
Vitamin E can be found in foods as well as in supplements. Some of the most significant food sources of this nutrient include:

• Tomatoes
• Peanut Butter
• Pine Nuts
• Vegetable Oils
• Avocado
• Mayonnaise

Benefits of Vitamin E 
While food sources are beneficial as well, utilizing a more direct source of vitamin E—like vitamin E oil or vitamin E capsules—can provide a variety of positive effects for your health, including antioxidant protection and support for fighting conditions such as diabetes, cataracts, premenstrual syndrome and more. Vitamin E can  also aid with preventing the clotting of blood platelets by providing blood-thinning properties. In addition, vitamin E can be applied topically when found in oil form, and this may be able to help improve the appearance of scars, soften skin, boost moisture, soothe sunburns and provide overall well-rounded skin nourishment and cell regenerating support.

While vitamin E can supply numerous benefits for improving your health, it may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are taking any medications or have any health concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using vitamin E supplements.

Thanks for reading, and come back next time for more health news. 

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5 Reasons to Go Mad for Matcha

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Matcha is a form of green tea popular in Asia for its healthful benefits. Keep reading to learn more about it.

Green tea has been consumed in Asian countries like Japan for centuries because of all its wonderful benefits for the body. Matcha is a form of green tea that has long been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It still is today, but this unique tea has been gaining popularity around the world for its healthful properties and as an ingredient in various beverages and foods.

What Is Matcha?
As mentioned earlier, matcha is one type of green tea. Produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the tea is covered before picking to enhance its color. Once harvested, the tea is then ground into a fine, bright-green powder. The powder can be added to water and consumed immediately.

What Does Matcha Taste Like?
Matcha has a stronger, more herbacious flavor than other varieties of green tea, like sencha. Matcha may have more grassy notes, or more of a seaweed quality. To adjust the taste to your liking, you can add a natural sweetener or milk or any variety to the tea.

5 Reasons to Try Matcha
We can't get enough matcha tea and we're hoping you'll give it a try, too. Here are the five reasons we love this green tea:

1. Antioxidants -- Matcha is absolutely packed with antioxidants like EGCG, catechins and chlorophyll which give the tea its bright color while also protecting your body's cells from the damage of free radicals we encounter in the environment. Matcha may be the beauty secret you've been looking for to keep your skin looking bright and youthful.

2. Energy -- Matcha tea contains caffeine, which can help wake you up and put a pep in your step. The good thing is, matcha tea isn't known to give you the jitters. This is because the average cup of matcha contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee the same size. Plus, matcha has a secret ingredient, which you'll read about next.

3. Calming Effect -- When you drink a glass of matcha, another reason the caffeine doesn't cause the jitters is because of the natural presence of theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect on the body, relaxing you. One cup = Cool, calm and collected.

4. Weight Management -- All those beneficial compounds within matcha tea may also help speed up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day. Try drinking 2 cups of matcha daily as part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

5. Convenience -- The best part about matcha tea is how quickly you can make it. The most complicated part is heating up the water, and you can even do that in the microwave. Just combine 1 tsp of matcha powder with hot water and you're good to go. This tea is meant to be drunk quickly before the tea settles to the bottom of your cup.

How to Use Matcha
Obviously, the most popular way to enjoy matcha is by drinking it. Matcha has earned the nickname "Japanese espresso" because of its supercharged nutrients and the fact you consume the actual ground leaves instead of only steeping them in water for a short time. Matcha can also be used to add green tea flavor to a number of drinks and dishes. You could put it into a smoothie or add it to frozen yogurt. Matcha is a common flavor for baked goods in Japan, with the powder being added to everything from batters to frosting, giving them a distinct mossy green color.

Lastly, you can try matcha is supplement form for a more concentrated dose of this potent green tea powder. Pure Synergy Organic Matcha Powder from The Synergy Company provides 1,500 mg of certified organic matcha green tea powder. It's a convenient way to take advantage of all matcha has to offer if you don't enjoy the taste. Take it daily for maximum benefit. Make sure to clear it first with your physician if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or currently taking any medication.

Check back tomorrow for more health news and the latest health trends. Stay well.

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Control Body Odor with Apple Cider Vinegar

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Monday, April 13, 2015

If you are looking for a natural way to stop body odor, apple cider vinegar may be able to provide you with some benefits. Keep reading to find out more.

If you're struggling with body odor, you're not the only one. Body odor affects everyone at some point or another, and it can make any situation a lot more embarrassing. To combat this problem, most people turn to deodorant or body spray, which may or may not improve the situation. If you've tried using traditional deodorizing methods to no avail, you might want to give apple cider vinegar a chance. While you may be wary to use anything with the word “vinegar” in it to fight body odor, surprisingly, it won't make the odor worse. Read on to find out how apple cider vinegar may be able to help get rid of embarrassing odor and leave you feeling more confident and naturally fresh.

How it Works

Mashing up fresh apples and squeezing out the juice is the first step to take in creating apple cider vinegar. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid, which, after several fermentation processes, is eventually converted into vinegar. Since apple cider vinegar has neutralizing properties, it can help reduce your skin's pH levels when applied topically, which in turn can prevent bacteria growth—the main culprit in body odor. Sweat alone is not what causes body odor, but when the sweat mixes with bacteria, things can get pretty stinky. This is why eradicating bacteria is important in preventing body odor from cropping up.

Underarms

Preventing underarm odor is a two-step process. First, it's important to cleanse and detoxify your underarms of bacteria and other impurities that may be contributing to an unpleasant aroma. Simply dip a cotton ball into organic apple cider vinegar and swipe onto underarms to remove bacteria. For a more pleasant scent, combine apple cider vinegar with a couple drops of lavender essential oil. Once your underarms are cleansed and dry, apply a natural deodorant to promote great odor protection and keep things smelling fresh. This process can be repeated daily for optimum results. If you develop irritation, discontinue use.

Feet

If you're prone to sweaty, stinky feet, apple cider vinegar can do wonders to combat odor here as well. One of the most effective ways to go about this is to utilize a foot soak to soften feet and wash away bacteria. In a basin large enough to hold your feet, fill with warm water and pour in about one-third cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak bare feet in the mixture for about ten to fifteen minutes. Remove feet and pat dry with a towel. Then, follow with a natural foot powder to further promote dry, fresh-scented feet. 

No one likes to admit they struggle with body odor, but it happens to the best of us. Apple cider vinegar is a natural ingredient to add to your odor-fighting arsenal to help keep bacteria at bay.

At eVitamins, we have a large selection of apple cider vinegar products and other essentials to encourage overall wellness. Check them out today, and come back next time for more health news!

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5 Skincare Myths and Best Practices

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Friday, May 01, 2015

Are you guilty of falling for these five common skincare myths? Keep reading to learn how to turn your skincare routine around.

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. But with so many products on the market, it’s easy to get confused about how much you really need to do on a daily basis. So today, we’re debunking five of the most common skincare myths and providing simple solutions for healthier skin, head to toe.

Skincare Myth No. 1: Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.
Between electric scrubbing brushes, chemical peels and scrubs, exfoliation is the treatment du jour but exfoliating your skin on a daily basis will do more harm than good. When you rub something rough on the skin, like bristles or a scrub with small beads or use chemicals that remove the top layer of your skin, you can create tiny tears in the skin that can be irritating and actually cause breakouts.  

Best Practice: Exfoliate once or twice a week.

If you use a scrub or cleansing brush, only use it one or two times per week to avoid damaging the skin. If you use an at-home chemical peel, limit usage to once a week at most. Professional exfoliation treatments are usually spaced out at least fours weeks between appointments. And always use a rich moisturizer after any exfoliating treatment.

Skincare Myth No. 2: Burning is a good thing.
Maybe it’s because we associate the burning of alcohol or peroxide on a wound with removing dirt that can cause infection, but many believe if a product doesn’t tingle, sting or burn, it didn’t work. Thankfully, this is a myth and if you are using a product that makes you wince, it probably isn’t right for your skin.  

Best Practice: Ditch the alcohol and acid.

Witch hazel and apple cider vinegar make excellent toners that will remove dirt without burning while still controlling oil. An ouch-free way to combat acne is by using tea tree oil or even activated charcoal. Unless it’s a prescription, try avoiding productions that contain alcohol or salicylic acid unless you really need them. If your dermatologist has recommended them to you, try this trick: Apply your moisturizer before your topical medication. Don’t worry it will still absorb and you’ll get all the benefits without the red, sensitive or peeling skin.

Skincare Myth No. 3: Don’t use oil on oily skin.
If you have oily skin, especially if you tend to break out with acne, you probably avoid oil like the plague in your skincare and cosmetics. But not all oil is actually bad for your complexion.

Best Practice: Choose argan oil.

Argan oil has been found to naturally balance oily skin and may even reduce and/or prevent breakouts. You can use pure argan oil as a moisturizer in the morning and evening or look for it mixed into other topical products. As with any new product, try it for two weeks to see how your skin adjusts.

Skincare Myth No. 4: Junk food makes you break out.
Your complexion is directly related to what you put into your body. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up the occasional sweet.

Best Practice: Now, hear us out on this one. The key is balance. If your diet is predominantly junk food like candy, processed foods, creamy, dairy treats and fried goodies, you do run the risk of waking up with some blemishes. But if you’re getting adequate vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, you should be OK. Try to limit your intake of these foods as a general best practice for your health and add a green drink or multivitamin to your daily routine.

Skincare Myth No. 5: You only need sunscreen when the sun is out.
Wrong! So wrong. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can be just as damaging on a cloudy day in the fall or winter than they are in the summer. While you’re more likely to get a sunburn during the warmer months, sunscreen is a must year round for absolute protection.

Best Practice: Follow the shot glass rule.

When shopping for skincare products and makeup, look for those that contain sunscreen. For the rest of your body, filling a shot glass with sunscreen will provide enough to cover you from head to toe. At least make sure any exposed skin is covered and that you reapply throughout the day if you’ll be outside or if you get wet from rain or exercise.

Shop for the best natural skincare products and cosmetics at eVitamins and enjoy your best skin ever.

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6 Changes to Make for Better Hearing

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Friday, April 10, 2015

Hearing is a sense that we all rely upon daily, but we often do not take regular care to preserve it. Keep reading to find out more about how you can promote great hearing health.

Many people taking their hearing for granted and are careless about the many factors that may negatively impact it. However, once you start aging, your inability to hear properly will probably become  a more significant issue. In order to help prevent your hearing from taking a drastic turn for the worse when you get older, there are several important steps you can be taking now to promote better hearing. 

1. Keep your diet healthy.

If you think that the foods you eat don't affect your hearing, you'd be surprisingly wrong. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who consumed two or more servings of fish a week had a lower risk of developing hearing loss, compared to those who rarely ate fish; the omega-3 fatty acids have an important role. In addition, a study in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that low folate levels may play a part in increasing hearing loss risk in those 50 and older by 35 percent. Some significant food sources of folate include broccoli, spinach and beans.

2. Turn down the volume.

It may seem pretty simple, but many people still don't realize the effect that loud noises have on their hearing. In addition to monitoring the volume control on your headphones, you can take precautions by using ear plugs when you are using a lawnmower, at a concert or in other situations where there may be excessive amounts of loud noise.

3. Check your medications.

Your chance of experiencing hearing loss can be affected by the types of medications you take. The American Tinnitus Association states that certain antidepressants, antibiotics, pain relievers, diuretics and other medications can cause hearing impairment.You should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your hearing quality while taking these medications. 

4. Try hearing-supporting supplements.

A study conducted by the University of Florida showed that supplements like vitamins C, E, beta carotene and magnesium prevented hearing loss in test animals when given before loud noise exposure. In addition, Michael Seidman, M.D. tells Bottom Line Health that CoQ10, L-glutathione, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid can aid with hearing protection.

5. Make sure you're in good health, and quit bad habits. 

Certain medical conditions and health problems can contribute to wrecking your hearing. High blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, meningitis and ear infections are several health issues that can cause hearing loss ranging from temporary to permanent. Additionally, smoking is something else to consider when it comes to habits that can damage your hearing. A study published in the Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology demonstrated the connection between smoking and hearing loss in smokers, passive smokers and non-smokers. The results showed that smokers were 15.1% more likely to get hearing loss than those who were passive smokers and non-smokers. Passive smokers still had a higher chance of developing hearing loss than non-smokers. 

6. Get enough exercise.

Exercising is necessary for everyone to maintain great overall health, but a 2013 study also shows that regularly exercising may be beneficial for hearing loss prevention. The researchers of the study found that a higher BMI and large waist circumference were connected to a higher risk of developing hearing loss, and higher amounts of exercise and physical activity were tied to a reduction in hearing loss risk. 

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, not just when you're old, so it's a good idea to start taking precautions now to protect it for your future. At eVitamins we have many different health products and wellness essentials to choose from, including supplements that may be able to help improve your hearing. Stay healthy, and come back next time for more eVitamins health news!

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The Rules of Going Raw

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Thursday, April 09, 2015

Switching to a raw lifestyle can be tricky, but not impossible. Keep reading for our best tips to change up your diet and go raw.

Going raw means some major changes to your diet but can also produce some significant health benefits. So, what does going raw involve?

What Does "Raw" Mean?
A raw diet consists of eating foods that are in their purest form that haven't been cooked above 118 degrees fahrenheit. These foods should be organic, unprocessed and non-GMO whenever possible. The main foods you consume on a raw diet are nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. That doesn't mean you can't include any animal products. Raw dairy milk is also more widely available nowadays and you can eat fish raw or meat (as long as it's of the right grade) or dehydrate them.

As with any diet, there are pros and cons to choosing a raw diet. Raw foods at at their purest form, which means they're rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes. Eating them means you can get the maximum amount into your body. These nutrients support every function of the body, from the immune system to tissue health and that's a definite pro. Raw, organic and unprocessed foods are also free of preservatives and added sugar and sodium, which can lead to weight loss. 

When done right, a raw diet could provide all these benefits, but done wrong, you can miss out on essential nutrients like iron, protein and vitamin B12. This doesn't have to mean eating meat, though, if you're trying to avoid it. Making sure your diet is balanced by doing your research and shopping carefully can help you avoid missing out on what your body needs to keep your energy up and your body strong. The other potential con is the fact cooking also kills bacteria and can boost the potency of some nutrients, like lycopene, which is found in tomatoes.

About Raw Supplements
Supplements that are labeled "raw" are prepared in the same way as raw foods. These supplements are produced from whole foods themselves and thus shouldn't be heated up to more than 118 degrees fahrenheit during processing to maintain the essential compounds of the foods used to make them. Whenever possible, look for supplements that are made with organic ingredients and classified as free of genetically modified organisms and fillers.

These supplements are said to be easier to digest and you can even take them without food as long as you have plenty of water. As always, check with your doctor before adding supplements to your routine, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.

Tips for Going Raw
If you're interested in making the switch to a raw diet, we have some tips to help you get there faster. To recap:

1. Buy organic, non-GMO produce.
2. Avoid processed and prepackaged foods -- more and more raw options are becoming available, so read the labels carefully.
3. Set aside a day for meal prep to help you stay on track.
4. Check out your local farmers' market for high quality produce.
5. Make sure your kitchen has the right equipment, such as a food processor, blender, juicer and dehydrator. You should also consider getting a mandolin so you can thinly slice vegetables, like zucchini for a pasta replacement.
6. You can also pickle foods or grow your own sprouts from nuts, seeds and legumes.

We carry a variety of raw supplements at eVitamins so start your journey today right here.

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Natural Ways to Reduce Belly Fat

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Do you have stubborn belly fat that just will not go away? Keep reading to find out some natural methods that may help you to get ready for summer.

If the thought of strutting around the beach in a bikini sends you reeling with anxiety, you're not alone. Many women dread swimsuit season for fear that their bodies aren't in “perfect” shape. Maybe you've got some stubborn belly fat that just won't disappear. If that's the case, there are plenty of natural methods you can try to help you start shedding that unwanted tummy and get toned in time for summer.   

Diet

We all know that what we put into our bodies has a direct impact on our health and our outward appearances. When it comes to blasting away fat, there are several foods that can provide support:

• Avocado

Healthy monounsaturated fats are abundant in avocados, and they can provide anti-inflammatory support, which extends to other aspects of your health. Lower inflammation levels can positively impact your cholesterol levels and deter your blood sugar from spiking—which can prompt your body to unnecessarily store extra calories as fat, potentially in your stomach area. 

• Green Tea

The polyphenols and catechins in green tea are antioxidants which may be able to promote a faster, more effective metabolism, temporarily. Drinking multiple cups of green tea may be the most effective way to receive the nutrients and belly-flattening support. 

• Oatmeal

Packed with fiber, a bowl of oatmeal can make a healthy breakfast or snack any time. In addition, it can help regulate your blood sugar levels and also provide plenty of digestive support, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied in order to reduce your likelihood of overeating, snacking or gaining weight in your belly region.

Exercises

In addition to eating healthy foods that promote fat burning, exercise is essential to help shrink your middle. In particular, cardio exercises are what push your body to start burning calories, which equates to a higher fat burn. You can do all of the low-intensity core exercises in the world in an effort to flatten your stomach, but if you have a high amount of fat in that area, cardio exercises are usually necessary as well. In conjunction with your planks, crunches and other abdominal exercises, you need to get your heart pumping by running, biking or partaking in other high-intensity workouts.

Supplements

While taking a supplement won't magically get rid of unwanted fat, incorporating one into your healthy diet and exercise routine can definitely add a spark to help ignite fat burning in your belly. CLA is one supplement that may provide support, possibly contributing to a loss of body fat and increase in lean muscle over a period of time, according to WebMD. Additionally, 7-Keto DHEA may be able to help enhance your fat loss so you can get a firmer, flatter stomach by accelerating your metabolic rate and possibly increasing body heat production.

Before taking any supplements, you should talk to your doctor to make sure they are appropriate for you. We have many supplements and wellness essentials at eVitamins to help you get into great shape for swimsuit season. Come back next time for more health news!

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