5 Foods That Can Promote Healthy Eyes

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Friday, May 08, 2015

Maintaining your vision and the health of your eyes should be a priority for everyone, no matter your age. Keep reading to find out several foods that can provide nutrients for healthy eyes.

As you age, your eyesight becomes an even more critical component to the state of your overall health. You shouldn't wait until you start showing signs of problems to begin caring for your eye health, but rather continuously take care of it. Aside from medications and supplements, certain foods can provide benefits for your eye health. In addition to carrots, there are many other foods that can provide you with great nutritional support and vitamins to help encourage better eye health. Let's take a look at some significant ones.

1. Food: Bilberry
Nutrients: Anthocyanins

In a family similar to blueberries and cranberries, bilberries are packed with antioxidants and chemical components that can provide many benefits for various aspects of your health, including vision. Anthocyanins are a type of antioxidant that exhibit protective properties against free radicals. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that the anthocyanins may also be able to provide positive effects for fighting eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, though there is still insufficient evidence.

2. Food: Turkey
Nutrients: Zinc

Essential for maintaining many aspects of your health—including your immune system, reproductive function and overall growth and development—turkey is a good source of this mineral. In one three-ounce serving of dark turkey meat, there are about 3 mg of zinc. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University also states that zinc may be able to benefit age-related macular degeneration, as the amount of this mineral in the retina lowers as you get older. However, Prevention magazine stresses the importance of staying only within the normal, recommended range of zinc consumption, as too much zinc can do the opposite and damage eyes.

3. Food: Eggs
Nutrients: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3s

Eggs are another food source that can provide positive effects for your health, especially when it comes to supplying plenty of valuable nutrients for your eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids which provide pigment to egg yolks, and they are also found in many other fruits and vegetables. Julie Mares, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Madison told the Chicago Tribune that these carotenoids may be able to benefit the vision of younger people by helping to absorb blue light which can damage the back of the eye. Additionally, lutein and zeaxanthin may help improve your ability to see contrast, in low light and in glare conditions. Omega-3s are also found in eggs and they are beneficial for promoting anti-inflammatory effects, which may positively impact your eye health.  

4. Food: Bell Peppers
Nutrients: Vitamin C

According to the American Optometric Association, vitamin C may be able to reduce the risk of developing cataracts and possibly help maintain sharp and clear vision. Bell peppers are a great source of this vitamin. In addition to possibly preventing cataracts and decline of visual acuity, vitamin C can help promote healthy blood vessels in the eyes and might even slow macular degeneration. 

5. Food: Baked Sweet Potato
Nutrients: Beta Carotene

Besides carrots, which are perhaps the most well-known source of this nutrient, baked sweet potatoes are also a great way to get a good helping of beta carotene. As another form of pigment, beta carotene might be able to help fight vision loss in those with age-related macular degeneration when used in conjunction with other vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 

Though these foods contain plenty of nutrients that may be able to enhance your eye health, you should not consume them in excess (as with all foods) or rely on them as the sole method of eye support. If you have an eye condition, you should always visit a doctor. If you have high cholesterol, you should avoid consuming too many eggs. 

Check out our large selection of wellness products and healthy vision supplements at eVitamins, and have a great day!

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8 Reasons to Use Almond Oil

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, May 06, 2015

The oil of this little nut can provide amazing benefits for everything from your skin to cholesterol. Keep reading to find out more.

You're probably aware that almonds are packed with nutrients and can help boost your health, but did you know that the oil of almonds is another form you can take advantage of when it comes to reaping the benefits of these nuts? Here are some reasons why you should think about using almond oil.

1. It can moisturize and improve the overall appearance of skin. 
Packed with vitamin E, magnesium, protein and copper, almond oil can do wonders for your skin, especially when it comes to moisturizing, nourishing and smoothing. Its natural hydrating properties can help soothe skin and combat dryness. Applying almond oil to your face can also encourage softer, more radiant skin as it absorbs deeply below the surface. An added benefit of this oil is that it is light enough to prevent clogged pores while still imparting amazing softness. Chapped lips may also find relief in the amazing moisture of this oil.

2. It can help fight signs of aging.
The high antioxidant content of almond oil provides defense against cellular free radical damage, which is something that can manifest through an aged appearance of your skin. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats in this oil work to repair cell membranes and combat signs of aging as well. 

3. It may improve psoriasis, eczema and sunburns.
The natural soothing properties of almond oil can help provide relief from dry, itchy, irritated skin and help gently buff away dead skin cells when used as an emollient. After a sunburn, almond oil might be able to help calm skin and prevent peeling. 

4. It can nourish hair.
Almond oil's vitamin E content can help smooth strands, temporarily seal split ends, reduce static and fly-awards, and impart a silky soft texture while acting as a shine enhancer. Magnesium is a mineral which is essential for maintaining hair growth and overall hair health, and luckily almond oil is a great source of it. To use, you can apply oil to hair when it's still wet after a shower for a deeper nourishment, or lightly smooth onto dry locks for a touch of softness and shine. The gentle softening effects of almond oil also work to soothe dry scalp and may help get rid of dandruff. 

5. It can enhance massages.
The lightweight slickness of this oil makes it great for using on skin to massage deeply into muscles, and its sweet scent can further encourage a calm, soothing experience. The anti-inflammatory abilities may also be able to further enhance a muscle massage.

6. It adds some sweetness to cooking.
Almond oil makes for a great salad dressing and may also be used in baking. This oil comes in different formulas, for cooking and for topical use, so make sure you choose the correct one for your specified purpose.

7. It might help lower cholesterol.
Since almonds themselves are packed with phytosterols and monounsaturated fats, both of which can help promote healthy cholesterol levels, the oil of almonds may be able to produce similar benefits.

8. It can provide anti-inflammatory support.When applying almond oil to the under-eye area, the anti-inflammatory properties may be able to help reduce puffiness and minimize the appearance of dark circles. 

Before you think about trying almond oil, make sure you are not allergic to almonds or nuts. Talk to your doctor to be certain it's safe for you to use. Some people may exhibit irritations when applying topical almond oil, so always try a test spot before applying to a broad area of skin.

Get your almond oil today at eVitamins, and check out the rest of our wide selection of wellness essentials to help you live a healthier life. 

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Give Your Complexion a Boost With Rosewater

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Thursday, May 07, 2015

Have you heard of rosewater? If not, you are missing out on one of the hottest skincare trends that actually works. Keep reading to learn more.

If you have a bottle of toner or face mist in your skincare regimen, get ready to toss it in the trash. Rosewater is the latest natural skincare craze and for good reason -- this stuff is actually great for your complexion.

What Is Rosewater?
All great skincare products have one thing in common: they're simple. These products aren't packed with artificial colors or scents, preservatives or parabens that can irritate the skin and further aggravate conditions like acne, rosacea or psoriasis. Rosewater is exactly that, just the oil of rose flowers combined with filtered, purified water. If there's anything else added to it, make sure you can recognize it -- sometimes other herbal extracts or vitamins may be included. For a formula that behaves more like an astringent toner, look for one with glycerin added.

Benefits of Using Rosewater
Rosewater can be used daily to keep the skin moisturized and balanced for better hydration while controlling oil production. Regular use of rosewater can also improve the clarity of your complexion, refining the tone and texture while also combatting dark circles, acne and inflammation. Rosewater also contains antioxidants which can have anti-aging benefits, encouraging cell turnover and reducing/preventing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Lastly, using a toner like rosewater can enhance the benefits of the other products in your skincare arsenal, like serums and creams.

Ways to Use Rosewater
The best time to apply rosewater is right after cleansing. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel and then mist your face. It can also be helpful to apply rosewater after using cosmetics to "seal" your look -- don't worry, it won't make them run off, quite the opposite actually. Allow it to absorb and then apply the rest of your products. Throw the bottle in your bag and use it to give your skin a refresher throughout the day. If you hit the gym or have a long commute on public transportation, it can help wake you up after. Lastly, you can also use rosewater to give your hair a sweet scent or in place of a perfume with a stronger scent.

Pick up rosewater at eVitamins and give it a try yourself! Go natural for clear, glowing skin.

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How Technology Can Affect Your Health

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Living in a digital age, technology is a huge part of our lives. While it can be very beneficial, overusing it can be detrimental to your overall wellness. Read on to find out more.

In an age where doctors use tablets to document patient records and illustrate medical diagnoses, and virtually everyone carries a smartphone with them wherever they go, it's obvious that technology plays a vital role in society. Technological advancements have contributed plenty of positives, including making communication easier, granting access to information with the touch of a button and providing a more efficient, productive way to get work done and accomplish tasks. However, in spite of all of these great things our phones and computers can do, they can also have the opposite effect, even having a negative impact on our health.

Physical Health

While taking your phone with you everywhere might seem convenient when it comes to maintaining social connections, it can make things worse for your physical health. With touch screens that you are constantly grabbing at, cell phones can harbor a great deal of nasty bacteria. After you use your favorite app and then place the phone to your face to make a call, you can transfer harmful bacteria to your skin and potentially cause acne flare-ups or even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema. The University of Oregon conducted a study which examined the index and thumbs of participants and the touch screens of their phones. The results showed that 82 percent of the bacteria found on the participants' phones was also found on their fingers, which illustrates the significance of cleansing your hands and sanitizing your phone before usage. While the majority of bacteria found on the phones in this study was harmless, it is possible for dangerous bacteria to live on these devices and contribute to sickness. Using a sanitizer wipe to clean off your phone and taking care to wash your hands before handling your device can help combat this problem. 

In addition to the bacteria that can live on your phone, the bright light of your cell phone, tablet or computer can cause eye strain and keep your brain highly stimulated and in a state of overdrive—something that gives you that “wired” feeling and can prevent you from relaxing and falling asleep. The actual radiation from these electronic devices can also cause sleep problems. A 2008 study found that mobile radiation—which you're exposed to when in close proximity to your phone—can lengthen the time it takes you to fall asleep and reduce the amount of time you spend in deep sleep. Additionally, the same study found that mobile radiation contributed to giving some participants headaches. In general, being overdependent on your mobile device or computer may lead to lower levels of physical activity, which in itself is a factor that can put a dent in your overall wellness. Giving your phone or computer a break at least an hour before bed and cutting back on overall usage can help your body and mind unwind more easily and promote more restful sleep.

Mental Health

In addition to physical symptoms, spending too much time on your phone or other digital device may be a factor in the development of stress, self-esteem issues and even depression. Social comparison may act as the catalyst in inciting these negative psychological conditions. A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that a high usage of a specific social networking site led to intensified feelings of personal dissatisfaction. Stacking your life and achievements against someone else's can drag you down and cause your self-esteem to plummet if you believe you're not “caught up” to where your friends are in life. This can also cause unnecessary stress and even spiral into depressive symptoms. It's important to make sure you take a timeout when using social media, and you don't get too hung up on what others post about their lives. Most people only highlight the positives and hide the not-so-great times from the public, so it can create the illusion that their lives are perfect all the time—something that is critical to understand for the sake of your wellbeing. Being glued to your phone can also put a strain on your in-person relationships. If you become so obsessed with your phone that you start to ignore your friends and family so you can spend more time on your favorite social media sites, it is probably a problem. Having social relationships is critical to total wellness and a general sense of satisfaction with life, so it's important to make sure you take the time to nurture them and not let technology interfere.

While there are plenty of positives to technology, it's critical to make sure you maintain a healthy balance, for the sake of your health. At eVitamins, we have plenty of wellness essentials and products to help you live a healthier life. 

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

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Alcohol Best Practices: How Much Is Too Much?

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Studies go back and forth about the pros and cons of drinking alcohol. How much can you safely drink on a weekly basis? Keep reading to learn more.

Drinking is a common social activity that is also deeply rooted in cultural customs around the world. But how much is too much? Is alcohol actually good or bad for you? We decided to take a look at the latest research on drinking alcohol and how it can impact your health, for better or for worse.

The Facts On Alcohol
Alcohol, also referred to as ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is produced through the fermentation of starches, sugar and yeast. This compound is found within beer, wine and liquor and is quickly absorbed through the stomach and into the bloodstream, causing an intoxicating effect. This rapid absorption causes you to feel drunk because the alcohol acts as a depressant for the central nervous system, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

But is it good or bad for the body?

Based on published studies, the suggested benefits of consuming a moderate amount of alcohol may be reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. According to a 2012 study published in the medical journal Nutrients, moderate consumption of alcohol from beer and wine may cause these benefits due to the presence of polyphenols in these beverages that boost antioxidant activity. The main polyphenol that has been studied for its potential health benefits is resveratrol, found in red wine. While recent studies have produced some mixed results, the general consensus is antioxidants like these can help protect the vital organs of the body, like the heart, from free radical damage and therefore reduce the risk for illness. One such study, an animal study, was published in 2014 in Food & Function, which showed the polyphenols found in red wine had preventative effects colon cancer cells, preventing them from reproducing rapidly.

The key word to remember is "moderate." According to the National Institutes of Health, moderate drinking is considered to be up to four drinks a day or 14 drinks per week until the age of 65, when up to three drinks a day and seven drinks in a week is seen as moderate consumption. Alcoholic beverages won't prevent any diseases or medical conditions outright, but may be beneficial when consumed responsibly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

The known negative side effects of drinking too much alcohol are more well documented. Alcohol can cause damage to the liver and can also impair the immune system and increase one's risk for certain cancers and stroke. A 2010 review published in Drug and Alcohol Review found women who consumed alcohol regularly were more likely to suffer from cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. While these side effects are the result of prolonged, high alcohol consumption, most people are familiar with the side effects of drinking too much alcohol on a particular occasion --  a hangover -- which can include headache, nausea and/or vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.

Alcohol Best Practices
In order to reap the potential benefits of alcohol and avoid any negative symptoms or side effects, here are some best practices to follow:

1. Have a full glass of water with each alcoholic beverage. You should also stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Always eat a substantial meal before and/or during alcohol consumption.
3. Lead an active lifestyle and eat a balanced diet to keep all the body's systems functioning optimally. This will help remove alcohol from the body faster.
4. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol if you're taking any type of medication.
5. Never operate a vehicle of any kind (car, truck, bike, etc.) after drinking alcohol.

Liver Support Supplements
If you choose to have alcohol on a regular basis, there are ways to protect your liver, which is a crucial organ involved in the natural detoxification of the body. By supporting the liver, you enable it to better remove alcohol from the body along with other toxic compounds. Two of the most widely used supplements to aid in liver health are turmeric root and milk thistle. Turmeric root (Curcuma longa) contains curcuma, an antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory benefits to protect the liver. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) contains an antioxidant compound known as silymarin, which helps with the detoxification and protection of the liver as well.

Before adding any of these supplements to your routine, be sure to check with your physician first, especially if you're currently being treated for any liver health issues with either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

You can find the supplements mentioned in this post and more at eVitamins. Check back tomorrow for even more health news.

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What Is That? Common Supplement Additives

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Tuesday, May 05, 2015

When you pick up a supplement bottle, you may be confused about some of the ingredients used in your favorite products. Keep reading to learn more so you can shop smarter.

When purchasing supplements, it's important to read the labels so you know exactly what you're getting. This is especially crucial for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences such as following a vegan or vegetarian diet or those with allergies to ingredients like gluten.

Today, we've rounded up eight of the most common additives to supplements so you can better decipher what's in a product when shopping:

1. Bioperine: A patented extract from piperine, or black pepper, BioPerine is added to supplements to boost the bioavailability of the nutrients contained in the supplement. This could be vitamins, minerals or other herbal extracts. This means the nutrients are more easily absorbed by the body for greater benefit.

2. Silica: Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that helps support the health of the tissues from the bones to the hair on your head. The silica used as a supplement additive is silicon dioxide, which is a chemical compound made from this mineral that keeps the ingredients of the supplement from sticking together. 

3. Magnesium Stearate: This supplement additive is the mineral magnesium combined with stearic acid, which is a fat, to create a chelated form of the mineral. Magnesium stearate is added to supplements as a binder, which means it helps fill in capsules or form tablets. This additive isn't known to impact the effectiveness of the nutrients in the supplement.

4. Tocopherol: Naturally occurring chemical compounds, tocopherols function as vitamin E within the body. Tocopherols are often added to oil-based supplements, like fish oil or flaxseed oil, to keep them fresh. Tocopherols are a natural preservative option.

5. Citric Acid: Found in citrus fruits, citric acid is a weak acid that is also used as a way to prevent ingredients from spoiling, AKA, a preservative.

6. Titanium Dioxide: Used as a coloring agent, titanium dioxide is a powdered form of titanium that can be used to give supplements a distinct hue. 

7. Maltodextrin: Used as a filler or binding agent, maltodextrin is a carbohydrate added to thicken a product or to help create capsules or tablets. If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, make sure to avoid this one as it can be produced from wheat or barley.

8. Dextrose: Also referred to as glucose, dextrose is a sugar used to sweeten supplements for a better flavor. You may find it in protein powders or chewable and gummy supplements to make them more appetizing. This is something to check for on children's supplements, which are often flavored, if you want to avoid it.

If you have any questions about a supplement on our site, feel free to contact us and we'd be happy to help you choose the right product. Stay well!

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10 Things to Know About Mental Health

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Monday, May 04, 2015

May is National Mental Health Month, so it is important to make sure you know the facts when it comes to mental health. Keep reading to find out more.

The month of May is National Mental Health Month, and it's important to bring awareness to this for many reasons. Physical health often takes the spotlight over mental health, and it's common for many mental health issues to slip by, undetected. Not only does mental health impact your mind, but its effects can extend to your physical health as well, potentially causing problems with many aspects of your overall wellbeing. Therefore, it's critical to keep up with the state of your psychological wellness, and being able to do so required that you have the proper facts about mental health.

1. U.S. Adult Prevalence: The National Institute of Mental Health reports that around 18.6 percent of American adults aged 18 and older will experience mental illness in a given year. This equates to about 43.7 million, or 1 in 5.

2. U.S. Youth Prevalence: Around 46.3 percent of children aged 13 to 18 will experience any mental illness at some point in their lives. When it comes to severe mental illnesses, 21.4 percent of children in this same age group will experience it in their lifetimes.

3. Fatalities from Suicide: While mental illness on its own does not typically cause death, suicide as a result of severe mental illness is common. About 90 percent of those who commit suicide have an underlying or diagnosed mental disorder, and around 30,000 Americans die each year as a result of suicide. 

4. How Mental Health Can Affect Physical Health: Having certain mental illnesses, like depression, can put you at an increased likelihood of developing other health conditions. According to a 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, there may be a connection between depression and diabetes. The female participants in the study who were depressed were found to be 17 percent more likely to develop diabetes. There was also an increased likelihood of the opposite occurring: those who already had diabetes were found to have a higher chance of developing depression. Additionally, a recent study indicates that depression may increase the chance of getting dementia. 

5. Common Mental Illnesses: Some of the most common forms of mental illness are major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders.

6. General Symptoms: There is a wide range of symptoms of mental illness, and they are dependent upon the specific condition. However, the Mayo Clinic states that these symptoms may indicate a possible mental disorder: 

• You feel sad, down or not yourself on a consistent basis.
• You have a hard time concentrating or simply thinking clearly.
• You have a loss in appetite.
• You no longer have interest in activities you used to enjoy.
• You have feelings of hopelessness or a bleak outlook.
• You feel anxious, stressed out, angry or agitated.
• You have low energy levels.
• You have little interest in sex.
• You are experiencing detachments from reality, which may include hallucinations or paranoia.
• You can't cope with stress.
• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others.

7. Risk Factors: Many mental disorders run in families, and genetics play a significant role in determining your chance of developing a mental health condition. Other factors that may be involved are brain chemistry, life events and personality.

8. Screening: Currently, efforts are being made to implement regular mental health screenings into schools, primary care health facilities and other institutions. Right now, you can take a free, anonymous mental health screening here to help you determine whether you may be experiencing a psychological condition which may require professional help. Talking to your doctor is always the best, most accurate method of discovering this, however. 

9. Treatment: Most mental illnesses require treatment with cognitive behavorial therapy, medications or a combination of the two. Between 60 and 90 percent of those who suffer from serious mental illnesses are able to experience a significant reduction in symptoms and overall improvement with treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

10. Erasing Stigma and Moving Forward: Many people are afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to address the topic of mental illness, and especially admit that they have one. By making mental health a more common topic of conversation and bringing it out into the open, there is a better chance of successful diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Certain political figures and health organizations are rallying for a better handling of mental health discussion and treatment. In medicine, progress is being made every day to come up with new ways of treating mental illness. A 2015 study found that major depression may leave a "metabolic signature," which may be able to help scientists monitor mental health at the molecular level in the future, upon further research. 

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. While May is National Mental Health Month, it's critical to support your mental health every month and every day. If you suspect you may be struggling with a mental illness, please contact your doctor immediately. If you can't talk to your doctor, reach out to a friend or family member, or call 911 for immediate support. 

Thanks for reading, and stay well.

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