Yes, If It’s the Wrong Kind Vitamin E has long been studied for its antioxidant and protective roles in human health. However, not all forms of vitamin E are the same—and research outcomes can vary dramatically depending on which form is used. A prominent example highlights why understanding vitamin E chemistry is essential. The Study That Sparked Confusion A large clinical trial conducted under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health evaluated vitamin E and selenium for prostate cancer prevention. The trial was halted after researchers observed that participants taking 400 IU of vitamin E daily had a higher incidence of prostate cancer. The finding received widespread attention—but an important detail was largely overlooked: The study used a synthetic form of vitamin E: alpha-tocopherol acetate. Klein EA et al., Journal of the American Medical Association, 2011. Why the Form of Vitamin E Matters Vitamin E is not a single compound. It is a family of rela…

. . .  Upping our need for antioxidantsWe now know that Fukushima is by far the worst nuclear accident in history. After Chernobyl, there was a related worldwide decline in health. How are we being affected by Fukushima? Although there have been no government warnings of excessive radiation levels, there is credible scientific evidence that there is no safe level of radiation.Suffice it to say that our health is under additional assault, and that it has never been more important to (1) make sure you are not deficient in iodine (most Americans are! call our office to find out how to test your iodine status) and (2) take antioxidant supplements. The more toxic our environment becomes, and this includes radiation, the more antioxidants we need to render the toxins harmless. For example, if you ingest more of the antioxidant vitamin C than your body needs, you get diarrhea. Someone who can normally take 6 grams a day may catch a cold and need 30, 40, even 50 grams a day before ge…

We’ve been praising coconut oil for almost a decade now, and we searched the world to find the very finest coconut oil available, which we carry Beyond Health Coconut Oil. So, we were pleased to see an article online listing 20 benefits of this amazing stuff. Apparently coconut oil has “come into its own,” since the article begins, “You’ve no doubt noticed that coconut oil is on everyone’s lips . . . and in their frying pans, smoothies, hair, and in a little jar on their nightstand. What underlies coconut oil’s recent popularity is the sheer amount of benefits to mind, body and soul that it promises, and research shows that adding coconut oil to your diet and your person could be one of the easiest ways to improve your health, well-being, appearance, and even your sex life.”So without further ado, here are author Grant Stoddard’s 20 benefits of coconut oil: Capric acid in coconut oil increases energy and reduce food consumption. Lauric acid in coconut oil kills bacteria,…

Not All Balsamic Vinegar Is Created Equal If you have ever tasted authentic, traditionally crafted balsamic vinegar from Italy, you immediately recognize the difference. Its deep aroma, layered flavor profile, and velvety richness bear little resemblance to the thin, sugary versions commonly sold in grocery stores. True balsamic vinegar is not just a condiment.It is a time-honored culinary craft. The Traditional Method: A Multi-Year Artisan Process Authentic balsamic vinegar originates from a small region in Northern Italy known for growing naturally sweet grapes ideal for fermentation. Production follows a meticulous traditional process: Step-by-Step Craft Method Grapes are harvested at peak ripeness. Juice is slowly reduced and concentrated. Double fermentation occurs First → alcohol Second → vinegar Vinegar ages in a succession of wooden barrels. Each barrel is made from a different wood: oak chestnut mulberry ash cherry juniper fruitwoods T…

. . . it could double your risk for macular degeneration A European study on nearly 4,700 men and women over 65 found that daily aspirin users more than doubled their risk of late stage, "wet" macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness resulting in loss of independence among older Americans. The macula is a tiny, highly sensitive region in the center of the retina that allows you to see fine details and colors. Without it, you aren't totally blind, but all you see is shapes and movement in shades of black and white. With age, the macula can deteriorate in one of two ways. It can become thin and sprinkled with debris called drusen (the dry form), or blood vessels beneath the retina may push up into the macula and leak blood and fluids (the wet form). The wet form, which is considered the more serious, was the form associated with aspirin use in the above study. (Aspirin is known to cause small hemorrhages under the retina.) Other…