Vitamin B-12 is also essential in fatty acid synthesis and energy production or the process that converts the carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy. This vitamin is also important in maintaining the nervous system. All nerves are surrounded by a fatty protective covering made up of a complex protein called myelin.

If a deficiency occurs, DNA production is disrupted and abnormal cells are produced. This results in anaemia. Symptoms of anaemia include excessive tiredness, breathlessness, listlessness, pallor, and poor resistance to infection. Other symptoms might include a smooth, sore tongue and menstrual disorders. Prolonged deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage.

When a deficiency occurs, it’s most commonly linked to a failure to effectively absorb the vitamin from the intestine rather than a dietary deficiency. Vitamin B-12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases Vitamin B-12 from proteins in foods during digestion.

Absorption of Vitamin B-12 requires the secretion from the cells lining the stomach of a glycoprotein, known as intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor complex is then absorbed in the small intestine in the presence of calcium. Certain people are unable to produce intrinsic factor and the subsequent anaemia is treated with injections of Vitamin B-12.

The old Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA’s) have been replaced by the term Reference Nutrient intake (RNI). The RNI is the amount of nutrient which is enough for at least 97% of the population.

Reference Nutrient Intakes for Vitamin B-12, micrograms/day by age.

- 0 to 6 months 0.3 micrograms
- 7 to 12 months 0.4 micrograms
- 1 to 3 yrs 0.5 micrograms
- 4 to 6 yrs 0.8 micrograms
- 7 to 10 yrs 1.0 micrograms
- 11 to 14 yrs 1.2 micrograms
- 15 + yrs 1.5 micrograms
- Breast feeding women 2.0 micrograms

The vitamin has very low toxicity and exceeding the RNI is not considered to be dangerous.

The only verified unfortified sources of Vitamin B-12 are meat, dairy products and eggs. There has been plenty of research into possible plant food sources like soya products, seaweeds and algae, but analysis found no significant Vitamin B-12.

Strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require supplements if they do not eat any animal products. Some sources of Vitamin B-12 for vegetarians are dairy products, free-range eggs, milk, vegetarian cheddar cheese, hard boiled eggs. Many vegan foods are actually supplemented with Vitamin B-12. These include yeast extracts, Vecon vegetable stock, veggieburger mixes, textured vegetable protein, soya milks, vegetable and sunflower margarines, and breakfast cereals.

A popular tool for core strength training is the stability ball. Also known as a physioball or a Swiss Ball, it was originally used in rehabilitation as early as the 1900’s. In the early 1960’s, Aquilino Cosani, an Italian toy maker, made the ball and sold it, known then as the Gymnastik. Two decades later, Cosani came up with a company called Gymnic and became the major supplier of the stability ball to most rehabilitation programs and centers. The ball then shifted from the rehabilitation to the athletic area in the 90’s. It was used to condition the body of professional athletes. Since then it has become very prominent in the fitness community.

Fitness experts say that using a stability ball is ne of the best ways to strengthen the abs and back and increase stability. Exercise balls challenge you by putting your body in an unstable position. When you lie on the ball, your legs and abs immediately contract to keep you from falling off. Add an exercise like a chest press or a crunch and you’ve just increased the intensity of the movement.

The stability ball can be used in many different ways including:

Weight training - the stability ball is used as a weight bench to add difficulty to the movements and incorporate the muscles of your legs, butt and abs.

Abdominal training - doing crunches, twists and other traditional exercises on the ball adds difficulty to the movement by recruiting more muscles. The abs and the back muscles are simultaneously moved as you work in your balance.

Sitting around - Just sitting on an exercise ball can be a challenge and it’s a great way to improve your posture when sitting in front of a computer or watching television. Practice by sitting on it and raising one foot off the ground and balancing.

Proper Alignment - Using the ball during training will test the body to make use of the different parts to maintain the proper balance. The dynamic movements during exercise will improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as by using muscles that aren’t usually used. The challenge posed by the ball is to maintain balance. As you try to gain the proper balance, the alignment of the body parts is also improved.

Weight Loss - With regular exercises and training with the stability ball, a person can lose some unwanted pounds as the body is firmed.

A great thing about using a stability ball is that the perception of working is reduced, especially for beginners. The ball gives some element of play and can make the training seem less like work. In addition, the ball can be used by anybody at any fitness level. It’a also portable, durable, lightweight and inexpensive compared to other exercise equipment.

Excess fat in the abdomen is considered a major risk factor for ailments associated with obesity such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A person with metabolic syndrome has out of range values for any three of the following: waist measurement, HDL or good cholesterol, blood triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Excess waistline fat is often an indicator of greater fat in deep abdominal storage, or even in organs like the liver. These deep deposits are associated with higher levels of insulin. When fat cells enlarge, they produce more of some immune system proteins. These proteins are transported directly to the liver, where they release inflammatory substances that raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and possibly cancer. In addition, fat cells release blood-clotting factors that can affect blood vessels and put the body in a state that favors clots. This is why the risk of heart attack and stroke rises.

People can possibly inherit a susceptibility for storing fat on the waist, but larger waists are most often related to lifestyle choices such as high-fat diets and sedentary behavior. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are the best methods to control waistline fat and help prevent metabolic syndrome. In some cases, doctor prescribed medications can be taken to improve insulin abnormalities.

An important thing to remember is that the heavier you are, the higher your risk of heart disease. Excess weight often means higher-than-normal levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides, indications of how much fat may be also floating around in your blood. The higher the level of fat in your blood, the greater your risk of developing a clot significant enough to block blood flow to your heart.

Studies also link large waists with greater risk of some cancers. Scientists believe that the higher levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors commonly seen with excess abdominal fat stimulate cancer cell growth. Excess waistline fat seems to approximately double the risk of breast cancer in women after menopause, regardless of overall weight status. Since prostate cancer is hormonally related, it may also be affected by sex hormone proteins, which abnormal insulin levels disrupt. Other research tentatively links metabolic syndrome and high insulin levels with a greater risk of colon cancer.

The good news is that losing even a few pounds can make a huge difference. Weight loss can dramatically reduce the risk factors associated with heart disease. When you lose weight, your blood pressure will drop, your cholesterol will get to better levels. Dropping 10 or 15 pounds can help your blood pressure drop 10 or 15 points. Additionally, it’s possible for people to drop their LDL or bad cholesterol from 160 down to 90 just by losing 10 pounds.

So what exactly is the ideal waist size? Study results vary. Some show that for best health men should strive for a waistline of 34 inches or less; other research indicates that a waistline below 39 inches is OK. For women, studies show the safest waistline for heart health is less than 29 inches, but other research has found that waistlines under 33 inches are acceptable.

Ok. Now what do I do about it? Believe it or not, it’s not going to require six days of aerobics every week to get your waist where it needs to be. Something as simple as one of the most passive forms of exercise is very effective for getting rid of that spare tire. Studies have shown that 30 minutes of yoga once a week could prevent middle-aged spread in people who are of average weight. It also helped those who are overweight to lose those extra pounds. Even something as simple as a 20 minute walk can be beneficial.

It’s also advised to make some simple changes to your eating habits. Cut back on sweets, white bread, pasta and rice, butter, cream and other animal fat. Then add more fruit, vegetables, whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and whole cereals.

Organic gardening also requires more attention to the soil and the many needs of plants. An organic gardener strives to work in harmony with natural systems and to continually replenish any resources the garden consumes. In essence, organic gardening begins with attention to the soil.

Gardeners need to add organic matter to the soil regularly in order to keep the soil productive. Compost is essential to the health and well being of plants grown organically. Compost is usually made from leaves, dead flowers, vegetable scraps, fruit rinds, grass clippings, manure, and similar items. The ideal soil has a dark color, sweet smell, and is full of earthworms.

Organic gardening relies heavily on the natural breakdown of organic matter, using techniques like green manure and composting, to replace nutrients taken from the soil by previous crops.

Green manure is a cover crop grown to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Typically, a green manure crop is grown for a specific period, and then plowed under and mixed into the soil. Green manure usually performs multiple functions including soil improvement and soil protection.

Compost is the decomposed remnants of organic materials such as plant wastes, grass clippings, fall leaves and vegetable scraps from your kitchen. Compost is a granular mixture that will hold moisture, has nutrients, and provides material in which most plants can grow.

As far as pest control, organic gardening tends to tolerate some pest populations in the short term. Organic pest control involves the cumulative effect of many techniques, including allowing for an acceptable level of pest damage and even encourages enticing insect predators, such as ladybugs, birds, frogs, and lizards to keep certain pests away. You can attract these insect predators by keeping a water source nearby or by growing plants that attract insects who feed on nectar. Other common pest control methods are sticky traps, barriers, and plant collars. There are some household items that prevent against insects too, like insecticidal soaps, garlic, and hot pepper.

Another essential part of growing organically is to choose plants suited to the site. Plants adapted to your climate and conditions need less attention and grow better without alot of care. It’s essential to ensure plants are healthy and not too wet or dry. A too wet or too dry soil can make the plants unhealthy, which in turn makes the plants more succeptable to insects attacks. Healthy plants have a better chance of surviving minor insect damage. It’s also important to remember to plant a variety of plants to keep pests that prefer specific plant types from destroying the entire garden.

To help avoid plant disease in organic gardening, it’s best to choose disease resistant plants and plant them in their prime conditions. Most diseases will spread in conditions of constant moisture and poor air circulation.

Weeds can be an annoyance when you’re tryingto grow a great organic garden. Organic mulch can act as a weed barrier, but for even better protection it helps to add a layer of newspaper, construction paper, or cardboard under the mulch. The best way to prevent weeds is the old-fashioned art of hoeing and hand pulling. Persistence is the key to weed prevention. Mulch well and pull and hoe what you can; after a few seasons you can beat the weeds for good.

Organic gardening is an excellent way to assure that your plants will be free and clear of pesticides and if taken care of properly, will be as healthy as possible. Organic gardening takes more time and care than regular gardening, but after gardeners get the hang of it and figure out all the quirks of their garden, the end result is definitely worth the extra time.

In the United States, more than sixty percent of adults are overweight and thirty percent are considered obese. Here in the U.S. we have become sedentary and have grown accustomed to an overabundance of food. We have grown dependent on convenience, which has led us to consume excess amounts of unhealthy fast foods and quick, easy to prepare meals that that aren’t as healthy as they should be. We have sacrificed the healthy, home-cooked meals of the past to cater to our around-the-clock lifestyles. As a result, we’re always on the lookout for a super duper weight loss miracle pill that will allow us to eat whatever we want, never exercise, and still maintain the figure of a supermodel.

Many products in the weight loss market try to sell us this so-called miracle pill using promises of unrealistic results and miracle transformations. The weight loss companies rely on the overweight person’s failure to achieve the desired results and turn to the supplements as a last ditch effort to get there.

A major problem with weight loss supplements is that much of the information available in the market is written by the companies trying to sell the supplements. The claims are hyped-up to unrealistic levels just to make the sale. This mis-information can lead to serious health problems for people who take these supplements.

One of the major supplements that has been known to cause serious problems in some dieters is ephedra. Ephedra, also known as ma huang has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 5,000 years as a treatment for asthma, hay fever, and the common cold. Ephedra is both a stimulant (drug that temporarily increase alertness and awareness) and a thermogenic (dietary supplement used to stimulate the body’s burning of fat). Ephedra stimulates the brain, increase heart rate, constricts blood vessels (increasing blood pressure), and expands bronchial tubes (making breathing easier). Ephedra’s thermogenic properties cause an increase in metabolism, which is shown by an increase in body heat.

Ephedra has also been used for weight loss, sometimes in combination with aspirin and caffeine. Some studies have shown that ephedra, when taken in a regulated and supervised environment, is effective for marginal short-term weight loss, although it is unclear whether such weight loss is maintained. Side effects of ephedra may include severe skin reactions, irritability, nervousness, dizziness, trembling, headache, insomnia, profuse perspiration, dehydration, itchy scalp and skin, vomiting, hyperthermia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, heart attack, stroke, or death.

The safety of ephedra-containing dietary supplements was questioned as a result of a high rate of serious side effects and ephedra-related deaths. In response to accumulating evidence of adverse effects and deaths related to ephedra, the FDA banned the sale of ephedra-containing supplements in April of 2004 and the sale of ephedra-containing dietary supplements is still illegal in the United States.

Although the Food and Drug Administration has managed to successfully ban the majority of illegal marketers, some unsafe products are still available. Consumers are being deceived everyday by some labels on products that claim to be ephedra free when in actuality these supplements contain other ingredients that may pose the same health risks. Be wary.

Another popular supplement is Epigallocatechin gallate, better known as EGCG which is a found in green tea. Although most commonly known as a powerful antioxidant and for its potential to lower cancer risk by protectingcells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are associated with the development of diseases such as cancer, advanced aging and heart disease. Studies suggest EGCG may also help with weight loss and fat burning by promoting and stimulating thermogenesis - the burning of fat cells. Thermogenesis also results in more energy and improved endurance. EGCG may help you lose fat by stimulating fat oxidation, burning calories, suppressing cravings, and boosting energy levels.

Another popular claim of some weight loss products is that they contain ingredients to prevent the absorption of carbohydrates. A popular example of this is Chitosan. Chitosan is usually sold as a pill that claims to be a ’fat attractor’. The claim is that the pill has the capability of attracting fat from the digestive system and expelling it from the body so that users can lose weight without changing their eating habits.

Some scientific research suggests that these claims are are hard to prove. Results show that at best, unmodified chitosan would remove only about 30 calories a day from a person’s diet. Modified chitosan is supposed to be able to absorb three to six times its weight in fat and oils. This is unproven and opponents claim that using chitosan may have the actually negate the effectiveness of certain minerals found in food that are required by the body in order to remain healthy.

Some products claim to make you feel more full and therefore you eat less. One of the popular supplements of this type is Guar Gum. Guar gum is a fiber that acts as a bulk forming laxative that is said to be effective in promoting regular bowel movements and relieving constipation and chronic related functional bowel ailments.

For weight loss purposes, Guar gum is a thermogenic substance. Its low digestibility makes it great for use in recipes as a filler, which can help to promote the feeling of fullness, or slow the digestion of a meal, which lowers the glycemic index of that meal. In the late 1980s, guar gum was used and heavily promoted in several weight loss products. The FDA recalled these products due to reports of esophageal blockage from insufficient fluid intake. For this reason, guar gum is no longer approved for use in over-the-counter weight loss supplements in the U.S. Additionally, several studies found that guar gum supplements were not effective in reducing body weight.

Some of the latest innovations in the weight loss industry are creams, gels, lotions and patches; basically things that aid in weight loss by way of skin absorption. Many of these products have not been proven or disproven to be effective; there have been studies showing both positive and negative results. One popular product is Cutting Gel, which is a top-selling fat loss cream. Claims are that you rub it on the spots where you want the fat to vanish. I have seen claims that it works and claims that it doesn’t.

Equally as popular are herbal patches. These patches are said to be precise, convenient, comfortable, and effective for taking natural health supplements without taking pills or liquids orally. These products allow nutrients to be absorbed through the skin. Some of these patches, such as the Hoodia Skin Patch claims to work as a continual appetite suppressant by releasing natural Hoodia Gordonii extract via a patch placed on the body that is said to work for 24 hours. It’s not clear whether these diet patches have undergone extensive scientific clinical trials or testing and therefore it can’t be shown that a hoodia patch is more effective than hoodia capsules, tablets, or liquids.

Overall, it seems that the best method for losing weight is the good old fashioned way: eat healthy and stay active. Maybe instead of investing in diet supplements, invest in a good pair of walking shoes, go for a walk, do brisk walking, go jogging, hop on the treadmill, go to the gym, and most-importantly maintain well-balanced diet.

Poltergeist phenomena is usually credited to mischievous spirits or ghosts and is associated with psychokinesis which is the ability to move things by power of the mind alone. This kinetic type of energy remains unexplained, but even somemainstream scientists are starting to explore the idea that it does exist.

Poltergeists are not usually considered to be spirits, but instead some theories state that poltergeists are mass forms of energy that a living person is unknowingly controlling. Poltergeist hauntings may be the most misunderstood, most terrifying, and rarest type of haunting, and some believe that poltergeist hauntings are not even a haunting at all. In some cases, extreme poltergeists activity has even been linked to demons. A key question that comes into play with poltergeist cases is whether the psychokinesis is causing the activity, or if it is actually occurring from an unseen troubled spirit or ghost.

In a typical poltergeist case there is most likely a variety of phenomena taking place. There may be knocking and tapping noises, sounds with no visible cause, disturbance of stationary objects like household items and furniture, doors slamming, lights turning on and off, fires breaking out and much, much more. Chairs have been known to move around by themselves; walls shake from loud, unexplained banging. Water drips from a ceiling. Things like hairbrushes and jewelry disappear, only to reappear at a later time in right where they should have been in the first place.

Usually, after a subtle and somewhat calm start, the activity will become more intense, manifesting itself through voices and even the appearance of full apparitions. Furniture may slide across the room and beds may shake. Sometimes the effects of a poltergeist are more playful than harmful, but sometimes the activity has been known to be downright nasty. Reports of scratches, bites, harmful objects being put in one’s way such as glass shards on a pillow or tacks under a bed sheet have been noted, as well as possession.

Poltergeists build over time to a climax, then start over. They can travel anywhere. Most poltergeists nearing the climax of their energy can become dangerous to the living. Inflicting both mental and physical terror in extreme cases. Poltergeist hauntings seem to mysteriously go away as quickly as they began. The most famous and terrible accounts of a poltergeist attacking a family is the Bell Witch.

A common factor of classic poltergeist activity is the presence of a female adolescent in the household or for all of the activity to be centered around one specific person. It is common that none of the activity will take place unless that person is present at the time. In most cases, when that specific person is removed from the location, the events cease. The person causing all of the phenomenon is doing so subconsciously and usually isn’t even aware that they’re the cause. Ths activity could also be centered around someone who is under an unusual amount of stress. When the stress is relived, sometimes by leaving the location itself, the problems stop. If the stress continues, the "haunting" seems to follow them.

In true poltergeist hauntings, none of the activity will continue after the person is removed from the environment, as they are not there to create it or influence an unseen entity. It has been reported, however, that activity can return later if the "right" person visits or lives in a notably poltergeist-haunted place. This would lead one to believe that it requires a combined psychic energy to manifest such terrible hauntings. In most cases, relieving the inner problems of the indivudual is the key to stopping the poltergeist activity.

On the other hand, not all cases of supposed poltergeist activity involve disturbed individuals. Not all hauntings can be easily categorized and it’s important not to jump quickly to conclusions. In some cases, what appears to be the work of a disturbed person may actually be that of the spirits, and vice versa. In addition, some genuinely haunted spots seem to be so filled with energy that witnesses at the location can even manifest their own phenomena.

Poltergeist activity provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to document strange activity, but these case most likely won’t have anything to do with ghosts and there is really no way to help the victims. It’s usually best to refer the family to a good counselor or mental health care provider, rather than try to act as a paranormal investigator. A counselor is usually the best person to provide assistance under these circumstances because psychokenesis normally manifests because of emotional disturbance.

Probably the most important thing to consider when you design your water garden the location where you choose to put it. Since plants and fish both need plenty of sunlight, areas in direct light away from trees and bushes are the most desirable places. This will also help prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the water.

The first step you should take When designing your water garden to decide what size you want your garden to be. This will depend on how much money you are willing to spend because water gardening can get expensive if you opt for a large garden full of plants, rocks, fish, and lights. Also consider the size of your property, and the amount of time you want to spend maintaining your water garden.

When you choose the type of aquatic plants you wish to have, it’s best to remember that the plants should only cover about half of the water. Plants can be free floating or submerged; it depends on your personal preference. Some plants will provde pleasant scents, some supply more oxygen than others which will keep the pool healthy, and some are just used because they are beautiful. Fish are not only nice to look at but they are also very beneficial. Fish help keep debris at a minimum and help in controlling larva and other insects.

Probably the most difficult part of having a water garden is keeping water clear of algae. Algae problems are usually caused by too many nutrients in the water from feeding fish too often or from over-fertilizing plants. If ponds are made correctly and are maintained properly, algae problems and control will be kept at a minimum. You can get rid of algae by reducing on the nutrients that cause the algae by cutting back on feeding and fertilizing, planting more plants, installing a filter system, or replacing existing water with fresh water. There are some chemicals that can be used, like copper compounds, but overuse can kill plant life and fish.

All garden pools regardless of size will need maintenance throughout the year. With proper planning you can ensure a healthy balance between living and decorative features of a water garden that can almost care for itself with simple maintenance inputs from you. Water gardening doesn’t take anymore time than regular gardening, but obviously isn’t near the same thing. You may be the type person who couldn’t grow a flower if you tried but would be excellent at water gardening. If you are looking for a fun and rewarding hobby or just want to beautify your yard, water gardening is an excellent way to accomplish both goals.

One of the most common herbs gown in herb gardening is basil. Basil should be grown in a position that receives a good amount of sunlight. It’s best to remove any flowers that appear since this will help preserve the plant’s flavor and inspire the plant to grow more leaves. Remember to not to pick all the leaves off one plant; instead just pick a few leaves from several plants and always pick the top layver of leaves first. Basil can be used in fresh or dried form. To dry Basil, cut the stems at soil level and dry them in a dehydrator or hang bunches of stems up to air dry in a warm room. This drying process usually takes about a week. Once the leaves are dried, remove them from the stems and store them in a dry, airtight container for up to 12 months.

Chives are pretty sturdy and don’t need much care. If the soil is fertile, a light mulching in the spring will provide sufficient nutrients. Remove blossoms as soon as they’ve passed their peak. Divide plants every 3 or 4 years in the spring to keep them healthy. Chives can start being harvested about 6 weeks after the seeds are planted, or as soon as established plants resume growth in the spring. Cut the outer leaves down to the base. Chives can be Used fresh or frozen. They don’t retain their flavor well when they’re dried.

Mint is pretty simple to grow. It thrives in sun or partial shade and will grow well in average soils. Mint plants are pretty sturdy and will tough it out during droughts and heat. Mint grows well with little water and fertilizer really isn’t needed in most cases. Mint plants can be feisty and will crowd out other plants if given the chance. It may be best to plant them with a little distance from other plants. Leaves can be harvested at any time and can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. It’s to your benefit to pick them in the morning because this is when the oils are strongest. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool and ventilated area. Once dried, be sure to store in an airtight container away from other herbs.

Thyme thrives in containers. Thyme plants can pretty much grow themselves. The less fuss the better the plant grows. Thyme is most fragrant and flavorful when it’s grown in somewhat dry soil. Too much moisture will rot the plants. It’s best to put one plant in each 6-inch pot, or groups of plants in larger containers. Use a sandy soil mix and don’t water excessively. It’s extremely important for thyme plants to have good drainage. Once fully grown (usually several months), thyme plants can be harvested at any time by snipping the stems.

Sage is another great plant for herb gardens. Sage grows best in a warm, sunny location, but try to avoid extreme heat. Pretty much the only soil necessity is that it be well-drained. The plants should be pruned after they flower and they should be fertilized in early spring. It’s best to let the plant grow for a year untouched. After the first year, the leaves can be harvested at anytime. Keep in mind that the leaves are considered to be at their best before or just after blooming. Harvest individual leaves as needed. To dry sage, hang the stalks in a shady,well-ventilated area until the leaves crumble easily, then store in tightly lidded jars. Sage is known to keep its flavor better when it’s stored in the freezer. Freeze leaves or stalks on a tray, then move the leaves into a zippered bag or container.

Lavender is probably the best smelling herb you can grow. Lavender doesn’t like wet soil and prefers lots of sunlight. It’s best to prune lavender plants every spring. When trimming, be sure to cut back all the overgrown stems and flowers to expose the original plant. Once the flowers get bright and vivid, it’s time to start cutting. It’s best to cut the plants when it’s cool, becuase it uses its oil to cool itself and if it is cut in the heat there will be less of the fragrant aroma to enjoy. To dry the lavender, put it in small groups by tying with a twist tie and hanging in a dark dry place or individually by spreading them on a screen. Be sure to dry them out of the sun. Once dry, the buds can also be stripped and used as bulk for potpourri, sachets, or even cooking.

These are just a few of the herbs you can grow in your herb garden. Overall, herbs are relatively easy to grow and they aren’t that picky. Growing your own herbs will give you much fresher herbs with alot more flavor and best of all it will save you alot of money.

Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Secondly, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from natural destruction that occurs with aging. When vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. The normal Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C is 250-1,000 mg. Vitamin C should be taken 2-3 times a day to get the best results because it is water-soluble and is quickly excreted by our kidneys. If you eat fruits or vegetables every day; especially citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy greens, red and green peppers, your vitamin C intake should be where you need it to be.

Many researchers and anti-aging physicians would agree that Vitamin E is probably the most important vitamin to help slow down the aging process. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant that is found in human blood and helps the body build resistance against infection. Vitamin E appears highly effective in preventing heart disease and protecting cells from natural destruction that occurs with aging. Vitamin E also is helpful in preventing blood clots and inhibiting cancer. The RDA of Vitamin E is 25 International Units (I.U.), but the optimum dose is 400 I.U. in order to help prevent artery disease. Great sources of Vitamin E are vegetable oil, margarine, meats,nuts, and leafy greens.

B vitamins help to maintain healthy skin tone. They are also helpful in relieving anxiety and stress. Stress can be bad for skin because it is known to be a cause of acne. The B vitamins should always be taken together. The vitamins in the B complex are Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine and Cyanocobalamin. Each one of these vitamins has a specific role in promoting healthy skin, as well as overall health. Chicken,fish, pork, liver, eggs, spinach, potatoes, bananas,whole wheat bread, peanut butter are just few of the foodsthat contain ample amounts of B vitamins.

The field of anti-aging skin care products is vast and needs a lot of research. Though the currently available products are effective, they still have challenges to combat. However, anti-aging skin care products should be used only as a supplement to the natural ways of skin and body care. Be sure to drink a lot of water, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, maintain healthy eating habits and keep stress at a low level to ensure you are doing what you can to help delay the aging process. No anti-aging skin care product can replace these healthy natural habits.