Anti-glycation -- The new approach of anti-aging 抗糖基化 -- 新兴的抗老化

Advance glycation end products (AGEs) are the end product of a process refer to as glycation, in which a sugar molecule bonds to a protein without an enzyme to control the reaction through normal course of metabolism. An example is the skin of a grilled chicken versus a boiled chicken. The brown color on the grilled chicken skin is the evidence of AGEs, where the brown color does not present in boiled chicken skin. Glycation often involves sugar binding proteins such as collagen and elastin. Accumulation of AGEs stiffen collagen network and ultimately leads to apoptosis (death of cells). As a result, skin becomes wrinkled and dull when collagen damages and collapses. 

Glycation does not just occur in skin, it can happen in any part of the body. Formation of AGEs has been shown to contribute to the progression of age-related diseases and study had shown that the process is accelerated in the case of diabetes. Besides aging that cause AGEs to accumulate in body, diet is another significant source. Foods that are cooked till brown with high heat are likely to be the most damaging. For instance, baking, broiling, roasting and barbeque-ing. A very partial list of high AGEs food includes donuts, barbecued meats, cakes and dark colored soda.  

糖基化 (glycation) 是糖分和蛋白质在体内缺乏酵素的控制下所产生的反应，是一种老化过程，也属于正常的新陈代谢过程。而高级糖基化终产物（AGE）就是糖基化过程最后留下的物质。举个例，相比一只被烘烤的鸡和一只被蒸熟的鸡。烘烤的鸡皮是皱皮和呈现棕色，而被蒸熟鸡就不会。棕色的鸡皮就是糖基化终产物（AGE）。糖基化往往涉及与糖结合的蛋白质如胶原蛋白和弹性蛋白。AGEs  会累积在皮肤内，令胶原蛋白组织硬化和倒塌，导致细胞凋亡。因而引起皱纹和令肌肤失去光泽。

糖基化不仅使肌肤老化，它也产生在身体的任何部分。 AGEs 的形成已被证实会导致因年龄增长而引起的疾病。研究显示，糖基化的过程在糖尿病的情况下，会更加快速。除了年龄增长（老化），饮食也是糖基化另一个主要原因。用高温烹煮至深褐色的食物，是最具破坏性的。例如，烘烤和烧烤，其中的食物包括油炸圈饼，烤肉，蛋糕和深色汽水。 

Phosphorus -- the invisible additives 磷 -- 隐形的食物添加剂

Processed foods are a big part of our daily diet. We are so used to yogurts, cheeses, noodles, cereals, cakes, biscuits, deli meats, nuggets, hot dogs, sauces, fruit drinks and carbonated beverages, which are all high in phosphorus. Phosphorus has a wide function as food additives, from preserving moisture and color, anti-caking, to acidifier, leavening agent and stabilizer. Phosphorus additives can present in food in many forms and most people are not aware about it. What is the concern of having too much phosphorus? Studies have shown that dietary exposure to high levels of phosphorus could be increasing the cardiovascular disease.

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient naturally present in some food like egg yolk, dairy products and meat. It is an essential nutrient for bone and teeth, energy production and other metabolic processes. It is hard for you to know how much you are taking in since the amounts can vary between brands. Even the nutrient database is hard to trust because the data is based on food types, rather than brands. Labeling of Daily Value (DV) is based on 1000 mg while the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is set at 700 mg for adults.



加工食品已是我们饮食中的一大部分，不管是乳酪，乳酪，面类，早餐谷粮，蛋糕，饼干，熟肉制品，鸡块，热狗，调味酱，果汁饮料和碳酸饮料，都含有大量的磷。磷是一个具有广泛作用的食品添加剂。它可用于保存食品中的水分和颜色，抗结块，也可以是酸化剂，膨松剂和稳定剂。磷，以多种形式存在于食物，但大多数人都没有意识到。但摄取有过多的磷有什么问题吗？有研究表明，饮食中摄取过多的磷可能会增加患上心血管疾病。

磷是人体必需的营养素，天然的存在于食物中，如蛋黄，乳制品和肉类。是保持骨骼和牙齿健康，身体产生能源和其他代谢过程中的一种必需营养素。要知道您每天摄入多少磷是相当困难的，因为不同的品牌存在着相当的差异。恐怕连营养数据库的质料也不能提供这一方面的质料，因为数据库是根据食物种类分类，而非依据品牌。即使是每日价值（DV）标签也是基于1000毫克，而成人的每日建议摄取量（RDA）只有700毫克。

Beware of grapefruit if you are... 请避免食用西柚，如果您...

Some of us might have a habit of drinking grapefruit juice, especially among those who are on diet. Grapefruit is one of the nutraceutical food that shows benefit in reducing the risk of some disease like cancer. However, when you are on medication, you should be aware of grapefruit due to its possible interaction with drug. It is believed that furanocoumarins (a compound that is naturally present in grapefruit) is responsible for this interaction. Grapefruit blocks the enzymes in the intestines that normally break down many drugs. As a result, drug will be rushed into bloodstream, which at worst can cause toxicity, leading to serious side effects. Grapefruit effect does not happen in every drug, but it does affect some popular and widely known medications such as cholesterol drug, blood pressure drug, anti-anxiety and some other drugs.

Just one glass of grapefruit juice is enough to exhibit the maximum blocking effect. For many cases, interaction can be avoided as long as the two interacting agents are taken separately after several hours of interval. For grapefruit, this is not the case, because the effect can last for more than 24 hours, perhaps up to 72 hours. Therefore, grapefruit should be avoided throughout the whole course of medication. 

Are there other fruits that might have the same effect? 

Besides grapefruit, furanocoumarins also present naturally in pomelo and Seville oranges, citrus fruits (lemons, limes and orange) are generally safe.  

我们当中，可能有些有饮用西柚汁的习惯，尤其是用西柚减肥法的。西柚属于营养保健食物，能减少患上一些疾病的风险，如癌症。可是，如果您是需要长期服药的，您可能要特别留意了，因为西柚会产生药物反应。研究人员相信 furanocoumarins 是造成药物反应的成分。西柚阻挡肠道内的酵素，使它们不能分解药物。因而，造成血液内的药物分量提高。在最坏的情况下，可能会引起药物中毒，导致严重的副作用。虽然，西柚并不是对每一种药物都会产生药物反应，但它却影响着一些热门和家喻户晓的的药物，如降胆固醇药，降血压药，抗焦虑等等的药物。

一杯柚子汁的分量已足够造成阻挡作用。一般情况，只要避免一起服用两个有药物反应的药物和食物，将它们相隔几个小时才服用，就可以避免药物反应。但西柚却不能。因为其效果是可持续超过24小时，可能长达72小时。因此，在整个服药期间，都要避免食用西柚。

除了西柚， 还有那些水果也有着药物反应？

柚子和塞维利亚桔子也有天然的 furanocoumarins 。而柑橘类水果（柠檬，酸柑，橙）则属于安全的。

Dr. Oz推荐的天然成分 Natural Ingredients recommended by Dr. Oz

Dr. Oz is an influential figure in recommending supplements. Recently, Dr. Oz has put his stamp of approval in some well-known botanical, he and Dr. Roizen said turmeric, saw palmetto and garlic are generally safe and have scientific backing. Let's take a look at some of the natural ingredients recommended by Dr. Oz:

1. Turmeric, a well known spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and also a natural yellowish coloring. Turmeric is able to subside inflammation of ulcerative colitis when taken with standard medications, according to Dr. Oz. Other benefits on turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties including bone and joint health. 
2. Aloe vera, conveniently available, helps in soothing, cooling and moisturizing irritated skin. Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen suggested that it may even be more effective for healing mild skin burns than some prescription preparations!
3. Saw palmetto, rich in fatty acids and phtosterols. Both Drs recommended that it can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.  
4. Garlic, help to improve conditions of high blood pressure and cholesterol and may slow down hardening arteries. Garlic is recommended by the Drs in controlling these conditions. 
5. Krill oil, contains more omega-3s than fish oil, may also be 'stronger and faster' said Dr. Oz. Also, may be more effective than fish oil at fighting disease.
6. Astaxanthin, Dr. Oz: "the No. 1 supplement you've never heard of that you should be taking". Taking regularly help in improving eye and cardiovascular health while reducing signs of aging and serving as an anti-inflammatory.   
7. Raspberry ketones, the aromatic components in raspberries. Have been linked with weight-loss, increasing body metabolism by regulating adiponectin (a protein that controls the metabolism). In turn, help body to burn fat faster. 
8. Ginseng, a well known holistic medicine providing numerous health benefits including immune health, reduce stress and energy booster for people who suffer from fatigue. 

The content above is merely for reference, not intended in treating any kind of diseases. For more recommendations, please visit Dr. Oz's website.  

Dr. Oz 在营养保健品界中，是一位具有影响力的人物。最近，他和另一位医生 Dr. Roizen 都认为姜黄，塞润榈和大蒜，大致上是安全和有科学依据的。接下来，让我们来看看一些 Dr. Oz 所建议的天然成分：

1. 姜黄，在印度及中东料理中被广泛使用的香料，也是天然的黄色素。根据 Dr. Oz, 当与药物一起服用时，姜黄可击退溃疡性结肠炎的炎症。姜黄的抗炎特性还带来其他的健康益处，当中包括骨骼和关节的健康。
2. 芦荟，一个普遍的成分，有助于舒缓，降温和滋润受刺激的肌肤。两位医生都认为，芦荟和一些处方药物相比，对轻度皮肤烧伤可能更有效！
3. 塞润榈，含有丰富的脂肪酸和植物甾醇。医生建议，它可用于治疗良性前列腺增生症。
4. 大蒜，有助于改善高血压和胆固醇，也可能会放缓动脉硬化的速度。在可改善和控制的前提下，医生推荐大蒜。
5. 磷虾油，比鱼油含有更多的Omega-3脂肪酸，Dr. Oz 认为是“更强和更快”的选择。此外，比鱼油更有效的对抗疾病。
6. 虾青素，Dr. Oz 说：“是您没听说过，最应该服用的保健品”。经常服用有助于提高眼睛和心血管的健康，同时减少的迹象老化，也具有抗炎功效。
7. 覆盆子酮，是赋予覆盆子香味的成分。提高身体的新陈代谢，调节脂联素（一种控制新陈代谢的蛋白质）有助于减轻体重，帮助身体更快地燃烧脂肪。
8. 人参，一个有着许多健康好处的传统草药，当中包括增强免疫系统，减轻压力和提神功效。

以上内容纯属分享，并非提议任何治疗方式。更多的建议，请浏览 Dr. Oz 的网站。

DNA diets 营养基因餐

Do you know that we are 99.6% identical to someone besides us, but the 0.4% is enough in differentiating us when it comes to risk of developing chronic diseases?

你知道吗，我们和身边的人有着99.6％的相似度？但谈到患上慢性疾病的风险时，那区区的0.4％已经足够将我们区分。

Nutrigenetics or nutrigenomics, a young and emerging area in the field of nutrition, is an area that explore the association between the nutrient-gene interactions and health maintenance and the risk of developing certain chronic disease. Although some argue that the scope of nutrigenetics should be on promoting healthy eating, improve upon standard guidelines as applied to individual, rather than preventing specific disease or curing disease. 

营养基因学，是一个颇新的营养学领域，探索着基因和健康之间的关系，是否某些基因会增加某些慢性疾病的风险等等的课题。有些人则认为，营养基因学应该用于推广健康饮食，提高个人专属的标准指引，而不是用于防止或治疗疾病。

However there are always exploitation behind everything. There are companies that are trying to cash in via DNA diets. All you need to do is to send your DNA to them, they run the analysis, tell you your genetic variations associated with increased risk of disease A, B, C and advise you on change in diet.

世事总难免被滥用。有些公司正试图利用‘营养基因餐’ 来捞上一笔。你只需要提供你的 DNA，他们将会替你进行​​分析。然后告诉你，你的基因遗传会增加你患上疾病A，B，C的风险，从而建议你改变饮食习惯。

Experts have expressed concern over this commercial interests as they are just staring to learn and know even less about the extent to which we can modify this risk through specific diet interventions. Secondly, you will most probably be getting four different results whereby your 'DNA sample' will be sent to four different DNA-based diet firms for analysis. Most importantly, the tests are not validated, test quality and result becomes a big question mark. If you happened to come across a 'personalized nutrition plan based on your own DNA', think twice.  

专家对这个商业利益表示担忧，因为到目前为止，营养基因学仍然在了解的阶段，针对可否因改善特定的饮食习惯而减少罹患某些疾病风险，仍然不明确。不但如此，这些公司将会把你的DNA样本发送到四间以‘营养基因餐’挂号的公司进行分析，所以你很有可能会得到四个不同的结果。最重要的是，这些测试都没有被验证过，测试结果的可信度更成了最大的问号。如果你碰上了“根据自己DNA量身定造的营养计划”，请三思而后行。

Safe & effective for anti-aging - Rice ceramides 大米神经酰胺， 安全和有效的抗衰老

Do you feel that your skin is not as good as before, after age of 25? In fact, starting from age 20, our skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to environmental pollutants. Studies showed that ceramides content in skin declines with age and quantity of ceramides was lower in atopic dermatitis, dry skin and aged individual. What exactly is ceramide?

您是否有感觉到25岁后，皮肤已没有以前的好？其实，从20岁开始，我们的肌肤已经开始慢慢变薄，也更容易受到环境因素影响。研究显示，肌肤内的神经酰胺含量会随着年龄的增长而下降。而相对中，过敏性皮炎，皮肤干燥和老化的肌肤，神经酰胺的含量更是少。到底什么是神经酰胺？

Ceramides are the major constituent (40~60%) of Stratum corneum lipids (Stratum corneum is the outer most layer of epidermis). They play important roles in skin barrier function. Maintaining moisture under skin and preventing harmful substances from penetrating into skin. Ceramides is the key for healthy youthful looking skin. What will happened when ceramides content is reduced? Our biggest nightmare - appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!!!

神经酰胺是角质层脂质中（角质层是表皮的最外层）的最主要成分（占40〜60％）。在肌肤保湿层扮演着重要的角色。维持肌肤中的水分和防止有害物质渗透肌肤。神经酰胺是保持年轻肌肤的关键。当神经酰胺含量减少时，会对肌肤造成什么影响？细纹和皱纹的出现！这将会是恶梦的开始。

So where are ceramides from? Mostly synthetically made or animal origin. Comparatively to animal products, rice ceramides appear to be a safer option. Not to forget that it is grown naturally, consisting the goodness of nature minus the chemical from laboratory.


那么神经酰胺是取之于那里呢？大多是由化学物制造或取之于动物。相比于动物产品，取之于大米是一个更安全的选择。加上是天然生长的植物，比起‘制造于实验室’的制造品，多了一份大自然的益处。

Part 2: Men's nutrients - walnut? 男士营养 - 核桃?

In America, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men,   next to skin cancer, and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer.

在美国，前列腺癌是男性第二最常见癌症，仅次于皮肤癌。也是美国男性的第二大癌症死亡原因，仅次于肺癌。

• The American Cancer Society estimates about 241,740 new cases and about 28,170 men will die of prostate cancer during 2012
• 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime 
• 1 in 36 men will die of prostate cancer

• 据美国癌​​症协会估计，2012年约有 241,740个新病例，而约有28,170人将死于前列腺癌 
• 每6 位男士中，就有1名被诊断出患有前列腺癌 
• 每36名男士中，就有1名死于前列腺癌 

The most beneficial antioxidant for prostate health is lycopene (a red carotenoid in tomatoes). Do keep in mind that a cooked tomato is more bio-available, up to 4 times of a raw tomato. Cook your tomato!

番茄红素（一种在番茄的胡萝卜素）是对前列腺最有益的抗氧化剂。食用时请记得将番茄煮熟，因为熟番茄比生番茄更能被人体运用，高出4倍！

Another men food that is worth exploring is -- Walnut. Previous studies indicated healthy young men eating 75grams of walnuts a day would not result in weight gain but would improve their blood lipid levels (triglycerides, LDL, HDL). 75grams of walnuts is equivalent to about 8 whole walnuts (of cause size matters).

另一个男士最值得探讨的食物是 - 核桃。以往的研究显示健康的年轻男士每天吃75克的核桃，并不会导致体重增加，而会改善血脂（甘油三酯，低密度脂蛋白，高密度脂蛋白胆固醇）。 75克的核桃相当于8粒核桃仁 （当然因核桃的大小而异）。

Published in Biology of Reproduction, a study conducted by University of California, Los Angeles, the research team revealed that eating 75grams of walnuts a day improves the vitality, motility and morphology of sperm in healthy young men aged 21-35. Whether birth outcomes can be improved, will require further research.

发表在 Biology of Reproduction，由美国加州大学洛杉矶分校的研究发现，21岁至35岁的健康年轻男士，每天吃75克的核桃仁，可提高精子的生命力，活力和形态。至于可不可以因此提高生育力则需要进一步研究。

Women's nutrient? 女性营养？

For overall wellness, men and women generally look for similar nutrients. When comes to certain health issues, nutrients need may be diverged for men and women. For instance, women, are more prone to heart health, menopause, bone health, and digestive health whereas men are more interested in energy/endurance, lean muscle maintenance, and prostate health. Let's take a look at women health concerns in Part 1 and second part will focus on men's health issues.


营养有男女之分吗？基本上是没什么大区别。当涉及到某些因性别引起的健康问题，就会分化为较为对男性或女性重要的营养。例如，女性，容易出现心脏健康，更年期，骨骼健康和消化系统的问题。而男性则比较注重体力/耐力，肌肉保养，和前列腺的健康。在这第1部分， 让我们来看看女性的健康关注，而男性健康问题将在第二部分出现.

Heart health, according to the American Heart Association:

• > 1 in 3 women is living with cardiovascular disease
• women die of heart disease > all forms of cancer combined
• 1 in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, and
• 1 in 3 dies of cardiovascular disease each year

心脏健康，根据美国心脏协会：

• 在3位女性当中，就有多过1位患有心血管疾病
• 女性死于心脏疾病多过于所有癌症的总合
• 每年，在31位女性当中，有1位死于乳腺癌
• 而在3位女性当中，就有1位死于心血管疾病

Ingredients that are beneficial include:

• soy protein
• phytosterols
• soluble fiber
• beta-glucans (oat, barley)
• omega-3 fatty acids

对心脏有益的营养包括：

• 大豆蛋白
• 植物固醇
• 可溶性纤维
• 贝塔-葡聚糖 （燕麦，大麦）
• 奥米加-3不饱和脂肪酸

Women experience unique stages throughout life and exposing women to special needs of nutrients, especially during pregnancy and menopause. Some facts:

• women’s iron needs are at least twice as high as in men
• rate of bone loss accelerates immediately prior to menopausal period and continues at a rate up to 10 times that of men
• the effect lasted for approximately 10 years after menopause, before returning to the rate of bone loss at 0.2–0.5% per year

女性一生中会经历不同的阶段，所以也需要不同的营养，尤其是在怀孕和更年期间。数据显示：

• 女性 对铁的需求至少是男性的两倍
• 女性的骨质流失在更年期前已加速和持续，是男性的10倍
• 骨质的流失在更年期后持续约10年，才恢复在每年 0.2-0.5％的流失率

Nutrients that is showing positive role are:

• iron
• omega-3 fatty acids - important in prenatal brain and eye development, help support growth of the developing fetus
• soy isoflavone - aid in menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and bone maintenance
• calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus - bone structure and strength
• calcium and vitamin D - bone development and maintenance
• vitamin K-2 - new studies suggest in optimizing body’s utilization of calcium
• prebiotics (such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and polydextrose) - to enhance mineral absorption

有帮助的营养包括：

• 铁质
• 奥米加-3不饱和脂肪酸 - 有助于胎儿的大脑和眼睛和健康的发育
• 大豆异黄酮 - 援助更年期症状，比如潮热，保持健康的骨骼
• 钙，镁和磷 - 保护骨骼结构和强韧度
• 钙和维生素D - 骨骼的生长和保持骨骼健康
• 维生素K-2 - 新研究显示可提高身体对钙质的运用率
• 益生元（如菊粉，低聚果糖（FOS）和聚右旋糖） - 提高矿物质的吸收

Are you having a cup of green tea everyday? 你有没有每天喝一杯绿茶呢？

Green tea has a long list of potential health benefits, from reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and certain cancers to improving cardiovascular, oral health, weight management. Now adding to the list is influencing brain function and boost working memory, according to a new study from University Hospital Basel in Switzerland.

绿茶有很多的健康益处，包括降低阿尔茨海默氏症（Alzheimer's）和某些癌症的风险，改善心血管疾病，口腔健康，体重管理。如今根据瑞士巴塞尔大学医院（University Hospital Basel）的一项新研究，再为绿茶添加了一项益处，那就是具有影响大脑的功能，提高工作记忆。

What is the main difference between all teas?

Green tea contains 30-40% of polyphenols, black tea around 3-10%, while oolong tea is somewhere between green and black tea. There are four major polyphenols found in fresh tea leaves, the one seems to be most potent and get the most attention is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

绿茶和其他的茶有什么分别？

绿茶中含有30％至40％的茶多酚 （polyphenols），红茶约3-10％，而乌龙茶则是介于绿茶和红茶之间。新鲜的茶叶中，有四个主要的多酚类物质，而最有力效的和最得到关注的是儿茶素，epigallocatechin gallate（EGCG）。

Is it possible to achieve from normal diet?

Quite possible. The study adopted a green tea extract contained in whey-based soft drinks, the effects were linked to the doses consumed, with greater activation at higher doses. Since the polyphenols are water-extractable and dosage in beverage are generally not high, it is possible to achieve by daily consumption of green tea. Earlier, USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists pointed out that green tea in supplement form may not be a good alternative to tea leaves. 

Start taking green tea today, at least a good try to protect your brainy everyday! 

有可能从正常饮食中摄取到吗？

有可能。该研究使用的是乳清汽水饮料（whey-based soft drinks）中的绿茶提取物，喝得越多效果就越显著。由于茶多酚是水溶性的和一般上饮料中所含有的绿茶分量不高，所以，在日常饮食中是有可能摄取到的。此前，美国农业部（USDA）农业研究局（ARS）的科学家指出，绿茶提取物可能不是替代品茶叶的一个好选择。

从今天开始喝绿茶吧，至少是一个保护脑袋的好尝试！

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

来源：European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Ingredient under spotlight - turmeric 营养界的新宠 - 姜黄

Turmeric is showing promising sign on blood glucose management in 50 type-2 diabetics, according to a research done by Harbin Medical University and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, the potential benefits is linked to a reduction of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) that in turn might help to reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. 

A little background on turmeric, the active - curcumin, is the natural pigment that gives turmeric its yellow color, has been widely used in times of Ayurveda. Recently, curucmin is gaining great scientific interest due to its potential benefits in various health condition, including arthritis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, prostate cancer and other inflammation-associated diseases. 

Perhaps you might think of incorporating more spice into meals to get the benefits of turmeric, however doses administrated in the study is not likely achievable by normal diet. A rough estimation on the doses used were at least 25g of turmeric per day. Supplementation will be more likely, considering the color and taste that might not be so favorable.

最近刊登在Molecular Nutrition and Food Research的研究显示姜黄有助于改善50位糖尿病患者的血糖。这是一项由哈尔滨医科大学和中国疾病控制和预防中心所进行的研究工作。改善的情况可能源于减少游离脂肪酸（Free Fatty Acid, FFA) 对胰岛素的伤害，从而降低患上糖尿病的风险。

如果你不知道姜黄是什么，在此作一个短短的简介：姜黄素 （curcumin)，是自然色素，姜黄的黄色也是因它而得。在阿育吠陀 (Ayurverda) 时期已被广泛使用的草药。Curucmin在近期获得很多科学家的青睐，因为越来越多研究显示姜黄素对各种健康状况有改善的潜能，其中包括关节炎，老年痴呆症，糖尿病，前列腺癌和其他和炎症相关的疾病。

当中有人可能会认为只要在正常的饮食中食用更多的姜黄，就能达到研究报告中的好处。粗略估计，究中的分量至少要每天摄取超过25克的姜黄，而且姜黄也具有独特的颜色和味道，不是普遍能接受得到。因此从保健品中摄取的可能性比较大。

The root of nature

Doing a little net surfing and come across a website that writes about breaking news and articles on natural health foods. I'm keen to have a look at the article posted, so I just picked one to read. To me, the article is nothing new, nothing very specific like a scientific paper nor very general as in a laymen could understand. 

Scrolling down to the very bottom.... Wow... quite a long list of comment. Every commenter held on their points and tried to convince other by mentioning their credentials. Of cause there is nothing wrong by showing qualification or hold on to what you believe. Just feel so pointless on those 'doctorates', I'm wondering how much do they really understand about a food? Let's say apple, exactly how many nutrients inside? What are all the nutrients in soil? We are still so young to the field of nutrition, just like in the medical field, there are still a lot of area not solved by science.  

People are getting more and more divert or perhaps taking advantage of topics like natural and supplement. A probe into dietary supplements published in the September 2012 edition of Consumer Reports. Headings in the article include 'None are proven to cure major diseases'. I am quite surprise to see the headings. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this is where this statement come from:

'These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.' 

Since when supplements are consumed for curing purpose? Seems like the editor gets confuse in differentiating drugs from supplements and not sending the right information out, no wonder so many consumers out there are not getting the right perception.  

Supplements are food, not drugs. If a product is making such claims then it is not a supplement.

A sip of coffee and cinnamon?

Cinnamon, a spice that is not so popular in the field of nutrition. Relatively few studies found occasionally on better blood sugar and probably anti-diabetes benefits. Anyways, adding some cinnamon in your coffee is not a bad idea though. Might even enhance the antioxidant effect of coffee bean! What do you think? Have a great weekend ahead!

Conditionally healing power 有条件的治愈力

Do you realize that body actually possesses amazing healing power? Is medication healing your sickness or just subsiding the symptoms? Our body is equipped with such sophisticated healing system where it will fix where ever and which ever 'errors' in our body. Of cause, the healing can only take place with the availability of necessary and sufficient nutrients.

你知道身体具有惊人的治愈力吗？药物真的能治疗疾病或只能减轻症状？我们身体的治愈力可以修复任何出现问题的部位，但然也要有必要和足够的营养才能进行修复。

Not long ago, there was this friend of mine told me that her mother was diagnosed with AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and would like to know what kind of food or supplements that will help to improve her condition. AMD is the major cause of blindness in the elderly populution (>50 years) and there is no effective treatment till date. I felt sorry for her, there are supplements to prevent the damage but there is nothing much to do once the damage started. You can hope to pro-long the progressive damage but there is no reversion. 

不久前，有个朋友告诉我，她的母亲被诊断出患有AMD（age-related macular degeneration，年龄相关性黄斑变性），AMD是老年人（> 50岁）失明的主要病因，直到目前还没有有效的治疗方法。她想知道有什么样的食物或保健品可以帮助或改善她的病情。我为她感到遗憾，在还没受到损坏前，是有帮助预防的保健品。一旦受到损坏就只能寄望延缓失明的限期。

The cause of AMD is due to damage in macular. Our eyes are expose to tremendous stress especially with the invention of computers, smart phones, TV and etc. You have increased 'work load' for your eyes but not getting more or enough eyes nutrients and rest. This is one of the increasing rate of 'modern' disease that we are not aware of. Remember, nutrients need to be replenished daily, do not wait until it is too late, because there is just simply nothing you can do to regain your health. Do pay more attention to the elder

AMD的原因是由于黄斑受到损害。我们的眼睛长期饱受氧化，特别是随着使用电脑，智能手机，电视等的增加， 大大的加重了眼睛的“工作”量，但又没给眼睛足够的保养够，补充眼睛所须的营养素和休息。这就是其中一种我们都没意识到的“现代”疾病。请记住，我们每天都需要补充重要的营养素，到了不可修复的时候就为时已晚了。多多留意你身边的长者！

Supplement safety

Have supplement safety ever cross your mind? Supplements adulteration have been dig out one after another, the latest being the steroid spiking case of Bodybuilding.com. It is scary to know that the supplements that you have been consuming is mixed with some sort of pharmaceutical drugs. Supplement is meant for good health, to help replenish and get you the nutrition that is not achievable from your normal diet. However, some manufacturers and retailers are risking our health out of profits, bringing negative effect to the industry.

We want you to enjoy the product with no fear in adulteration, therefore we take the initiative to send out our samples for medicine adulteration test which includes 270 chemicals for clinical use. Report and list of the 270 chemicals analyzed can be found on our Facebook photo album.