By Jean Carper

Want strong bones? Take both calcium and vitamin D. The combo is far more effective long-term than calcium alone in preventing bone loss in older women, finds a new Australian study. In fact, calcium alone was shown to stop bone loss for only one year. But a daily dose of 1,200 mg calcium and 1,000 IU vitamin D guarded against bone loss for the entire five-year study.

Our Multi Nutrient Formulas contain clinical doses of many nutrients that are proven to help prevent bone loss—including 1,000 IU of vitamin D as well as 800 mg of calcium.

By Jean Carper

Pregnant women who get sufficient levels of the nutrient choline in their diet may have offspring with a higher IQ as a baby, better verbal skills as a child and better memory in old age, speculates Steven Zeisel of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In animal tests, he found that choline has an amazing, lifelong effect on brain structure and function. Choline stimulates fetal brains to make more stem cells, producing superior wiring in the brain.

One way to get choline is by eating two or three eggs a day. Other good sources: wheat germ, soybeans, peanut butter, chocolate and beef liver.

By Harry Preuss, MD, MACN, CNS

Recently, science has recognized that many natural substances can influence the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed. This is important, because it is the rapid absorption of carbohydrates, which occurs with refined carbohydrates like white breads and pasta, that seems to be a problem. The rapid rush of sugars into the blood stream leads to perturbed glucose-insulin metabolism, which is not good. Accordingly, these troublesome carbohydrates are referred to as having a “high glycemic index.”

It has been know for decades that certain bean extracts inhibit the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase. Alpha-amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and the pancreas and breaks down starches. Thus, the reabsorption of starches in the small intestines can be inhibited by the bean extract. This inhibition can effectively lower the glycemic index of starches.

Only small amounts of amylase are required to digest large quantities of starches. Accordingly, in order for it to be of use, a natural blocker of starch absorption must quite effectively inhibit the amylase activity. Recently, we were able to show in the laboratory that an extract derived from white beans significantly slowed the rapid absorption of rice starch. The effect was rapid, and was easily reproduced in subsequent experiments. The bean extract worked very well to inhibit the rapid absorption of rice starch, i.e., lower the glycemic index of rice starch.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Diabetes and obesity are two of the biggest health threats facing Americans today. Natural starch blockers have the potential to be valuable allies in the fight against these epidemics. If you struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, you should consider trying a natural starch blocker to help you mitigate the effect of starches in your diet.

Our weight-loss formula, SynergySlim, contains a clinical dose of Phase 2®, the most effective bean extract on the market, as well as 3 other all natural fat-fighting ingredients.

By Andreas Papas, Ph.D.

A youthful, radiant glow is the hallmark of healthy skin. As you get older, maintaining the health and appearance of your skin becomes more and more dependent on your body’s ability to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on its cells. Free radical damage to the skin, while a natural part of the aging process, is accelerated by exposure to environmental pollutants, heat, cold, wind and especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

The skin has its own protective system for producing antioxidants—free radical fighting compounds such as vitamins E and C and alpha lipoic acid—but this system tends to become weakened over time. Free radical damage is the underlying cause skin aging and wrinkles, and can lead to skin cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

Vitamin E is rapidly gaining recognition for its unique properties which make it especially effective at protecting the skin from damage. Vitamin E works to inhibit inflammation, cell proliferation, immune suppression and damage to cellular DNA. Research has shown that topical and systemic antioxidants may even supplement the protective effects of sunscreen. (Edlich RF, et al. J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2004;14(4):317-40.)

It is very important to avoid overexposure to the sun, but if you do find yourself with a sunburn, you may be able to minimize the damage if you act quickly. Vitamin E applied to the skin within two minutes of excessive sun exposure may ease the redness, inflammation and swelling associated with sunburn.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Vitamin E can help protect your skin from UV-induced free radical damage. Remember, however, that you should avoid the sun during peak hours, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing in addition to protecting your skin with antioxidants like vitamin E.

Stop Aging Now is pleased to announce that we have become the exclusive U.S. distributor of Yasoo's premium line of specialized vitamin E supplements, anti-aging creams and therapeutic oils.

By Carey Rossi

If you’re a woman, and especially if you are going through menopause, the isoflavones found in soy could be your nutritional superheroes, according to a number of recent studies. Here’s what science has to say about soy’s benefits for women:

Bone Density

Isoflavone intervention significantly eases bone loss of the spine in menopausal women, according to a report in the February 2008 issue of Clinical Nutrition. And if you consume more than 90 mg per day for six months, this may be enough to exert beneficial effects on your bones.

Hot Flashes

A compound in soybeans is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women, according to research published in the January 2008 issue of Menopause.

Weight Loss

Preliminary research from the University of Alabama suggests that drinking a soy-based shake everyday lessens your chance of developing belly fat. The theory is that soy isoflavones could help regulate body fat metabolism.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Studies show that soy can have a positive impact on your health as you age. Include one to two servings of whole soy foods in your diet. Minimally processed, traditional foods like edamame, tofu, tempeh and miso are best. For additional relief from menopause symptoms take a supplement that contains soy isoflavones.

Our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Menopause Support features 150 mg of soy isoflavone from NovaSoy and 250 mg of black cohosh, as well as all 29 ingredients of our best-selling Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS.

By Carey Rossi

Antioxidant and carotenoid supplements may improve retinal health in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggests a recent study.

Researchers found that a combination of 180 mg vitamin C, 30 mg vitamin E, 22.5 mg zinc, 1 mg copper, 10 mg lutein, 1 mg zeaxanthin and 4 mg astaxanthin improved retinal function among people with non-advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). (Ophthalmology, 115(2): 324-333, 2008.)

Previous studies have concluded that carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may reduce the risk of AMD by absorbing blue light that could damage the macula and by preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: AMD affects nearly 30 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 55. To protect your vision as you age, be sure to include plenty of antioxidants and carotenoids in your diet, both from supplements and food.

Protect your vision with our Multi Nutrient Formula PLUS with Eye Support which contains extra strength doses of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as 2500 IU of beta-carotene and mixed carotenoids.

By Gale Malesky, MS, RD

Still dealing with seasonal allergies? These nutrients may be able to help lessen your sensitivity to pollen, mold or dust.

1.    Quercetin, a flavonoid found in onions, garlic and apples can reduce itching red eyes and a runny nose by inhibiting histamine release from immune cells. Take one or two 1,000 mg tablets of quercetin one to three times a day.

2.    Vitamin C can reduce inflammation in the lungs and the mucous membranes of the throat. Taking 500 mg twice a day may improve lung function.

3.    Magnesium has a relaxing effect on nerves and muscles, which can help relieve bronchoconstriction. It’s best to get about 350 mg a day.

4.    Vitamin E protects cell membranes. Along with vitamin C, it shields cells directly exposed to allergens and airborne inhalants. Take 400 IUs a day.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Don't suffer needlessly from allergies! Take advantage of dietary supplements to get your allergies under control.

Our Multi Nutrient Formula GOLD contains potent dosages of quercetin, vitamins C and E and magnesium.

By Gale Malesky, MS, RD

Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. It can happen as we get older and our bone structure starts to break down faster than it is rebuilt. Some bone loss is inevitable as we age, but it doesn’t have to progress to osteoporosis, with its risk for painful fractures. And it doesn’t mean we’re stuck taking osteoporosis drugs with their long list of possible side effects, including throat and stomach ulcers, joint and muscle pain, and loss of jaw bone and teeth.

Here are ways you can slow bone loss:

1.    Get enough vitamin D. Most people don’t get what they need, and women with osteoporosis have especially low blood levels. Get at least 1,000 IU a day from supplements and food.

2.    Get enough calcium. Most experts say aim for 800-1,200 mg a day. Most people need to take supplements to reach this amount.

3.    Take a multi-vitamin. Bone-building requires lots of nutrients: vitamin C and trace minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc, boron and manganese.

4.    Get soy isoflavones. In postmenopausal women, these compounds can slow bone mineral density loss. If you don’t eat lots of soy-based foods, take a soy isoflavone supplement of 150 mg a day.

5.    Cut back on salt, alcohol, protein and coffee. All can cause your body to excrete calcium.

6.    Concentrate on bone-building exercise. Bones need to be “stressed” to stay strong. Running or walking, weight-lifting and exercises that strengthen core body muscles all fit the bill.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Osteoporosis affects over half of all Americans age 50 and older, 80% of whom are women. This disease can be severely debilitating, but fortunately, there are ways to avoid it without resorting to drugs.

Our Multi Nutrient Formulas contain clinical doses of many nutrients that are proven to prevent osteoporosis including 1,000 IU of vitamin D as well as 800 mg of calcium.

By Gale Malesky, MS, RD

Even those of us who like meat know that an occasional vegetarian meal is good for us, the animals and the planet.
Some of the easiest ways I’ve found to incorporate vegetarian meals into my diet: scrambled tofu, peanut butter on whole wheat, veggie burgers, bean burritos and hummus on pita bread. I try to have at least one meal a day without meat.

Why not try to tread a little lighter on this planet of ours with more vegetarian meals?

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: A tremendous amount of research has shown that a plant-based, or mostly vegetarian diet, is the best way to eat for optimal vitality and for protection against some of the most common diseases of aging. The reasons for this may be many, but the simplest explanation is just that vegetarian diets typically contain more fruits and vegetables, fiber and healthy fats.

By Maggie Spilner

We know that regular exercisers have lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and osteoporosis—all good things. But recent research is indicating that an active lifestyle may actually lead to changes in your DNA that may make you biologically younger than those your chronological age. How cool is that?

Researchers in London studied 2,301 Caucasian twins, using both questionnaires and blood samples. Examining the length of telomeres (sequences at the end of DNA chromosomes which we know shorten progressively over time) they found that those who were more active during their leisure time had longer telomeres that those who were less active.

The most active people, who were getting about 3 hours and 20 minutes of exercise per week, aside from activity at work, had the same length telomeres as people ten years younger, on average. Researchers speculate that physical activity may reduce the physical effects of psychological stress as well as reduce the effects of inflammation.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: While future research may find other factors that affect telomere length related to people who are active versus people who are sedentary, researchers feel regular exercise is a proven benefit to your health and that it may even keep you biologically younger at a basic, biological level.

By Maggie Spilner

You can lose weight and keep it off and it helps if you have someone interested in your efforts and results.

Duke University Medical Center conducted a study that recruited 1,700 overweight or obese adults who had either high blood pressure, high cholesterol or both.  For six months, the small groups met every week to learn new behaviors and have them reinforced. Participants set goals to exercise 180 minutes per week, eat less and follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.)  The average weight loss after 6 months was 19 pounds, a little less than 1 pound per week.

For maintenance over the following 30 months, some were directed to use an interactive website, and some met once a month with a counselor, in person or over the phone. Turns out those who talked with the counselors did better than the techies, keeping weight off, on average a little over 5 more pounds than the web-based group

The study author felt the difference was the result of having an interested party to report results to.  So if you’re trying to lose weight and keep it off, find a friend, nutritionist or doctor to share your efforts with. Meeting as little as once every 30 days worked!

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: A healthy weight is very important to a healthy life as you age. Weight gain is associated with many chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure and is also considered a risk for some types of cancer. Use all the tools you can find to help lose weight if you need to; having someone to report to can help.

Our SynergySlim formula combines four all-natural, non-stimulant ingredients which each play a different role in helping you lose weight. SynergySlim PLUS includes Tonalin CLA, for even better results. Also, our new Cinnamon Extract has also been clinically shown to support weight loss.

Visit www.StopAgingNow.com to read our Special Report: Natural Weight Loss that Works and learn more about natural weight reducing supplements.

Who needs meat when you can have crispy, creamy sautéed tofu? This dish is a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Makes about 4 servings. 

1/2 lb. firm tofu
1 T. peanut oil
1/2 lb. fresh asparagus
1/2 lb. thin noodles (buckwheat or whole wheat)
1 T. sesame seeds
2 scallions, cut diagonally
1/4 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 T. tahini
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

•    Prepare tofu: Slice ½ pound of tofu into 3 thin sections, place on 2-layer thick paper towel. Cover with paper towels and press to remove water. Slice tofu into one-inch cubes.
•    Heat peanut oil in a large, non-stick skillet. Add tofu cubes and brown on all sides. Remove to paper towel to drain.
•    Prepare dressing: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, tahini and red pepper flakes.
•    In a large pot, heat water for noodles. Cook until barely done, drain well, place in a large bowl, toss with the dressing.
•    Wash asparagus stalks. Steam until barely tender. Cool and slice into 1-inch diagonals.
•    Toss noodles, asparagus and tofu cubes together. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Serve at room temperature or cold.

Nutritional Information per Serving: 247 calories, 12 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 7.5 g fat (1.2 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 4.2 g fiber, 550 mg sodium.

Tart cherries fight inflammation throughout your body and reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Makes 4 servings.
 
4 chicken leg quarters (thigh and leg)
4 T. cherry juice concentrate
1 T. tamari (soy sauce)
1 T. honey
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. ginger powder
1 clove (1 tsp.) garlic, pressed or minced
¼ c. dried tart cherries
2 tsp. cornstarch

•    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Wash and trim chicken legs as needed, and place in a large, shallow baking pan. 
•    In a bowl, whisk together glaze ingredients. 
•    Brush chicken with glaze. Cover pan with lid or foil. Bake for about 45 minutes.
•    Remove cover from chicken, brush again with glaze, and bake for additional 15 minutes, or until meat shows no signs of pinkness.
•    Remove chicken to a warming dish. To pan, add any left-over glaze. Heat on stovetop. Add cornstarch a bit at a time, whisking gently to thicken the sauce.
•    To serve, place chicken on bed of wild rice, spoon over sauce.
 
Nutritional Information per Serving: 260 calories, 28.5 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates, 6.5 g fat (1.3 g saturated), 72 mg cholesterol, 1.2 g fiber, 582 mg sodium.

with 3/4 c. brown and wild rice and 1 T. almonds: 474 calories, 34.6 g protein, 55 g carbohydrates, 12 g fat (1.9 g saturated), 72 mg cholesterol, 4.9 g fiber, 609 mg sodium.