TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIFE

YAM CHER SENG gives us some tips on how to alleviate fatigue with vitamins, minerals and herbs such as ginseng.

VITAMINS and minerals are essential nutrients which can be obtained through the diet. Food high in vitamins and minerals are fruits, vegetables, lean meat, poultry, seafood and whole grains.Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to various health problems, namely anaemia and poor immune functions. They can also affect bodily functions such as bone and energy metabolisms.Therefore, it is important to supplement the diet with a combination of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, D, E and Bs, calcium, magnesium and zinc for optimum health.

Ginseng

Panax ginseng (also known as Korean red ginseng) is an adaptogen. It enhances the body’s endurance for physical and mental activities. It helps increase the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.Studies have shown that the combination of multivitamin and ginseng extract is effective in improving the quality of life especially in individuals with high physical and mental stress.

Alpha–lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant which deserves special attention as studies show that the exceptional free-radical scavenging properties may play an important role against ageing.It is found in rice bran, peas, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Most antioxidants act on specific areas of the cell. Alpha-lipoic acid is distinct in that it is able to enter both the fatty as well as the watery parts of the cell and thus offers a much wider range of protection by neutralising free radicals in both water-soluble as well as fat-soluble parts of the cells.Alpha-lipoic acid is also a “regenerator” or “recycler” of other antioxidants.

When an antioxidant such as vitamin C neutralises a free radical, it becomes oxidised and is no longer able to act as an antioxidant.Alpha-lipoic acid has the ability to regenerate these oxidised antioxidants back into their active forms.Studies suggest that a number of important antioxidants including Vitamin C, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), coenzyme Q-10 and glutathione can be regenerated in this manner by alpha-lipoic acid.

Selenium

Selenium is important in defending the body against free radical attacks. The trace mineral selenium is needed for the formation of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.This enzyme plays an important part in the defence against free radicals such as hydrogen peroxides and lipid hydroperoxides. Selenium keeps the liver functioning optimally, boosts the immune system and maintains healthy eyes, skin, hair and heart. It is also a component of semen and plays a role in fertility.• (This article being taken from NSTP Online 18Nov 08)

The writer is a pharmacist who is actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at csyam@streamyx.com