Originally published September 26 2005
Understanding calcium, folate and lycopene
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Popular nutritional supplements calcium, folate and lycopene have wide ranges of health benefits: Calcium is important in blood clotting, nerve transmission and the formation of healthy bones and teeth, and it is helpful in preventing osteoporosis; Folate helps prevent neural tube defects and is especially important for pregnant women; and lycopene, found in tomatoes, can help prevent against breast and prostate cancer.
Consumers can be confused by the loads of often conflicting information that exists about dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals and herbals.
Some substances can have harmful effects when used with prescription and over-the-counter medicines or can reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs.
It is important for fighting osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.
Food sources: Calcium is found in dairy products like milk and cheese and vegetables like broccoli, kale and Chinese cabbage.
Women should take folic acid supplements or fortified foods in addition to dietary folate before they become pregnant.
Food sources: Folate can be found in whole grains and whole grain cereals (breads and dried beans), as well as in dark, leafy vegetables.
�Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, is thought to help protect against prostate and breast cancers.
A 2003 study by researchers at Ohio State University showed that pure lycopene was less effective against prostate cancer than tomato products that naturally contain lycopene.
Lycopene and other dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
When it comes to shedding pounds, everyone wants to be a big loser.
Fitness expert Jillian Michaels, who coached a team of six to weight-loss victory on NBC's reality show "The Biggest Loser," has authored "Winning by Losing" (HarperCollins, $24.95), a three-pronged approach to eating and exercise to help real people lose weight.
The book, released last week, focuses on self, science and sweat to show readers how to get in the correct weight-loss mind-set and sort out the confusing health information out there.
Bob Cooley, author and developer of Resistance Flexibility and Strength Training, has written "The Genius of Flexibility: The Smart Way to Stretch and Strengthen Your Body" (Fireside/Simon & Schuster, $18), a new system created to improve physical fitness, take the pain out of stretching and protect you from injury.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml