High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure causes strokes, heart attacks, aneurisms, kidney failure and may other diseases. In most cases the cause is unknown. While drug treatment is frequently required, doctors stress the benefits of a healthy active lifestyle, weight reduction, smoking cessation, stress reduction and a low salt diet. What is rarely mentioned is the value of taking calcium and magnesium.
• Calcium and Magnesium: Women in a study who through their food or supplements took higher doses of calcium or magnesium, 800mg of calcium/day had 22% less instances of high blood pressure than those taking less than 400mg / day. Those taking more than 300mg of magnesium per day had 23% less, compared to those taking less than 200mg; and those taking higher dose of BOTH calcium and magnesium had a 45% reduction in developing hypertension.
The important feature of high blood pressure is not simply the pressure reading, but the fact that hypertension leads to the development of coronary heart disease and stroke. So in addition to lowering the blood pressure, it is also important to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Good nutrition can also greatly reduce the risk of these diseases. USANA Vitamins Fibergy® Plus is a Low-calorie, high-fiber blend that promotes good digestive health. Soluble fiber from foods such as USANA Fibergy Plus, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cataracts
These are opacities which develop in the lens of the eye. Sunlight causes free radical formation. The antioxidant vitamin C can neutralize the free radicals thus reducing cataract formation. Some carotenoids may provide additional protection:
• Vitamin C. Women in a study who took vitamin C for more than 10 years had 77% fewer early cataracts and 83% less severe cataracts, compared to women who did not take vitamin C supplements.
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids found in spinach and curly kale. They reduced cataracts by 22%. Sadly, few people eat enough of these greens.
