Health Terms Glossary
Selenium
- Found in oysters, tuna, Brazil nuts, herrings.
- Needed for: antioxidant (with vitamins A,C,E); cancer and heart disease prevention; blood pressure control; toxic metal removal.
Consider Selenium if you have a family history of cancer or heart disease, many mercury amalgam fillings, cataracts, high blood pressure.
Shea Butter and Oil
Shea butter is a very rich waxy oil extracted from shea kernels grown in Africa. It is similar to coconut butter, and can be fractionated to produce a fine oil. Shea butter is both nourishing and protective.
Squalane
Squalane is a fine, light oil extracted from olive oil. It is used in skincare products to provide protection and improve the smoothness of both the skin and the product.
Starflower Oil
Starflower, or Borage Oil contains omega 6 and 3 oils for a soothing and antiinflammatory action. It is 23 times stronger than Evening Primrose Oil, and is often used to calm the irritation of eczema and similar skin problems.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Water soluble vitamin found in many vegetables.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, brain function, digestion.
Consider Thiamine (Vitamin B1) if you suffer from tender muscles, eye pains, prickly legs, constipation, rapid heartbeat.
Vitamin A (retinol) (see also 'Beta-carotene')
- Oil soluble vitamin found in animal products e.g. liver, egg yolks, cod liver oil.
- Can be stored in the body, so overdosing is possible.
- Take only low levels during pregnancy.
- Used as an antiageing ingredient in skincare.
- Needed for: immune defence, antioxidant, night vision, cancer protection.
Consider Vitamin A (retinol) if you suffer from mouth ulcers, poor night vision, frequent colds and infections, dry flaky skin, dandruff, thrush.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Water soluble vitamin found in many vegetables.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, brain function, digestion.
Consider Vitamin B1 (thiamine) if you suffer from tender muscles, eye pains, prickly legs, constipation, rapid heartbeat.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Water soluble vitamin in animal sources only e.g. liver, oysters, sardines, lamb, dairy products.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- No effective vegetarian alternatives. B12 sourced from algae is not the same molecular shape. Vegans should consider supplementation.
- Needed for: protein use, oxygen carriage, red blood cell production, DNA synthesis.
Consider Vitamin B12 if you have poor hair condition; anaemia; eczema; irritability; tender muscles; red sore tongue; 'woolly' feeling feet.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Water soluble vitamin found in many vegetables, wheatgerm, mushrooms, mackerel.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, tissue repair, skin and eye protection.
Consider Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) if you are suffering from burning or gritty eyes, light sensitivity, sore tongue, cataracts, cracked lips.
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Water soluble vitamin found in meat, oily fish, mushrooms, wholewheat.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, brain function, skin health, blood sugar balance, cholesterol control.
Consider Vitamin B3 if you are suffering from lack of energy, diarrhoea, insomnia, acne, eczema, irritability.
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