Anti-Aging Supplements – Can A Bottle of Pills Reverse the Signs of Aging?

Naturopathic physicians all over the globe agree that no one product in a bottle can ever help diminish or reverse the signs of skin aging. Healthy aging is in fact a function of sufficient water intake, eating healthy foods, regular exercising, no smoking, maintaining positive relationships in life, avoiding external environmental toxins and doing what makes you happy.

While aging is a natural process which affects us all, how we age is certainly not going to be the same for everyone. Some of the most common aesthetic concerns for people tend to center around fine lines & wrinkles, weak and thinning of hair and varicose veins.

And although, the above mentioned fundamental pillars of good health should be in place, there are certain antioxidants supplements which can play a strong role in tipping the odds in your favor. In the following article, we highlight three main conditions of normal aging and what anti-aging vitamins you should take to minimize them.

Do Wrinkles Make You Self-Conscious? Try GTF Chromium

Anti Aging Supplements

The Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) is a small molecule that comprises of the mineral chromium. This is found in the body naturally, where it works to increase the efficiency of insulin. Insulin can be defined as a hormone, which helps sugar to move inside the cells directly from the blood stream. Here, the GTF chromium helps insulin to work better and fight away wrinkles to control blood sugar.

Understanding How Aging Makes You “Crusty”

Blood sugar levels in your body can damage the tissues and hence contribute to aging. The blood sugar crystals are mainly involved in the process of glycation reactions, where the sugar blends with protein in body tissues, such as blood vessels and then gradually breaks them down.

As a result of this reaction, Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are created which are the key players in the process of aging. This fosters aging in your body in a similar way just as the bread gets crusty. The more the AGEs you have, the crustier and aged you will look.

Taking GTF chromium anti-aging supplements will help control the sugar spikes, which can damage the blood vessels that help skin maintain its youthful and radiant look. Naturally, GTF chromium can be found in Brewers yeast.

Suffering From Varicose Veins? Hesperidin Is What You Need

anti-oxidant supplements

Veins are the vessels in the body, which serve to carry the blood away from the tissues and back to the heart and lungs. Varicose veins is a condition when this natural process of piping loses its strength and becomes bent and totally out of shape. These can easily be identified as dark purple colored, worm-like bumps present right under the skin.

Genetics play a major role in how varicose veins show up at a later stage; other symptoms that promote their appearance include poor nutrition, severe constipation and having excessive weight.

The natural plant pigments, flavonoids are known for their amazing health boosting properties. Hesperidin is a specific type of flavonoid, which is naturally found in citrus foods like oranges and lemons. It is specifically found in rich concentrations in the peel and also in the white area. Generally, we all tend to throw away the peels as well as the white stringy area, while we consume the remaining part of the fruit. This means we simply discard the area concentrated with this bioflavonoid.

Hesperidin helps in increasing the tightness (venous tone) of the veins and reducing the stasis, which is characterized as pooling of the poorly moving blood in the veins. Additionally, it also assists in lowering inflammation in veins.

It should be noted that hesperidin would not help you to completely get rid of varicose veins, which have been established already. It may, however, stop them from growing larger and also prevent others from showing up.

Are You Having Sleepless Nights Because Of Hair Thinning Problems? Try Black Currant

Black currants

Black currants are known to be a rich source of anthocyanoside, which is a specific type of flavonoid. These are consumed in many parts of the world and are known to contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

GLA, loaded with health boosting properties, proves beneficial in a number of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, attention deficit disorder and premenstrual syndrome. The benefits of GLA don’t end here – it even helps to strengthen hair, by decreasing breakage.

GLA helps reducing the occurrences of hair fall by decreasing the effects of imbalanced hormones, which result into thinning and weakening of hair.

The Final Word

Although, there is no magic pill or miraculous anti-aging supplement, that can completely stop or reverse the signs of skin aging, still a little precaution can go a long way to help you age gracefully. Carefully choosing and taking the best antioxidant supplements and anti-aging vitamins right now can prove much more beneficial than opting for shortcuts to beauty at a later stage. So, consult your health care provider today and learn what is best for your health and beauty.

Resveratrol Health Benefits: Are You Buying The Hype?

Resveratrol is a compound largely found in skin of red grapes. It is a component of an oriental medicine, ko-jo-kon, which is mainly used to treat diseases, associated with blood vessels, liver and heart. This essential nutrient gained widespread attention during the mid-1990s as a possible explanation for “French Paradox” – the reduced incidences of heart diseases amongst the French people who consumed a relatively high-fat diet. Ever since then resveratrol has been touted by the scientific researchers as a powerful antioxidant and phytoestrogen.

Resverastrol Supplements

Getting Enough Of This Nutrient

Although, present in plant sources, such as lily, eucalyptus and spruce and food sources, such as peanuts and mulberries, the richest sources of resveratrol includes, muscadine grapes, Vitis vinifera and labrusca, which are the common varieties used for wine preparations. It is found in the roots, stalks and seeds, but the richest source of resveratrol are the skin that contains around 50 micrograms to 100 micrograms of this nutrient per gram.

As stated earlier, resveratrol is a phytoalexin, which is defined as a class of antibiotic compounds that are produced as a result of plant’s defense mechanism against various diseases. For instance, resveratrol is synthesized by malonyl CoA and p-coumaroyl CoA from the plants to fight away the invading fungus. Also, as fungal infections are common incidences in colder regions, so grapes produced in colder regions are supposed to have higher resveratrol concentrations.

Today, you can avail the many benefits of resveratrol uses in the form of resveratrol supplements. Here again, you can opt for sole resveratrol supplement or supplements that offer resveratrol in combination with other essential vitamins and minerals. You can also explore the many resveratrol health benefits in the form of skin creams.

The labels of most of the resveratrol supplements available in the market show that the supplements contain 20 to 500 mg of resveratrol per serving. However, the purity level of all these resveratrol supplements is not known and as there is no strict regulation for dietary supplements, so you should not assume the labeled dosage to be accurate.

Resveratrol Health Benefits

Understanding The Resveratrol Health Benefits

Resveratrol may help in expanding the blood vessels and it may also serve to limit the activity of the cells required for blood clotting. According to various studies, it has been revealed that resveratrol may also help in decreasing inflammation. And though resveratrol uses are many, the key benefits of this nutrient include –

  • Cardiovascular Health Benefits Of Resveratrol

Research suggests that consumption of alcohol, especially red wine, may actually reduce the incidences of coronary heart diseases. Here, it should be noted that most of the resveratrol health benefits are due to its powerful antioxidant properties. Also, it is widely being claimed that as resveratrol contains highly lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, so it may prove much more effective in providing cardiovascular protection than other common antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. On the other hand, resveratrol is less potent than the antioxidants epicatechin and quercetin, which is found in red wine. Lowered platelet aggregation has been observed in studies based on resveratrol, which can help prevent atherosclerosis. It should however be noted that there are still not enough evidences to draw practical conclusions about resveratrol health benefits.

  • Anti- Aging Effects

According to laboratory tests performed on mice, increased survival and reduced incidences of several diseases and other conditions associated with aging were revealed. Results to these studies, however, are still contradictory. Positive results have been found in mice that were fed low-calorie and high-fat diet. In 2009, after reviewing the studies conducted on animals, the highly respected Medical Studies concluded that resveratrol does produce the same effects as are produced by calorie restricted diet, which have reduced the incidence of age-related diseases in animal. However, whether it has any of these benefits in humans still has to be established.

Resveratrol Uses – Staying Cautious

Although, various laboratory tests have concluded that resveratrol may prove beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases, there are still a number of reasons as to why its increasing demand is premature.

  • The research conducted on resveratrol uses has mostly been for short-term and has been performed in vitro and not on human models.
  • There is no clear insight upon absorption and clearance of resveratrol, its effect on metabolic processes as well as liver.
  • Red wine is its main dietary source. This means, not only is its concentration in red wine variable, but consuming too much of red wine to boost your resveratrol levels could certainly do more harm than good.

 

Anti-oxidant supplements, the protection towards free radical damage causing early ageing

Are you looking for something that may ease off that process of ageing? The anti-oxidant supplements are just the right answer. Antioxidants are the compounds carried in certain nutrients and essential body enzymes, which play a significant role in protecting the body cells from the attack of free radicals. One can boost the activities of these anti-oxidants by taking in good nutritional diet and indulging oneself in regular exercise.

It is on the other hand that the anti-oxidant supplements become essential for enhancing the anti-aging properties of the body with respect to malnutrition.

The benefits of anti-oxidant supplements on health

  • Fights from the free radical damage to the cells that contribute in protecting the body from developing cancer
  • Reduces the oxidative stress
  • Helps in minimizing the wrinkles and preserve the natural glow of skin
  • Protects the skin from UV damage thus, reducing the risk of skin cancers
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • Prevents from age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and vision problems

The process of ageing and anti-oxidants

Ageing being a natural bodily process, comes with age spots, wrinkles, dry and flaky skin, pigmentation, skin discoloration and many more skin symptoms that tell us old age is right across the corner. Though it is impossible to stop the ageing process, however, the same process comes in control with the consumption of essential anti-oxidant and anti-ageing supplements that support healthy skin.

On the other hand, it your genes that play with your body working, and genes are definitely not your destiny. These genes can be supported in a long run with healthy lifestyle changes and consuming a nutritional diet. When it comes to consuming supplements, one may get a multi anti-oxidant supplement, anti-ageing vitamins or minerals, or multi vitamin and mineral supplement as one for controlling the process of ageing.

The nutrients and antioxidant supplements that prove to be the best ageing controllers

The best Anti-ageing vitamins

  • The benefits of Vitamin-E in anti-ageing

Also called Tocopherol, vitamin-E ensures that the body’s immune system works fine to eliminate and slow the emergence of disease. The vitamin also ensures the reduction in free radical effect and thus, remains one essential ingredient in anti-oxidant and anti-ageing supplements. As an anti-ageing substance, the vitamin proves good because of its possibility to refresh the skin cells and improving the blood flow, which bring natural skin tightening and healthy glow. The vitamin also ensures a reduction in heart disorders by maintaining a healthy BP.

  • Get the sunshine with Vitamin-D

If you are a sun-deprived person, it certainly means you have a tendency to be a deficient in vitamin-D. The vitamin, commonly known to absorb right amounts of calcium and phosphorus, becomes one of the essential anti-ageing supplements, in the matter of fact that, the vitamin helps in improving bone strength, thus, prevents from ageing disorders, such as, arthritis. Further, vitamin-D is one essential ingredient in treating and protecting skin cancers. However, one must be careful with the dosage, as excess of the same may lead to certain disabilities.

  • Have healthy eyes and amazing skin with Vitamin-A

Vitamin-A, also called ‘the eye vitamin’, is essential for enhancing the health of your eyes by improving the work of retina, which defines the night and day. Along with this, vitamin-A also stands essential in improving the skin health, especially at the time of ageing. This is possible because of the vitamin’s ability to build new, healthy collagen, a connective tissue that makes the skin texture smooth and thus, you look fresh, radiant and younger.

However, there is no doubt that all vitamins and supplements are beneficial, one must also take care of their purity and originality along with the benefits they provide. Hence, to get the anti-ageing supplements, visit www.othhealth.com or shop online.

Getting Your Facts Right On Grape Seed Extracts Benefits

Grapes have long been known for their medicinal and nutritional value. It would be interesting to learn that Egyptians consumed grapes at least 6ooo years ago, and many Greek philosophers praised the benefits of grapes, often in its wine form. Folk healers from Europe used to make an ointment using the sap of grapevines for treating eye and skin diseases. Grape leaves were used for treating conditions, such as inflammation, pain as well as bleeding, usually the kind caused due to hemorrhoids. That’s not all, unripe grapes were largely used to cure sore throats and dried grapes were commonly used as a remedy for constipation and thirst.

Grapes, or the chemicals present within them have long been touted for their powerful antioxidant benefits. It is rightly believed that these could help cure a number of diseases, ranging from aging skin, heart diseases to even cancer, although there no good scientific evidence for most of these claims made. But, there are good evidences that prove that grape seed extracts help in the treatment of edema and chronic venous insufficiency.

Composition Of Grapes

Grape seeds are a rich source of flavonoids, OPCs, Vitamin E and linoleic acid. Slightly reduced concentrations of all these are also present in grape skin and also in grape wine and juice. Resveratrol is another essential compound found in grapes and grape seed extracts and is related to OPCs. Resveratrol has recently gained a lot of popularity owing to its antioxidant properties and is being studied for various health conditions.

Medicinal Uses, Indications And Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract

Today, standardized grape seed extract India may be used to cure a number of health conditions, related to the damage caused by free radicals, including heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. Other common benefits of grape seed extract include protection against bacterial infections. Also the flavonoids, found in red wine may help preserve and promote heart health by lowering LDL (“bad cholesterol”).

However, contrary to the “French Paradox”, drinking alcohol to prevent heart diseases is largely not advocated by the American Heart Association and other reputable organizations, because of the high potential for developing addiction as well as other serious issues, such as increased risk of liver diseases, hypertension, weight gain and breast cancer.

Edema

Edema, which is generally characterized as swelling caused due to an injury or surgery, seems to heal at a faster rate when people take grape seed extract India. This is a common problem that generally results after breast cancer surgery. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that patients who were given 600 mg of grape seed extract regularly after surgery for 6 months, experienced reduced symptoms of edema and pain as compared to those who took placebo.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The main characteristics of Chronic Venous Insufficiency include symptoms like severe pain due to blood pools in legs, followed by swelling, visible veins and fatigue. A number of studies have revealed that OPCs from grape seed extract can help reduce all these symptoms.

High Cholesterol             

Although, there is not much of an evidence for grape seed extract benefits for high cholesterol, but preliminary studies do show some promising results. A study was conducted on 40 people, suffering from high levels of cholesterol to identify whether taking chromium, grape seed extract or a combination of both or placebo for a period of 2 months, would result in reduced levels of cholesterol or not. It was seen that a combination of chromium and grape seed extract, showed much more effective results than grape seed extract alone or placebo alone, in lowering LDL cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure

One of the main benefits of grape seed extract is that it is believed to play a beneficial role in treating high blood pressure or hypertension. The antioxidants found in grape seed extract serve to protect the blood vessels from damage, which would otherwise lead to high blood pressure. The results of various animal studies reveal that grape seed extract helps in lowering the blood pressure effectively.

 

The Anti-Ageing Supplements That No Man Or Woman Should Ignore To Get A Better Body And Health

To change and battle the law of nature is not something to think for, however, certain things can be slowed, repaired and reversed, all depending upon the body health and a person’s adaptability towards the changing regimen. Ageing is just another change in the body with the passage of time, which is a process of decay if one fails to go hand in hand with the same. However, it is impossible to rewind the biological clock and get back youthful years, one can surely make the process slow. The psyche and the physical conditions of an individual are all that tells us that old age is round the corner.

Are you looking for an ultimate magic wand to look younger and age-less in a single stroke? Well, the bad news is, that all these things are good in fairy tales and in real life; the essential magic wands are the nutrients that play an essential role in maintaining a healthy body. From the antioxidants supplements to the enzymes and compounds that become awesome anti-ageing supplements, the process of ageing can surely be slowed by keeping away the ageing signs and symptoms.

In this article, we would know what all-essential ingredients are added to the best anti-ageing supplements.

The Enzyme and Compounds for Anti-Ageing Supplements

  • Coenzyme Q10

Also called CoQ10, the enzyme can be said as a blessing for your health. It is one of the most versatile anti-ageing supplements for the people, who wish to age in an elegant way. CoQ10 is very effective in eradicating fatigue and stimulating the feeling of wellness, because of its ability to elevate the levels of body energy. It also helps in boosting the immune system functions and adds to the longevity of life. The problems, for example, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is said to decrease with the consumption of this supplement. CoQ10 has also shown results in reduction of wrinkles, and thus, promotes anti-ageing.

  • Quercetin

Naturally, this is the pigment found in red apple and onions, which is at a tremendous rate gaining recognition as an effective anti-ageing supplement. Querctin with its antioxidant properties, come along with the ability to work as an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine agent. Among the best anti-ageing supplements for both men and women, quercetin is essential for its ability to reduce the progression of premature ageing and bless the individual with a young, youthful skin. If you want to try the best, this supplement should be among the top three of you anti-ageing product list.

The Anti-Ageing Vitamins

The vitamins that prove to be the best for anti-ageing are generally added among the best antioxidants supplements and thus, all the things seen true in reversing the ageing process in a more beneficial way. The vitamins are:

  • Vitamin C

Vitamin-C sure has a major part to play when it comes to the ageing process. Vitamin-C limits and hinders the oxidative stress in cells, and improves their normal growth process. This vitamin fosters the production of collagen, the compound that supplies nutrition to the skin. Therefore, vitamin-C can actually renew and nurture your skin and the visible effects are reduction in wrinkles and increase in firmness of skin.

  • Vitamin-E

Vitamin-E is one awesome antioxidant along with anti-inflammatory properties. Both these make it one of the important antioxidants supplements for all who desire youth. These factors are vital for an enhanced process of skin cell regeneration and cell turnover. Vitamin-E additionally guards the skin from the effects of UV rays, and to protect the heart by fighting inflammation and enhancing the flow of blood.

The role of Antioxidant nutritional supplements in maintaining a healthy life

Antioxidants are the compounds that help an individual’s body to battle free radicals and thus, with this ability, keep way the problems of cell harm, which may prompt a few infections and worsen the health by generating diseases. Free radicals are the substances created from the body’s natural biological activities and external activities, for example, smoking, liquor addiction, radiation, and so on.

However, to manage these free radicals, the nutritional supplements with anti-oxidants are an awesome help because, just proper diet will not help. There are numerous known anti-oxidant pills and products accessible in the market yet, knowing the best health supplements is an issue.

What are the general benefits of the best health supplements with Antioxidants?

The antioxidants, with the ability to secure

• Maintains the general body wellbeing

• Protects the central nervous system

• Helps in enhancing the heart wellbeing and controls pulse

• Prevents from cardiovascular disorders

• Strengthens the immune system and keeps from different health issues that inhibits growth

• Are useful for eye wellbeing and keeps from issues like macular degeneration and glaucoma

• Helps in the delay of maturing of cells, subsequently, advancing life span

Best Nutritional Supplements

The nutrients rich in anti-oxidants

1. Resveratrol:

It is a flavonoid anti-oxidant, which is a natural response for the attacking parasites and very few plants are its carrier. Red wine is the richest in resveratrol. It is one of the best anti-oxidant and calms inflammation. It is known as the ‘spring of youth’ that aids keep from pre-mature ageing. Resveratrol protects from the free radical harm of cells, which inhibits the spreading of diseases like prostate cancer. This is one among the nutritional supplements, which maintains a healthy pulse rate and BP, which in turn promotes flexible and healthy arteries. The antioxidant also ensures prevention from Alzheimer’s disease, provides security against glaucoma and promotes skin health.

2. Coenzyme Q10

Also called CoQ10, the compound is one of the best nutritional supplements, which enhances the body’s system of defence as an anti-oxidants supplement. The cells need anti-oxidants to shield themselves from free radicals that delivered at the time of normal energy production. Vitamin-E and vitamin-C are triggered by this supplement with the goal that they can precede with their role as essential antioxidants. CoQ10 helps in restoring the harm to the skin by free radicals and jam collagen that makes the skin seem dazzling and flawless. The enzyme additionally prevents from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inhibits the progression of breast cancer and leukaemia.

3. Vitamin-A

Consolidated with the pro-vitamin, beta-carotene, vitamin-A turns into one of the key nutritional supplements rich in anti-oxidant. The benefits to the body that vitamin-A gives include, from improving the vision to preventing healthy respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The vitamin also enhances the cell development by shielding them from free radical harm and provides the body with an amazing immunity framework.

4. Vitamin-C

This is imperative to improve the creation of collagen, which is vital to hold bones and muscles together. The vitamin also enhances the retention of iron in the body. Vitamin-C prevents from simple wounding and the symptoms of pre-mature ageing. This process of anti-ageing helps in retaining smooth skin surface and advances skin shine regularly.

5. Vitamin-E

It is one of the anti-oxidant nutritional supplements, which is vital to battle free radicals and ensures the protection of cells. This is vital in light of the fact that the vitamin helps in boosting the immunity system working, which stands essential for protecting the fat oxidation. The vitamin promotes the widening of arteries to shield from heart issues and keeping up controlled BP. Cataracts is yet another disorder, which is prevented from utilizing vitamin-E.

Nuts for Healthy Living

Nuts have been consumed for over 7 million years now. Various prehistoric nut cracking tools have been found which were made by man to be able to enjoy eating nuts. Seems our ancestors were nut lovers too. However, today you don’t have to make much of an effort to be able to eat nuts. Just buy pack of processes nuts and munch away to happiness! From great taste to high nutritious value, Nuts have all the goodness to offer. Their crunch and enticing taste compel you to have more and more. So, if you are nut lover, you will be happy to know that along with being a treat for your taste buds, nuts are beneficial for your health. We all know nuts are loaded with all kinds of nutrients, but it is now proven that these are rich sources of antioxidants which are good for you. These not only prevent any damage caused due to oxidative stress in the body but also keel your organs and tissues hale and hearty. Following points will surely increase your love for nuts:

Manage your MUFA levels well!

Fats are strange compounds. If a bad fat can make your health suffer, good fat will make you feel better. Thankfully, nuts are excellent source of MUFA or monounsaturated-fatty acids such as palmitoleic and oleic acids. These healthy fats are known to lower bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol. Consumption of MUFA is supports heart health by preventing stroke, coronary artery disease, and promoting a good lipid profile.

Nuts for complete nutrition:

In olden times, hunters and nomads carried pocket full of nuts as a reservoir for energy for long foodless days. This is because nuts are stuffed with generous amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to keep your energy levels pumped up for long hours. Also, nuts being a rich source of antioxidants boost up your immunity and wipe out the deleterious free radicals from the body. All this makes nuts an anytime healthy snack. So, next time you go hungry, satiate your hunger handful of healthful almonds, cashews or walnuts!

Enjoy the goodness of essential fats:

Omega 3 is the star amongst all the fats. It is popular for promoting brain development, reducing high blood pressure, preventing heart attacks, strokes and various cancers. Omega 3 has also been found beneficial in depression, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Some nuts have natural plant sterols which has a cholesterol lowering effect.

Assimilate plenty of antioxidants:

Why run around for searching for antioxidant supplements when nuts can help you to fill up your anti oxidant quota with carotenes, lutein, resveratrol etc. These poly phenolic antioxidants are good for you in countless ways. So why not revitalize your nervous system, heart, brain and all other major organs with the some natural antioxidants that you can obtain from nuts. Resveratrol if found in good amounts in peanuts and is extremely beneficial for your blood vessels.

Welcome some essential vitamins in your diet:

There is no better way to incorporate Vitamin E in your diet other than nuts. Vitamin E is a healthy vitamin for your hair, skin, nails and eyes. Being a potent antioxidant, this vitamin also fight damage causing species. Walnuts and almonds are loaded with this essential vitamin. Apart from this, nuts also provide Vitamin B which is required for overall health benefits.

Fix your digestive issues with Fiber rich nuts!

Fiber may not have any nutritious value but plays a key role in improving your digestion. It leads to better absorption of nutrients and prevents constipation. Fiber is a must for weight loss as it slows down the gastric emptying rate and controls the release of sugar into the blood. The high fiber-low glycemic index of nuts male them suitable for people suffering from diabetes too. Nuts are good sources of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber with almond being the richest source. You can add them to green leafy salads or whole grain breakfast cereals to meet your fiber demands.

You must remember that even though nuts are small in size, a handful of them can cater to your needs. So hide the packet or jar after taking one helping to avoid overeating. Also, make sure that you buy fresh nuts and consume them timely. Although they may be dried, storing them more long can deteriorate their quality and taste.

Avoid salted or fried nuts. It is best to go for unsalted raw or roasted nuts for maximum health benefits.

The bottom-line is that there is no good reason to avoid nuts anymore. Whether you start your morning with these power packets or munch them for your evening snacks, nuts will always pamper your health in the best possible way. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make your meals nutty and healthy.