Tuesday 25 November 2014

People Behind Its Success

 

Words from the founder….


VIVA Life Science began as the vision of the founder, a businessman - David Fan. His first encounter with the Network Marketing Industry was in 1972 whilst working as an investment banker and was involved with bringing a Network Marketing company public which sparked his interest. In the early 1980′s David noticed that there was not much of a science base in the nutritional field. After he bought some multivitamins for his father, his father told him they were worthless since he would see the tablet in the toilet after taking it. His doctor told him that often happens because many products are not readily absorbable. So David started asking the question, “Can anyone tell me that these products really work and that they are safe to take for so many years?” No one could answer his curiosity completely. So he set a mandate to find the truth and became committed to bring more science into the field of nutritional supplements.

In 1984 David joined a large Network Marketing company as a full time distributor in order to learn the business. After 6 months, David bought the company’s supplier, Westar Nutrition. Then in 1989 he bought one of Westar’s customers, VIVA America Marketing. As the company grew, the name was changed to VIVA Life Science which embodies the company’s commitment to a true alliance between nature and science. For over ten years, VIVA Life Science has built a platform of nutritional science that is setting the standard for the industry both in the US and abroad.

Words from the New President…..

Our VIVA President, Emmanuel Fan who has successfully taken over the baton from his dad is determined to bring VIVA to the next phase of growth by  continuing to elaborate on VIVA’s Core Values and the power of CBSG. In his motivational guidance to our various branch offices, he has encouraged placing the main focus on the first aspect of CBSG (Connect) in many of the CBSG seminars planned for May and June this year.

“In this first step of the growth plan, the members have already begun to experience what it means to truly engage with other people in a real and meaningful way.  By participating in group and leadership activities designed to facilitate connection and by personally reinforcing existing relationships and building new connections, we are on a very positive path toward the growth we have all envisioned.  We encourage all our VIVA members to become fully committed to CBSG and see how amazingly simple it is to achieve your goals in success, health and life.

Today we are building on these values exponentially.  We are moving intelligently and strategically on the path of extraordinary innovation in research and development for even greater health benefits with new products.  We are creatively designing breakthrough business opportunities to help energize and motivate our entrepreneurial members into action toward their wealth-building goals.  By fully engaging with people at every level of life – through connecting on a personal level, building and strengthening present and future relationships, and sharing the benefits of VIVA products plus the advantages of the VIVA business opportunity – we know we will all experience genuine growth in so many exciting ways.

You can confidently embrace change with a revitalized enthusiasm because we now hold the keys to a whole new revolution. Our goal is constant, never-ending innovation and improvement that will distinguish VIVA Life Science and expand its touch on people around the world. Join me on this great adventure into the successful future of your wellness and financial freedom in the 21st Century."

Worldwide Recognition

 

Congratulations to VIVA SelGuard!

Once again VIVA remakes HISTORY!


New Quality Awards 12/29/2005


VIVA Life Science works relentlessly to deliver high quality products available in the market  at all time.  From 1999-2009 it bags many awards consecutively from the Taiwan Department of Health well-known for its rigorous and stringent selection process.  All these are only made possible with its intensive research backed by third-party clinical studies.

In the words of the founder Mr David Fan:

“IS IT AN EASY TASK TO TO BE ON TOP?  WHAT CONTRIBUTIOINS HAVE TO BE MADE TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP AND REMAIN THERE INDEFINITELY?

TO BEGIN WITH, WE INVESTED HEAVILY IN EXPENSIVE, RELIABLE, SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS FOR THE LABORATORIES TO DO RESEARCH.  BUT IT DOESNT STOP THERE.  WE HAVE ALSO INVESTED HEAVILY IN CLINICAL RESEARCH…”

Viva Life Science is on USA television 3/25/2004



HALAL Certification!
VIVA products attained HALAL Certification!
VIVA Life Science is proud to announce to all our members and consumers the attainment of HALAL Certification from The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) for the following products in Malaysia.

Royal JellyLipoGuardGreen Barley PowderGreen Barley Tablet
B-EasyCal-Mag & D PlusAgeGuardOmega-3
Cleanse TeaBioGarlic ChloroGuard BioFruity


Viva Life Science



 
THE COMPANY
  • VIVA has an excellent 20-year-old track record of producing pharmaceutical grade products backed by rigorous scientific research.
  • VIVA Life Science’s parent company, WESTAR Nutrition has been in the nutrition business for over 20 years. WESTAR has manufactured nutritional and personal care products for some of the largest companies in the nutritional industry.

  • Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, VIVA Life Science is a vertically integrated company. VIVA Life Science maintains tight controls over every facet of the company, from the farms that grow some of our raw materials to R & D, manufacturing, quality control, packaging, and the distribution of our products to the end customer. 
  • More than 50 full-time scientists, nutritionists, and researchers, including Ph.D.’s and M.D.’s, nationally and internationally.
  • 8 fully equipped state-of-the-art research laboratories.
  • Medical Advisory Board to insure scientific integrity of all products.
  • Multi-million dollar FDA-registered pharmaceutical grade facilities.
  • Use of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) to carefully monitor each step of production to consistently meet high standards of quality.
  • Rigorous clinical studies performed on products by third party scientists.
  • Affiliations with leading Medical Research Institutions that conduct on-going clinical studies on VIVA products.
  • Published clinical results in prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals.
 PRODUCTS
  • VIVA’s NUTRACEUTICALS and COSMOCEUTICALS are formulated and manufactured to be among the most effective in the market.
  • Mainly fruit and vegetables based, the products are natural, have no artificial color, flavor and preservatives.
  • Derived from whole food concentrates, the products are produced with the highest level of quality control and freshness possible.
  • The formulations enhance the synergistic properties among the ingredients, and promote easy dissolution and absorption.
  What Are Nutraceuticals?
  • A NUTRACEUTICAL is a single or multiple-nutrient, food component or formulation that shows efficacy and safety through clinical studies that have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
  • NUTRACEUTICALS have medicinal benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, and increasing HDL (good cholesterol)
  • No side effects are usually associated with NUTRACEUTICALS. Hence, they provide treatment that is both safe and effective.
  • VIVA Life Science has 14 international patents with more that 30 patents pending, 13 published product clinical studies, 8 toxicity studies conducted, and several other on-going clinical studies being carried out in the U.S. and international medical institutes.
What are Cosmoceuticals?
  • Chiral technology used has enabled Viva to formulate a revoltionary “living” skin treatment system.The chirally purified ingredients cause a rapid response, allowing visible results to be achieved safely and effectively.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
8 state-of-the-art laboratories ensure product integrity and optimum Quality Control
  • Analytical Lab
  • Tests the nutrient content of every batch of raw materials and finished product manufactured at VIVA.
  • Biochemistry Lab
  • Creates and tests new techniques in product delivery systems (for example the unique delivery of the active ingredient allicin from VIVA’s BioGarlic® directly to the body’s digestive system).
  • Biotechnology Lab
  • Develops unique ingredients with very special proprietary processes that no other company has, including the non-toxic forms of selenium and chromium.
  • Clinical Research Lab
  • Studies VIVA’s proprietary ingredients and patented products in vitro on different cell lines using MTT assay to assess their efficacy and safety.
  • Microbiological Lab
  • Tests all raw materials and finished products for moisture levels, contaminants, and potency validation of friendly bacteria in probiotic formulas.
  • Plant Science & Breeding Lab
  • Selects and breeds plants such as green barley and garlic, conducts bioengineering of organic plants for research and optimizes active ingredient concentration in plants.
  • R&D Lab
  • Designs and formulates new products as well as monitors current projects and products.
  • Skin Care Lab
  • Develops skin care and dental products.
Food and Drug Licence

Over the last several years the United States Food and Drug Administration designed and put into law a new section of Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations specifically for Dietary Supplements.

These new regulations are far above the food cGMPs exclusively followed by most supplement manufacturers and distributors in the States.  They are closely designed after the pharmaceutical cGMPs with very little diference and the expectations are extremely high for similiar compliance.  Inspections cover everything from beginning to end of the manufacturing process.

VIVA Life Science has been in the practice of following both the Good Processing cGMPs and the Pharmaceutical cGMP principles, which virtually covers everything the Dietary Supplement cGMPs require.

The company has been issued both the Food Processing Registration and the Drug Manufacturing Licence for more than 20 years as evidence of successful compliance with their respective cGMPs and long-term commitment to deliver the finest nutraceutical products available in the market.

THIRD PARTY REVIEWS

VIVA currently has numerous research papers being recognized and published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. Many reputable scientists and professionals are involved in reviewing the science and studies submitted to every journal. Only those studies that meet the high criteria for scientific reliability and value are acknowledged and accepted for publication. Numerous other health supplements manufacturers failed to reach the distinguished requirements of the medical field.

VIVA’s Products have met the highest standard in the nutraceutical world…




World Journal of Gastroenterology 2005  11(47):7413-7417
Nutritional Sciences Journal 2005Vol.30, No.1, pp.21-27
Jpn.Journal of Pharmacology89,142-148 (2002)
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry12 (2001) 388-395

 

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research71 (5), 2001. 306-312
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research71 (5),2001. 306-312
Anticancer Research20:1391-1414 (2000)


Proceeding of the American Association for Cancer Research40, March 1999
Medical Science Research 199927:121-127
Journal of The National Medical AssociationOctober 1997;89 (10):673-678
Medical Science Research1996:24, 357-363

Link:  http://vivalife.com.my/default/?page_id=88

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
 
North American Headquarters:1239 Victoria Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627 U.S.A.
Toll-free ordering: 1-800-243-VIVA(8482)
Toll-free ordering (Chinese): 1-800-243-1688
Tel: 1-949-645-6100
Fax: 1-949-645-1044
E-mail: cs@vivalife.com
Website: www.vivalife.com        
Taiwan:3F.,No.30,Sec.3,Bade Rd., Songshan District, Taipei City 105 Taipei, Taiwan 110, R.O.C.
Tel: 011-886-2-2570-1900
Fax: 011-886-2-2570-2340
E-mail: service@vivalife.com.tw
Website: www.vivalife.com.tw    7F, No. 305 Daya Road
Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: 011-886-4-2205-9200    12F-7, No.2 Chung Shan 2st Rd.
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: 011-886-7-537-5437
Hong Kong:Unit A&B 15/F, Hua Chiao Commercial Centre,
678 Nathan Road, Mongkok,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2736-3821
Fax: 852-2376-2721
E-mail: marketing@vivalife.com.hk
Website: www.vivalife.com.hk  

Indonesia:Komplek SIMPRUG INDAH
Jl. Cut Nyak Arief 9E, Arteri Simprug
Jakarta Selatan 12220, Indonesia
Tel: (021)7278-9201 to 04
Fax: (021) 7278-9205
E-mail: marketing@vivalife.co.id
Website: www.vivalife.co.id
   
Singapore:23 Kampong Bahru Road, #@04-01
Singapore 169349
Tel: 011-65-6323-1970
Fax: 011-65-6323-1971
E-mail: info@vivalife.com.sg
Website: www.vivalife.com.sg        
Malaysia:35 and 37, Jalan SS 23/15
Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: 011-603-7880-8248
Fax: 011-603-7880-0545
E-mail: info@vivalifescience.com.my
Website: www.vivalife.com.my        
Brunei:Unit 3, Grd Flr, Blk M,
Pg. Hj. Menuddin shopping Complex,
Kg. Pengkalan Gadong,
Jln. Tungku Link/Batu Bersurat
BSB BE3719
Negara Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 673-2-456738
Fax: 673-2-456748
E-mail: vivalife@brunet.bn   
China:Westar Nutrition Co. (BeiJin)
Beijing Westar Functional Food High-Tech Limited
Room A-214, Xin Hong MansionNo.8 Che Dao Gou,
Haidian District, Beijing 100089,PRC
BeiJin, 100089
Tel: 011-86-10-68419723
Fax: 011-86-10-68417585
E-mail: info@vivalife.com.cn
Website: www.vivalife.com.cn
   
IN A NUTSHELL…
  
VIVA Life Science is setting the standards for the nutrition industry. Our on-going research, product formulation and design, and understanding of nature, combined with solid advances in science, result in products that promote longer, healthier lives. With a firm foundation in the science of nutrition, VIVA has positioned itself to develop and produce one of the most powerfully effective product lines the health industry has ever known. VIVA Life Science . . . it’s nature’s technology.
  • More than 18 years of manufacturing experience and more than 12 years of research and development.
  • More than 50 full-time scientists, nutritionists, and researchers, including Ph.D.’s and M.D.’s, nationally and internationally.
  • Credible Medical/Scientific Advisors from prestigious medical schools and affiliations with leading medical research institutions.
  • Eight fully equipped, state-of-the-art research laboratories.
  • On-going clinical studies at U.S. and international medical institutes. 
VIVA Life ScienceCosta Mesa, California U.S.A.
  • Vertical integration to monitor every level of the manufacturing process, from ingredient farms and suppliers, through R&D, formulation, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.
  • 17 product and process patents and more than 18 patents pending.
  • Five published clinical studies on VIVA products in prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals.
  • Commitment to our Independent Marketing Representatives.
  • Commitment to excellence .

Balanced Body System & VIVA products



Our body systems work in harmony to keep us active for many decades. However, out of balance health problems naturally occur in our lifetime. VIVA's Balanced Body System is an easy way to design your own supplement program:

1. Use basic nutrition daily to provide a healthy foundation for the body systems to work in synthesis

2. Identify your body's current health conditions and use appropriate supplements to treat the problem

3. Identify all your personal and family health risks and utilise the necessary supplements that will assist your body with health maintenance

Basic Foundation: Green barley, Dailyguard, Floraguard, Vivashield

Cardiovascular System: Transport nutrients, oxygen, hormones, fats etc into all body cells and remove harmful elements like carbon dioxide, toxins, waste. Components involved - heart, arteries (from heart), veins (to lungs), capillaries and blood.  (Products: B-easy, Calmag & D, Dailyguard, Lipoguard, Omega 3, Vivashield)

Digestive System: Components - mouth, throat, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, esophagus, rectum
(Products: B-easy, Floraguard, Chloroguard, Nutrazyme, Fibrecleanse)

Nervous System: Components - neurons, myelin sheath, brain, spinal cord and the five senses ie. smell, touch, hearing, vision and taste
(Products: B-easy, Biolecthin, Calmag & D, Liquick Gingko)

Musculoskeletal System: Components - bones, ligaments, tendons, marrow, connective tissues, synovial fluid, cartilage and muscles
(Products: Calmag & D, Flexiguard, VivaGuard, Viva Plus)

Endocrine System: Components - pitutiary, thryoid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries and testes
(Products: Biolecthin, Royal Jelly, Viva Fem, Hemoberry, Calmag & D)

Immune System: Components - thymus, bone marrow, spleen, liver, lymph system, tonsils, intestines, appendix, white blood cells, T cells, B cells, macrophages, monocytes, natural killer cells, antibodies, platelets, stem cells, enzymes, hormones and cytokines.
(Products: Biogarlic, C-complex, Chloroguard, Dailyguard, IM Guard, Selguard, Floraguard, VIVA Germanium, Viva shield)

Respiratory: Components - lungs, air sacs, nose, throat
(Products: C-complex, Liquick Gingko, Vivashield, Oxypower)

Metabolic System: Components - fat cells, blood cells, glands
(Products: B-easy, Glucocguard, Chloroguard, Biolecthin)

Personal Care: A skincare formula that is chirally correct contains molecules that spin in the appropriate direction to enable the ingredients to fit nicely with the skin's receptors for most effective results.
(Products: Revive morning cleanser, Detoxifying cleanser, Rebuild Serum Protein Complex, Restore Betapure Bar, Refine Evening Moisturizer, Repair Firming Eye Lotion, Reveal Enhanced Brightening Serum, Rejuvenate Facial Mask)

************************************************************
"Employ your time in improving yourself by other people's writing so you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for"
by Socrates


PRODUCTS


Below are some VIVA Best Selling and Gold award winning products:

GREEN BARLEY to start off the day on a refreshing note.


Do you belong to the 92% who are unable to meet the daily nutritional requirements for proper body functioning?


VIVA DAILYGUARD the strong multi-vitamins is the solution to your problems!


Indigestion, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning? – you need to replenish friendly bacteria found in award-winning VIVA FLORAGUARD



Weak or over-reactive immune system?


VIVA SELGUARD AND VIVA GERMANIUM can help to fix up tough health challenges!



Weak joints, knee pain? – let  VIVA FLEXIGUARD helps to remove your discomfort.
 Add on with best combination VIVA CAL-MAG & D for strong bone support.
 

High concentration of EPA/DHA in VIVA OMEGA-3 to improve your blood circulation in the vessels.
Migraine, cold hands, asthma, fatigue? - VIVA LIQUICK GINGKO improves blood circulation in the tiny capillaries.


Hey! Guys watch your prostate - VIVA PROSMETT contains natural bioactive botanical and herbal compounds to offer protective and remedial effects..
 

Opt for alternative to statins to reduce cholesterol? VIVA LIPOGUARD has clinical studies done in US to prove that its fish oil and garlic combination can bring total cholesterol by 11%, LDL by 10% and triglycerides by 34% in 4 weeks without any side effects.  FDA study also showed that only this product amongst 23 others can help to improve the blood lipid profile and blood pressure.


Try 4 in 1 combination of potent antioxidants VIVA VIVASHIELD for running nose, sore throat, asthma etc.





No one can stop getting old but can choose to slow aging in a natural way-
ROYAL JELLY for faster result to enhance your complexion and regain youthfulness. For utmost result, combine with  anti-aging VIVA AGEGUARD and discover the secret of beauty with VIVA TOUJOUR LA VIE using CHIRAL technology focusing at the molecular level.














Tuesday 2 September 2014

5 DONTS when you are SLEEPING

  

Sleep is vital for us to revitalise and assist in proper bodily development. However, sleep can affect health adversely if you are not keeping up good habits to prepare for a good rest.

1DONT SLEEP WITH WET HAIRS

Wet hair is in its most fragile state because the hydrogen bond is broken.  Hence, hair strands are more fragile and easier to break.  There are complaints from people who did not dry the hair before sleeping to wake up with severe headache. Also, it becomes a fertile breeding ground for bacteria to thrive.

2.  DON’T SLEEP WITH WATCH

Watches can emit a certain level of radioactivity.  Though it presents in minute quantity, long exposure may have adverse effects on your health.

3.   DON’T SLEEP WITH BRA/UNDERPANTS

Scientists in America have discovered those that wear bras exceeding 12 hours have a higher risk of contracting breast cancer. This is in line with a call made by the World Health Organization in relation to chemical toxins found in bras to be the prime suspect of cancer.

Under normal circumstances, toxins residing in breast tissue are normally flushed by clear lymph fluid into large clusters of lymph nodes nestling in the armpits and upper chest. However, lymphatic vessels being very thin and hypersensitive to pressure are easily compressed.  Hence, chronic minimal pressure on the breasts can cause lymph valves and vessels to close. With less oxygen and fewer nutrients delivered to the cells in the dense area, whilst waste products collect, prolonged bra-constricted lymph drainage can cause cancer to develop.

Statistics showed one out of seven women strapped into a bra for more than 12 hours a day and three out of four women who wore their daytime bras to sleep are equal at risk for breast cancer. On the contrary, bra-free women have just a one in 168 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, similar to bra-free men.  The good news is that when the 80% of bra-wearers who experience lumps, cysts and tenderness get rid of the bra those symptoms almost vanish within a month. Hence, at the first sign of a lump, women should take their bras off before they take their breasts off.

If it is your preference to wear underpants to bed, opt for cotton undies, since this natural material is breathable. Wearing tight underwear or a pair of polyester panties can lock in moisture and lead to yeast infections. Also, the underpants can abrade on your skin a little bit, which can cause pimples to develop. Guys can slip in some loose cotton boxers.

4  DON’T SLEEP WITH PHONE

Surveys found half of the users put their handphone near their beds because they are often used as alarm clocks or on call waiting mode. This is a ‘no-no’ for three reasons:

(1)  Scientists have proved that electrical items including mobile phone and television in the ‘on’ mode set emit magnetic waves that can cause disruptions to our nervous system. Though cell phones give off only small doses of electromagnetic radiation similar to X-rays and microwaves, the accumulative effect is unclear yet. Still, the World Health Organization warned in 2011 that usage may be possibly carcinogenic to humans, especially in children, whose scalps and skulls are thinner than adults’, and thus more vulnerable to radiation.

(2)  It can be a fire hazard if the gadget is covered by bedding or other thick material. Another possibility is using incompatible cell phone batteries and chargers. Hence to minimise this risk, stick to phone accessories from the original manufacturer.

(3)  Electrical gadgets like cell phones, tablets and TVs emit blue light that can inhibit the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin and disrupt our body rhythms. This may be because blue light emits wavelengths similar to daylight, which can make our bodies think it is daytime, at any time. It is advisable to power down all electronics two hours before bedtime or keep them in another room.

5  DON’T SLEEP WITH MAKE UP ON

Makeup is supposed to help you look and feel more beautiful, but leaving it on overnight often has the opposite effect. Skin problems occur when it becomes habitual. Why?

Sleeping in your makeup allows unnecessary exposure to the free radicals in the air which attacks the skin to cause the breakdown of healthy collagen, resulting in formation of fine lines.

The pores on our outer skin enable us to sweat and secrete sebum, a waxy lubricant that helps to moisturize and protect our skin, and also to remove dead skin cells and other irritants. The problem with makeup is that it clogs the pores and prevents sebum from functioning.  An accumulation of  sebum attracts the acne-causing bacteria.  Skin irritation can make one lose sleep or go into deep sleep.

Bonus points, 2 more for reading to the end….

6.  DONT SLEEP ON THE JOB! – Unless you want to be sent home to sleep as long as you like!

7.  DONT SLEEP WITH OTHER’S SPOUSE! -  Unless you do not want to wake up anymore!!

Have your BEAUTY sleep always !!!

The Best HEALTHY Way to DEFROST foods

  

In today’s modern-day living, frozen foods are an indispensable convenience for consumers. We no longer have to visit supermarkets daily to get our supplies.

To get frozen foods cooked without compromising on the freshness and taste is not an easy task. The risk of contamination is high if meat is not defrosted correctly, allowing bacteria to multiply quickly and thus cause illness to occur.

When food is frozen at 0oand below, some of the bacteria found in the food lie inactive but are still alive. When frozen food is thawed, its core temperature rises and bacteria start to reactivate and reproduce. Thus, frozen food should not be left to thaw at room temperature to prevent the bacteria from multiplying to high levels.
 
So determining how to defrost foods is probably one of the most important aspects of cooking it which most people do not get it right. The common wrong techniques are:
 
1. Thawing the frozen food at room temperature
2. Soaking the frozen food under running tap water
3. Using the defrost feature of the freezer
4. Using microwave oven

Remember an improper defrost does not thaw the foods well. As a result, the quality of the food is adversely affected. With nutrients losing, meat and fish do not taste fresh and good. Vegetables and fruits may become soft and mushy like being over-ripened.
 
The best technique to defrost foods properly is to dip the frozen food into iced water. The steps are:
  • Place the meat into a leak-proof plastic bag. Make sure the bag has no leakage so air cannot enter to prevent it from floating and the food turning watery from absorbing too much water. Also, the food is exposed to bacterial growth.
  • Fill a plastic, aluminum or stainless container, with enough cold water to soak the frozen food.
  • Submerge the bag with the meat in cold water with ice cubes added if necessary and change the water every 30 minutes. The frozen meat decreases the temperature of the water, slowing the thawing process if the water is not changed.
  • Defrost small amounts of meat in approximately 1 hour. Larger pieces of meat can take up to 2 to 3 hours.
  • Avoid cross-contamination from water dripping off the food or splashing onto other food, preparation surfaces and utensils.


In this way, foods are defrosted in the most speedy and economical way. With its nutritional contents remain well-preserved, freshness is retained. Cooking must begin immediately and never return to the freezer. As soon as they begin to thaw and become warmer than 40°F, bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to multiply.

Be organised. After buying raw meat (animal and seafood) back from the supermarket, clean thoroughly and repack them into smaller polybags before sending to the freezer.

Thursday 14 August 2014

Stay Healthy WITHOUT Airconditioning

  

How many of us can do without airconditioning?  Not possible in a dry and humid climate like Singapore.  It is no longer a luxury but a necessity in our daily life whether in our working place or home.  In fact, majority of us know that airconditioning is bad for the health, and contributes to medical problems like cough, cold, asthma, sinus, dry skin and eyes but simply cannot live without it.

(1)  Respiratory infections

When exposed suddenly to cold and dry air, the lining of the nose becomes irritated and inflamed, and starts to produce mucus.  This nasal congestion problem can extend with mucus dripping into the throat and induce a cough to expel it.  However, if the irritant is not removed, bacteria moves in to thrive on the stagnant fluid.  Excessive amount can cause an infection. People with sensitive nose or nasal allergies are prone to this problem.

Asthma patients also experience attack in such an environment.  This happens when sensitive airways react to a trigger factor like cold and dry air by tightening and becoming inflamed, causing coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Those sufferers should take their medications regularly to minimise the risk of irritation and symptoms.

Not forgetting that aircondition unit itself is a fertile ground for breeding mold and bacteria, such as legionella, responsible for fatal pneumonia.  Just by inhaling the mist of water vapour emitting from the aircon is good enough to introduce harmful bacteria into the body.  This is how the ‘sick building syndrome’ comes about when harmful bacteria get trapped into an aircon unit and travel far and wide in a building sharing a common aircon system spreading its contagious effect.

Advice is to service the airconditioning unit every 3 months, and apply a chemical wash or disinfect yearly.

(2)  Skin woes

Reduced humidity in an aircon space promotes drier skin as the dry air blowing out absorbs moisture from the skin.  The external irritants worsen certain skin conditions like dry skin, eczema and ichthyosis (dry and scaly).  Hence, prolonged exposure to dry air can result in faster degeneration of body cells, causing wrinkle formation and premature aging.  Oil secreted by the sebaceous glands that lubricates the surface of the skin and protects the moisture in the cells is ‘scraped off’ exposing them to the thin air resulting in evaporation.  This results in sagging cells losing the elasticity, radiance and plump-up features.

Advice is to apply moisturiser on the skin 2-3 times a day.

(3)  Dry eyes

Constant exposure to airconditioning leads to faster evaporation of tears, resulting in eye discomfort and fatigue, and blurring of vision.

Use artificial tear eye drops if your eyes are feeling dry.

(4)  Cost savings

Huge savings if you turned off the airconditioning.  Switching to an electric fan can save as much as 90% of the utility bill.  On extremely hot weather, you can turn on the aircon but use an air humidifier to make the air less dry.

Conclusion

For the betterment of our planet, conservation of energy is a prerogative for everyone.  We should help to reduce the amount of fossil fuels burnt to produce energy and the volume of greenhouses gases generated, including carbon dioxide, which are released during the burning process.

Source:  ST Mind your Body, Mar 31, 2011

VIVA corner


Taking VIVAShield helps to strengthen and protect the skin tissue as it contains potent antioxidants that neutralises free radicals.

VIVA Omega 3 helps to replace the oil on the skin lost from the damage caused by long exposure to dry air.

VIVA Refresh detoxifying toner and Rejuvenate Mask can help to restore the healthy tone to the damaged skin by adding moisture, coenzyme 10 and collagen to the hungry and thirsty cells.

Tuesday 12 August 2014

The POTENT Tongkat Ali

 


Tongkat Ali is a flowering plant native to Indonesia and Malaysia. The meaning of the word Tongkat Ali is “Ali’s walking stick” in the Malay language. It actually indicates the ability of the shrub to fight against physical exhaustion and mental fatigue by strengthening the immunity.

In Malaysia, the indigenous people in the Pahang forests have traditionally been making use of the plant parts for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and antipyretic (lowering fever) activities.

However, the part of the tree proven medicinally is the root and has to be dug vertically into the ground to extract. To most of us in Southeast Asia, it is dubbed the “Asian Viagra”, associated with increasing male virility and sexual prowess and may treat erectile dysfunction.

It can be available in the form of regular powder where the root is just crushed and pulverized, and also in various extract potencies where the active ingredients are more concentrated.

Medical studies

In recent times, some scientific studies conducted discovered that it enhances sexual characteristics and performance in rodents. Other laboratory animal tests have produced positive indications, with one extract having been observed to increase sexual activity in mature rats, including arousal, sniffing and mounting behavior.

In another experiment conducted on male treated rats, it was found that this extract, eurycoma longifolia increases sperm count, and the plasma testosterone level was significantly increased when compared with that of the control and infertile animals.

Following this study, researchers in the field of sports medicine started to look into the anabolic potential of the plant. In a placebo-controlled human study with healthy young men in a weight-training program, it was found that “the lean body mass of the treatment group showed a significant increment, from 52.26 (7.18) kg to 54.39 (7.43) kg (p = 0.012).” Furthermore, “the increase in strength in the treatment group was larger than in the placebo group (6.78% and 2.77% respectively. The mean arm circumference of the treatment group increased significantly by 1.8 cm after the supplementation… but there was no significant increase in the placebo group.” The results of the study were published in the peer-reviewed British Journal of Sports Medicine. This is one of many ingredients mostly made up of cultivated roots in sports supplement and in gym circles, commonly referred to as Longjack.

Cancer treatment

Taiwanese scientists isolated 65 biochemical compounds from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia, of which ten exhibited “strong cytotoxicity” towards human lung and breast cancer cell lines. They also isolated beta-carboline alkaloids, several of which were active against lung and breast cancer cell lines. Medical researchers in Japan concluded that different fractions were effective against different cancers with one extract induced apoptosis in breast-cancer cells.

Concerns

+ A study into this aspect concluded: ”The results indicate that eurycomanone is poorly bioavailable when given orally… the absolute bioavailability of the compound was low with 10.5%… ” its poor oral bioavailability may be due to poor membrane permeability in view of its low P value and/or high first-pass metabolism.”

+ “As of 2011, we have come across only limited human research regarding the influence of this herb on testosterone levels. Even if this herb helps make, or release, testosterone, would the effects continue over time? The answers are not clear at this time. We do know that taking a tongkal ali supplement helps increase libido and genital sensation, along with orgasm strength. Are these due to testosterone release or due to other factors? Supplementation with this plant extract may not be an effective long term strategy to increase levels of testosterone, but it could perhaps be in the short term.”

+ The governments of Canada and Singapore have issued warnings against the product XP Tongkat Ali Supreme for containing the prescription drug tadalafil which can be life-threatening in some individuals.

+ Traditionally Eurycoma longifolia is extracted and purified with water and not ethanol as practised by some manufacturers. Surveys have shown a large number of Malaysian Eurycoma longifolia products (36 out of 100) are contaminated with mercury and lead beyond legally permitted limits.

+ Fake Eurycoma longifolia products have been pulled off the shelves in several countries but are still sold over the Internet, mostly shipped from the UK. In Malaysia, the common use of Eurycoma longifolia as a food and drink additive, coupled with a wide distribution of products using cheaper synthetic drugs in lieu of Eurycoma longifolia, has led to the invention of an electronic tongue to determine the presence and concentration of genuine Eurycoma longifolia in products claiming to contain it.

Who should not use?

* As Tongkat ali is believed to increase testosterone levels, men with breast or prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or sleep apnea should avoid it.

* Pregnant or nursing women or children.

* People with weakened immune systems as some evidence suggest it may further weaken immune function.

* Those who have heart failure or heart rhythm problems should be cautious and use minute amounts since this herb increases heart rate.

* People who are taking immunosuppressant drugs.

Precautions

+ Only buy Tongkat Ali root extract that has been taken from trees at least 10 years of age or the extract is considered less effective.

+ When used in high dosages, side effects include increased body temperature, anxiety, restlessness, irritability and insomnia (in turn reduces sex drive).

BE SAFE THAN BE SORRY ! WHAT IS FUN MAY NO LONGER BE FUN ANYMORE !!


Monday 11 August 2014

How to be a SMART consumer

***SHELF LIFE***

Should we just throw away unconsumed food after their expiration dates?   Often we gauge the safety date on shelf-stable products by:
 
Use-By, Best if Used By, Best By, Best Before when actually all the above merely give indication how long the product is likely to remain at its absolute best quality when unopened.
 
Proper storage allow the shelf life to be extended beyond this date. However, examine if there is any noticeable gradual changes in the unopened product’s texture, color or flavor.
As for perishables like meat, seafood, poultry and milk, the sell-by date is a guide for stores to know how long they can display a particular product. It is advisable to buy the product before the sell-by date expires. If you have followed the safe storage procedures, consuming not far beyond that date is not a problem. For instance, milk that has been continuously refrigerated remains drinkable for about one week after the “sell by” date on the package. However, take ‘expires on’ seriously when infant formula and some baby foods are concerned.
 
Note packing codes which appear as a series of letters and/or numbers on the package may indicate the date or time of manufacture, and does not provide any indication of either food safety or quality. This is of good help to manufacturers and grocers in rotating their stock and quickly locate products in the event of a recall.

 

***FRUIT LABEL***

Do you know that the little sticker on the piece of fruit you are eating  right now tells you a whole lot more than just the country of origin?  Pay  attention to these critical numbers as stores are not obligated to tell  you from the digits if the produce is grown naturally, organically or genetically.
 


+   Conventional Fruit Labels – Four digits starting with 3 or 4  (eg. 4922)
These produce have been grown on ordinary conventional farms where harmful  fertilizers and chemical pesticides are applied. This is why you need to wash  your fruit before eating it.



 
+   Genetically Modified Fruits – Five digits and starts with the  digit 8 (eg. 89222)
Nobody knows yet what the effect genetically modified foods” has on our  bodies or whether they are any harmful effects.
 
Basically, the genetically altered produce has its genes mutated by scientist in order to make them  more resistant to bugs and pesticide sprays during harvesting.


 

+  Organic Fruit Labels – Five digits and starts with number 9  (eg. 99222)
 
***ORGANIC FOOD*** 
+  Paying more for organic is worth it? Organic produce may help to avoid pesticides, but it may be more prevalent than you think.
 
List compiled in the US of the pesticide levels of common rank, ranked 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest)
 


* Peaches – 100

* Apples – 89

 * Strawberries – 82

 * Pear – 65

 * Grapes – 43
 
* Oranges – 42

 * Blueberries – 24

 * Bananas – 16

 * Pineapples – 7
 
Other items nicknamed the “clean 15″ includes onions, sweet corn and avocados  having lower levels of pesticides on average. (for complete list, go to Ewg.org/foodnews/)
 
+  Organic food uses no pesticides?
 
Most people harbour the thought that organic food is grown pesticide free. Is this the reality?

The British Journal of Nutrition found that organic produce contains less pesticide residue than conventional food. The big difference is that conventional farmers apply synthetic pesticides not permitted under organic farming.  Besides using natural farming methods, pesticides are still necessary to enable healthy natural growth. Thus, organic farmers use lots of natural pesticides which prove to be as toxic as the synthetic ones.


There is no test carried out on levels of organic pesticides. Basically, the organic pesticides have little impact of the environment as they degrade faster. To be more effective on plants, more have to be applied and thus the end result may be about the same for both types.
 
The two popular organic pesticides – rotenone and pyrethrin are extracted from sub-tropical plant species and chyrsanthemum respectively. On excessive use, both can damage nerves or nerves cells. This is found to cause Parkinson’s disease in laboratory mice.
 
Given the fact that the level of pesticides even in conventionally growth produce is already way below permissible levels, rinsing any produce thoroughly eliminates most pesticide residues is sufficed.

For those who still insists on organic food, it is just one part of  the equation of eating well. Eating organic potato chips may seem better than  the ordinary one, but it is still the unhealthy junk food. Avoid processed food at all cost.


So eating sufficient fresh fruits and vegetables whether organic or not makes more sense than having a limited intake of organic food due to cost reason.