The compound in question is called Pycnogenol, and a scientist from the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in Rome found it inhibits the generation of COX-2 and 5-LOX, two naturally occurring mediators associated with inflammatory conditions.

Dr. Raffaella Canali studied volunteers aged 35-50, who took Pycnogenol pills for five consecutive days in the morning before breakfast.

Based on blood sample analysis before and after supplementation, she was able to track how the participants’ immune cells rapidly initiated production of COX-2 and 5-LOX in response to pro-inflammatory stimulation. However, taking Pycnogenol almost entirely subdued their production in the immune cells.

“Standard [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] NSAID medications reduce the production of prostaglandins by COX enzymes for lowering the pain,” explains Canali.

“In contrast, Pycnogenol turns to the root of the problem, completely stopping the production of COX-2 in inflammation. Thus far, the compound seems to be a unique tool for modulating inflammatory processes,” she adds.

Pycnogenol is available in more than 700 nutritional supplements, multivitamins and health products worldwide.

A new study conducted by Danish scientists has found that vitamin C-deficient babies may be at a higher risk for mental development and memory problems.

A team of researchers from the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen showed that guinea pigs with moderate vitamin C deficiency develop 30 percent fewer hippocampal neurons and have significantly worse spatial memory than animals fed a normal diet.

The choice of animals was dictated by the fact that guinea pigs, like human beings, are dependent on getting vitamin C through their diet.

“[Our research suggests] children [may develop] learning disabilities because they have not gotten enough vitamin C in their early life,” says Professor Jens Lykkesfeldt, who led the research group.

“This is unbearable when it would be so easy to prevent this deficiency by giving a vitamin supplement to high-risk pregnant women and new mothers,” he adds.

Vitamin C is also a known antioxidant and is believed to boost immunity and lower the risk of infections such as seasonal flu, so those concerned about their intake may turn to nutritional supplements.

A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry is looking into nano-sized capsule made with curcumin, an ingredient that makes curry yellow, that could potentially help in fighting colon cancer, psoriasis and Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s been found that curcumin prevents melanoma cell growth by forcing the cells to destroy themselves. In addition to this, curcumin also works as a nutritional supplement for antioxidant effects.

One problem the researchers are facing is that the digestive system quickly destroys curcumin, making it nearly impossible to reach the bloodstream.

The scientists are working to find a way for curcumin to get past the digestive system by incorporating insulin and other drugs that can help with absorption.

The ultimate goal of this study is to find a potential in this natural ingredient that may help prevent some of the most common killers in humans today.

According to Reuters, the study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who drink water tend to eat a diet higher in fiber and lower in sugar and calorie-dense foods.

According to researchers involved with the study, the findings do not prove that drinking water makes people eat healthier. Rather, it suggests a connection between the two.

Health experts recommend staying hydrated with water as an important part of a proper diet since it is calorie-free and can help make the stomach seem full.

Some claim alkaline water is an even better choice. According to ImmuneSystemRemedies.com, ionized alkaline water is a powerful antioxidant, effective detoxifier and superior hydrator, compared to conventional drinking water. In addition, it can help with weight loss, allows for better absorption of the nutrients from food and can make skin appear healthier through effective hydration.

Insufficient water intake may cause individuals to experience routine fatigue, dry skin, headaches, constipation and a decrease in normal bodily functions.

A study appearing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds people who took one tablespoon of whole flaxseed everyday were able to reduce both their total cholesterol and their LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels. Flaxseed oil, in comparison, did not produce the same results.

Women, particularly post-menopausal women, had the greatest reduction in their cholesterol, compared to men and other people who previously had higher cholesterol levels, according to Reuters.

Flaxseed has been called a wonder food and previous studies have found it may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, according to WebMD.

It contains omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-rich lignans and both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Taking one to two tablespoons of flaxseed every day is a simple health resource. Experts say whole and ground flaxseed are preferrable to flaxseed oil so you get all its healthy components.

It is available in packaged foods like crackers, waffles and cereals and can be easily added at home to muffins, cakes and even casseroles.

Most supermarkets, pharmacies, other specialty food and vitamin stores and online retailers sell flaxseed.

Non-invasive phototherapy has been used to treat skin imperfections for decades, but German scientists believe combining it with antioxidant-rich great tea lotion will take the treatment to a new level by eliminating potentially harmful reactive oxygen species produced by light therapy.

In the study, the researchers applied a daily combination of LED light and green tea cream to the wrinkles of a human volunteer for one month and found it produced smoother skin, including “less pronounced wrinkle levels, shorter wrinkle valleys and juvenile complexion,” they say.

The results prompted them to hail the experiment as opening a new way to effective, safe and non-surgical rejuvenation programs, in addition to shedding new light on the impact reactive oxygen species have on cellular aging.

Those looking for ways to boost their immunity and a preserve youthful appearance may also benefit from antioxidant nutritional supplements.