Wellness / Beauty / Inspiration
November 2005
 ...in this issue

November SPECIAL
Natural Beauty: SOD -- Superoxide Dismutase  


Lest you think we have moved into lawn care, be assured that SOD is just the acronym for one of nature’s most powerful free radical warriors to keep your skin smooth, strong and youthful.

Superoxide dismutase is a powerful enzyme found in cells that regulate collagen and elastin formation and has demonstrated an amazing ability to reduce facial wrinkles, reduce scar tissue, lighten hyperpigmentation, and heal wounds and burns. Ten years of clinical research have confirmed the amazing restorative properties of SOD with topical application. The use of superoxide dismutase in skin creams is a potent ally in the quest for a more youthful complexion.

SOD is the most powerful enzyme produced by our body. Found in both the dermis and the epidermis, it regulates metabolism and functions of skin building cells. SOD constitutes a natural defense system against activated oxygen species, free radicals. Free radicals cause cellular damage and reduce the ability of the cell to regenerate, thus triggering the signs of aging. SOD detoxifies these cells, restoring their ability to reproduce and remain “young.”

Superoxide dismutase is just one of a host of antioxidant free radical scavengers in the Abbey’s Radical Crème. Order by November 30th and save 25%!

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Nature's Pharmacy

MIGRAINE HEADACHES: BUTTERBUR

WARTS



Fountain of Youth Quick Tip: DAY IN and DAY OUT  


Every night you retire without cleaning your face adds three days to your age.

A good skin care routine can be achieved in minutes twice a day, and must be, without fail, attended to every day.

Consistent care is essential for youthful looking skin. Men and women both must not only take care of their skin to remain younger looking, but also to ensure the continued health of their skin.

An effective skin care regimen includes the following:

cleaning - toning - treatments - sunscreen

 




Skin Care Cosmetics. Much Ado about BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE  

Less is Younger ~~ Keep it Natural

Skin that is losing firmness needs less makeup, not more. Makeup tends to slide into and accentuate even tiny facial furrows. Mineral powders applied with a light hand reflect light and minimize wrinkles and sagging.

NO to BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE

Bismuth oxychloride is an opalescent pigment found in many mineral makeup lines because because it provides excellent whiteness, brightness, and a smooth texture. It also provides a shimmery look to mineral foundations and finishing powders. The shine enhances light reflection and thus is used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

The bad news is that bismuth oxychloride can accentuate pores and cause break-outs on sensitive, acne prone, and/or skin with rosacea.

The consistent irritation factor associated with bismuth oxychloride makes it an undesirable ingredient as far as the Abbey is concerned and thus it is not found in any of the Abbey's mineral cosmetics. We also do not find that the sheen associated with this ingredient an attractive feature and much prefer a matte finish.

 

  
WELLNESS: KEEPING WELL  

NIX the ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS

Most antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, which may be absorbed through the skin and poses a risk to the liver. Plenty of regular soap, sufficiently heated running water, and thorough scrubbing will do the job just as well with no side effects.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

Science consistently shows that eating a well-balanced diet is healthier than relying upon vitamin supplements to provide necessary nutrients. The Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University reports that people who eat diets high in fruits and vegetables have lower risks of developing heart disease and cancer. Similar studies using vitamin supplements have produced fewer positive results.

GOOD NEWS for STARBUCKS = BAD NEWS for PEPSI and COKE

A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found an association between hypertension and the consumption of caffeinated colas, diet or regular. No such association was found between habitual coffee consumption and hypertension. Fifty million Americans have hypertension which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

A CASE for HOUSEHOLD CHORES

Feeling stressed? Rake the lawn. Indiana University researchers have found that daily activities such as housecleaning, yard work, and washing the car, can lower blood pressure. The benefit lasted six to eight hours.

GREEN LIGHT for DIET DRINKS

The artificial sweetener aspartame, contained in many diet drinks and sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, has been the subject of misinformation. Internet rumors have linked aspartame to systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis, seizures, birth defects, and brain damage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) division of health effects evaluation says there is no credible evidence to support these claims. More than 100 toxicological and clinical studies confirm that aspartame is safe for the general population.

That said, it is true that ingesting aspartame results in the production of substances that could be toxic at high doses: methanol, formaldehyde, and formate. But the amounts are smaller, less methanol, than found in tomatoes or citrus juices. Furthermore, claims against aspartame have failed to be supported by testing, even when lab animals ingested doses far higher than humans would ever consume. The FDA says that aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested and studied food additives the agency has ever approved. So, enjoy.