Up until the 1950's it was common belief that aging was totally predetermined by a biological clock programmed within the genes. Modern scientific research has unveiled the function of antioxidants against free radicals that cause aging and degenerative changes in the body. Increasing evidence is highlighting the role antioxidants may have in protecting against certain conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancers. It has been proposed that the mechanisms leading to these diseases may be promoted by free radicals and that antioxidants may oppose the action of these molecules. In addition to the well known antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, there is growing research demonstrating the potentially beneficial effects of plant-derived antioxidants, polyphenols, found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals and drinks such as tea and red wine.

The Protective mechanisms of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help to inhibit the many oxidation reactions caused by free radicals thereby preventing or delaying damage to the cells and tissues.

Their mechanisms of action include:

* Scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radical species

* Decreasing the localised oxygen concentration thereby reducing molecular oxygen's oxidation potential

* Metabolising lipid peroxides to non-radical products

* Chelating metal ions to prevent the generation of free radicals In this way antioxidants limit the free radical damage from:

* Oxidising Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which may increase the risk of athersclerosis * Promoting platelet adhesion, which can lead to thrombosis thereby increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke

* Damaging the cell's DNA, which may lead to cancer * Blocking the normal endothelial cell function and vasodilatation in response to nitric oxide, a potential mechanism for heart disease and cancer

* Triggering inflammation * Impairing immune function Some antioxidants are synthesised within the cells themselves (endogenous) and others need to be provided in the diet.

Drs. Christiaan Janssens
CRO Akwa Beauty & Wellness

Cordyceps (short for Cordyceps sinensis) is a rare Chinese mushrooms that grows naturally on certain species of caterpillars. Fortunately, the cordyceps that are used today are cultivated through fermentation--that means, without caterpillars! For thousands of years, cordyceps have been used by Chinese healers as tonic for sexual vigor and overall vitality. It makes sense that cordyceps would be an effective aphrodisiac. Similar to ginkgo and other sex-enhancing herbs, cordyceps increases arterial blood flow, which sends more blood flowing to the pelvic area. According to Chinese Studies cordyceps can also improve athletic performance. It has been used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicines to treat Fatigue and debility as well as a being popular Longevity Tonic.

Cordyceps mushrooms come from Tibet and Nepal, in the high himalayas. The altitude extremes (over 11,000 feet) together with the severe habitats condition made the natural gathering and harvest of this amazing mushrooms very rare, difficult and expensive. Available only to Chinese Kings and the very wealthy for over 5,000 years, it was the most expensive herb in the world, as expensive as solid gold. The first written record of this herb appeared over 250 years ago during the qing dynasty (1757 AD) showing how Chinese doctors would use Cordyceps mushroom to energize, improve health and resolve ailments. It was classified as a "Life Extender." Originally the mushrooms grew on the body of a winter caterpillar. By spring, the caterpillar would leave its hard shell behind and the mushrooms would sprout just in time for harvesting.

​Health & Wellness Blog

You work hard to be healthy. You eat a natural diet. You exercise regularly. You try to eat organic foods to avoid hormones and pesticides. You drink bottled water. But did you know that nasty toxins are getting into your body in ways you didn't think about?

Every time you take a shower, you breathe in more chlorine than in a glass of unfiltered water. Whenever you clean the house, your household cleaners may be putting VOC's (volatile organic compounds) in the air that can cause disease. Even if your moisturizers, shampoos, and make up seem harmless, you'll find a long list of chemical ingredients on the label, many of which could be hazardous to your health.

Though studies have shown that most people would rather use all natural body products, the skin care industry's response is to manufacture products that stretch the intent of labeling regulations. They may claim to be all-natural, but can still containing harmful chemicals and toxins. For example, sodium laureth sulfate can be made from coconuts, which sounds very natural. However, it combines with other ingredients in the product to create highly toxic chemicals!

Here's what you need to know about natural skin care to determine if the product you are using is really all natural and safe.

You have about 6 pounds of skin, giving your body a porous membrane to absorb oxygen, moisture, light and nutrients and excrete carbon dioxide and other toxins. Dirt and pollutants can enter the body even more through the skin than through food. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics are known to be toxic. A recent Canadian study in Pediatric Drugs found cosmetic and personal care products as the most common cause of unintentional poisonings of children under six. And recently, US Geological Survey scientists found a variety of chemicals from personal care products polluting US waterways.

If you are reading this, you probably prefer not to poison yourself and the environment with toxic chemicals and pollutants. But many products claim to be all-natural while still containing a number of harmful ingredients. Learn how to read and understand the product label to be sure that the product you're using is as natural as it claims to be.

Currently, many products claim they are using organic ingredients when in fact they aren't. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cosmetics but doesn't regulate them. According to the FDA, "A cosmetic manufacturer may use any ingredient or raw material and market the final product without government approval. Surprisingly, most personal care products are not even tested for safety. Though some of these ingredients may seem harmless, long-term chemical exposure causes toxins to accumulate in the fatty tissues of the body.

Marketing for cosmetics and personal care products is often based on exclusive, natural formulations with expensive vitamins, oils, and perfumes. But you can't even trust the most expensive formulas. Reading the label can work if you have a degree in chemistry, but if you don't, it's just a long list of mind-boggling chemical names.

This is where natural and organic skin care products can come in. If a product claims to be all natural, its ingredients should be easily recognizable as natural components.

Look for labels with easy-to-understand ingredients, not long chemical names, even if they say they come from natural sources. Instead of chemical names, you'll find ingredients like Eucalyptus Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Sandalwood Extract, Lemon Oil, Apricots, Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Green Tea. Learn to read the label on the products you use and choose those that are non-toxic and safe.

Also, ingredients are listed with the most prominent ones first. Scrutinize the first several listings in the product to be sure that they are the natural ingredients you are looking for. If a skin care product contains an ingredient that you are unsure about, google it to see if it's more suitable for cleaning your garage floor than putting on your skin.

Beauty & Wellness

In Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), there is a presupposition that states:

"There is a positive intention behind every behavior even if it is not easily recognized or understood."

As a Coach and Master Practitioner of NLP, I've been trained to understand that we often do things that seem to be in conflict with our stated goals. This is simply human nature and an effect of our survival mechanism. When we sabotage our best efforts, it is because there are child like parts of us that feel vulnerable, fear success and this triggers a response in them to activate the old program of seeking food for comfort.

The reasons behind your being overweight have nothing to do with lack of self control or laziness. It just means that you have attached a greater meaning to food than perhaps it deserves. Somewhere along the way, food became connected up with issues around control. Your extra weight is simply evidence of the fact that there is a conflict going on inside of you. That fat around your top, middle or your bottom section is just a result of some part of you that has been unwilling to give up control for fear of survival. There's a part of you that knows, deep down that if you became thin right now that your safety would be jeopardized in some way.

That's why your brilliant subconscious mind is going to continue to protect you by sending your brain messages to continue to maintain the status quo and prevent you from doing whatever needs to be done to lose weight. It is there to protect you and look after you by automatically bringing to you whatever your subconscious programming dictates will make you feel safe. That is the real reason behind your cravings, binging and lack of motivation to get out and be more active. It's not you. It's just a habit that your body developed to serve a need and it has been fulfilling the need in the same way since you began to look at food as a therapist, friend, lover or any other role you chose.

Unfortunately the pattern that has been set in motion will continue until you erase that programming and install a new program. The first step to change is to become aware of the unmet need. That will begin to break the cycle because it will no longer be a habit it will become a choice. That gives you control since your awareness has become conscious.

The challenge that I offer you is to be able to figure out what you are getting out of choosing to remain overweight. Consider the following list and ask yourself... What's the upside of being fat? Are any of the following statements true for you?

1. I get to eat more - I love eating

2. I get to stay out of the public eye since I want to hide away and keep my light hidden, not expressing myself

3. I don't choose to have sex with my partner during this time.

4. I have a great game that I play to put my partner though their paces to demonstrate the degree of their loyalty, love, desire, need for me. By keeping them wanting me and refusing their advances, I can still feel desirable and in control and most of all safe from their rejection.

5.I get the validation of understanding that I can be loved for myself despite how I look and feel about my body.

6. I get to spend more time zoning out, watching TV, in solitude, relaxing, reading, feeling sorry for myself and remaining in a safe coccoon.

7. I get lots of sympathy from people when I share my story of my ongoing battle with my weight.

8. I get to sing my sad song... Why poor me?

If any of these benefits are resonating with you, that means that you are recognizing that you are not being the amazing person that you know that you truly are! For some reason, you are hiding your light and remaining hidden.

Get inspired to fill that hunger inside of you by using self administered tools to give you an edge, balance your energy and just plain make you feel so darn good that it's almost illegal. You are not alone anymore!

Drs. Christiaan Janssens
​CRO Akwa Beauty & Wellness