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DHA

Self-Tanner Formulations Remain the Same After 40 Years
self tanner

After 40 Years, Self-Tanners Are Relatively Unchanged

Back in the '60s, Coppertone launched QT, the first sunless tanning lotion ever.
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Back in the '60s, Coppertone launched QT, the first sunless tanning lotion ever. And to this day, over 40 years later, the main ingredients used in most self-tanners to bronze the skin are still dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose. While DHA has been refined over the years to streak and stink less, self-tanners have essentially changed very little. What has changed: formulas are scented, more moisturizing, and available in different textures.

Most self-tans last for about a week, so if you're simply looking for a run-of-the-mill temporary tan, inexpensive drugstore products get the job done. If you seek a more luxurious experience, there's no shortage of scented treats out there. And to make that tan last a little longer, follow these three easy steps: exfoliate before application, put on a little lotion before you begin, and apply a moisturizing self-tanner.

Source

Flaxseed Oil Capsules vs. Fish Oil Capsules
Omega-3

You Asked: For Omega-3s — Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil?

Dear Fit, I never eat fish, so I worry about getting enough omega-3s.
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Dear Fit,
I never eat fish, so I worry about getting enough omega-3s. Before I start taking supplements, I wanted to know which is the better choice, flaxseed oil or fish oil capsules?
—Unsure About Omegas

I'm glad you're focusing on getting enough omega-3s, since this essential fatty acid is so beneficial to our health. These fats have anti-inflammatory and mood-stabilizing properties, can relieve chronic pain, have been found to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke, and can lower cholesterol. To find out which capsules are the better choice, read more

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
self tanner

Definition: Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

Simply put, dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient used to make self-tanners work.
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Simply put, dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient used to make self-tanners work. Discovered to have skin darkening properties in the 1920s by a German scientist, DHA is typically derived from plant sources, such as beets or sugar cane.

DHA works by interacting with the amino acids of your dead skin cells, resulting in a brownish-tan hue. The color sticks around for about three to ten days, depending on how long it takes for your skin cells to shed.

The first commercial self-tanning product was released in 1960 from Coppertone, called Quick Tan or QT. The biggest problem with early formulations? Orange, streaky results. Nowadays you can get your own dose of DHA in many sun-free ways: creams, sprays, wipes, and even mousses — streak and orange free.

Breyer's Yogurt With DHA Omega-3
Yogurt

Breyer's Yogurt With DHA Omega-3

I don't know about you, but when I see products fortified with nutritional supplements like antioxidants and Omega-3s, I am always more than a bit skeptical.
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I don't know about you, but when I see products fortified with nutritional supplements like antioxidants and Omega-3s, I am always more than a bit skeptical. Whole foods are my thing, and the term "enhanced foods" seems like a sci-fi term and an oxymoron. I did make the switch to buying OJ with added calcium, but I'm skipping the Omega-3 eggs, since many companies can't back up their claims.

I just came across another product, Breyer's Smart!, that's fortified DHA Omega-3s. The source for this DHA Omega-3s is called life'sDHA, and it doesn't come from fish. It's produced from algae, so it's great for vegetarians. When you look at the list of ingredients on the back of this yogurt, it says "DHA Algal oil." Yep, "algal" not algae.

Is this a good source of Omega-3s? To find out read more

Sprinkle A Little DHA On That
Omega-3

Sprinkle A Little DHA On That

An omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is making quite the buzz lately.
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An omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is making quite the buzz lately.

The New York Times is reporting that DHA additives in many (or almost all) foods may be in the near future. Martek Biosciences has been trying for years to persuade food makers to add an omega-3 fat found in algae to everything from cheese puffs to cornflakes so that we can all end up with healthier hearts, sharper minds and better vision. DHA is already added to infant formulas to help newborn baby eye and brain development. But is it a magic elixir?

Nutritionists aren't convinced -- While they think that DHAs are certainly worth pursuing, there is not yet enough proof to warrant telling people to go out of their way to take DHA supplements (with the exception of people with a history of heart disease and premature infants who are proven to benefit from DHA). DHA may reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s, but more study is needed before any definitive claims can be made.

Watch for it in the news as I predict a big year for Omega-3s.