Swanson Health Products Blog

5 Reasons I Love Working At Swanson - Anthony N.

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Anthony N.
anthony at swanson


Hello. My name is Anthony (people call me Tony) and I work on the web team at Swanson Health Products. I focus on Search Engine Optimization and Social Media. I'm coming up on 5 years with the company. Here are the Top 5 reasons I LOVE to work at Swanson Health Products.


1) My current job. 

I work on SEO. I love my job because it evolves constantly. I get to work closely with everyone on the web team: programmers, writers, designers. All of them. I spend a lot of time learning new things and...Read More »

It’s Go Red for Women Day

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips update for February 3:

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. More than 200,000 women die each year from heart attacks—that’s five times as many women that die from breast cancer. Most women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have never shown any symptoms.
Wear Red Day!
As part of American Heart Month, the American Heart Association has designated today, February 3rd, Go Red for Women Day. They’re encouraging everyone to wear red today in order to help raise awareness of...Read More »

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil For Hair?

Thursday, February 2, 2012 by Swanson Vitamins
Organic Coconut OilCoconut Oil has a lot of health benefits, primarily revolving around energy (since the Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are metabolized quickly for energy), being a good source of Lauric Acid and Caprylic Acid, plus it’s a much healthier (and low carb) oil to cook with compared to other cooking oils. But there are many other uses for coconut oil that are often overlooked. One of the best coconut oil benefits is for hair health.

Not many people may think about putting this butter-like...Read More »

A Favorite Fatty Food: Almonds

Thursday, February 2, 2012 by Health Tips
almondsDaily Health Tips update for February 2:

You may love the versatile almond for its delicate flavor or because it complements almost any dish, but we love it for its ability to support cardiovascular health. Almonds are a natural source of monounsaturated fats (the same fats that have made olive oil famously healthy). A University of California–Davis study found that those who consumed almonds and almond oil had lower total cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides and higher HDL...Read More »

5 Reasons To Eat Vegan

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by Guest Bloggers
Happy Herbivore CookbookEating a plant-based (vegan) diet is the nation's fastest-growing food trend, and for good reason. The more vegan meals we eat, the more benefits we will feel and bestow. Whenever someone asks me why I follow a plant-based diet, I reply, "For my health, my pocketbook, the animals, the environment and humanity."

1. Your Health
Vegan meals have 0 cholesterol (cholesterol only exists in animal products like meat, eggs, fish and dairy, there is no cholesterol in plant foods), which is great news for...Read More »

A Favorite Fatty Food: Flaxseed

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by Health Tips
Organic FlaxseedsDaily Health Tips update for February 1:

Known for their omega-3 content, flaxseeds are another natural source of healthy fats. Flaxseed features ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid), an essential fatty acid that has been shown to promote cardiovascular health. Flaxseeds are also a source of lignans, a type of fiber that has some estrogen-like effects. With a nutty flavor, flaxseed also makes a great-tasting addition to baked goods, yogurts, cereals and smoothies.

Flaxseed (ground) Nutrient Profile
Per...
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A Favorite Fatty Food: Walnuts

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Health Tips
walnutsDaily Health Tips update for January 31:

In the world of nuts, walnut is king when it comes to omega-3s. Walnuts have the highest levels of EFAs compared to any other nut. They are one of the few plant sources of healthy omega-3 fats, which support so many areas of health—including the heart, joints and brain. One small handful of walnuts delivers 2.6 grams of omega-3 fats, which is more than the minimal amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Another bonus of eating walnuts is that they...Read More »

Healthy Whole Grains You Should Add to Your Dinner Plate

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Health Tips
Organic QuinoaDaily Health Tips update for January 30:

Looking for ideas to make your family’s meals healthier? Instead of just switching from white rice to plain brown rice, add variation with these healthy alternatives.
  • Wild Rice. Technically classified as a grass, wild rice has a nuttier taste and a firmer, chewier texture than white or brown rice.
  • Kasha. Also called roasted buckwheat groats, try mixing kasha instead of breadcrumbs into turkey or other meat to make meatloaf.
  • Quinoa. A protein-rich seed,...
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Am I Taking More Supplements Than I Need?

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Vitamins and Supplements FAQs
Natto K7Question: I take many Swanson Vitamins and I am not sure if I am taking more than I need. I am a healthy 73 year old woman who takes no medication/drugs but many vitamins. I take the recommended amounts of each of them. I take A,B,C,E,D, ZINC,CALMAG, Glucosamine, Garlic, EPA, ALFALFA,Selenium, Krill oil and wondered what your thoughts are on adding Natto K7 and Lee Swanson's 3 for 1 ProBiotic? I am not a fan of soy products but considering trying these. Am I taking more supplements then needed?...Read More »

12 Facts about Bones

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Health Tips
bonesDaily Health Tips update for January 29:

It’s easy to take our bones for granted. But they’re a resource and they need to be nurtured throughout our lives in order to be strong and healthy when we’re older. Read on to find out surprising facts about bones:
  1. They’re Alive! Bone cells (osteoblasts) are constantly turning out new bone while other cells (osteoclasts) destroy it. This why bone tissue is able to regenerate after a break.
  2. Nourish with Movement. Playing sports, lifting weights, running...
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Cloth Diapers and Diaper Care for Babies

Saturday, January 28, 2012 by Ashley G
Cloth DiapersCloth diapers have always been something I was adamant about trying when I have children. Our little lady just turned 3 months old this week and I've decided to give them a try. We were lucky enough to be able borrow 8 diapers (with plenty of inserts, disposable and cloth) from a friend before we make the investment and dive into cloth diapering full time.

Also, our daycare provider has spoken very highly about her using them for her children and then her children using them for their children...Read More »

The Benefits of Running Barefoot

Saturday, January 28, 2012 by Health Tips
run bearfootDaily Health Tips update for January 28:

The new craze sweeping across jogging paths isn’t a new type of clothing, running-friendly iPod or even a tech-savvy shoe. In fact, it’s the absence of footwear. Despite the potential hazards of being shoe-less (not to mention the strange looks), many runners are going barefoot. The surge in “natural” or barefoot running has its roots in the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Proponents of barefoot running say leaving the shoes off causes runners...Read More »

3 Simple Reasons to Buy Raw Honey

Friday, January 27, 2012 by Cathleen W
buy raw honeyI admit it--I have an incorrigible sweet tooth.  My favorite sweet treat is honey; I love it on toast, in Greek yogurt or in green tea. I like it so much I have it strategically placed in my kitchen and at my desk at work. Recently, I've made the switch to a different type of honey--raw honey. We often hear about people following a raw food diet and eating other types of raw foods, such as nuts, milk and meat. So what's the difference between raw & regular honey? Check out the 3 differences...Read More »

How DHEA Eases Menopause Symptoms

Friday, January 27, 2012 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips update for January 27:

Recent research from Italy confirms the hormone DHEA eases menopause symptoms. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. In the study, women took DHEA for one year and had their menopause symptoms monitored. At the end of the study, researchers found that women taking DHEA showed improvements in menopausal symptoms. The study also showed that women who took the hormone had an increase in sexual interest and activity. This...Read More »

Salmon Oil vs Cod Liver Oil

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Swanson Vitamins
Salmon OilThere are so many fish oil supplements on the market that it can be very difficult to choose just one. To help you wade through your choices, let’s take a look at some common differences.

Many of the fish oils on the market are basically generic combinations of any variety of fish that typically have 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA (the two main Essential Fatty Acids found in fish oil) per gram (typically 1 softgel). The problem with those is that most of them don’t tell you what type of fish is...Read More »

What Are The Benefits of Basil?

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Health Tips
Fresh BasilDaily Health Tips update for January 26:

Basil is a popular cooking herb, especially in Italian and Asian dishes. A member of the mint family, basil has a distinct anise-like flavor. But besides just adding taste to your cooking dishes, basil has several health benefits as well.

This little herb may help lower cholesterol and enhance the immune system. Several compounds in sweet basil could also promote liver health. An Egyptian study showed that six compounds extracted from basil helped protect...Read More »

10 Foods You Should Always Keep on Hand

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Health Tips
organic almondsDaily Health Tips update for January 25:

It’s hard to eat healthy or come up with healthy snacks on the fly. To make it easier, keep a few healthy ingredients on hand. Keep these foods in stock so you’ll always be ready to provide a guilt-free meal or snack.
  • Whole wheat tortillas with their complex carbs can be turned into a snack by toasting with low-fat shredded cheese or drizzling with agave syrup and cinnamon.
  • Bananas are natural sources of potassium and fiber and are great on their own, over...
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Macadamia Nut Oil's Cooking Benefits

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Cassandra B.
Looking for a seed or nut oil that can withstand high temperatures? Try Macadamia nut oil.

Macadamia Nut Oil's Cooking BenefitsMacadamia nut oil features oleic acid and contains 80% monounsaturated fats, no trans fat, and about 3% polyunsaturated fat. Due to its buttery, nutty flavor, it often is used to replace olive oil in baking or in salad dressings. The high smoke point of 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit makes it the perfect oil for high heat cooking---its fatty acid composition stays intact when frying and baking at...Read More »

How to Sleep Your Way to Slim

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Health Tips
Sleep Your Way SlimDaily Health Tips update for January 24:

Not getting enough sleep can make us irritable, fatigued and impaired and as well as cause weight gain. Insufficient sleep can disrupt the hormones that control hunger and appetite. It’s well-publicized that adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night (more for children). Various studies say that if you sleep fewer than six hours a night, you can gain up to 11 pounds over a period of six years. That may not seem like much, but it will add up.

Cont...Read More »

My Favorite Natural Cleaning Products (And a DIY Natural Cleaner Recipe)

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Abby B.
Natural kitchen cleaner sprayThe middle of January is about the time where I really start to get cabin fever. Though we're far from Spring (especially in Fargo), every year around this time I get the itch to do some spring cleaning: organize closets, tidy up the garage, and deep clean the house.  Working at Swanson Health Products, I've fallen in love with various natural cleaning products that I now like to use on a regular basis.

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Countertop Spray
in Lemon Verbena scent is a natural cleaner, free...Read More »