Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones formula contains a trio of clinically studied botanicals noted for their positive effects on the hormonal and emotional health of women of all ages. While this trio of botanicals—Ashwagandha, Amla berry and Lifenol® wild hops—are each used as stand-alone products for various reasons, women who want healthy hormones can certainly benefit from the synergistic combination of the botanicals combined with omega-3s, fucoxanthin and astaxanthin.
Lifenol, a patented wild hops extract, is a clinically studied ingredient that contains a powerful phytoestrogen known as 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN). Phytoestrogens are plant extracts that mimic estrogenic effects, and 8-PN is one of the most powerful phytoestrogens found in nature. Lifenol wild hops have been shown to reduce the frequency of hot flashes.† Hot flashes are one of the most frequent and problematic issues for the 51 million menopausal women in the United States. Lifenol wild hops is an option for women who are looking to reduce hot flashes.†
Prolonged periods of stress can also lead to hormonal changes in the body. In a vicious cycle, hormonal changes can lead to stress, which can lead to further detrimental hormonal changes. As if that were not bad enough, accelerated aging can be linked to stress due to increase cellular oxidation. For many women, the outward signs of aging can lead to further stress. This “slippery slope” leads to deteriorating self-esteem that can lead to stress-related overeating and weight gain. The Oceans 3™ Healthy Hormones™ formula contains two botanical extracts, Ashwagandha and Amla berry, which work in conjunction to address the hormonal issues associated with aging.†
The Ashwagandha in Healthy Hormones addresses the direct issue of stress. In clinical studies, Ashwagandha has been shown to promote a positive mind and mood, promoting a calm and relaxed state of mind.† This, in turn, helps inhibit stress-related overeating and helps control stress-related carb cravings and the ensuing weight gain.† Emotional stress can also play a role in skin health. With emotional stress, cortisol levels increase and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels decrease. This can lead to the reduction of nutrients being delivered to the skin. The Ashwagandha in Healthy Hormones reduces serum cortisol levels while improving mood and increasing serum DHEA levels.†
While Ashwaganda works to improve the internal issues of aging caused by hormonal changes, Amla berry goes to work to combat external signs of stress, particularly where skin is concerned. When a woman’s skin is exposed to natural elements over time, skin components like collagen and hyaluronic acid degrade. Collagen adds strength and elasticity to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is moisture-enhancing, which gives the skin a supple appearance. Hyaluronic acid also surrounds and holds together collagen fibers.
Amla berry works to inhibit aging effects by preventing the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid.† Amla berry is also a powerful antioxidant that aggressively scavenges free radicals.† It is unique among antioxidants in that it has the ability to continually recycle itself. This is particularly important where free radical damage—due to UV light exposure is concerned. Most antioxidants can accelerate the oxidative process under UV conditions as they break down. Amla berry actually recycles itself as it fights free radical damage from UV light.
The Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones formula also contains a host of raw food-created vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, K and B12. The first four are known as “fat-soluble” vitamins, meaning that they need a source of fat in order to be absorbed by the body. These important nutrients are naturally found in healthy animal foods including organ meats and fullfat dairy and eggs, all of which are being consumed in lesser amounts today. The low-fat craze of the last decade or so has resulted in a diet lacking in fat soluble vitamins, and since omega-3 fish oil is a world-class source of healthy fats, vitamins A, D, E and K were a logical fit for the Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones formula.
In particular, vitamin D is a natural addition. Vitamin D is actually known as a pro-hormone, meaning that it converts to a hormone inside the body. While you can get an abundance of vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, extended time spent indoors and health concerns with sun exposure result in a lack of vitamin D for many women. Additionally, as we age our ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun’s rays decreases.
Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin plays a key role in the production of the hormone melatonin, which aids in sleep.† Interestingly, B12 is involved in the metabolism of nearly every cell and is particularly involved in the chemical synthesis of fatty acids,† making it a synergistic complement to the fish oil in Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones. Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones may prove to be the most unique and complete women’s hormone support supplement available today. By combining the health-promoting effects of omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin and fucoxanthin with the established effects of Lifenol®, Ashwagandha and Amla berry, as well as the essential vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, Garden of Life feels they have given women looking for healthy hormones a safe, effective and viable product to meet their needs.