EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 3 minutes Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that we get through food and supplements.  While it definitely supports a healthy immune system, it's essential for more than just keeping colds at bay!  In addition to boosting the immune system, Vitamin C has been found to support skin health and collagen production, iron absorption, and help the body respond to oxidative stress.  Keep reading to learn more about the power of this natural antioxidant. Skin Health Vitamin C is also known for its ability to support glowing skin health.  Vitamin C supports the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure and firmness. Collagen production decreases with age, so supplementing with vitamin C may help keep skin looking young and healthy.  It can also help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation, pollutants, and other environmental factors.  In addition, research suggests that vitamin C may be beneficial in supporting a lower likelihood of certain skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, as well as scarring. Iron Absorption Vitamin C has a unique role in helping your body absorb iron. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to produce red blood cells and keep your energy levels up.  Vitamin C aids in the absorption of dietary iron, both non-heme and heme iron, which are found in animal sources and plant sources respectively. This process occurs in the acidic environment of the stomach and facilitates the absorption of iron in the small intestine. This makes it easier for your body to absorb and utilize the iron from food sources.  Antioxidant and Stress Support The third benefit of Vitamin C that you may not be aware of is its role as an antioxidant and in the body’s stress response.  Vitamin C is an essential part of your body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which is caused by environmental toxins, radiation, and other damaging agents. Oxidative stress can lead to a range of problems including premature aging, cell damage, and even chronic diseases.  Antioxidants, in general, are shown to neutralize free radicals— molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause significant cell damage.  It also has recently been shown in studies to be potentially linked to mental wellness.  This may be because vitamin C supports the body in producing and regulating cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress.  Conclusion Vitamin C has multiple benefits beyond just immune system function. By understanding its role in skin health, iron absorption, and stress support, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of this important nutrient.  We hope you've been inspired to add more vitamin C to your diet. The benefits of this essential nutrient are many, and it’s easy to get enough with a daily supplement.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We support the planet with the ingredients we use in our supplements. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our delicious melts. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 4 minutes The colder months can be hard on our skin. The dry air, lack of sunlight, and harsh winds can lead to dry, flaky patches, skin conditions, and premature skin aging if you're not careful. But the good news is that you can do plenty of things to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy. Here are five simple tips that can help you get started on a path toward gorgeous winter skin. Use a Humidifier As we get into the cold winter months, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. The dry air can lead to dry, cracked skin that can break out and worsen any existing skin conditions you may have. A humidifier is a simple solution to this problem. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air which can help with dry skin conditions and keep your air passages from drying out and becoming uncomfortable during these colder months. Use a humidifier daily with clean, filtered water. This will help protect your skin during colder months when there is less humidity than usual, especially in certain regions of the country that experience harsher winter weather. Ditch Harsh Cleansers If you're looking to finally get rid of the dry skin that's been plaguing you all winter, consider switching up your face wash for something a little more natural.  Cleansers with rough exfoliants and chemicals can have your skin going haywire, especially when it's already sensitive and affected by winter weather. Try something a little closer to nature. For example, coconut oil is an excellent alternative to traditional cleansers because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among many other potential benefits. Because of this, coconut oil can support your skin barrier and its efforts to fight off free radicals in your environment. Free radicals are toxins that cause damage to cells and DNA. After cleansing, be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer to condition and nourish your skin. Food for Skin Health The foods you eat can have a profound impact on the health of your skin. To ensure that yours is glowing and radiant, avoid processed foods (especially those high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat) and make sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and lean proteins. Spinach is one of the best options as far as nutrients for skin health are concerned (it's packed with vitamin A). If leafy vegetables aren't your thing, then opt instead for cauliflower or broccoli which contain fewer calories than their green counterparts but still offer plenty of vitamin C, another great nutrient for skin health. Invest in the Right Vitamins An easy way to support your best skin health in winter 2023 is knowing which vitamin supplements will be the most beneficial.  To make it even easier to get the nutrients you need for glowing skin, we have a Hair, Skin, and Nail Support bundle which includes all three of these natural supplements.  Here's what's included in our bundle and why: Vitamin C: Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and formation, which forms the basis for brighter, vibrant skin. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also supports your skin in protecting against premature aging and blemishes. Biotin: Biotin assists your body in producing keratin so you can support healthy hair, skin, and nails from the inside out. Don't Forget the Sunscreen in Winter Did you know that sun damage is the leading cause of premature skin aging? And did you know that UVA rays are present year-round, even during winter? So while it’s easy to forget about SPF in winter, don't! Wear sunscreen every single day—even in winter, and even indoors. If you're looking for an extra boost of hydration and protection from the elements, combine your moisturizer with an SPF 15 or higher. When applying sunscreen on your face, make sure to cover all exposed areas including where you shave and around your ears because these areas are especially prone to sun damage if left unprotected. Also, be sure not to neglect the neck area; it may seem insignificant but thinning skin here can also lead to wrinkles over time. Don't forget about lips either—yep, they count as skin too! They're one of the most visible signs of aging so they should receive plenty of attention when it comes time for reapplication. Your Best Skin in 2023 We hope these tips will help you proactively approach your skin health this winter. Remember that taking good care of yourself—both inside and out—is important no matter what time of year it is. Taking a daily vitamin supplement is a simple yet effective way to benefit your long-term health goals and your best skin. Try our Hair, Skin, and Nail Support bundle to get the three best, natural supplements for your skin.  Just make sure it is made without harmful additives or ingredients. Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements.  And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read time: 3 minutes Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to spare!  We all know that water is essential for life in addition to proper nutrition, and it impacts every aspect of our health. But sometimes the benefits H2O and vitamins can have on your skin is overlooked. However, it’s kind of a big deal! Skin is technically an organ, and it’s the largest organ we have. It needs to be supported by good diet and lifestyle habits just as your other organs, muscles, and bones do. Your body is a machine, and it needs to be well oiled—metaphorically here, water and nutrition are the oil that keeps it going. Read on to see all the ways they keep your skin glowing, youthful and gorgeous. Turn Back Time with H2O Water is life, literally. It’s a big deal! And while dehydration can happen year-round, a lot of people are especially dehydrated in warm weather. This is because it can be harder to take in the extra hydration needed to replenish our system when the weather is warmer and we are perspiring more under the summer sun—but make it a priority because here are just some of the ways water supports your skin health and longevity: Promotes anti-aging by improving elasticity Plumps skin and lips Healthy pH balance which keeps skin healthy and glowing Flushes toxins that dull and damage skin Moisturizes the entire body Prevents acne and other skin conditions A tip for ensuring you're on top of your hydration? Set reminders in your phone to take a break and drink 8oz of water. You should at least be getting 8 cups a day, but many people need more. Signs of Dehydration Your body will often give signals to you, telling you what it needs. Look for these physical signs of dehydration so you know it’s time for more water. Bad breath: dehydration can impact your mouth’s ability to fight bacteria Chapped lips: they’re skin too! If your lips are peeling and dry, focus on hydration instead of a swipe of lip balm Dark circles: dehydration can lead the skin around your eye socket to look sunken, which in turn makes dark circles more pronounced Constipation: your digestive system needs water to keep things moving and more comfortable Dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting: internal organs, like your heart and brain, need water to keep your blood moving efficiently and for cognitive function Top Vitamins for Superior Skin We automatically think of biotin because it’s marketed the most in relation to skin, hair, and nails, but there are so many vitamins and minerals that also support glowy, healthy skin. And while it’s helpful to have external skin care, rubbing a cream or serum on will only target the area you put it on. For overall skin health, supplement your nutrition and skin care routine with supplements. Here are some vitamins to add: Vitamin D for skin tone, evenness, and may even help with psoriasis Vitamin C can increase effectiveness of sunscreen absorption, support collagen synthesis, and help skin wounds heal Vitamin E, found in our multivitamin, is a powerful antioxidant which protects against sun damage, inflammation and aging Vitamin A, of which retinol is a form of, protects collagen, strengthens the epidermis, and stimulates cell turnover (which slows with age). The EZ Melts Difference Many people don’t get adequate nutrition from their diet, which is where supplements come in! For the best skin health possible, add supplements like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D to your daily routine. See why EZ Melts is better--our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have a delicious customer approved flavor. Unlike many major vitamin brands, our tablets do not include harmful toxic ingredients, artificial flavors, or GMOs. Try us out and see the difference!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

You’ve probably seen biotin marketed in a hundred different ways in the past decade, especially targeted towards people who identify as women. You might be wondering... what does biotin do? What is biotin good for? Well--for exactly what the ads say--biotin is connected with supporting luscious hair, strong nails, and beautiful, glowing skin; three things that many humans, including women, believe are signs of health and wellness. This is because biotin, or vitamin B7, metabolizes essential carbs, fats, and proteins that aid in supporting these enviable physical attributes, as well as aiding in hormone function. But did you know that on top of this, biotin does so much more? Let’s take a look at what other benefits you could be reaping from taking a biotin supplement.  1. Lowering Cholesterol We know the drill: yearly check-up, get our cholesterol levels checked, keep it down with proper nutrition and exercise, check! But did you know that biotin has been linked with lowering levels of lipoprotein aka the Bad Cholesterol? Yep! Recent studies have shown that the correct amounts of biotin absorption is linked to lowering bad cholesterol [1], which is pretty fantastic, considering high levels of lipoprotein can lead to heart disease and strokes. Studies are still in the works, but it is hopeful that biotin helps fend off high cholesterol, as there is a correlation between increased B7 and decreased lipoprotein. 2. Promotes Fetal Development  It’s well known that pregnant women need an increase in their nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as the creation of a new living being is tough work! While it is rare to have a complete lack of biotin in one’s nutrition these days, always consult with a medical professional to make sure, as biotin is critical for many enzymatic reactions involved in growth and metabolism. As biotin deficiency has been correlated with skeletal abnormalities in mammals, it is important to ensure optimal intake [2], [3]. An increase in the amount of biotin consumed is often needed to support fetal growth for both parent and child. 3. Supports Optimal Weight Control and Thyroid Health         Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and we as a society still have a way to go in normalizing differences. However, if you and your medical professional are concerned about the negative impact of being overweight on your health and longevity, one such factor to be aware of is making sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. This is because biotin, among other essential vitamins, assists in regulating your thyroid, which in turn regulates hormone balance and function, weight, and metabolism. In addition, several enzymes that process and metabolize fat, carbs, and proteins are supported by biotin [4]! Especially if you have certain autoimmune conditions, it can be even more likely that you are biotin deficient, which could, according to studies, negatively impact your thyroid [5]. Consult with a doctor or nutritionist if you are finding it hard to control your weight and health.  The Bottom Line Making sure you are getting adequate amounts of all necessary vitamins and minerals, including biotin, is important. And remember--biotin, or B7, is not just for your hair, skin, and nails--it helps with hormones, your heart and bone health, fetal development, metabolism, and even in the creation of DNA! Seems like it’s important to know if you are getting enough! Biotin is fat-soluble, meaning we have to ingest it--whether by our nutrition or supplements*. The EZ Melts Difference Consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms that could be related to deficiency. Monitoring nutrient intake now could prevent more serious conditions down the road--so make sure to get the right amounts your body needs! If you try biotin supplements, see why EZ Melts is better--our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have a delicious customer approved flavor. Unlike many major vitamin brands, our tablets do not include harmful toxic ingredients, artificial flavors, or GMOs. Try us out and see the difference! Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7011260 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25122647/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230206/ https://www.ecowatch.com/7-reasons-biotin-important-health-2045623311.html#:~:text=Plays%20a%20Key%20Role%20in,metabolic%20processes%20of%20these%20nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4044302/ ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens