Category: product

Smart Nutrition the Kenzen® Way

Published on by Nikken

September at Nikken is about smart nutrition: eating healthy food, choosing nutrient-dense ingredients in cooking, committing to whole foods rather than processed ones and avoiding refined pre-packaged items that contain added sugar and salt. With our hectic multi-generational family lifestyles, dietary or nutritional supplementation can make a big difference.

Here’s a summary of what Kenzen® Nutrition is designed to do:

•          Kenzen® Calcium Complex and Kenzen BDZ® work synergistically to support bone health.* Added minerals in the Calcium Complex enhance absorption, while BDZ acts as the perfect complement with patented vitamin K and its unique marine plant complex to support bone structure and strength.*

•          Kenzen® Joint is formulated with high potency cetyl myristoleate, combined with gluosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and boswelia plant compounds—to support joint movement and connective tissue repair.* A topical version is CM Complex Cream that contains the same naturally lubricating properties.

•          Pink Collagen Complex stands out with its naturally pink color and exceptional formulation. Blood peach, rose apple and beet root combine their rosy tint with antioxidant powers and pleasant flavor, so there’s no fishy taste to the powerful type 1 collagen derived from marine peptides.

•          Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA contains heart-healthy omegas 3, 6, and 9 in one formula! The vegan formula is plant-sourced from cranberry seed oil, flax seed oil and red algae. Supporting digestive, hormonal and nerve health, it also benefits eyes and the brain.* It’s a formula chockful of omega fatty acids that even vegans can enjoy!

•          Kenzen Bergisterol® aims to support cardiovascular health and immune response.* Made with an exclusive strain of the bergamot fruit, it is rich in polyphenols and bioflavonoids.

•          Kenzen Super Ciaga® powder is a delicious way to support heart health, cellular functions and the immune system for overall well-being and natural energy levels.* It’s formulated with highly concentrated superfruits, such as maqui berry, elderberry, blackberry, raspberry and blueberry.

•          Kenzen® Immunity was providing immune support long before mushrooms became a trending topic.* Made with 14 different mushrooms, it is a standout in the market where supplements only contain single species or just a few.

•          Kenzen® Digestion 4-20 contains 20 different enzymes within the 4 categories of macronutrients: fats, proteins, carbs and fiber. This formula helps the digestive process by optimizing absorption of nutrients, allowing the body to convert fuel into energy.*

•          Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox supports the liver, which provides more than 500 functions!* This formula helps rid the body of toxins and other wastes, utilizing natural ingredients, such as organic chicory root, milk thistle and turmeric.

•          Kenzen Lactoferrin® 2.0 supports gut health while binding and transporting iron, so the body can absorb it.* The formula has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for overall health*.

•          Kenzen Jade Greenzymes® and Jade Greenzymes® Citrus are known as “nature’s perfect food.” That’s because organic barley grass has the full balance of enzymes needed to support healthy bones and tissue, skin elasticity and help maintain natural pH levels.*

•          Kenzen® Clarity supports cognitive function* with a fermented blend of ingredients. The formula is based on the gut-brain connection—fermentation helps absorption and digestibility of nutrients such as organic ashwagandha and organic bacopa leaf, supporting better memory, focus and concentration.*

•          Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 (in two formulas, one specifically for women and one for men) is a formulation of organic vegetables that provide the known types of water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants plus nutrients that support celluar function.*It offers gender-specific support for whole body renewal.*

•          Coming in October, new Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix contains 30% of the recommended daily allowance for protein in vegan form. MCTs support the brain while vitamins and minerals come from natural sources, making them more bioavailable. Prebiotics and probiotics promote effective digestion and absorption.*

Try smart nutrition the Kenzen® way for overall health and well-being—easy, effective and extraordinary.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Tips for Healthy Eating

Published on by Nikken

The key to a healthy diet is to eat the right amount of calories for how active you are so you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use.1 It’s equally important to get the right amount of calories from the best food sources. Over the years, there have been so many different diets that trend—for weight loss, to go plant-based, to decrease belly fat and bloat—you name it, there’s been a diet for virtually every issue. Still, the basics for healthy eating remain the foundation of any diet you choose.

Here are eight ways to help eat healthy for the long-term:

1. Carbs can be your friends. Just be sure to focus on high-fiber, whole grain varieties rather than “white” or refined versions of potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals. Eat potatoes with the skin on, choose brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Stay away from refined starchy carbs.

2. Eat lots of fruit and veggies. Five portions daily is recommended, but it can be frozen, fresh, canned, dried or juiced. It’s not that hard when you spread the portions throughout the day, including snacks.

3. Include lean protein. Fish is a good source as they tend to be high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. You can eat two portions weekly of oily fish, including salmon, trout, herring, sardines or mackerel. If you are vegetarian, beans are your best pals, and don’t forget tofu is made from soybeans—great sources of vegan protein.

4. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. Fats are necessary in a balanced diet, but keep saturated fats low and focus on unsaturated fats. Incorporate olive oil, avocado, oily fish and flax seeds into your diet and avoid fatty meats, cold cuts, sausages, hard cheeses and the skin on poultry.

5. Sugar increases the risk of obesity and tooth decay. Many packaged foods and drinks contain high amounts of refined sugar, for example, cakes, cookies, pastries, puddings, breakfast cereals, sodas, alcoholic beverages—in fact, reading labels will help uncover “hidden” sugars in foods you might not suspect have added sweeteners!

6. Many people eat too much salt unintentionally. Again, check labels because salt is often added into packaged goods, such as cereal, soup, bread and sauces. Most adults and children older than 11 only need about a teaspoonful a day!

7. Make sure you have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet for bone health.2 Include leafy greens in your meals, such as spinach, collard greens, bok choy and kale. Salmon and sardines are a great source of calcium. Fortified dairy or plant-based milks are high in both calcium and vitamin D.

8. Add potassium in your daily regimen, as it helps promote heart and renal health, as well as the proper functioning of muscles and nerves.3 Prune juice, pomegranate juice, bananas, beet greens, lima beans and Swiss chard are high in potassium.

Eating healthy is a sustainable way to support an active lifestyle. On average, it takes about three months to develop a good habit and remember, smart nutrition goes beyond simply satisfying hunger. It’s also about understanding how different food groups impact our bodies. We can choose from a variety of nutrient-dense options to help fill in nutritional gaps. Kenzen® Nutrition is here to help you every step of the way, whether you need vitamins, minerals, a thorough cleanse or an extra lift in energy!

1 ww.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/

2, 3 https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/healthy-eating-tips/index.html

Does Drinking Water Help Your Skin Stay Healthy?

Published on by Nikken

Drinking enough water is not the magic bullet for healthy skin, but it certainly plays an important role in maintaining it. Since skin is the body’s largest organ, keeping it healthy is critical for overall well-being. The skin protects your inner body, helps to store lipids and water, to prevent fluid loss and to balance body temperature. Even though skin covers the entire body and is exposed to the elements more than any other organ, sometimes we overlook how imperative it is to take care of it.

Our skin is made up of three layers. The subcutaneous fat layer is at the bottom; the middle layer is the dermis; the epidermis at the top layer. The stratum corneum is at the outermost layer of the epidermis and is an important membrane which keeps harmful things from entering the body, while also making sure that too much water doesn’t leave our bodies. In other words, it helps keep the skin hydrated by preventing water evaporation. This layer is not only a barrier against harm but also a conduit to absorb water. If you push against this outermost layer of skin and it doesn’t spring back right away, it means you are dehydrated. Once you rehydrate, the skin will bounce back.

With age, skin tends to lose density as collagen and elastin breakdown. The result is the sagging and wrinkling that is the target of so-called anti-aging products. Drinking more water really won’t help get rid of sagging or wrinkling but it will help prevent dehydration, especially during the hot summer months. Even if drinking ample amounts of water cannot prevent the signs of aging skin, it still helps skin to look and feel healthy.

Drinking sufficient amounts of water every day helps to flush out toxins in ther body. Water intake helps the digestive system to function efficiently when processing waste. Flushing out toxins helps to improve the skin’s health and overall health.

“Excessive hydration is unlikely to benefit the skin,” says Kathleen C. Suozzi, MD, director of aesthetic dermatology at Yale Medicine and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. “The skin is hydrated from the inside out by pulling fluid from the capillary blood flow in the skin, but if there isn’t enough water to pull from — say, if you’re dehydrated — skin can effectively dry out. Skin hydration is a reflection of total-body hydration. If a person is dehydrated, there is less water being transferred to the skin from the circulation.”1

In short, it’s important to drink enough water for the skin and body to stay hydrated. Dr. Suozzi says about 13 cups of water for men and 9 cups of water for women represent adequate fluid intake, but “if a person has a lot of transepidermal water loss from sweat or heat, then this requirement increases.”2

Through the month of August, Nikken replacement water and air filters are on sale at 20% of retail, so it’s a good time to make sure you have enough filters for all of your Nikken filtration systems!

1, 2 https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-skin/can-you-hydrate-your-way-to-healthy-skin/

Aging Well vs. Anti-Aging

Published on by Nikken

“Aging well” and “anti-aging” are different approaches to aging. Aging well focuses on the positive aspects of aging, such as a healthy diet and a fulfilling social life. Anti-aging focuses on preventative measures to slow down the appearance of aging, which also may involve a healthy diet and fulfilling social life but relies predominantly on external care and less on internal care.

The two perspectives on aging often depend on cultural biases. In many Asian countries such as Japan and China, age and signs of agingrepresent knowledge, wisdom, and respect. On the other hand, in some Western cultures, beauty is intertwined with youth—a factor that contributes to ageism. A report by the World Health organization (WHO) shows prejudice towards older people hinders the process of accepting old age.1

Skin care, personal care and other beauty products have been marketed over the years as ways to cover up the signs of aging. In fact, natural aspects of aging including wrinkles, less elastic skin, discoloration marks and so forth have been called “signs of premature aging.” The question is, when is aging considered “premature” vs. time-appropriate?

British scientist and researcher Aubrey de Grey, who studies aging from a biological standpoint, coined the terms “pro-aging” and “well-aging.” He is the author of The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging as well as Ending Aging, showcasing his embrace of aging as natural and positive.

Aging well calls for skin care, personal care and beauty products to serve as tools that celebrate each stage of life rather than attempting to disguise aging.2 Aging gracefully means different things to different people. Whether you’re looking to keep that youthful glow or just to take better care of yourself as you get older, here are some tips for aging well:

•  Help to regulate your nervous system. Nerves are the pathways that carry signals to and from your brain and the rest of your body, including skin cells.3 To help the nervous system operate smoothly, practice deep breathing, be in nature as much as possible, practice grounding, get plenty of restful sleep and maintain a positive state of mindfulness.

• Practice positive thinking. This seems like such a simple thing to do, but how many times do you catch yourself thinking poorly of yourself? Positive thinking begins with the self.

• Eat whole, nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods focusing on antioxidants, fiber, greens, omega-3 fats and quality protein. Focus on foods that help to balance blood sugar levels, support a healthy and diverse microbiome and enhance efficient digestion. In other words, eat a wide range of colorful fruit and veggies with a healthy dose of lean protein.

• Drink filtered, mineral-rich water for effective hydration.

• Use natural skin care and personal care products as much as possible. This will help to decrease the number of chemicals you are exposed to. Try to incorporate natural alternatives to your cleaning products as well, for example, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and mineral salt.

• Your sense of touch helps keep you feeling youthful. This is why petting a dog or cat can help reduce blood pressure. Rocking a baby, hugging a family member or friend—these acts are sensory aids that tend to foster feelings of well-being—similarly to massage.

Nikken products are inspired by nature, so whether you need to supplement your diet through Kenzen® nutrition, stay hydrated with PiMag® water or pamper yourself with True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care, you can feel confident as you embrace aging well.

1, 2 https://shopsimpleorganic.com/blogs/simple-blog/pro-aging-well-aging-and-anti-aging-what-are-they-why-does-it-matter

3 https://sandythinnesbeautyflow.com

Skin Care From the Inside Out

Published on by Nikken

Healthy skin is often a sign of overall well-being—what you see on the outside can be a good indicator of what is on the inside—from a vigorous circulatory system to an efficient digestive system. In fact, what you eat and drink can affect not only your overall health, but it can also affect the appearance of your skin.

Here’s a sampler of what might prove beneficial not only to your nutritional intake but also to your skin:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring supply omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and help keep the skin supple. You can obtain a healthy dose of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids from Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA.

• Honey, walnuts, blueberries, nutritional yeast, kale, collard greens, spinach, sweet potatoes, organic root vegetables, and avocados help skin to function properly and may aid in healing wounds.1

• Eat fermented foods—such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, olives, sourdough bread—because they contain probiotics, vitamins, minerals and lactic acid in addition to breaking down food into small particles that are more easily absorbed.

• Reduce sugar in your diet. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Refined sugars and simple carbohydrates lead to insulin spikes that cause inflammation, and inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles.

• Cut back on alcohol. Excessive amounts of alcohol disrupt gut health, which in turn shows up directly on the face as dull, aging skin. If you choose to drink moderately, wine is made with fermented grapes, so that would be a better choice.

• Cut back on dairy. Dairy products are known to trigger acne. There are so many plant-based replacements for dairy products that it is now much easier to replace them. Try soy, nuts, oats, coconut and other non-dairy products.

• Drink green tea. It contains polyphenols that are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There have even been studies that show drinking green tea helps the skin retain moisture.2

• Take your vitamins. You can obtain them through food or you can take Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 with specific formulas for Women and for Men. Here are a few specific vitamins that are beneficial to overall health and the skin:

-Vitamin A is known to support skin cell regeneration while suppressing the oil-producing gland. Vitamin A is found in abundance in red and orange colored fruit and vegetables.

-Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports collagen production and tissue repair and growth. Eat plenty of citrus and leafy greens.

-Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals that can lead to premature aging. It’s easy to get vitamin E from a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds and plant-based oils.

-Vitamin D plays a role in determining your skin tone, as it helps create healthy cells. Salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, tuna and mackerel are great sources of vitamin D.

• Collagen supports skin elasticity for a more youthful look. Include Pink Collagen Complex as part of your daily regimen!

Improve your diet, remember to include exercise daily, and get enough beauty sleep! See the difference in your skin within a few months or even earlier!

1 https://www.coloskin.com/dermatologists-in-denver/healing-your-skin-from-the-inside-out/

2 https://www.nutrisense.io/blog/green-tea-benefits-for-skin

Choose Mobility

Published on by Nikken

Staying mobile and leading an active lifestyle are essential not only for longevity but for joyful living. Muscles. Joints. Bones. They are great friends. Keeping them healthy helps keep the entire body more youthful throughout a lifetime.

Your body talks to you every day, and if you listen with care, you will make the right choices to stay mobile. On days where mobility can be challenging, the instinct is to do nothing. If doing nothing results in restoring energy levels, then you are listening to your body and making the right choice. If doing nothing continues for days on end and you don’t feel any better, perhaps it’s time to force yourself out of inertia.

The neck, shoulders, hips and knees—areas that tend to lose elasticity and flexibility with age—are supported by the spine, so maintaining good posture is important. In recent years, chair yoga has become popular, because it helps even those who are not ideally mobile, stretch and build up core strength, so that eventually, they can resume a more active exercise regimen.

There are certain foods that support healthy joints and bones. Eating a well-balanced diet focused on key nutrients is the right choice in supporting healthy joints and bones.

•          Calcium is not a mineral that the body manufactures naturally, so it has to be obtained through food. It’s a key mineral for maintaining strong bones. Found abundantly in dairy products, vegans can choose kale, bok choy, broccoli, soy, seeds and almonds, figs, and more. On average, the absorption rate of calcium in dairy is around 30%, kale and boy choy 50%, and broccoli 60%.1

•          Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Sunshine is the most natural source, but supplementation may be a better guarantee of having the recommended 600 international units per day.2 Some natural food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, tuna, sardines, salmon and other fish, mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight, fortified orange juice and fortified soy milk.

•          Magnesium is stored in the bones and plays a role in activating vitamin D. Seeds such as chia and pumpkin are great sources of magnesium, as are nuts such as almonds and cashews. Add a healthy amount of green leafy vegetables to your daily diet for a good dose of magnesium.

•          Collagen is found in the connective tissue of animals. As the most abundant protein in the human body, it’s found in skin, muscles, bone and tendons. Meat eaters get collagen through their diets, but vegetarians and vegans may look to foods high in vitamin C to boost production—such as beans, oranges, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and whole grains.3

•          Omega-3s can help protect the joints. The National Institute of Health recommends this healthy fatty acid because it is believed to help lower inflammation in the body. Found in fish and other seafood, flax seeds are a good vegan option.

Make smart choices for your strength and mobility. Keep moving and eating right. Make sure to stay hydrated, especially when sweating a lot during the summer months. Kenzen® Nutrition can help you fill in dietary gaps with “smart mobility” supplements such as Kenzen® Joint, Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA, Kenzen® Calcium Complex and Kenzen BDZ® (together in the Bone Health Pack) and Nikken Pink Collagen Complex.

1 https://www.vegancanada.org/news/article/2020/01/23/misleading-calcium-recommendation.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo60BhBiEiwAHmVLJanPRBNfbLZxWjWoAX4B6_7fkagD60WwFHEeCWbcyVoHCQ_d7iUTUxoC8d4QAvD_BwE

2 https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a28510495/foods-for-joint-health/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_rnw_md_pmx_hybd_org_us_18447042893&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo60BhBiEiwAHmVLJalkhrFPaPTwJCH8-IflR0zb3kApCa5Op184QWgUJ2p8wbQMBUVWAxoCA2YQAvD_BwE

3 https://www.webmd.com/beauty/vegan-collagen-what-to-know

Hydrate Wisely, not Randomly

Published on by Nikken

According to research published in the journal Current Biology, the human body uses 30% to 50% less water per day than our closest animal cousins. In other words, among primates, humans evolved to be the low-flow model. Lead author Herman Pontzer, associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University explains, “An ancient shift in our body’s ability to conserve water may have enabled our hunter-gatherer ancestors to venture farther from streams and watering holes in search of food. Even just being able to go a little bit longer without water would have been a big advantage as early humans started making a living in dry, savannah landscapes.”1

To maintain hydration within a healthy range, the human body, like other animal bodies, is likened to a bathtub. Water coming in has to equal water going out. For example, when water is lost through sweating, the body signals us to drink. When we drink more than the body needs, the kidneys get rid of the surplus.

For each individual in the study, the researchers calculated water intake via food and drink on the one hand, and water lost via sweat, urine and the GI tract, on the other hand. When the researchers tallied the inputs and outputs, they found that the average person processes about 12 cups of water each day. Without enough water, our physical and cognitive functions decline. Without any, we die within a matter of days. In this way, humans are more dependent on water than many other mammals are.2

Exactly how much water is healthy differs between populations and even from person to person. Currently there are two different recommendations for water intake, which includes water from food. The first, from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, recommends 15.6 cups of water a day for men and 8.4 cups for women, while advising pregnant and lactating women to increase their intake by about 1.5 to 3 cups, respectively. The second, from the European Food Safety Authority, recommends 10.5 cups for men and 8.4 cups a day for women, with the same increases for pregnant and lactating women. Men need more water than women do because their bodies are larger and have more muscle on average.3

Regardless of how much water you drink, choose wisely. Depending on where you live, the tap water may or may not be potable. Even potable tap water has tested out to contain minute amounts of contaminants, and nano-plastics are a global issue.

To make it easier and more affordable to drink safely, why not take advantage of the PiMag Waterfall® and the PiMag® Sport Bottle? They not only help filter out contaminants but also emulate the most hydrating type of water: spring water. PiMag® water declusters the water molecules, making them smaller and more easily absorbed. The PiMag Waterfall® also is environmentally-friendly as it’s made of biodegradable materials and the PiMag® Sport Bottle helps reduce single use plastic bottles to decrease landfill waste. You’ll stay hydrated and feel good about doing your part for the environment.

Ditch single use plastic bottles, drink more absorbable and hydrating PiMag® water and share your knowledge of smart hydration with everyone!

1 today.duke.edu/2021/03/humans-evolved-be-water-saving-ape#:~:text=That%20water%20needs%20to%20be,than%20our%20closest%20animal%20cousins.

2, 3  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/human-evolution-led-to-an-extreme-thirst-for-water/#:~:text=Without%20enough%20water%2C%20our%20physical,adapted%20to%20quench%20that%20thirst

Water is Life

Published on by Nikken

Growing populations, irrigated agriculture, energy production, manufacturing and livestock needs have increased demand for water over the years. Since 1960, demand has more than doubled and around the world, demand now exceeds what is available.1

Water stress refers to a situation where the water resources in a region or country are insufficient for its needs. Water stress also refers specifically to plants that suffer from a lack of moisture. Whether for plants or people, water is life, and the lack of it threatens health, economic growth and food security.

According to data from Aqueduct, 31% of global GDP (gross domestic product) will be exposed to high water stress by 2050. Just four countries—India, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey—account for more than half of the exposed GDP in 2050.  A country facing extreme water stress is using at least 80% of its available supply, while high water stress refers to 40% withdrawal of its supply.2

Humans are more dependent on water than many other mammals. Without enough water, physical and cognitive functions decline. Without any water, humans die within days. Water can be sourced from food, and depending on culture and region, people ingest varying amounts of water from their food. For example, in the U.S., about 20% of the water people take in comes from food, while adult Japanese obtain half of their water from foods eaten. In northern Kenya, people drink little water but consume a great deal of milk, which is 87% milk, and they chew on water-laden roots.3

In areas where there is a scarce supply of clean water, eating instead of drinking more water helps decrease exposure to harmful bacteria. Fruit such as papaya, and whatever grows locally, can help hydrate while preventing gastrointestinal issues. In places like the Amazon and other similar populations, dietary traditions have developed to incorporate low-alcohol, fermented beverages, which can be essential sources of hydration. Fermentation happens to kill bacteria.

Obtaining enough water is one of humanity’s oldest challenges, and now it has become a global crisis. Aquifers around the world are being depleted  and the need to diversify water sources is critical. Nations that have invested in desalination and water recycling have been the most successful in addressing water scarcity. For example, 70% of Israel’s potable water is from desalination and 90% of its wastewater is recycled!4 Israel also uses drip and micro drip irrigation, which is more efficient than traditional flood irrigation. In South Africa, where water stress has reached critical levels, Cape Town lessened reservoir losses by removing invasive, water-hungry plants and replacing them with drought-resistant species.

Wherever you live, drink wisely. Don’t keep the tap running. Avoid waste. Be safe, filter your tap water with the PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle.

1, 2 https://www.wri.org/insights/highest-water-stressed-countries

3, 4 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/0424–kinard-mexico-city-run-out-of-water/

Natural vs. Synthetic: You Decide

Published on by Nikken

In our daily lives, we interact with an extensive array of materials, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Whether it’s the clothes we wear, the buildings we live in, or the devices we use, the materials around us can be broadly categorized into two primary groups: natural vs synthetic.1

Examples of natural materials, which are derived from the environment, include wood, stone, silk, leather and cotton. These materials are found in nature and not man-made.

Synthetic materials are derived largely from human intelligence and creativity, mainly after the industrial revolution through the wide use of increasingly sophisticated technology. Plastics, composites, and artificial polymers are just a few examples of these engineered marvels.2

Are natural materials better than synthetic ones?

Here are some of the advantages of natural materials:

•           They are generally considered more environmentally-friendly than their synthetic counterparts, because they tend to be renewable and biodegradable, which reduces their footprint.

•           They are often more compatible with the human body. For example, natural fibers in clothing, organic materials in devices, and natural ingredients in skin care are less likely to cause allergic reactions—this is known as being biocompatible.

•           They vary in quality, texture and appearance due to natural variances found in nature. This makes them somewhat unique and exclusive, adding aesthetic value.

Here are some of the advantages of synthetic materials:

•           They are created in laboratories and factories, which are environments that are more easily controlled than nature.

•           They can be manufactured to be consistent and uniform in size, shape, appearance, etc. This consistency helps meet the precise requirements of different industries. Examples include plastics, nylon, polyester and many polymers.

•           They may be more durable than natural materials. With man-made specifications in mind, they can be manufactured to be more long-lasting and easier to mass-produce, rendering them more cost-effective than sourcing natural alternatives.

Both natural and synthetic materials have their own pros and cons. Your choice depends on the specific usage and your requirements for cost, durability, functionality, sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Nikken is inspired by nature, and our researchers and product developers try to incorporate as many sustainable, natural and organic materials as possible. We also embrace science and formulate using state-of-the-art technologies and facilities.

1, 2 https://europlas.com.vn/en-US/blog-1/natural-vs-synthetic-materials-what-are-the-differences

How Will You Honor Dad This Father’s Day?

Published on by Nikken

Father’s Day is observed by 111 plus countries worldwide. The date varies by country. For example, in many European countries, it is celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph’s Day. Sikhs celebrate Father’s Day on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh on December 29.

In the United States, Father’s Day was spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by her widower father. In 1909, she tried to establish an equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents in remembrance of hers. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shops and even government officials in the city of Spokane, to gain support for her idea. Her perseverance led to the first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910 in the state of Washington.

It wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States when Richard Nixon signed a proclamation to make it a federal celebration. This occurred 58 years after Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official. In Canada, Father’s Day has been celebrated since the early 20th century, but it has not been made a public holiday. Father’s Day is on the third Sunday of June in North America and many African nations, such as Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and South Africa.

Regardless of when and where Father’s Day takes place, the aim is to pay tribute to the paternal figures in people’s lives. Traditionally, families gather around to honor dad, or visit wherever their angel fathers are laid to rest. Children in school are helped with handmade cards and gifts.

How will you honor the dads in your life this June 16?

•          When was the last time you told your dad you love him? Depending on how you were brought up, saying out loud “I love you” to your father could be rare, but it is likely to be appreciated more than you think.

•          Time is the most precious gift. Whether it’s time spent alone with your dad or time with him and family, each occasion grows more special over the years.

•          Is your dad a social fellow? Honoring him in front of his peers is sure to make him feel appreciated—at a party, a friend’s home, with his grandchildren and other occasions.

•          Be a role model for your own children and show them how you care for their grandfather. Before long, you will reap the benefits of these well-learned roles.

•          Take a walk together. Go for a swim. Play a game of chess. The focus is on doing something dad likes.

•          Tell dad something about your own life that is important to you. A heart-to-heart talk can be a precious gift.

And, of course, if you want to get a meaningful gift for dad, Nikken is your one-stop shopping center. Does Dad need to be more grounded with KenkoGround®? Does he need some KenkoTherm® support wraps? How about Kenzen® nutritionals or PiMag® water to keep him properly hydrated?

Happy Father’s Day to our Nikken Dads!

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/fathers-day