Vitamin C
carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great
antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants. Because vitamin C is a biological reducing agent, it is
diseases. Ascorbic acid also promotes healthycell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue
growth and repair - such as healing of wounds and burns. It assists in the prevention of blood clotting and
against infection, and assisting with clearing up infections and is thought to enhance the immune system and
help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin present in many foods, especially certain fats and oils. It is one of a number
of nutrients called antioxidants. Some other well known antioxidants include vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by toxic by-products released when the body
transforms food into energy or fights off infection. The build up of these by-products over time is largely
responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as
heart disease, cancer, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Antioxidants provide some
protection against these conditions and also help reduce the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and
pollutants. Vitamin E deficiency can be seen in people unable to absorb fat properly. Such conditions include
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cystic fibrosis, and biliary diseases (illnesses of the gallbladder
and biliary ducts). Symptoms of deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye
movements, impaired vision, and unsteady gait. Eventually, kidney and liver function may be compromised. In
addition, severe vitamin E deficiency can be associated with serial miscarriages and premature delivery in
pregnant women.
Niacin
Also known as vitamin B3, niacin has earned a reputation (in supplement form) as a natural
cholesterol-lowering agent that often rivals prescription drugs in mild to moderate cases. It may also help to
prevent or treat a number of other disorders, from arthritis and depression to diabetes. Three forms of niacin
supplements--each with a specific therapeutic role--are commercially available: nicotinic acid (also called
vitamin).
Normally, the body manages to absorb enough niacin from foods to carry out basic functions, working on the
cellular level to keep the digestive system, skin and nerves healthy. This vitamin is also critical to releasing
energy from carbohydrates and helping to control blood-sugar levels. Interestingly, the body also synthesizes
niacin from tryptophan, an amino acid found in eggs, milk and poultry.
Health Benefits
Although few people in the industrialized world are actually deficient in niacin, many may benefit from
additional amounts in
supplement form to help treat assorted complaints. Keep in mind that each of the three forms of niacin affects
the body
differently. Niacinamide has notable anti-inflammatory properties, for example, while nicotinic acid and
inositol hexaniacinate
affect blood lipid levels and circulation.
Specifically, niacin may help to:
# Control cholesterol. Unlike most prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, which simply lower levels
of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, niacin also raises levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. As a result,
this vitamin may prove more potent than conventional medicines in ultimately reducing the risk for a heart
attack (and death from a heart attack). In a recent study of people with high cholesterol, niacin not only
reduced LDL and triglycerides by 17% and 18%, respectively, but it also increased HDL by 16%. Although
both nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate have cholesterol-benefiting actions, inositol hexaniacinate is the
preferred form--it doesn't cause skin flushing and poses much less risk of liver damage with long-term use.
# Combat Raynaud's disease and other circulatory problems. Niacin improves circulation by relaxing arteries
and veins, and disorders characterized by circulation difficulties may benefit as a result. In those suffering
from Raynaud's disease, for example, niacin's ability to improve blood flow to the extremities may counter the
numbness and pain in the hands and feet that occurs when blood vessels overreact to cold temperatures. The
calf-cramping and other painful symptoms of intermittent claudication, another circulation disorder, may
lessen under the vessel-relaxing influence of niacin as well. The inositol hexaniacinate form of niacin works
best for circulation-related discomforts.
# Fight depression. Based on niacin's well-recognized role in promoting the sound functioning of nerve cells,
some experts recommend the vitamin for relieving depression as well as for soothing feelings of anxiety and
panic. Most B-vitamin complexes contain sufficient amounts of niacin for this purpose; as an added plus, the
complexes also offer the mood-enhancing benefits of other B vitamins.
# Ease symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties associated with
niacinamide may help in calming joint inflammation, a frequent cause of rheumatoid arthritis pain. In a
double-blind, 12-week study, osteoarthritis sufferers who received niacinamide supplements reported less
inflammation and greater joint flexibility than other participants who were given a placebo. The niacinamide
group also required less conventional anti-inflammatory medication to relieve their customary pain and
swelling.
# Slow progression of type 1 diabetes. High doses of niacinamide, if given at the first signs of the disease,
appear to help prevent complications of insulin-dependent diabetes and may even help reverse its development.
This complementary supplement treatment should only be undertaken with careful medical supervision,
however.
# Treat tinnitus. The persistent ringing, humming and buzzing in the ears associated with this condition has
been linked to poor blood circulation. By widening blood vessels in the brain, inositol hexaniacinate may help
to relieve these and other tinnitus symptoms.
Policosanol
Policosanol is a unique natural product derived from sugar cane wax and beeswax: It has proved effective at
reducing cholesterol levels and for some individuals may be a reasonable natural alternative to the commonly
prescribed "statin-type" cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Most research using the sugarcane-derived form of policosanol has been conducted in Cuba, in both animals
and humans. The studies showed that policosanol not only reduced cholesterol levels, but also had positive
effects on other cardiac risk factors, through actions such as reducing platelet "clumping" and inhibiting the
development of atherosclerosis. A 2002 analysis in the American Heart Journal reviewed more than 60
clinical trials of sugar cane-derived policosanol that involved more than 3000 patients. The authors concluded
that policosanol is "a very promising phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such as statins."
This could be welcome news for some of the 30 million Americans who are currently using the expensive
statindrugs. Some studies indicated that policosanol is not only equal to, but may possibly even be somewhat
more effective than statins or fibrates in lowering total and LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" cholesterol,
or HDL. One study showed that patients taking the standard daily 10 mg dose of policosanol experienced a
17% drop in total cholesterol, a 25.6% drop in LDL cholesterol, and a 28.4% rise in HDL cholesterol. These
percentages are equal to results obtained with statin medications.
Some studies confirmed the cholesterol-lowering effects of policosanol in specific groups, including
post-menopausal women, the elderly, and people who have both diabetes and heart disease. In addition,
policosanol was effective in treating intermittent claudication, a condition in which poor circulation in the legs
causes severe leg pain during exercise. Because policosanol reduces the tendency of blood to clot by reducing
the "stickiness" of blood platelets, the tiny particles involved in clotting, it may help prevent cardiovascular
disease in a manner similar to aspirin.
Garlic Bulb
A powerful natural antibiotic, it can stimulate cell growth and activity and reduce blood pressure in
hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not
destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body.
Apple Pectin
Apple Pectin is a source of water soluble fiber which has a gel-forming effect when mixed with water. As a
dietary fiber, Apple Pectin is helpful in maintaining good digestive health. Pectin is defined as any of a group
of white, amorphous, complex carbohydrates that occurs in ripe fruits and certain vegetables. Fruits rich in
Pectin are the peach, apple, currant, and plum. Protopectin, present in unripe fruits, is converted to Pectin as
the fruit ripens. Pectin forms a colloidal solution in water and gels on cooling. When fruits are cooked with
the correct amount of sugar, and when the acidity is optimum and the amount of Pectin present is sufficient,
jams and jellies can be made. In overripe fruits, the Pectin becomes pectic acid, which does not form jelly with
sugar solutions. An indigestible, soluble fiber, Pectin is a general intestinal regulator that is used in many
medicinal preparations, especially as an anti-diarrhea agent. Our ancestors believed that old proverb "An apple
a day keeps the doctor away". Today, nutritional scientists research for evidences that verify how Apples are
good for our health. Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber, which is effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Apples work in any form (raw fruit or powder or juice) to maintain good cardiovascular health. Researchers at
the University of California, Davis, found that Apple Pectin acts as an antioxidant against the damaging portion
of cholesterol in the blood stream. Many researchers suggest that people who eat fatty foods should, if
possible, wash down this food with apple juice rather than the usual drink. Researchers have found that raw
Apples are the richest of fruits in pectin, with the Jonagold variety of Apple leading other varieties. A diet of
low fiber, high fat, and animal protein appears to be the leading cause of death in many people. It has been
established that a diet rich in Apple Pectin can protect against these diseases. Research in Japan has found that
Apple Pectin can also decrease the chances of colon cancer. Apple Pectin helps maintain intestinal balance by
cleansing the intestinal tract with its soluble and insoluble fibers. Apple Pectin tends to increase acidity in the
large intestines, and is advocated for those suffering from ulcer or colitis, and for regulating blood pressure.
Pectin is also effective in causing regressions in, and preventing, gallstones. There is also evidence that the
regular use of Apple Pectin may lessen the severity of diabetes. Along these lines, it has been suggested that
fiber-depleted diets actually help cause diabetes mellitus. Other studies have shown that the regular
consumption of Apple Pectin could lead to permanent reductions in insulin requirements (to prevent the
possibility of insulin overdose, diabetics should make their physician aware of the dietary change).
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper (also called Capsicum frutescens) is a stimulating herb made from the dried pods of chili
peppers and is well known for its pungent taste and smell. Cayenne is a popular spice used in many different
regional styles of cooking, but it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. Cayenne is often
referred to as chili, which is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper. The main medicinal properties of cayenne
are derived from a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the ingredient which gives peppers their HEAT. A
pepper's capsaicin content ranges from 0-1.5%. Peppers are measured according to heat units. The degree of
heat determines the peppers' usage and value. Generally, the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it
contains. In addition to adding heat to the pepper, capsaicin acts to reduce platelet stickiness and relieve pain.
Other constituents of cayenne are vitamins E, vitamin C and carotenoids.
Today cayenne is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including poor circulation, weak
digestion, heart disease, chronic pain, sore throats, headaches and toothache.
carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great
antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants. Because vitamin C is a biological reducing agent, it is
diseases. Ascorbic acid also promotes healthycell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue
growth and repair - such as healing of wounds and burns. It assists in the prevention of blood clotting and
against infection, and assisting with clearing up infections and is thought to enhance the immune system and
help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin present in many foods, especially certain fats and oils. It is one of a number
of nutrients called antioxidants. Some other well known antioxidants include vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by toxic by-products released when the body
transforms food into energy or fights off infection. The build up of these by-products over time is largely
responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as
heart disease, cancer, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Antioxidants provide some
protection against these conditions and also help reduce the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and
pollutants. Vitamin E deficiency can be seen in people unable to absorb fat properly. Such conditions include
pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cystic fibrosis, and biliary diseases (illnesses of the gallbladder
and biliary ducts). Symptoms of deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye
movements, impaired vision, and unsteady gait. Eventually, kidney and liver function may be compromised. In
addition, severe vitamin E deficiency can be associated with serial miscarriages and premature delivery in
pregnant women.
Niacin
Also known as vitamin B3, niacin has earned a reputation (in supplement form) as a natural
cholesterol-lowering agent that often rivals prescription drugs in mild to moderate cases. It may also help to
prevent or treat a number of other disorders, from arthritis and depression to diabetes. Three forms of niacin
supplements--each with a specific therapeutic role--are commercially available: nicotinic acid (also called
vitamin).
Normally, the body manages to absorb enough niacin from foods to carry out basic functions, working on the
cellular level to keep the digestive system, skin and nerves healthy. This vitamin is also critical to releasing
energy from carbohydrates and helping to control blood-sugar levels. Interestingly, the body also synthesizes
niacin from tryptophan, an amino acid found in eggs, milk and poultry.
Health Benefits
Although few people in the industrialized world are actually deficient in niacin, many may benefit from
additional amounts in
supplement form to help treat assorted complaints. Keep in mind that each of the three forms of niacin affects
the body
differently. Niacinamide has notable anti-inflammatory properties, for example, while nicotinic acid and
inositol hexaniacinate
affect blood lipid levels and circulation.
Specifically, niacin may help to:
# Control cholesterol. Unlike most prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, which simply lower levels
of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, niacin also raises levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. As a result,
this vitamin may prove more potent than conventional medicines in ultimately reducing the risk for a heart
attack (and death from a heart attack). In a recent study of people with high cholesterol, niacin not only
reduced LDL and triglycerides by 17% and 18%, respectively, but it also increased HDL by 16%. Although
both nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate have cholesterol-benefiting actions, inositol hexaniacinate is the
preferred form--it doesn't cause skin flushing and poses much less risk of liver damage with long-term use.
# Combat Raynaud's disease and other circulatory problems. Niacin improves circulation by relaxing arteries
and veins, and disorders characterized by circulation difficulties may benefit as a result. In those suffering
from Raynaud's disease, for example, niacin's ability to improve blood flow to the extremities may counter the
numbness and pain in the hands and feet that occurs when blood vessels overreact to cold temperatures. The
calf-cramping and other painful symptoms of intermittent claudication, another circulation disorder, may
lessen under the vessel-relaxing influence of niacin as well. The inositol hexaniacinate form of niacin works
best for circulation-related discomforts.
# Fight depression. Based on niacin's well-recognized role in promoting the sound functioning of nerve cells,
some experts recommend the vitamin for relieving depression as well as for soothing feelings of anxiety and
panic. Most B-vitamin complexes contain sufficient amounts of niacin for this purpose; as an added plus, the
complexes also offer the mood-enhancing benefits of other B vitamins.
# Ease symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties associated with
niacinamide may help in calming joint inflammation, a frequent cause of rheumatoid arthritis pain. In a
double-blind, 12-week study, osteoarthritis sufferers who received niacinamide supplements reported less
inflammation and greater joint flexibility than other participants who were given a placebo. The niacinamide
group also required less conventional anti-inflammatory medication to relieve their customary pain and
swelling.
# Slow progression of type 1 diabetes. High doses of niacinamide, if given at the first signs of the disease,
appear to help prevent complications of insulin-dependent diabetes and may even help reverse its development.
This complementary supplement treatment should only be undertaken with careful medical supervision,
however.
# Treat tinnitus. The persistent ringing, humming and buzzing in the ears associated with this condition has
been linked to poor blood circulation. By widening blood vessels in the brain, inositol hexaniacinate may help
to relieve these and other tinnitus symptoms.
Policosanol
Policosanol is a unique natural product derived from sugar cane wax and beeswax: It has proved effective at
reducing cholesterol levels and for some individuals may be a reasonable natural alternative to the commonly
prescribed "statin-type" cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Most research using the sugarcane-derived form of policosanol has been conducted in Cuba, in both animals
and humans. The studies showed that policosanol not only reduced cholesterol levels, but also had positive
effects on other cardiac risk factors, through actions such as reducing platelet "clumping" and inhibiting the
development of atherosclerosis. A 2002 analysis in the American Heart Journal reviewed more than 60
clinical trials of sugar cane-derived policosanol that involved more than 3000 patients. The authors concluded
that policosanol is "a very promising phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such as statins."
This could be welcome news for some of the 30 million Americans who are currently using the expensive
statindrugs. Some studies indicated that policosanol is not only equal to, but may possibly even be somewhat
more effective than statins or fibrates in lowering total and LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" cholesterol,
or HDL. One study showed that patients taking the standard daily 10 mg dose of policosanol experienced a
17% drop in total cholesterol, a 25.6% drop in LDL cholesterol, and a 28.4% rise in HDL cholesterol. These
percentages are equal to results obtained with statin medications.
Some studies confirmed the cholesterol-lowering effects of policosanol in specific groups, including
post-menopausal women, the elderly, and people who have both diabetes and heart disease. In addition,
policosanol was effective in treating intermittent claudication, a condition in which poor circulation in the legs
causes severe leg pain during exercise. Because policosanol reduces the tendency of blood to clot by reducing
the "stickiness" of blood platelets, the tiny particles involved in clotting, it may help prevent cardiovascular
disease in a manner similar to aspirin.
Garlic Bulb
A powerful natural antibiotic, it can stimulate cell growth and activity and reduce blood pressure in
hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not
destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body.
Apple Pectin
Apple Pectin is a source of water soluble fiber which has a gel-forming effect when mixed with water. As a
dietary fiber, Apple Pectin is helpful in maintaining good digestive health. Pectin is defined as any of a group
of white, amorphous, complex carbohydrates that occurs in ripe fruits and certain vegetables. Fruits rich in
Pectin are the peach, apple, currant, and plum. Protopectin, present in unripe fruits, is converted to Pectin as
the fruit ripens. Pectin forms a colloidal solution in water and gels on cooling. When fruits are cooked with
the correct amount of sugar, and when the acidity is optimum and the amount of Pectin present is sufficient,
jams and jellies can be made. In overripe fruits, the Pectin becomes pectic acid, which does not form jelly with
sugar solutions. An indigestible, soluble fiber, Pectin is a general intestinal regulator that is used in many
medicinal preparations, especially as an anti-diarrhea agent. Our ancestors believed that old proverb "An apple
a day keeps the doctor away". Today, nutritional scientists research for evidences that verify how Apples are
good for our health. Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber, which is effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Apples work in any form (raw fruit or powder or juice) to maintain good cardiovascular health. Researchers at
the University of California, Davis, found that Apple Pectin acts as an antioxidant against the damaging portion
of cholesterol in the blood stream. Many researchers suggest that people who eat fatty foods should, if
possible, wash down this food with apple juice rather than the usual drink. Researchers have found that raw
Apples are the richest of fruits in pectin, with the Jonagold variety of Apple leading other varieties. A diet of
low fiber, high fat, and animal protein appears to be the leading cause of death in many people. It has been
established that a diet rich in Apple Pectin can protect against these diseases. Research in Japan has found that
Apple Pectin can also decrease the chances of colon cancer. Apple Pectin helps maintain intestinal balance by
cleansing the intestinal tract with its soluble and insoluble fibers. Apple Pectin tends to increase acidity in the
large intestines, and is advocated for those suffering from ulcer or colitis, and for regulating blood pressure.
Pectin is also effective in causing regressions in, and preventing, gallstones. There is also evidence that the
regular use of Apple Pectin may lessen the severity of diabetes. Along these lines, it has been suggested that
fiber-depleted diets actually help cause diabetes mellitus. Other studies have shown that the regular
consumption of Apple Pectin could lead to permanent reductions in insulin requirements (to prevent the
possibility of insulin overdose, diabetics should make their physician aware of the dietary change).
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper (also called Capsicum frutescens) is a stimulating herb made from the dried pods of chili
peppers and is well known for its pungent taste and smell. Cayenne is a popular spice used in many different
regional styles of cooking, but it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. Cayenne is often
referred to as chili, which is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper. The main medicinal properties of cayenne
are derived from a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the ingredient which gives peppers their HEAT. A
pepper's capsaicin content ranges from 0-1.5%. Peppers are measured according to heat units. The degree of
heat determines the peppers' usage and value. Generally, the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it
contains. In addition to adding heat to the pepper, capsaicin acts to reduce platelet stickiness and relieve pain.
Other constituents of cayenne are vitamins E, vitamin C and carotenoids.
Today cayenne is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including poor circulation, weak
digestion, heart disease, chronic pain, sore throats, headaches and toothache.
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