Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones,
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 also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases - such as cataracts, certain cancers and
cardiovascular diseases. Ascorbic acid also promotes healthy cell 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 bruising, and strengthening the walls of the capillaries. Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, to
help protect 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
nicotinate), niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate, a compound of niacin and inositol (another B-family
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.
cayenne
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.
Vitamin C is required in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones,
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 also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases - such as cataracts, certain cancers and
cardiovascular diseases. Ascorbic acid also promotes healthy cell 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 bruising, and strengthening the walls of the capillaries. Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, to
help protect 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
nicotinate), niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate, a compound of niacin and inositol (another B-family
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.
cayenne
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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