Health Food

Traditionally, the San Bushmen have been using the hoodia plant for centuries to help ward off pain, hunger and thirst when they made long trips in the desert. They also used hoodia for abdominal cramps, indigestion and general well being. Hoodia contains a molecule that has similar effects on nerve cells as glucose, and tricks the brain into the sensation of fullness. Results of human clinical trials in Britain suggest that Hoodia may reduce the appetite by hundreds of calories a day or more. Hoodia is not a stimulant like many other appetite suppressing products. It simply turns off the hunger and thirst mechanisms of the body. It has no known side effects.

Goldenseal is valued for improving digestion and supporting healthy functioning of the stomach, colon, rectum and urinary tract. It also aids normal functioning of the eyes, ears, gums, liver and. Goldenseal's chief constituents are the alkaloids Berberine , Hydrastine and Canadine.

The extract from Ginkgo leaves contains two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. Ginkgo is often used to enhance concentration and mental alertness. In traditional medicine applications include improving circulatory function and blood flow. Nowadays Ginkgo is being researched for its possible role in supporting normal memory functions in advanced age. Ginkgo may also be helpful with maintaining healthy blood pressure and a healthy respiratory system.

Gac is an exceptional source of lycopene and beta-carotene. It has up to 70 times more lycopene than tomatoes, 10 times more beta-carotene than carrots, 60 times more vitamin C than oranges and 40 times more zeaxanthin than yellow corn. It also contains alpha-tocopherol, vitamin F, and minerals including iron and zinc. Aril, the red, oily pulp surrounding the seeds, is an exceptional source of long-chain fatty acids, which make the nutrients in Gac readily bioavailable. The seeds are used in Chinese traditional medicine. The nutrients in Gac help support the immune system and maintaining a prostrate health. The fruit has long been prized in the region for helping with vitality and longevity.

Elderberries contain high quantities of flavonoids, alkaloids and vitamins A, B, and C. The berries contain more vitamin C than any other herb except black currant and rosehips. They provide large amounts of potassium, beta-carotene, calcium and phosphoros. Elderberry is a rich source of bioflavonoids and anthocyanins as well as tannins, carotenoids and amino acids. The phytonutrients in Elderberries positively influence cell function. Elderberry stimulates and builds up the immune system and is very effective in battling cold symptoms. Acting as an antioxidant, Elderberry can protect the body against damage from free radicals. Elderberry extract reportedly helps support cardiovascular health and has detoxifying properties. People are known to eat Elderberries to lose weight. They are sometimes used in skin washes to soothe sunburn, to refine the complexion, help soothe dry skin and relieve minor acne.

Loaded with many different types of antioxidants. Not only does it supply many of the polyphenols usually found in green tea or grapes, it also contains a remarkably potent type of polyphenols called theograndins. Cupuacu is also rich in several other antioxidants such as vitamin A and C, and is rich in essential fatty acids. Cupuacu is used to help with anti-aging and strengthening the immune system.

Cranberry fruits contain proanthocyanidins. These are believed to help promote healthy functioning of the urinary tract and kidneys. Cranberries may also support healthy teeth and gums as well as aid memory and stomach health.

Cha de Bugre contains caffeine, potassium, allantoin and allantoic acid. Its use is widespread in Brazil for weight loss. It decreases appetite, increases urination, supports heart function, and aids energy. It is a great appetite suppressant - but rather than cutting off appetite altogether (then causing intense hunger when it wears off at the wrong time) it gives one a sense of being full and satiated after eating only a few bites of food. This seems to promote eating much smaller meals more often. Many practitioners believe this is better for sustained weight loss and for keeping the metabolism going throughout the day. Cha de Bugre may also help reduce fever.

The Camu Camu fruit contains the highest documented quantity of natural vitamin C on earth. The fruit usually contains about 5 to 6% naturally occurring vitamin C. By standardizing Camu Camu powder extract, we can attain over 20% naturally occurring vitamin C. Compared to oranges, Camu Camu contains 30 times more vitamin C, 3 times more niacin, 10 times more iron, double the amount of riboflavin and 50% more phosphorus. Camu Camu also contains 711 mg of potassium per kg. Its wide range of amino acids and minerals greatly help in the absorption of the vitamin C. Virtually all vitamin C supplements are actually ascorbic acid, potassium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate and/or calcium ascorbate.

Black Cohosh contains several ingredients, including triterpene glycosides and isoflavones. Its properties may support gynecological health and overall well-being. Native Indians in America have used it for over two centuries to help improve sleep and mood.

Bilberries are said to improve vision , support eye health and help with eyestrain. Helpful for supporting healthy blood sugar levels, Bilberry is also used due to its beneficial effects in improving blood circulation, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and relief for nausea and indigestion. Bilberry is high in antioxidant rich flavanoid compounds called anthocyanidins, which have been shown to play a supporting role in maintaining good cardiovascular health and a strong immune system. Bilberries are also known to be helpful for joint health, kidney and urinary tract health, menstrual cramps and diarrhea. It was traditionally used as an application for scurvy.

Bamboo contains over 70% organic silica extract and is the richest known source of natural silica. It plays an important role in the integrity of the skin, ligaments, tendons and bone. It is necessary for the body's silica stores to be maintained to promote good health. Bamboo can improve the strength of teeth (as well as whitening) and helps condition the hair, nails, gums and skin. It is therefore used successfully in cosmetics and toothpaste. It has been used to minimize the effects of premature aging. Silica-rich bamboo can relieve joint pain and increase flexibility. Silica is essential for normal bone development and supports healing of the bones. Useful in strengthening the musculo-skeletal system, it also plays an essential role in mineral absorption and enhances the function of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and boron. It is also may support the cardiovascular system and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Bacopa contains many active constituents. The alkaloids brahmine and herpestine, saponins d-mannitol and hersaponin, acid A, and monnierin were isolated in India over 40 years ago. Other active constituents have since been identified, including betulic acid, stigmastarol, beta-sitosterol, as well as numerous bacosides and bacopasaponins. Bacopa also has the flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, and several others. Bacopa Monnieri has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. Bacopa has traditionally been used to alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety. Bacopa may also support short and long term memory function. It is said enhances learning, concentration, and healthy function of the nervous system. It has antioxidant properties which support cardiovascular health. Bacopa is also used to improve respiratory function and may increase thyroid hormone levels.

Ashwagandha is used for reducing swelling and a range of other applications, including reducing fevers and stimulating the immune system for general wellness. Ashwagandha reportedly helps ease the mind and calm the nerves. This makes it ideal for people with sleep problems. It may also be helpful for maintaining memory in the elderly. It builds marrow, muscle, increases red blood count and is thought to be helpful for healthy blood sugar levels. Compounds called withanolides are believed to account for the many medicinal applications of Ashwagandha.

The ORAC value of Aronia is one of the highest ever recorded. Its extremely rich antioxidant content may be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress to promote optimal health. Aronia may support the maintenance of healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels and aid with proper digestion. It is also said to enhance the immune and circulatory systems and is used as a treatment for infections and to support healthy retinal function as well as urinary tract health.

Amla is helpful for a variety of digestive problems, regeneration of cells and is well known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It supports a healthy heart and promotes good blood circulation as well as nourishes the brain and improving mental functions. Fortifying for the liver and helpful for anemia, Amla is excellent for helping to flush out toxins. An aid for the respiratory system, it is also known to be for fertility and healthy blood sugar levels. Amla is also useful in the cosmetic industry due to being an excellent moisturizer and promoting healthy luster on the skin, hair and nails. Amla reportedly also improves eyesight. Amla is highly nutritious and contains the most concentrated form of vitamin C found in the plant kingdom. ts tannins also help even dried forms of Amla to retain most of its vitamin content. Amla is also high in chromium, zinc and copper.

Acerola is well known for it high vitamin C content (up to 4.5% vitamin C per fruit compared to 0.05% found in a peeled orange). When compared to oranges, Acerola also provides double the amount of magnesium, potassium and pantothenic acid. It also is a significant source of vitamin A. Acerola's vitamin C content fluctuates according to season, climate and maturity of the fruit. Most commercially grown Acerola is harvested while it is still green because the fruit loses a substantial amount of vitamin C as it ripens. Acerola also has various mineral salts that can help stressed and tired skin to be remineralized. The proteins present in Acerola possess skin-hydrating properties and support capillary functioning. Currently more clinical research is being conducted on various properties and applications of Acerola.

The Noni fruit is known as the "Queen of Health Plants" due to its wide range of applications. Noni stimulates the production of T-cells in the immune system. T-cells play a pivotal role supporting good health. An immunomodulatory polysaccharide-rich substance (Noni-ppt) from the fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia has been found to possess both prophylactic and therapeutic properties in supporting healthy and normal cellular tissue growth. Further scientific studies on Noni's abilities to support healthy and normal cellular tissue growth are being conducted. Noni is also being used for antibacterial and antiseptic purposes and contains 17 of the 20 known amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids.

Pomegranate is mostly known for its outstanding antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are now considered essential for good health as they protect the body from molecules which cause premature aging. Pomegranate also contains a significant amount of good sodium, calcium, vitamin C, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. The Pomegranate seed oil can support healthy and normal cellular tissue growth and is often used in the cosmetic industry.

The xanthones in Mangosteen are very potent antioxidants. Research has shown that these xanthones can have a positive effect on maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Scientists in India and Japan began investigating Mangosteen in the 1990s and demonstrated that Mangosteen has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Dried Mangosteen powder was used traditionally to overcome dysentery. As an ointment, it is applied to help promote healthy skin. The Mangosteen rind decoction is also used to relieve occasional diarrhea, and promote bladder and urinary tract health. Several independent lab studies are now investigating the use of Mangosteen in OTC drugs.