Adaptogens

December 25, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Superfoods

The word adaptogen is a very apt word for this ingredient. In simple terms this ingredient helps the body adapt naturally to cope and with reducing stress. Since 1947 medical and scientific research has been conducted and published on adaptogens in various parts of the world, but has lately only become available to us in the West.

Adaptogens are used for

Not only do they help us to cope with stress and the hassles of every day living, but they are also powerful antioxidants. There is a vast amount of information available on this ingredient, but it is relatively new in the Western hemisphere, since the Russians, during the Cold War period, did major research on this ingredient.

It is non- toxic and is not habit forming, while it exerts a normalizing influence on the body, possessing a wide range of therapeutic benefits which cause no disturbance to the normal functioning of the body.

Adaptogens are natural nutrients and are made from three types of plants – Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus and Schizandra chinensis.

Explaining the effects of the adaptogens is difficult, since they will influence each individual differently. If you are mentally exhausted or physically fatigued the adaptogens will help you feel more energetic, vitalized, and full of zest for life – but yet, they are not normal stimulants.

Should you however be stressed-out, or emotionally tired, and not coping with life the adaptogens will help you relax and make life easier to cope with, yet they are not tranquillizers and will not have a drug-like effect on the body.

The antioxidants contained in the adaptogens help the body fight free radicals which are released during the oxidation process of metabolism in the body, which can cause a variety of problems such as cell degeneration, cancer, ageing and many other diseases.

To ensure that the vital nutrients, and their potency, are retained while being extracted from the plant material a unique extraction method is used.

Adaptogens are completely safe and effective and have been tested by various institutes, academies and sports agencies – and contain no drugs, preservatives nor banned substances.

Deficiency of adaptogens

Should you feel you are not coping, continuously fatigued or you need to increase stamina, endurance, concentration and mental clarity, you might look at adding this nutrient to your diet in order to improve these conditions.

An increase of over 20% in the capacity to work has been reported as well as a reduction of errors made, by over 80% – which makes this a great nutrient to take when studying, or working at optimum levels.

It is further reported that endurance is increased by up to 26% and an increase in strength is improved by nearly 10%.

Dosage

The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

We recommend a minimum of 1 x capsule for each 70 pounds of body weight.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

There are no toxic effects of this ingredient and high intake is well tolerated. ADAPTOGENS ARE NOT BANNED BY ANY INTERNATIONAL SPORTS.

Best used with

Adaptogens are best taken first thing in the morning for best absorption.

When more may be required

During periods of extreme mental and physical exertion, great benefit can be derived from this nutrient.

Other interesting points

People that have been using ecstasy as a recreational drug, with resultant depression, and a drop in dopamine levels in the brain, have reported an increased feeling of well-being after ceasing the intake of ecstasy, and taking adaptogens to help repair the damage caused by this recreational drug.

It has been reported that bodybuilders and athletes improve their performance with adaptogens, since it helps the body to return quicker to its normal resting stage.

Food sources

Adaptogens are found in Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus and Schizandra chinensis.

Source: www.anyvitamins.com

Broccoli Information – Superfood

July 31, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Superfoods

Greetings folks.

Understanding what nutrients do for you, where to get them and how much is useful goes a long way to helping you enjoy your life in a healthy way. Information in this section comes fom many and varied sources and is provided as guide to help you gain an understanding of how supplements and vitamins help you. this is not a replacement for professional advice. Enjoy!

broccoliBroccoli

Broccoli is a Super Food. New research suggests that broccoli is especially good for the stomach.

Broccoli and cancer risk

A compound found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts appears to be more effective than modern antibiotics against the bacteria which causes peptic ulcers. Moreover, tests in mice show that the compound offers tremendous protection against stomach cancer – the second most common form of cancer in the worldThe recent study, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, is the latest in a series of studies done in the past 10 years on the cancer-fighting potential of broccoli.

Back in 1992, Johns Hopkins University pharmacology professor Paul Talalay and his colleagues showed that sulforaphane – a substance produced by the body from a compound in broccoli – could trigger the production of phase II enzymes. Phase II enzymes can detoxify cancer-causing chemicals and are among the most potent anti-cancer compounds known to man.

In yet another study conducted jointly with US and Chinese researchers , it was found that chemicals present in broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, and other cruciferous vegetables may protect against lung cancer. Researchers studied more than 18,000 men. They recorded 259 cases of lung cancer during the study’s follow-up period. The researchers found that the men with detectable amounts of a substance known as ‘isothiocyanates’ in their bodies had a 36% lower risk of developing lung cancer over a 10-year period.

It should be noted that broccoli sprouts have shown to be every bit as beneficial as full grown brocoli. A different study showed that consumption of broccoli was strongly associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease death in postmenopausal women.

Isothiocyanates are found in broccoli and other so called ‘cruciferous’ vegetables.

Source: www.broccoli.org

Wheat Grass Information

July 29, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Superfoods

Greetings folks.

Understanding what nutrients do for you, where to get them and how much is useful goes a long way to helping you enjoy your life in a healthy way. Information in this section comes fom many and varied sources and is provided as guide to help you gain an understanding of how supplements and vitamins help you. this is not a replacement for professional advice. Enjoy!

upwardgrass40 Points about Wheatgrass and its Nutritional Values

1 Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.

2 Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.

3 Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.

4 Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.

5 Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll.  The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.

6 Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.

7 Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.

8 Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development  of unfriendly bacteria.

9 Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream.  Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction.  The red cell count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anemic or low in red cell count.

10 Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility.  (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)

11 Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.

12 Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.

13 Dr. Ann Wigmore and institutes based on her teachings has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.

14 Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.

15 Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of Wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce, celery, and so forth.

16 Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

17 Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

18 Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

19 Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.

20 In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.21 Wheatgrass Juice cures acne and even help to remove scars after it has been ingested for seven  to eight months.  The diet must be improved at the same time.

22 Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant. 

23 A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet helps prevents tooth decay.

24 Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will help eliminate toothaches.  It pulls poisons from the gums.

25 Gargle Wheatgrass Juice for a sore throat.

26 Drink Wheatgrass Juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.

27 Wheatgrass Juice keeps the hair from graying.

28 Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.

29 By taking Wheatgrass Juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality, and experience a sense of well-being.

30 Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.

31 Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.

32 Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.  Rinse off with cold water.

33 Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls.  The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs.  After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice.  Retain for 20 minutes.

34 Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open.  It is high in magnesium.

35 Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”

36 According to Dr. Birscher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.

37 Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses.  The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.

38 Wheatgrass Juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.

39 Wheatgrass Juice can remove heavy metals from the body.

40 Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds

Source: www.wheatgrasskits.com