Another natural substance with very impressive results for AD is a botanical with a track record of several thousand years, called curcumin. Curcumin, also known as turmeric, has been thoroughly studied by a research team in the neurology department at UCLA. Here is how they put it:

“Our group has tested curcumin in several models for Alzheimer’s and found that it not only reduces oxidative damage and inflammation (as expected), but also reduces amyloid accumulation and synaptic marker loss and promotes amyloid phagocytosis and clearance. Curcumin worked to prevent synaptic marker and cognitive deficits caused by amyloid peptide infusion and abeta oligomer toxicity in vitro. Our work on curcumin and AD is discussed in detail in our publications [listed below].”

As you know, not all supplements are created equal and this is especially true when it comes to curcumin. I only recommend a patented standardized form of curcumin called Curcumin C3 Complex®.

What makes Curcumin C3 Complex different?

A significant amount of research, both pre-clinical and clinical, exists on curcumin extract compositions; but the majority of the materials used in these studies and reported in published literature are not commercially available to consumers. This is where C3 Complex is different.

This brand stands apart by using 500 mg of patented Curcumin C3 Complex, standardized to contain high concentrations of the herb’s active ingredients. For added health benefit and value, Green tea extract and Bioperine, “nature’s thermonutrient,” have been added for maximum absorption and potency.

References:

1. Heath DD, Pruitt MA, Brenner DE, Begum AN, Frautschy SA, Rock CL. Tetrahydrocurcumin in plasma and urine: Quantitation by high performance liquid chromatography.J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2005 Jul 29; [Epub ahead of print]

PMID: 16061427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

1. Ringman JM, Frautschy SA, Cole GM, Masterman DL, Cummings JL. A potential role of the curry spice curcumin in Alzheimer’s disease.Curr Alzheimer Res. 2005 Apr;2(2):131-6.PMID: 15974909 [PubMed - in process]

1. Cole GM, Morihara T, Lim GP, Yang F, Begum A, Frautschy SA. NSAID and Antioxidant Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease: Lessons from In Vitro and Animal Models.Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1035:68-84.PMID: 15681801 [PubMed - in process]

1. Yang F, Lim GP, Begum AN, Ubeda OJ, Simmons MR, Ambegaokar SS, Chen PP, Kayed R, Glabe CG, Frautschy SA, Cole GM. Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloid beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaques, and reduces amyloid in vivo. J Biol Chem. 2005 Feb 18;280(7):5892-901. Epub 2004 Dec 7.PMID: 15590663 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

1. Frautschy SA, Hu W, Kim P, Miller SA, Chu T, Harris-White ME, Cole GM. Phenolic anti-inflammatory antioxidant reversal of Abeta-induced cognitive deficits and neuropathology. Neurobiol Aging. 2001 Nov-Dec;22(6):993-1005. PMID: 11755008 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

1. Lim GP, Chu T, Yang F, Beech W, Frautschy SA, Cole GM. Related Articles The curry spice curcumin reduces oxidative damage and amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse.J Neurosci. 2001 Nov 1;21(21):8370-7.PMID: 11606625 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

For obvious reasons there is a lot of interest among scientists, doctors, and the general public in the prevention of AD. As it stands now there is no long term pharmaceutical treatment for AD and even the medications that are used in the short term are not very good. So prevention or at least early detection is key to get hold of this debilitating condition. The most specific way to diagnose AD is to measure beta-amyloid deposits in the brain but unfortunately the patient usually needs to be dead to do that. This also causes a problem in scientific studies because they have a problem getting volunteers.

However, studies seem to suggest that beta-amyloid proteins found floating around in the blood can be early indicators for what is happening in the brain. That is exactly what a recent study did to evaluate the effects of diet on AD. Here is how the study author describes it, “While it’s not easy to measure the level of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain in this type of study, it is relatively easy to measure the levels of beta-amyloid in the blood, which, to a certain degree, relates to the level in the brain,” said Nikolaos Scarmeas, MD, MS, with Columbia University Medical Center in New York and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The researchers of this recent study published in the journal Neurology, tracked 1,219 people age 65 and older—who did not have dementia—for a little over a year. They did a thorough analysis of their diet and nutrient intake and among the 10 nutrients they looked for, like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta –carotene, only omega-3 fatty acids significantly lowered the levels of beta-amyloid in the blood. In fact they found that the more omega-3 consumed, the lower the beta-amyloid in the blood.

In a statement, the researchers suggest, “Consuming one gram of omega-3 per day (equal to approximately half a fillet of salmon per week) more than the average omega-3 consumed by people in the study is associated with 20 to 30 percent lower blood beta-amyloid levels.” In addition to fish, other sources of omega-3 fatty acids is nuts (like walnuts, beechnuts and pecans), seeds (like flaxseeds and chia seeds) and  dark green vegetables (like spinach, basil and broccoli). Also, for daily intake, a nutritional supplement can be used on days when the diet is falling short. Here are a few good ones to consider:

• Ultimate Omega-3
• Arctic Cod Liver Oil
• ProOmega

Alzheimer’s disease is easier to prevent than it is to treat, and there is more understood about this progressive debilitating condition than ever before. Start with understanding your current level of omega-3 foods in your diet, increase your daily consumption, and use an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Next time we will discuss more natural medicine tips for AD.

• White sugar
• White salt
• White flour
• Milk

In excess, each of these four substances are inflammatory to the body and can exacerbate joint issues. In this refined and processed form, these four “foods” do not exist in nature and can trigger a chronic inflammatory response in the body. My general recommendation is that the worse the condition, the more strict you need to be at eliminating these substances from your diet. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis (OA), I suggest a proactive approach and keep the consumption of these to a minimum, if not complete elimination.

Additionally, I recommend a targeted nutritional supplement called Glucosamine-MSM as powerful support for your joints.

Glucosamine-MSM

Glucosamine sulfate and MSM provide intrinsic compounds essential for healthy cartilage formation, including glycosaminoglycans and elemental sulfur, respectively. MSM has also been attributed with enhancing healthy immune cell activity, thereby supporting tissues surrounding the joints.

What Is It?

Glucosamine is combined with sulfur-containing methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), ginger and curcumin to provide an enhanced spectrum of nutrients for optimal cartilage matrix composition, connective tissue strength, and joint comfort.

Uses For Glucosamine/MSM with joint comfort herbs

Cartilage Composition: Glucosamine sulfate and MSM provide intrinsic compounds essential for healthy cartilage formation, including glycosaminoglycans and elemental sulfur, respectively. Studies have indicated that glucosamine has the ability to support healthy cartilage integrity, in part by maintaining healthy matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzyme activity. In addition, an important role of sulfur from MSM is to enhance the structure and integrity of proteoglycans.

Joint Comfort:

A recent randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial revealed that MSM promotes joint comfort and function. MSM has also been attributed with enhancing healthy immune cell activity, thereby supporting tissues surrounding the joints. Additionally, ginger promotes healthy prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis, while curcumin helps maintain healthy neutrophil function and scavenges free radicals such as nitric oxide.

What Is The Source?

Glucosamine sulfate is derived from crab and shrimp. MSM is synthetic. Ginger extract is derived from Zingiber officinale root and standardized to contain 5% gingerols. Turmeric extract is derived from Curcuma longa root and standardized to contain 97% curcuminoids. Ascorbyl palmitate is derived from corn dextrose fermentation and palm oil.

Recommended Dosage:

Take 2-6 capsules per day, in divided doses, with meals.

Additionally, any time there is inflammation or irritation in the body, as in the case with arthritis, we always recommend a good essential fatty acid like fish oil. Ultimate Omega-3 is a good choice because it is in a highly absorbable form that will provide the building blocks to go straight to the site of inflammation. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition if left untreated and long-term use of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medications is not an effective solution and can lead to serious adverse side effects.

References:

Tapadinhas MJ, Rivera IC, Bignamini AA. Oral glucosamine sulphate in the management of arthrosis: report on a multi-centre open investigation in Portugal. Pharmtherapeutica 1982;3:157–68.

Giordano N, Nardi P, Senesi M, et al. The efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of gonarthritis. Clin Ter 1996;147:99–105.

D’Ambrosio E, Casa B, Bompani G, et al. Glucosamine sulphate: a controlled clinical investigation in arthrosis. Pharmatherapeutica 1981;2(8):504­8.

Crolle G, DiEste E. Glucosamine sulfate for the management of arthrosis. Curr Ther Res 1980;7:104–9.

Qiu GX, Gao SN, Giacovelli G, et al. Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate versus ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arzneimittelforschung 1998;48:469–74.

Reichelt A, Förster KK, Fischer M, et al. Efficacy and safety of intramuscular glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Arzneimittelforschung 1994;44:75–80.

Drovanti A, Bignamini AA, Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis: a placebo­controlled double­blind investigation. Clin Ther 1980;3(4):260–72.

Vaz AL. Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee in out­patients. Curr Med Res Opin 1982;8(3):145–9.

Pujalte JM, Llavore EP, Ylescupidez FR. Double-blind clinical evaluation of oral glucosamine sulphate in the basic treatment of osteoarthrosis. Curr Med Res Opin 1980;7(2):110–4.

Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Channark P, Kittikulsuth W. Glucosamine long-term treatment and the progression of knee osteoarthritis: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann Pharmacother 2005;39:1080–7.

Kaufman W. The use of vitamin therapy for joint mobility. Therapeutic reversal of a common clinical manifestation of the ‘normal’ aging process. Conn State Med J 1953;17(7):584–9.

Kaufman W. The use of vitamin therapy to reverse certain concomitants of aging. J Am Geriatr Soc 1955;11:927.

Hoffer A. Treatment of arthritis by nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Can Med Assoc J 1959;81:235–8.

Safayhi H, Mack T, Saieraj J, et al. Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1992;261:1143–6.

Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91–5.

Arthritis or more specifically osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that affects some 27 million Americans. Let’s make something clear right from the beginning, OA is a disease and it is not part of the normal aging process. OA is characterized by the deterioration of cartilage which provides cushion between the bones allowing the joints to move smoothly. When the cartilage is destroyed the joint becomes painful and inflamed.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, here is Who gets Arthritis – And Why:

Age. Incidences of osteoarthritis increase with age due to simple “wear and tear” on the joints – the older you are, the more you have used them. However, that doesn’t mean OA is an inevitable part of aging because not everyone gets it.

Obesity. Increased body weight, which adds stress to lower body joints, is a well established factor in the development of osteoarthritis. Your knees, which carry the brunt of your weight, are particularly at risk. For every pound you gain, you add 4 pounds of pressure on your knees and six times the pressure on your hips. Gaining weight as you head toward middle age can increase the likelihood of developing OA. Recent research suggests that excess body fat produces chemicals that travel throughout the body and cause joint damage, which would mean obesity plays a systemic, not just a mechanical, role in osteoarthritis onset.

Injury or Overuse. Athletes and people whose jobs require repetitive motion, (landscaping, typing or operating machinery), have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis due to injury and increased stress on certain joints. Soft tissue injuries, such as ACL tears, can lead to OA; it can also appear in joints affected by previous bone fractures and surgeries.

Genetics or Heredity. Genetics plays a role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis, particularly in the hands. Inherited bone abnormalities that affect joint shape or stability or defects that cause cartilage to form abnormally can lead to OA. It’s also more common in joints that don’t fit together smoothly, such as those of people who are bowlegged or double jointed. Having these traits, however, doesn’t mean you’ll develop osteoarthritis. It just means that you and your doctor should keep an eye out for arthritis signs and symptoms.

Muscle Weakness. Studies show that weakness of the muscles surrounding the knee is associated with OA, especially in women, and makes the pain and stiffness worse after onset. Strengthening exercises for thigh muscles are important in reducing the risk.

This list tells a very important part of the arthritis story but there is more to it. Diet and nutrition are at the epicenter of joint inflammation and destruction, so the solution to your joint pain needs to start there. Early in my education I learned how arthritis can be caused the Four White Evils:

• White sugar
• White salt
• White flour
• Milk

The elimination of these foods pop up time again in the writings of many natural healers, like Dr. John R. Christopher and Arnold Ehret before him in the late 19^th century. Now there are scientific studies confirming this connection. Since May is Arthritis Awareness Month, I will continue this discussion on Wednesday with more information on why you need to avoid the Four White Evils and what else you can do to help heal your joints.

If you have a chronic illness, you most likely have a leaky gut. Here are some other conditions medically associated with a compromise to the intestinal barrier:

• Autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes
• Food allergies
• Reactive arthritis
• Dermatitis
• Asthma
• Migraines
• Dysbiosis
• Autism
• Allergies

Treatment for leaky gut – GI Fortify

A good therapeutic protocol for leaky gut should include the following aspects:

GI Motility: The importance of normal intestinal movement cannot be overstated. Soluble fiber such as psyllium and flax seeds help to keep the bowels moving eliminate the toxins.

GI Integrity: Last time we discussed the importance of an amino acid called glutamine. Glutamine in an importanc source of energy for the GI tract and it helps maintain healthy integrity of the intestinal lining thereby limiting the amount of toxins that pass through the intestinal barrier.

GI Comfort: Certain botanicals are very effective in enhancing the protective mucous lining of the gut and soothing any irritation. Nutrients such as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), aloe, slippery elm and marshmallow root promote gut integrity and provide a soothing effect.

Other important nutrients to consider for the health of the intestinal barrier include:

• Fish oils, like Ultimate Omega
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Probiotics, like Digestive Defense

If you have an unresolved chronic illness, a leaky gut may be at the root of your issue. A compromise to the gut barrier could be the first domino that dropped leading you down the road of chronic illness and dysfunction.

Many health conditions have their origin in the gut. Leaky gut syndrome (technically referred to as intestinal permeability syndrome) is caused by damage to the lining of the gut barrier. Leaky gut syndrome has been associated with celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, asthma, autism, and autoimmune conditions. Conventional medicine does not have much to offer for this condition but natural medicine has many solutions, especially a great gut repair nutrient called glutamine.

What is glutamine?

Glutamine is a natural amino acid found in foods and also naturally made in the human body. Athletes, sports nutritionists, and healthcare professionals have known about glutamine for years because of the support it provides to muscles, the intestines, and the immune system.

What does glutamine do in the body?

Among other things, glutamine:

• Fuels immune, heart and intestinal cells
• Promotes healthy intestinal function
• Preserves and maintains muscle tissue
• Promotes growth hormone release
• Regulates and balance pH
• Promotes liver detoxification
• Scavenges toxic ammonia

Glutamine for Special Circumstances

Certain situations acutely increase the body’s demand for glutamine, making it even more important during times of:

• Recovery from surgery or injury, especially burns—prevents secondary infection
• Intense physical training or overtraining—promotes muscle and immune recovery
• Inflammatory states
• Immune system challenges
• Sugar cravings—helps gluconeogenesis in kidneys
• Alcohol withdrawal support—decreases cravings
• Irritable Bowel Disease, Peptic Ulcers, Celiac, Diarrhea—preferred energy source for intestinal cells
• Chemotherapy support—helps prevent mouth sores and gut breakdown

The Problem with other Glutamine Supplements

Virtually all other glutamine supplements on the market are L-glutamine. Unfortunately, this type of free-form glutamine is highly unstable and quickly breaks down in the presence of heat, moisture and pH extremes. Our stomachs provide all three of these anti-glutamine conditions. For this reason, some of the glutamine in these supplements is broken down in the stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed by the intestines.

C-Glutamine™ to the Rescue

Iagen Biologics has solved this problem by creating a unique peptide-bonded glutamine that is far more stable than L-glutamine. The glutamine in C-Glutamine™ is resistant to stomach pH, moisture and other factors which degrade free form glutamine. (Covalent Glutamine) is a dairy free natural source of Covalent Bonded Glutamine. The Glutamine is connected to other amino acids on an oligopeptide chain or more specifically covalently bonded to other amino acids, making it much easier for the body to absorb. Recent publications have stated that Covalent bonded glutamine delivers up to 10 times more glutamine to the blood stream than L-glutamine.

C-Glutamine™ is available as a chewable tablet. Each tablet contains one gram of covalently bonded glutamine. The recommended dosage of C-Glutamine is five grams (5 tablets) per day in divided doses. C-Glutamine may be chewed or swallowed whole and taken with or without food.

Note: C-Glutamine is a very safe supplement. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for a medical condition consult your doctor before using glutamine or any other dietary supplement.

Talk Back:

Have You Tried C-Glutamine for Intestinal Health? Post Your Answer Below.

  ]]> http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/regenerate-your-gut/feed 4 http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/berry-benefits http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/berry-benefits#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:58:31 +0000 PureAdmin http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/?p=1084 Last time we discussed a recent study that demonstrated a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease. Many of the health benefits of berries comes from their rich levels of flavonoids which are a class of water-soluble plant pigments that provide the brilliant colors of our vegetables, fruits and berries. These flavonoids also provide the antioxidant punch that help protect the body from free radicals, highly reactive compounds that interfere with cells’ ability to function normally, and may lead to more than 60 different health conditions, including the aging process, cancer, and hardening of the arteries. 

NewGreens Berry boasts 54 individual antioxidants, enzymes and key botanical ingredients. The focus for this product is the Divine Berry Blend which contains 20 antioxidant rich super-foods. The standout antioxidants in this blend hail from exotic locales around the world and include Açaí berry, Goji berry, Mangosteen, and Noni fruit.

Açaí Berry

(Phonetic Pronunciation: ah-sah-EE) A rich antioxidant source with a notable taste, açaí resembles blueberries mixed with tasty dark chocolate. Derived from Amazon palmberries, açaí is one of nature’s richest sources of anthocyanins—a type of bioflavonoid. Anthocyanins make up the purple, red, and blue-black pigments found within certain berries, fruits, plants, and flowers.

While açaí has been touted as a weight loss dietary supplement, little research supports this notion. The important thing to look at for now, is that plenty of research supports eating a diet rich in antioxidants. There’s no doubt that berries like açaí and other fruits are a key part of any healthy diet promoting weight loss.

NewGreens Berry users provides a very potent 500 mg of Açaí extract per serving.

Goji Berry

Prized for their remarkable quantities of nutrients and antioxidants, goji berries, also known as wolfberry has been a focus in traditional Chinese medicine for nearly 2,000 years. Grown in the nutrient dense soils of valleys bordered by the towering Himalayan Mountains, natives have considered the Goji plant (Lycium barbarum) an important source of food and nutrition for centuries.

Goji berries have been known to possess many anti-aging health benefits. These anti-aging health benefits include:

• Protecting healthy cells
• Support mental well-being and boost brain health
• Supporting immune and nerve function
• Helping to stabilize healthy serum glucose levels already within the normal range.

Mangosteen

Just a few years ago, few Westerners had ever heard of a mangosteen, though the round, palm-sized fruit, with its dark-purple rind and delicate white flesh, has been savored in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia for thousands of years. Recently, however, the fruit has migrated west and exploded in popularity, thanks in no small part to its hefty concentration of antioxidants (which research shows may help slow the aging process).

Noni

Cherished by Tahitian natives for thousands of years, Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has been consumed throughout the ages as a way to encourage good health on a number of levels.  Its rich, naturally-occurring concentrations of polysaccharides, phytonutrients, bioflavonoids and unique fatty acid esters provide a wealth of antioxidant and nutritional benefits.  The compounds found in Noni have been scientifically shown to support healthy immune function and inflammatory response and protects healthy cells from environmental stress.  When consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle, Noni serves as a smart adjunct for vibrant energy, sound health and all around wellness.

Pomegranate

The is no doubt that the pomegranate is an antioxidant superstar. Most people are familiar to the distinctive sweet-tart flavor of the seeds and juice that add flare to food and drink. Native to the northern Himalayas in India, the pomegranate today is grown in California and Arizona. In the ancient Ayurveda system of medicine, the pomegranate has extensively been used as a source of traditional remedies for thousands of years for a variety of health benefits, however, modern research points to the pomegranate’s ability to support cardiovascular health.

So now you have a basic understanding of some of the 20 antioxidant superstars used in NewGreens Berry. It’s important to realize that this formula wouldn’t be complete without the other 13 vegetable juices, 9 Herbal extracts for energy, 6 key enzymes for food assimilation and anti-inflammatory actions, plus a gentle fiber blend for gastrointestinal health and cholesterol support.

Gain real energy back in your life

New Greens Berry offers our Energizing Herbal Blend, which uses traditional herbs and extracts to enhance stamina and energy, without the jitters of caffeine.  This unique combination of plants helps to support the body’s reaction to stress, balances hormone, supports the cardiovascular system and increases libido for both men and women. These herbs are known as adaptogenic herbs.

What are adaptogenic herbs?

In 1947, Dr. Nikolai Lazaren defined an adaptogen, “as an agent that allows the body to counter adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors by raising nonspecific resistance toward such stress, thus allowing the organism to ‘adapt’ to the stressful circumstance.” This definition still holds true for today, but now also includes an ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system.

Eleutherococcus senticocus root

This herb is sometimes referred to as Siberian Ginseng, and holds different properties than its cousin, Panax Ginseng. Eleuthero is not as stimulating, but is better suited for the body to assist in stress balancing. Commonly used as a tonic and herb for longevity, Eleuthero is often used to help balance hormones, especially for women where studies show its positive effects on reducing premenstrual symptoms. In men, Eleuthero has shown to increase energy, stamina and endurance.

Maca

This special plant is grown at high altitudes in Peru, where it has been used daily by indigenous people for thousands of years. For men and women, Maca has shown in studies to help restore lost energy, and libido. Maca has shown to stimulate the thyroid and pituitary gland, which is often the culprit for most people who experience low libido and sexual energy. Traditional people living at high altitude use Maca to help fight fatigue, boost the immune system, and enhance energy and memory.

Panax Ginseng

Panax (Asian) ginseng roots are taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants, and in the treatment of type II diabetes, including sexual dysfunction in men. Often referred to as the most effective adaptogenic herb of all time, Panax can be used for a number of different reasons for both men and women. The quintessential herb for stress, also shows to also have long term supportive benefits for memory and brain health, along with cardiovascular and hormone balancing.

Ashitaba

This plant grows on a small island in the Pacific Ocean called Izu. Known for its vigorous growth, when any leaves have been plucked the night before, the plant is able to regenerate new growth by morning, replacing the lost foliage. Often used as an immunoprotectant and stimulant, Ashitaba is also a powerful tonic for strengthening.  Native islanders used this leaf to protect against small pox, as well as taking for digestive support as a tonic to improve digestion.

Yerba Mate

This popular drink form Argentina, naturally lifts energy, aids in mental clarity and is high in antioxidants. Yerba mate has been used as a base for herbal medicines in South America for centuries, and the plant’s benefits and therapeutic properties have recently been verified by a number of scientific studies. The chemical components of yerba mate are similar to those found in green tea. Yerba Mate has been shown to aid in elimination, which often assists with weight loss protocols.

Turmeric

The active constituent of turmeric is known as curcumin. Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments as part of traditional Indian medicine. It has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic actions. First, it protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant. Second, it reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. Third, it protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Fourth, it has been shown to reduce platelets from clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and may help protect against atherosclerosis.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer’s, and colorectal cancer.

Green Tea

There is archaeological evidence that suggests that tea has been consumed for almost 5000 years, with China and India being two of the first countries to cultivate it. A study in the February 2006 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded, “A higher consumption of green tea is associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in humans.”

Green tea has been shown to mildly lower total cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol profile (decreasing LDL “bad” cholesterol and increasing HDL “good” cholesterol) in most studies. Population studies have suggested that consumption of green tea is associated with protection against atherosclerosis.

Rhodiola Rosea

The Vikings used rhodiola to enhance physical strength and endurance, and many Northern peoples to treat fatigue, poor physical endurance, nervous system disorders, and infections, and to enhance fertility commonly used it. Rhodiola rosea is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high-altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea’s effects are attributed to its ability to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels, due to monoamine oxidase inhibition and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.

Ginkgo Biloba

The Ginkgo is a living fossil, with fossils related to modern Ginkgo from the Permian period, dating back 270 million years. Medicinal use of ginkgo can be traced back almost 5,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. Ginkgo extract may have at least three effects on the human body: it improves blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and it blocks many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders.

If your diet falls a little short of high-antioxidant flavonoid-rich fruits and berries, consider NewGreens Berry as your superfood supplement of choice.

Talk Back:

Do You Supplement With Berry Superfoods? Post Your Answer Below.

  ]]> http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/berry-benefits/feed 0 http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/berry-good-for-your-heart http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/berry-good-for-your-heart#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:04:38 +0000 PureAdmin http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/?p=1081 There is a growing body of evidence that confirms the health benefits of berry extracts. A recent study published in The Journal of Functional Foods evaluated juice extracts of lingonberry, cranberry, and blackcurrant. This study was an animal model conducted with a group of rats known to have hypertension (high blood pressure). Rats are studied for this purpose because hypertension is a risk factor for all the same cardiovascular conditions in rats as it is in humans.

The hypertensive rats were given free access to the berry juices for an eight week study period, after which the research team observed a significant decrease in inflammatory markers. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), and soluble adhesion molecules are biomarkers involved in cellular damage and can contribute to an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. The study authors suggested that, “The present study was, as far as we know, the first long-term in vivo experiment in which mechanisms of favorable vascular effects of Finnish berries were studied at cellular and molecular level focusing on inflammation and thrombosis.”

One of the major advantages to an animal study is that the rats can be terminated at the end of the study period and the blood vessels can be dissected and studied for vascular changes associated with cardiovascular disease. Compared to the control group which did not receive any berry juice, the study group was observed to show positive changes in the cellular samples extracted from blood vessel walls.

Berries are rich in flavonoids and other phenolic compounds which are known to affect low-grade inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease. Flavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments that provide the brilliant colors of our vegetables, fruits and berries. There is an inherent wisdom in nature to provide attractive looking food that makes them look desirable to eat. Our bodies cannot produce these flavonoids so we must consume them on a regular basis to get all of the healthy benefits that they provide.

For those of you who fall a little short on your consumption of flavonoid-rich fruits and berries, tune in later in the week to learn how to significantly increase your consumption of these amazing nutrients which put the “super” in superfoods.

Talk Back:

Do You Supplement With Berry Superfoods? Post Your Answer Below.

  ]]> http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/berry-good-for-your-heart/feed 0 http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/how-legit-are-your-vitamins-part-2 http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/how-legit-are-your-vitamins-part-2#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:36:56 +0000 PureAdmin http://blog.pureprescriptions.com/?p=1064 Last time we emphasized some points that were made on a recent episode of Dateline NBC. They reported on some bad apples in the nutritional supplement industry that illegally lace pharmaceutical drugs in their products so they can purport illegitimate claims in the categories of weight loss, muscle building, and sexual enhancement. We appreciate reports like these that separate out those of us that use reputable business practices.

 

To make a point I want to highlight one of our premier products, NewGreens Organic. The good manufacturing practices (GMPs) of our product manufacturer include certification by NSF:

NSF is a Truly Independent Program^†

NSF is the only independent, not-for-profit testing organization offering true product testing of dietary supplements. NSF does not simply evaluate test data submitted by manufacturers or analyze just a single sample of a product and give it [the] okay. [They] conduct product testing in [their] own accredited laboratories to ensure that the actual contents of the supplement product match those printed on the label.

Components of the NSF Certification Program

There are three main components of the NSF Dietary Supplements Certification Program:

• Verification that the contents of the supplement actually match what is printed on the label
• Assurance that there are no ingredients present in the supplement that are not openly disclosed on the label
• Assurance that there are no unacceptable levels of contaminants present in the supplement

Consumer Benefits

If you use a dietary supplement that has been certified by NSF, you can be confident that the contents of your supplement are being regularly checked by one of the most respected certifiers in the world.

With NSF certification, you get the continued assurance that only [their] ongoing testing programs can provide. Unlike some other programs, NSF conducts annual audits and periodically retests each dietary supplement product to ensure continued compliance against the toughest testing standard in existence today.

†Source: NSF Certification Program

Furthermore, NewGreens Organic is 100% USDA and QAI Certified Organic. These two entities represent the highest level of organic certification in the industry. Here is how they describe what it means to be organic.

What is Organic?^††

Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.

How Are Organic Products Overseen?

The National Organic Program regulates all organic crops, livestock, and agricultural products certified to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Organic certification agencies inspect and verify that organic farmers, ranchers, distributors, processors, and traders are complying with the USDA organic regulations. USDA conducts audits and ensures that the more than 90 organic certification agencies operating around the world are properly certifying organic products. In addition, USDA conducts investigations and conducts enforcement activities to ensure all products labeled as organic meet the USDA organic regulations. In order to sell, label, or represent their products as organic, operations must follow all of the specifications set out by the USDA organic regulations.

††Source: USDA National organic Program

I hope this helps you understand some of the differences between nutritional supplement companies. We encourage you to be vigilant with anything you put in your body and make sure it is of the highest quality available.

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