Curcumin

Curcumin, the principal derivative of the popular Indian spice turmeric, is an herb found naturally in India and southern Asia. For at least four thousand years, it has been touted for its health benefits, and still today it’s used throughout India. Research has shown that Curcumin’ s anti-inflammatory properties may be able to prevent free radical damage at the cellular level.

Curcumin is impressing scientists around the world with its remarkable multiple health benefits. Curcumin is a polyphenol present in the spice turmeric and was first used by Indians over 3,000 years ago in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Modern science has found that Curcumin has remarkable health benefits for nearly every organ system in the body including its ability to inhibit enzymes that help produce inflammation in the body.The antioxidant power and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are all thanks to a component called Curcumin, which is found in the common spice.

In the Indian Ayurveda system of herbal medicine, turmeric is known as strengthening and warming to the whole body.  Traditional uses in India include to improve digestion, to improve intestinal flora, to eliminate worms, to relieve gas, to cleanse and strengthen the liver and gallbladder, to normalize menstruation, for relief of arthritis and swelling, as a blood purifier, to warm and promote proper metabolism correcting both excesses and deficiencies, for local application on sprains, burns, cuts, bruises, insect bites and itches, for soothing action in cough and asthma, as antibacterial and anti-fungus, and in any condition of weakness or debility.    

Many high quality studies show that it has major benefits for your body and brain.
Recently, science has started to back up what the Indians have known for a long time… it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties

Resveratrol

Resveratrol first captured the attention of the world’s scientific community (and the general public!) in 2003 when experiments conducted by Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard appeared in the prestigious journal, Nature. Sinclair’s pioneering research demonstrated the life extending benefits of Resveratrol in mice, the first experiments performed on mammals.

But the story really dates back to the 1930s when scientists at Cornell University discovered the life-extending effects of calorie restriction, or CR. In animal tests they found that cutting calorie intake by about a third extended life span by 30 percent or more. The animals on the diet remained healthier, longer. It is believed that calorie restriction has the same effect on the human body.

Resveratrol is an extremely potent antioxidant (part of the family called polyphenols) found in certain fruits and vegetables. In nature, the highest concentration is found in grapes.
Many researchers believe that Resveratrol is primarily responsible for what’s called “The French Paradox”: the observation that the people of France, in general, enjoy good cardiovascular health even though their diet is high in fat.

A 2003 study at Harvard University found that resveratrol mimics the effects of caloric restriction in yeast cells, boosting their life spans by as much as 70%.3 The following year the researchers went on to demonstrate that resveratrol slows aging in two standard laboratory animals, roundworms and fruit flies.4 That made resveratrol the first compound to show anti-aging effects in widely divergent species. Then in 2006, scientists in Pisa, Italy, showed that resveratrol’s magic could be applied to more advanced animals— large doses of resveratrol extended the life span by more than 50% in a species of fish, Nothobranchiusfurzeri, which typically lives just nine weeks.

In a study published in 2006 in the journal Cell, researchers in France found that resveratrol protects mice against diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity.6 Furthermore, mice given the resveratrol supplement demonstrated improved endurance levels during exercise. The researchers also studied the cell-signaling pathway in the mitochondria of these mice. Mitochondria are the power plants of cells, which are responsible for intracellular energy production. Resveratrol activated a protein in the sirtuin family (SIRT1), which then stimulated the activity of another protein involved in mitochondrial function. Other recent studies, including one conducted at the Joslin Diabetes Center, have found another member of the sirtuin family of cellular proteins that may play a major role in how fat is produced and stored, offering a new target for treatments to prevent obesity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The French researchers surmised that resveratrol helped control weight gain by enhancing energy expenditure.

Since the study found a link between sirtuins and energy utilization, the researchers concluded that resveratrol may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of certain metabolic disorders, especially those related to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease—two neurodegenerative conditions that become more prevalent with aging.

 Resveratrol is usually associated with grapes, but it is also found in other plants such as mulberries and peanuts. Interestingly, resveratrol is produced more abundantly by plants when they fall under some type of environmental attack. When a plant is under stress, the rate of resveratrol production is cranked up with the help of an enzyme called resveratrol synthase.

It is interesting that resveratrol is not found in the flesh of the grape only in the skin. But this explains why red wines contain higher concentrations of resveratrol than white wines or ros wines. The process of making red wine calls for the skins of the grapes to stay in contact longer with the final wine. Also, red wines are subjected to less filtering during winemaking, which limits the loss of resveratrol.

Resveratrol was originally isolated from the root of a flowering herb called hellebore in 1940. However, it didn’t attract wide attention until 1992 when its presence in wine was first linked with the heart health benefits of red wine.

• Resveratrol is the beneficial substance found in red wine. A typical glass of red wine supplies about 1 mg of resveratrol.
• Resveratrol possesses beneficial antioxidant properties.
• A lab study found that the combination of resveratrol and quercetin supported cellular health and function.
• Grape extract contains flavonoid polyphenols, ellagic acid, and resveratrol.
• Polyphenols possess beneficial antioxidant activity that helps fight cell-damaging free radicals in the body.

The structure function claims made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Black Currant

The recorded history of black currants appears to date only to the 1600s. Herbalist records tell us that black currant juice was used to treat bladder stones, liver disorders, coughs, and lung ailments. Black currants have been grown in northern Europe as a fruit crop for 400-500 years, but were not excessively popular until World War II in Great Britain. At that time fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges, became very difficult to find. There were very few fruits that grew naturally in the nation that were high in vitamin C, except for 1 – black currants – which have 3-4 times the amount of vitamin C per serving as an orange does.

Knowing the importance of vitamin C for human health, the British government encouraged black currant cultivation. Black currant concentrates were developed that could be turned into beverages and flavorings. The popularity of black currant flavoring in Britain continues to this day.

Antioxidant Power
The health benefits of black currant juice are many. By far the biggest appeal is the antioxidant power found in these tiny purple berries. The system used to measure the antioxidant strength of individual fruits is called TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity). According to the findings from this system, the antioxidant power found within currant is more than twice that of any other fruits. The antioxidants in black currant juice help to fight free radicals found within the body that could be potentially harmful to your health. They work to stop any potential damage before the free radicals can fully take effect and harm the healthy cells in your body.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
As mentioned above, one of the health-promoting ingredients in black currant seed oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA.) This GLA is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is used to treat the swelling and pain associated with arthritis, as well as gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach. A report from the American Association of Anti-aging Medicine states that black currant works against inflammation by stimulating the production of prostaglandin-1, an anti-inflammatory hormone.

Anti-Aging Benefits
As we age, there is an increase of the production of prostaglandin E2 in the body. While this compound is necessary for functions such as muscle contraction, if there is too much of it, it can have negative effects on the immune system, and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The National Institutes of Health reports a study that shows that supplementation with black currant helps to suppress the production of prostaglandin E2, thereby boosting the immune system function of the aging. The same report from the American Association of Anti-aging Medicine mentioned above states that supplementing with 4.5 gm per day supports the immune system.

Excellent Source of Vitamin C and Potassium
Black currants pack a powerful nutritional punch and have been used for centuries to cure many human ailments. Black currants are an excellent source of Vitamin C as well as Potassium. The Potassium levels in black currants are shown to be twice as much as the content found in bananas and the Vitamin C levels exceed that of oranges by four times. They are rich in many phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins.  Their antioxidant power is double that of the more well-known blueberries. In addition black currants contain a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid called Gamma-Linoleic Acid which is excellent for your health.

Potassium
The potassium content in black currant juice is equivalent to 361mg making black currants an excellent source of potassium. The potassium found in currants offer vital nutrients to your body and can help to combat high blood pressure and stroke. It is also known to help maintain a healthy heart as and digestive system. The daily recommended intake of potassium is 4,700 and black currants are an excellent source.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Blackcurrant Juice Black Currants are among the many berries that are very high in nutrient content and are excellent for your health. Black currant is more potent and offer powerful health benefits for the conscious consumer. Many people have heard about this amazing juice but are unaware of exactly what the health benefits

Goji

The goji berry, a sweet red fruit native to Asia, serves as both a botanical medicine and a food, and has a very pleasant taste – somewhere between a cherry and a cranberry. It has been used as a medicinal food for thousands of years, and has been studied extensively in modern times to substantiate its health benefits. With over 4g protein, 21 essential minerals, and 18 amino acids, as well as lyciumbarbarum polysaccharides (LBP), goji berry is a nutrient-dense superfood in a class all its own.

Here are just a few of the many benefits you get from eating goji berries:

• Strengthens the immune system
• Provides antioxidant and anti-aging effects
• Protects the liver
• Builds strong blood and promotes cardiovascular health
• Supports eye health and improves vision

Goji berries have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Navitas Naturals Goji Berries can be eaten by the handful, and they provide a superfruit boost to oatmeal, cookies, trail mix and more. A surprisingly strong source of protein, goji berries also contain a wealth of antioxidants and over 20 vitamins and minerals.

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Tibetan Himalayas. They are in the nightshade (Solonaceae) family. Goji berries are usually sold dried. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins. Goji berry juice has been marketed as an antioxidant-rich juice.

The goji berry, also known as the wolfberry, has been cherished throughout Asia as one of the most nutrient-rich foods for thousands of years. Several accounts have been documented throughout time heralding the health benefits of the berry. Only recently have Western cultures discovered the remarkable nutritional profile of this tasty little berry.

Goji berries (Lyciumbarbarum) are the most nutritionally dense fruit on Earth. They are a member of the nightshade family (Solonaceae), which contains many other common vegetables such as potato, sweet potato, tomato, eggplant, and pepper, as well as some poisonous plants like belladonna and deadly nightshade. Native to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, the goji berry is now grown in many other countries as well.

Unique among fruits because they contain all essential amino acids, goji berries also have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit. They are also loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fiber. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.

This amazing little superfruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. It’s no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medicine they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.

Mangosteen

The indigenous people of Southeast Asia have treasured and revered the Mangosteen fruit for its multiple health benefits for hundreds of years. They understood, used and obtained many health benefits from the “Queen of Fruits”.

They used the whole fruit, especially the rind or pericarp, to prevent and treat infections, control fever, reduce pain, treat inflammation, diarrhea, cystitis, gleet, gonorrhea, dysentery, eczema and a wide variety of other common health problems.

Where do all these amazing health benefits of the exotic Mangosteen fruit come from?

Mangosteen contains potent, natural healing compounds called Xanthones, which experts say represent the next generation of powerful, biologically-active chemical compounds from nature. The whole fruit is the single, most abundant source of Xanthones. Xanthones have been winning praise from scientists and researchers for their pharmaceutical properties and medicinal value.
Hundreds of years of folk medicine experience, independent scientific studies and clinical experience all suggest that the Xanthones in Mangosteen may offer benefits for every organ system in our body and provide a natural and safe alternative to conventional therapies and drugs.

What makes GarciniaMangostana L. so versatile in addressing so many health issues and in promoting health in so many ways?
Mangosteen contains more than 40 biologically-active, natural chemical compounds called Xanthones. While all these Xanthones have similar molecular structures, each one has its own unique chemical composition that permits it to perform a specific function.
Alpha-mangostin, for example, is a very potent antioxidant. Gamma-mangostin is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Garcinone E is a strong anti-tumor agent.

These and the other Xanthones found in the Mangosteen provide a virtual medicine chest of natural healing compounds that address a wide variety of health issues.

Xanthones in Mangosteen

Our immune system tries to keep trillions of cells in our bodies protected from disease-causing toxins, free radicals, viruses, bacteria, fungi and other harmful agents.

At times, though, our immune system gets overwhelmed. Our bodies get sick, often because of free radical damage. A free radical is an unstable atom with an unpaired electron. When a free radical comes in contact with a stable atom, it steals the electron it needs from the stable atom. This leaves the once stable atom irreparably damaged and prone to succumb to disease. Antioxidants counteract free radicals. They have an extra electron that they can share with free radicals. Because of this ability, they are able to prevent free radicals from attacking healthy atoms or cells.

Mangosteen contains powerful antioxidants and immune system boosters called Xanthones, natural chemical compounds which were proven to possess a variety of potent medicinal properties. Xanthones occupy a special place in the Mangosteen’s arsenal of healing compounds. They have been shown to have more potent antioxidant activity than vitamin E, one of nature’s most powerful known antioxidants.

A laboratory test known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), for example, showed that an ounce of Mangosteen juice provides 20 to 30 times more capacity to absorb free radicals than an ounce of most fruits and vegetables.
This exotic fruit, used in traditional medicine for centuries, contains some of the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds in nature.

Independent scientific research studies and clinical experience all show the remarkable health benefits of Mangosteen.

Pomegranate

Ancient legend, world religions, history and traditional medicine have all celebrated the unique beauty and health benefits of the pomegranate. It is a fruit of legend and power – a sacred symbol of human civilization. Mankind has revered the magical, mystical pomegranate since the dawn of recorded history. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and the peoples of China, India and the Middle East found its properties to be life-giving and invigorating. This beautiful fruit has played a central role in the mythological and spiritual foundations of cultures worldwide. Christianity, Judaism, Greek Orthodox, Hinduism, and ancient Middle Eastern philosophies all revered its power and mysterious properties.

Pomegranates are a powerful symbol in Christian art representing the resurrection and eternal life. In works by Botticelli, Raphael and Filippino Lippi pomegranates represent plenitude, hope, spiritual fruitfulness and chastity.

Known as “The Fruit of Life,” pomegranates were believed to spring from The Garden of Paradise. As the traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth, they became a popular wedding present in some countries, expressing the wish, “May you have as many children as there are seeds!”

Pomegranates figured prominently in Greek myths. In one of the most famous, Hades, god of the underworld, used the fruit to tempt Persephone, daughter of Zeus, into marriage. Hades captured her attention with the alluring beauty of the pomegranate and by telling her that its seeds were jewels to be kissed and savored. Sadly the seduction of Persephone with a pomegranate resulted in her being imprisoned for four months every year in the Underworld, while the earth experienced cold winter. When she was released for eight months each year, the earth warmed, trees and flowers bloomed and vegetables grew. Thanks to the myth, pomegranates forever became a symbol of the cycle of life and death.

The Pomegranate as Traditional Medicine

Almost every major culture loved the pomegranate so much that for nearly 8,000 years people have incorporated the delicate flowers, the sparkling ruby seeds (called arils), the juice and tangy rind, not only in their sacred practices but also into their foods, their medicines and their cosmetics.

It is believed that the beautiful Helen of Troy, with a face that launched 1,000 ships, used the juice of the pomegranate, both as a healthful drink, and as rouge for her cheeks and lips. The pomegranate was also thought to bestow invincibility upon the person who enjoyed its glittering sweet tartness.

Ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine traditionally used pomegranate to lower fever. In Greek medicine the flowers were used to treat diabetes, while the root and bark were used to stop bleeding, dysentery and heal ulcers. The ancient Egyptians used the fruit to combat intestinal worms.
For over 4,000 years humans have cultivated pomegranates for their medicinal properties. Traditional healers experimented with its juice, seeds, leaves, flowers, bark, roots and skin.

The Pomegranate and Modern Science

But the golden age of the pomegranate is just dawning. In addition to an ancient, glorious and legendary past, this beautiful fruit is on the edge of a promising future in medical science. It is only recently that modern science has accelerated its interest in the health benefits of pomegranates. In 1964 researchers conducted the first study on pomegranate. It was another 20 years before the second study was published. In 2004 there were 20 published studies. Today, there are over 400 studies on the benefits of pomegranates to human health.

This scientific research has revealed that the pomegranate contains three primary powers: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing.

Antioxidant polyphenols in pomegranates help protect the body against ‘free radicals” – unstable molecules that cause cellular damage to our bodies over time. The juice of the pomegranate has been found to contain higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices, including cranberry or blueberry, and more even than red wine or green tea. The pomegranate is particularly rich in certain tannins containing these antioxidant polyphenols such as punicalagin, anthocyanins and ellagic acid.

Anti-inflammatory compounds in pomegranate include punicic acid, a fatty acid found in the oil of pomegranate seeds. Punicic acid is known to inhibit the effects of certain inflammatory compounds in the body.

Natural phytoestrogens (estrogens from plants) are more abundant in pomegranate than in any other botanical source. These weaker plant estrogens block the effects of more powerful human-produced estrogens by fitting into the cell receptor sites for estrogen. These weak, safe estrogens can fit in these specialized “keyholes,” blocking the more powerful and harmful estrogens.