Biotin: Benefits and Information
Biotin is one of eight essential vitamins that comprise the B-complex. It functions as a carrier of carbon dioxide for “carboxylation” reactions. Biotin-requiring carboxylase enzymes catalyze: the breakdown of branched chain amino acids and odd-chain fatty acids. gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (such as. amino acids) the first step in fatty acid synthesis. Biotin also binds to...
Acai Berry Review & Information: Potent SuperFood?
The acai berry is the fruit of the palm tree with the same name. Acai palms are native to Central and South America and grow throughout the Amazon rainforest. In Brazil, the acai berry is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal value, and that popularity is beginning to spread throughout the Western hemisphere. Acai is a rich source of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds responsible for the dark purple color of the fruit....
Chamomile & Chamomile Tea: Benefits and Information
If you are a tea connoisseur or a fan of calming, warm drinks that settle you down before bedtime, you are probably familiar with chamomile. Chamomile tea is a popular drink, thanks to its mild, fruity flavor and capacity to soothe one’s nerves. The word “chamomile” is derived from the Greek terms for “on the ground” (kamai) and apple (melon). There are actually two kinds of chamomile: German chamomile...
Black Cumin Seeds: Information, Benefits & Side Effects
Black cumin seed is derived from a plant with the botanical name Nigella sativa. The seeds of the Nigella sativa plant are black in color and look something like sesame seeds. Both the seeds and seed oil are used as nutritional supplements. Black cumin seed (also known as “black seed”) has been consumed for centuries, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Known by various names such as “Habat-Ul-Sauda” and...
Black Cohosh: Benefits and Side Effects
Black cohosh is a perennial plant that is a member of the buttercup family. It has several other common names, including black snakeroot, bugwort, rattleweed and others. The botanical name for black cohosh is Cimicifuga racemosa or Actaea racemosa. North American Indians used black cohosh as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including depression, menstrual disorders, kidney problems, malaria, rheumatism and sore throats. It was used...
Beta Carotene Information, Benefits and Side Effects
Beta carotene is one of the (nearly) 600 different carotenoids—plant pigments that give red/orange fruits and vegetables their color. It’s best known as a precursor to vitamin A (retinol) in the body. While vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient, can be toxic if taken in excess, beta-carotene can be safely ingested even in large quantities. This is why many multivitamin supplement formulas rely on beta-carotene to supply part—and...
As Featured On…
