Ginger Root: Benefits and Information
Ginger root extract is derived from the root of the herb Zingiber officinale. Ginger is native to Asia, and is an ancient traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including nausea, diarrhea, arthritis and colic. Ginger is now one of the most popular herbal remedies for nausea and digestive problems. In low doses (i.e., 250mg x 4x/day), it’s considered safe for treating morning sickness during pregnancy. It’s also...
Benefits of Garlic & Garlic Supplements
Garlic: An Introduction Garlic is the common name for the flavorful, strongly scented bulbs of plants that belong to the lily family. Its widespread use in Mediterranean cooking contributes to the well-touted health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Garlic has a range of medicinal properties that have been known for thousands of years, and therefore offers many benefits — whether used raw or in supplement form. The ancient...
Resveratrol Review, Benefits & Information
Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes (primarily in the seeds and skin), red wine, other fruits and peanuts. It’s a “phytoalexin“—an agent produced as a defense against bacteria and fungi. Resveratrol is believed to have a range of health benefits. For example, in-vitro and animal experiments have demonstrated it has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to food, resveratrol is...
Quercetin: From Prostate Cancer to Heart Disease, Benefits Abound!
Quercetin is a plant pigment (i.e., a “flavonoid”) found in some fruits, vegetables, and teas. This supplement is ‘healthy”, but the jury is still out on how effective a supplement it is for treating the two things it shows most promise for… cancer and heart disease. This uncertainty simply relates to limited data rather than negative information about this plant substance. Studies are taking place, but...
Pycnogenol Review & Information: A Potent Antioxidant
Pycnogenol is the patented name for a nutritional extract derived from the bark of pine trees called Pinus maritima. These trees, which grow exclusively in Europe, are rich in bioflavonoids and antioxidants, particularly compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Highly touted for their antioxidant and properties, oligomeric proanthocyanidins are considred to be essential to health. They work in conjunction with vitamin C, each...
Lycopene Review & Information: Tomato’s Prostate Cancer Fighter
Lycopene is a powerful phytochemical (plant compound) in the carotenoid family that is found in significant amounts in tomato products. The carotenoids are a group of pigments in plants that are not nutrients per se, but act in concert with other chemicals in the body. The most well known carotenoids are lycopene, which is generally red, and beta-carotene, an orange pigment found in carrots and other orange vegetables. Lycopene works...