2015年10月30日星期五

Valerian Extract Can be Used as Sleep Aid

Valerian root extract has also been shown to relieve pain. This, combined with the sedative effect, makes it effective in relieving headaches (especially stress headaches,) migraines, arthritis and muscle pain.

Valerian root is mainly used as an herbal sleep aid. The plant has been shown to provide both improved sleep quality and longer sleep, without giving the “hangover” feeling in the morning like so many synthetic medications used to treat insomnia. In the 1980s, Swiss researchers studied the effects of valerian root on sleep patterns, and found that the herb reduced the time it took to fall asleep, especially in elderly patients and those with sleep disorders. Some clinical trials have suggested it should be used for two to four weeks before the daily mood and sleep patterns are improved. The herb is, therefore, perhaps not particularly well-suited for acute insomnia. It’s also worth noting that valerian can act as a diuretic, so that preparations of the herb might not work well as a sleeping aid for people who have tendency to get up and urinate at night. Valerian root is, however, one of the mildest and most harmless herbal sleep aids there is.

Valerian has been used for chronic digestive disorders, stomach cramps, colic, diarrhea and bloating (especially when it is caused by emotional or physical stress or coffee, alcohol and nicotine abuse). An Italian scientific study indicates that it could be used to reduce the spasms of the intestinal muscles caused by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

It is possible to increase the effects of valerian extract by combining it with other herbs. As an herbal sleep aid it can be used with hops (Humulus lupulus) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). Other calming herbs that can be used with it are common skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata), blue skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata).

If insomnia and anxiety are associated with depression, the plant can be combined with St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). If nervous palpitations and high blood pressure related to stress cause insomnia, then valerian and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) are a good combination.

2015年10月28日星期三

What is White Mulberry Leaf Extract

Developed to help millions around the world achieve their fitness goals, weight loss supplements have come under increasing scrutiny with time. In addition, it is common to come across people who are highly reluctant to use weight loss supplements to achieve their ultimate goals. While those at the other end of the spectrum praise these products for their supposed ability to bring about rapid weight loss results, others believe that these supplements are no more than rip offs designed with the sole purpose of extracting money from naïve and often desperate users. However, some products, such as the Pure White Mulberry Leaf Extract by BioGanix have made some real success stories. Unsurprisingly, the White Mulberry Leaf Extract Pure by BioGanix has received highly favorable reviews from users as most of them praise the product’s ability to deliver clear results.

As it is often seen, majority of the weight loss supplements available today contain run of the mill ingredients and are formulated using cheap formulas that are bound to fail. Costing a lot of money, these products often come with high claims but fail to deliver substantial results. With these supplements, results are almost impossible to come by which eventually leads to failure. However, BioGanix has aimed to change the common misconception individuals have with weight loss supplements by its all new White Mulberry Leaf Extract Pure. High on claims, the White Mulberry Leaf Extract Pure claims to contain only 100% extracts of the mulberry leaf. Hence, shortly within months after its launch, the White Mulberry Leaf Extract Pure has managed to receive 5 star rating on Amazon.

Pure White Mulberry Leaf Extract- The Weight Loss Supplement With a Difference

Manufactured by BioGanix, one of most respected names in the supplements industry, the White Mulberry Leaf Extract Pure is a truly unique weight loss supplement which brings to the fore the purest ingredients and a highly advanced formula based on years of research. Performing multiple functions simultaneously, the supplement is a complete dietary product.

Kim, one of the most recent users of the White Mulberry Extract by BioGanix quotes on Amazon “Where do I begin? I have had so many great results with this product that I don’t even know where to start. Well, first let me say that I have been battling diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol for ages, and I have found no pill that actually works for me. I have been taking Lipitor, Crestor, and Labetalol, to name just a few, for upwards of three years, but to no avail. “Bioganix White Mulberry Leaf Extract” has come in to save the day. My glucose levels are lower than have ever been and I feel great. My doctor even cut the insulin that I take every day, in half. My cholesterol is low enough that when paired with my medication, it is at a healthy level. My blood pressure has dropped so significantly that I no longer need to take Procardia!! My doctor is amazed by all of my success. He even plans on telling all of his patients about this product.

2015年10月26日星期一

Benefits about Propolis Extract

Cancer-fighting abilities - According to a study published in the February 2004 edition of the American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, propolis contains therapeutic compounds that can kill MCF-7, a breast carcinoma cell. After being given a propolis extract, 13 percent of the cancer cells present in the volunteers were eliminated in 24 hours. A later, unrelated study published in the November edition of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine also found that Chinese red propolis (as well as other bee products like bee pollen and royal jelly) could inhibit the cancer-causing vascular endothelial growth factor.

Powerful anti-inflammatory - A study published in the June 2008 edition of European Journal of Pharmacology showed that Brazilian propolis contains a component called Artipillin C, which possesses considerable anti-inflammatory properties and helps to heal wounds. Additional research has shown that propolis can be applied topically, like a cream, to treat skin inflammations.

Antioxidant activity - Studies such as that found in the December 2004 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry have demonstrated that propolis sourced from a variety of countries contain flavonoid and polyphenolic components, which possess marked antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are, of course, needed to combat the cell-damaging activities of free radicals, which can trigger cancer and other degenerative diseases like macular degeneration if left unchecked. Additionally, eating antioxidant-rich foods like propolis provides anti-aging benefits.

Immune-boosting properties - According to a study published in the August 2010 edition of Phytotherapy Research, propolis contains proteins and compounds that have the ability to alter and regulate the immune system, and which possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral benefits.

Anti-septic properties - Propolis has been utilized as an anti-septic ointment for centuries due to its numerous active ingredients such as phenolic acids, terpenes, and amino acids. Ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, also claimed that propolis and other bee products had the ability to accelerate the healing of wounds such as cuts, bruises, and canker sores. Modern science is now catching up with this ancient knowledge; a study published in the September/October 2009 edition of Wound Repair and Regeneration, for instance, proved that the topical application of propolis on rodents' diabetes-based wound closures greatly accelerated the healing response.

Rich in vitamins and minerals - Research into the composition of propolis extract shows that it supplies our bodies with up to 60 trace minerals, including varying amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, silica, potassium, phosphorous, copper, cobalt, as well as 16 amino acids. It also contains vitamin A (carotene) and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. For this reason, propolis is much better than any multivitamin tablet, which usually contain similar ingredients but in synthetic forms.

Evidently, a lot of studies have been done on propolis that have confirmed centuries-old wisdom. However, propolis has also been linked to other benefits that are either presently unconfirmed by studies, or hindered by tenuous evidence. These include its alleged ability to prevent the formation of dental plaque, and its ability to treat serious conditions such as tuberculosis and hepatitis without side effects.

Cinnamon Carries Serious Risks

While European bakers and regulators argue over coumarin levels in cinnamon-containing baked goods, the FDA seemingly shrugs its shoulders. European regulators are far more concerned about coumarin than their American counterparts. As far as we can tell, there are no U.S. limits on the amount of coumarin permitted in cinnamon-flavored baked goods in the United States. Analysis of such foods has found coumarin in detectable levels.

We are not terribly worried about an occasional cinnamon roll or cookie. What does concern us, however, is the growing trend for people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes to regularly consume cassia cinnamon on their oatmeal or toast in order to lower blood sugar levels. A teaspoon of cassia cinnamon daily could pose serious risks.

You might assume that is not a likely problem for most people. Not so fast. A meta-analysis of clinical trials in the Journal of Medicinal Food (Sept., 2011) revealed that “cinnamon extract and/or cinnamon improves FBG [fasting blood glucose] in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.”

People love that sort of good news. It was reinforced more recently in the Annals of Family Medicine (Sept.-Oct., 2013). The authors concluded that, “Based on currently available literature, cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on fasting plasma glucose, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.”

Such studies create appealing headlines. People are told that cinnamon will not only lower blood sugar levels but also reduce bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raise good HDL cholesterol. That might encourage some people to start consuming high doses of inexpensive cinnamon from their grocery shelves. One diabetes educator who was interviewed on NPR was quoted as saying cinnamon “is inexpensive,” “and it tastes good.”

That really worries us because regular consumption of inexpensive cassia cinnamon powder could lead to liver damage. Coumarin may also interact with other drugs including aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) and other anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), to name a few potential complications.

2015年10月23日星期五

Mulberry Leaf Extract

The co-ingestion of mulberry extract with 75 g sucrose significantly reduced the increase in blood glucose observed over the initial 120 min of testing in control and type 2 diabetic subjects (Fig. 1). Blood glucose declines at the tail end of the study were less with Mulberry Leaf Extract. Thus, peak-to-trough fluctuations in blood glucose were markedly reduced by mulberry ingestion.

The mulberry-induced reduction in blood glucose presumably reflects the ability of mulberry to inhibit intestinal sucrase (9). The increased H2 observed with mulberry indicates that this supplement induced sucrose malabsorption.

The reduction of blood glucose at early time points but higher values at later time points with mulberry would yield relatively minor alterations in A1C. However, factors other than A1C concentrations may play a role in the microvascular complications of diabetes (10,11). Brownlee (12) proposed that generation of reactive oxygen species is the common pathway responsible for diabetes complications, and glucose fluctuations are associated with increased markers of oxidative injury (13). Thus, reductions in blood glucose fluctuation with mulberry extract might reduce diabetes complications despite minor reduction of A1C.

Two drugs (acarbose and miglitol) that inhibit carbohydrate digestion produce modest reductions in fasting blood glucose and A1C (14) and slow progression of glucose intolerance to overt diabetes (15). Use of these drugs has been limited by associated bloating, gas, and diarrhea (16). These symptoms were not significantly increased by mulberry extract; however, convincing evidence of lesser side effects will require studies with extract ingested with each major meal.

Some individuals prefer an herbal over a pharmaceutical preparation, and such individuals might find mulberry extract more acceptable and better tolerated than acarbose or miglitol. In addition, mulberry extract contains compounds such as fagomine, which induces insulin secretion (17), and antioxidants that putatively reduce lipid peroxidation (5,18,19).

While Mulberry Leaf Extract is considered safe as a drug and a foodstuff in Asia (20), the extract contains multiple constituents, increasing the potential for idiosyncratic reactions. While unlikely, such reactions can be excluded only after extensive, monitored use of the extract.

2015年10月22日星期四

Find a Vitamin or Supplement - Wheat Grass Powder

Wheat Grass Powder is a kind of grass. The above-ground parts, roots, and rhizome are used to make medicine. Wheatgrass is primarily used as a concentrated source of nutrients. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids.

Wheatgrass is used to treat many conditions, but so far there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support effectiveness for any of these uses.

Wheatgrass is used for increasing production of hemoglobin, the chemical in red blood cells that carries oxygen; improving blood sugar disorders, such as diabetes; preventing tooth decay; improving wound healing; and preventing bacterial infections.

It is also used for removing deposits of drugs, heavy metals, and cancer-causing agents from the body; and for removing toxins from the liver and blood.

Some people use wheatgrass for preventing gray hair, reducing high blood pressure, improving digestion, and lowering cholesterol by blocking its absorption.

Wheat Grass Powder is also used to treat various disorders of the urinary tract, including infection of the bladder, urethra, and prostate; benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH); kidney stones; and in "irrigation therapy," the use of a mild diuretic along with lots of fluids to increase urine flow.

Other uses include treatment of respiratory tract complaints, including the common cold, cough, bronchitis, fever, and sore throat; tendency toward infection; gout; liver disorders; ulcerative colitis; joint pain; and chronic skin problems.

Wheatgrass is used for cancer and arthritis in alternative treatment programs. Wheatgrass contains a lot of chlorophyll, the chemical in plants that makes them green and also allows them to make energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Some people think chlorophyll might fight cancer and arthritis.

Wheatgrass juice is a popular health drink. It is thought to benefit health only when fresh and taken on an empty stomach immediately after extraction. But there is no research to date that supports this.

In foods and beverages, wheatgrass extracts are used as a flavoring component.

How does it work?
Wheatgrass contains chemicals that might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (swelling) activity, which is why some people think it might be helpful for ulcerative colitis. It also contains a chemical that seems to kill bacterial infections.

Reasons to Use Honey and Cinnamon

People of many cultures have been using honey and cinnamon powder to treat many different health situations for centuries. Folk wisdom still retains knowledge of the healing properties of both raw honey and cinnamon. 

1. ARTHRITIS: Take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two teaspoons honey and one small teaspoon cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. 
2. BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder. 

cinnamon 

3. CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. 
4. COLDS: Take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for three days to cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses. 

5. HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on wheat-bread f or daily breakfast to reduce the cholesterol in the arteries and save the patient from heart attack. 
6. UPSET STOMACH: Cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. 
7. GAS: If Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas. 
8. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral. 
9. INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals. 
10. INFLUENZA – FLU: honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu. 
11. LONGEVITY: Take daily, four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea to arrests the ravages of old age. 
12. PIMPLES: Apply three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water for two weeks to remove pimples from the root. 
13. WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water to avoid fat to accumulate in the body. 

2015年10月20日星期二

Mulberry Leaf Extract Can Prevent Diabetes

(NaturalHealth365) An alarming 80 percent of American adults have blood glucose levels that are out of the safe and healthy range. The longer one waits to address blood sugar issues of Mulberry, the higher the odds of becoming diabetic. Diabetes can in turn lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, kidney failure and blindness.
The effects of consuming even moderate amounts of sugars and starches are sobering; for example, drinking just one can of soda per day causes an 18 to 22 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. While sugary sodas are an obvious culprit to avoid, there are many other less obvious foods that can spike glucose levels due to unhealthy components.
What you need to know to avoid diabetes
Carbohydrates and high-fructose corn syrup are two of the biggest hazards to our blood sugar. Unfortunately, both of these are all too prevalent in the typical American diet.
High fructose corn syrup makes up more than 40 percent of the sugar-based sweeteners in U.S. beverages and foods. Since fructose doesn’t induce satiety signals in a normal manner, it can also contribute to overeating and weight gain.
Regulate blood sugar spikes with mulberry leaf extract
Fortunately, there is a natural way to prevent diabetes and promote a normal blood glucose level throughout the day. One of the most effective and potent natural blood sugar regulators is the mulberry leaf.
Mulberry leaf extract has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various issues, including blood sugar regulation. Its veracity in this area has now been substantiated with scientific research.
A 2012 study by Am J Chin Med. found mulberry leaf helped to improve diabetic control in type-2 diabetics and effectively lower blood glucose concentrations. Taking mulberry extract also reduces ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol while raising the ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol. These successes indicate that mulberry leaf can benefit those with metabolic syndrome and glucose intolerance.
Great news for those looking to lose excess body weight
Italian researchers also found that mulberry leaves helped with weight loss. Study participants received 2,400 mg of mulberry extract daily and checked at regular intervals for weight, blood chemistry and waist circumference. Each lost an average of 20 pounds in 3 months vs. 6.5 pounds in the control (placebo) group. They also had better plasma insulin and glucose curves.
The key benefits of mulberry leaf extract include:
Reduction of post-meal blood glucose spikes
Higher insulin sensitivity
Reduced overall appetite
Better daily blood sugar control
Improved cholesterol levels
Mulberry extract can help to facilitate weight loss as well as dramatic improvement of blood sugar levels. It tempers blood sugar spikes and also helps to prevent diabetes and regulate normal blood glucose levels throughout the day.
While foods with high fructose corn syrup should still be avoided, taking mulberry leaf can help to regulate your post-meal glucose levels. The recommended dosage of mulberry leaf extract for most users is 100 mg two to three times daily.

2015年10月18日星期日

The Best Natural Sleeping Aids -- Valerian Extract

Valerian extract is the perfect complement to a melatonin supplement, when you’re trying to get restful sleep. In fact, taking a good melatonin supplement and valerian extract together is one of the most powerful natural sleeping aid combinations you can find for restful sleep.

Valerian extract comes from the root of the valerian plant, and it’s one of the best natural sleeping aids you can find for those nights that you’re tossing and turning and looking at the clock. The reason valerian extract is so potent is because valerian extract contains 150 compounds that can help to calm your nerves. In fact, valerian extract is one of the oldest natural sleeping aids you can find. Valerian extract has been used since the 1800s to help people get sound, restful sleep.
When researchers studied valerian extract, they found that valerian extract helps you fall asleep faster. That’s because valerian extract improves sleep latency. Plus, valerian extract also helps to give you better sleep quality, which makes this extract a powerful natural sleeping aid for getting restful sleep.
In one natural sleeping aid study on valerian extract, volunteers given 400 mg of valerian extract before bed experienced improved sleep, including better sleep quality, than those taking only the placebo. Another study, using the same valerian extract dose, suggests that valerian extract also helps you fall asleep faster when compared to placebo. That makes valerian extract the perfect antidote to any sleepless night.
Going beyond a good melatonin supplement and valerian extract, the next potent natural sleeping aid you’ll want to know about is hops. The key is to take hops with valerian extract. That’s because research shows a combination of hops extract (120 mg) and valerian extract (500 mg) may help to improve sleep, and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep. No wonder hops extract and valerian extract are a powerful natural sleeping aid combination.
Plus, the combination of hops extract and valerian extract may help to increase brain alpha-wave activity, which is your “sleep brainwaves.” There’s no better natural sleeping aid combination than hops extract and valerian extract, especially when you couple it with a good melatonin supplement.

2015年10月16日星期五

Valerian Extract VS. Insomnia

Results from multiple studies indicate that valerian extract — a tall, flowering grassland plant — may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. Of the many valerian species, only the carefully processed roots of the Valeriana officinalis have been widely studied. However, not all studies have shown valerian to be effective, and there may be some dangers.
Before you decide to take a valerian supplement for insomnia, consider the following:
  • Medication may not be the answer for insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy — for instance, replacing worries about not sleeping with positive thoughts — may be more effective and safer than medications for dealing with chronic insomnia. Or there may be important underlying causes, such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder, which require evaluation.
  • Product claims may be misleading. Don't just rely on a product's biased marketing. Look for objective, research-based information to evaluate a product's claims, such as from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) or the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Both NCCIH and ODS are part of the National Institutes of Health.
  • Dosage is unclear. Valerian seems to be most effective after you take it regularly for two or more weeks. Because dosages varied in studies involving valerian and some studies weren't rigorous, it's not clear what dose is most effective or for how long you should take a particular dose.
  • Possible side effects exist. Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. And it has not been evaluated to determine if it's safe for children under 3 years old. If you have liver disease, avoid taking valerian. And because valerian can make you drowsy, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery after taking it.
  • Drug interactions are possible. Valerian extract may increase the effects of other sleep aids. It also increases the sedative effect of depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and narcotics. Valerian can interfere with some prescription medications. And it may interact with other dietary supplements, such as St. John's wort. If you're thinking of taking valerian, check with your doctor to make sure it won't interact with other medications or supplements you're taking.
Ultimately, persistent insomnia indicates a problem, such as poor sleep habits or a medical or psychological condition. If you continue to have insomnia, talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatment strategies. Or, consider getting an evaluation at a sleep medicine center that's accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

2015年10月8日星期四

Mulberry Leaf for Weight Loss

The Mulberry Leaf Extract tree grows in Asia, and its leaves are said to aid weight loss. Distributors extract something called mulberry zuccarin from the leaves and turn it into a diet pill. The zuccarin is supposed to block the way your body absorbs carbohydrates. The manufacturers claim this regulates your blood sugar and stops cravings for sweet and fattening food. However , mulberry leaf extract is not approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration and it has numerous detractors.

A compound found within the Mulberry Leaf Extract called 1-deoxynojirimycin, or DNJ, stimulates weight loss, according to Dr . Ray Sahelian, a nutritionist and author based in Los Angeles. Sahelian says DNJ, also known as moranoline, hinders the enzyme that digests carbohydrates in your intestines. This means the starchy, carbohydrate-rich foods you eat, like bread, rice, pasta and potatoes, do not turn to glucose in your body and are simply flushed out. One distributor, GlobalHealthAndFitness. com, claims this causes you to absorb 35 percent less of the calories you consume, resulting in weight loss. The lack of glucose in your system supposedly lowers your blood sugar levels, making you less hungry.

Mulberry Leaf Extract is used in Asia to treat diabetes, because it allegedly balances your blood sugar levels. In a study published in the journal “Diabetes Care” in 2007, researcher Mitchell Mundra claims mulberry leaf lowers blood glucose levels and obstructs your absorption of sucrose by 21 percent. Medical News Today reports a 2008 University of Minnesota study that concluded mulberry balances your blood sugar levels and inhibits carbohydrate absorption, meaning it shows significant promise for 28 million Americans living with diabetes. The mulberry leaf zuccarin also contains amino acids, vitamin C and antioxidants, which all improve your overall health.