Saffron- The Precious Spice

Saffron, an exotic spice native to Southern Europe, is the dried stigma or threads of the flower of the S.crocus plant. It is now cultivated around the world particularly in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Iran and Turkey and in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India. While this orange- yellow colored spice is in demand because of its flavor, fragrance and color, it is important to note that it has several health benefits too. These are some of the health benefits of Saffron.

• Saffron contains anti- oxidants that prevent skin from ageing.
• Saffron is effective in lowering blood cholesterol level and triglycerides among heart patients
• Saffron contains carotenoids which help in enhancing oxygen diffusivity in plasma and other liquids while improving pulmonary oxygenation. Presence of these carotenoids also helps prevent skin tumors and improve arthritis.
• Scientists also believe that Saffron has certain anti carcinogenic properties and hence helps prevent and fight cancer.
• Saffron is also rich in vitamins including vitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C and minerals including copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc
• Among other health benefits of Saffron are treatment of asthma, menstrual discomfort, depression, atherosclerosis, whooping cough, and many other health problems.

The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by Vitanherbs.com or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum, L.). Flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain substances that promote good health. One of these substances is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health conditions. Flaxseed, in addition to ALA, contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer. Please see the flaxseed monograph for further information on this herbal agent.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are called essential because they are just that- essential to our health. The two categories of EFA’s are the Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s. Research shows that a balance between the two is important and some people may find that they need to supplement their diets with these two important nutrients.

Flax Seed Oil is one of the richest sources of Omega 3 EFA’s, which are vital to protecting heart, immune and cholesterol health. This plant- source oil is a great choice for those who want to avoid fish-source EFA’s.
Vita Plus Flax Seed Oil is an essential fatty acid that is also known as an Omega 3 fatty acid. The oil is cold pressed from flax seeds. Flax seed oil is a popular addition to a joint health program because it supports the body’s normal inflammatory response along with cardiovascular health. Most Omega 3 fatty acids come from oily fish. So if you are not a fish lover, Vita Plus Flax Seed Oil is an excellent way to get this essential oil into your diet.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are called essential because they are just that- essential to our health. The two categories of EFA’s are the Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s. Research shows that a balance between the two is important and some people may find that they need to supplement their diets with these two important nutrients.

Benefits of Flax Seed Oil:
– Flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been reported to possess cholesterol-lowering properties;
– Helps lower blood pressure and promote the health of the heart;
– Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.
– Increases the body’s production of energy and also increases stamina.
– Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.
– Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat.
– Improves the absorption of Calcium.
– Strengthens finger and toenails.
– Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.
– Can often improve the function of the liver.
– Can relieve the side effects and stop development of many forms of cancer.
– Can relieve some cases of Asthma.
– Helpful in the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dandruff.
– Can relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can relieve the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.
– Can alleviate some allergies.
– Helps prevent Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries, that many people experience during the aging process).
– Lowers high blood pressure in Hypertension sufferers.
– Has been scientifically proven to treat some cases of depression.
– Can improve the mental function of many old age pensioners.
– Can help in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
– Has been proven to improve the behavior of Schizophrenics.
– Can relieve some cases of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in females.

CLA may decreases abdominal fat.

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) naturally occurs in various milk products, natural oils and meats. Research indicates that consumption of adequate amounts of CLA as a supplement to the regular diet has demonstrated an anti-Catabolic activity, increased lean muscle mass and enhances performance in athletes. Studies also have shown that CLA supplemented diets may have tendency to curb appetite resulting in low body fat.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. According to the research project manager, an average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group. The study found that approximately 3.4 grams of CLA per day is the level needed to obtain the beneficial effects of CLA on body fat.

CLA has been the subject of a variety of research in the past several years, and findings also suggest that some of the other benefits of CLA include the following:

• Increases metabolic rate — This would obviously be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism — even when treated — can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
• Decreases abdominal fat — Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.
• Enhances muscle growth — Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
• Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides — Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient’s health.
• Lowers insulin resistance — Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
• Reduces food-induced allergic reactions — Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients.
• Enhances immune system — Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system’s ability to function properly is a positive benefit.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is present in every tissue of the body, by providing nutrients and removing waste from cells that do not have a direct blood supply such as cartilage cells. Hyaluronic Acid is found in the sinovial joint fluid, the vitreous humor of the eye and cartilage.

What are the other components of Hyaluronic Acid 100 mg?

It also contains Type 2 Collagen, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Bio-cell Collagen and Vitamin C.

How does Hyaluronic Acid help the skin?

Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes the skin, in the process it hydrates the skin smoothing out wrinkles. This product with continued use, may give you the look of a natural face lift. Retention of water in the skin is the most important function. In the skin, extra cellular matrix is composed of Hyaluronic Acid and other sulfated GAGS combined with Collagen and Elastin.

How does it help in knee and joint problems?

Hyaluronic Acid is for flexing of joints by giving cushioning to the joints. Secondly it may help blood vessels, extra cellular matrix, skin and the umbilical cord. Our joints are surrounded by a membrane called the sinoval membrane, which forms a capsule around the ends of the bone. This membrane secretes a liquid called the sinovial fluid. Basically, the sinovial fluid is found in the joint cavities. It has many functions including lubrication, as a shock absorbent and a nutrient carrier. Cartilage is a specialized form of connective tissue. A key component of cartilage is Hyaluronic Acid. Cartilage is also vascular but without blood vessels. Nutrients are brought by the sinovial fluid which is rich in Hyaluronic Acid to the cartilage. Hyaluronic Acid is a primary component of sinovial fluid which lubricates and reduces friction between the bones. The collagen derived from chicken sternum provides a robust profile of arthritis fighting benefits including Condroitin, Hyaluronic Acid and Type 2 collagen. The predominate collagen Type 2 is found in articular cartilage of human joints.

What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid a major component of joint tissue, it helps to hold lubricating moisture in joints and cartilage, which affects their resistance, elasticity and strength. Made from patented Bio-cell collagen, which has undergone an absorption enhancing hydroxylation process that yields low molecular weight, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate and Type 2 Collagen peptides.

What is the serving size?

Available as a 60 capsule bottle Two capsules daily are recommended as a dietary supplement or advised by your health care professional.

NO sucrose, starch, salt, preservatives, artificial color or artificial flavor.

What is Graviola

WHAT IS GRAVIOLA?
Graviola is an evergreen tree found in the rainforest of South America, mainly Brazil. It is known as a total herbal medicine.

WHAT IS THE MEDICINAL EFFECT OF THIS HERB?
Graviola leaf is used for inflammation of mucous membranes and the seed is used to kill parasites. The bark, roots and leaves are used for diabetes and as a sedative and anti-spasmodic. Published literature suggests that Graviola may help to treat cancer cells as well.

IS GRAVIOLA WELL KNOWN?
Yes, in Jamaica, Haiti, the West Indies and other countries. It is used with olive in treating heart conditions, coughs, flu, difficult childbirth, asthma, hypertension and worms.

WHAT MAKES GRAVIOLA WORK BETTER?
Many active compounds and chemicals have been found in Graviola, the main chemical is called Annonaceous Acetogenins. It is present in its leaf, stem, bark and fruit seeds. Independent private research groups indicate and confirm that these chemicals have significant anti -tumors and selective toxicity against various types of cancer cells without harming healthy cells. These studies were published in 1998.
HOW DO ACETOGENINS WORK?

The mode of action studied in the lab determine that Acetogenins are inhibitors of the enzyme processes that are found only in the membranes of cancerous tumor cells. That’s why they are toxic to cancer cells but have no toxicity to healthy cells. This research was done at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, funded by The National Cancer Institute and NIH. Also, the study explains that cancer cells that survive after chemotherapy can develop resistance to the agent originally used as well as to other even unrelated drugs. This phenomenon is called multi-drug resistance (MDR). One of the main ways that cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs is by creating an intercellular pump, which is capable of pushing anti-cancer agents out of the cell before they can kill it. The latest research indicates that Acetogenins are capable of shutting down these intercellular pumps, thereby killing multi-drug resistance tumors. Purdue researchers reported that the Acetogenins preferentially killed MDR cancer cells by blocking the transfer of ATP the chief source of cellular energy into them. A tumor cell can no longer run its pump and dies. Normal cells seldom develop such pump, therefore they don’t require a large amount of energy to run and are not adversely affected by ATP inhibitors.

WHAT DOSAGE OF GRAVIOLA IS ADVISED?

The therapeutic dosage of Graviola is 2 – 3 grams (3 to 5 capsules) taken 3 or 4 times daily.

One of Graviola’s actions is to deplete the ATP energy to cancer cells by combining it with natural products, which increase the cellular ATP and may reduce the effect of Graviola. The main supplement which increases ATP is COQ10 and for that reason it should be avoided when taking Graviola.
It may help to reduce the growth of cancer cells.
It may help you feel strong and healthy.
It may help protect your immune system and evade infections. It may boost your energy.
It may effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 different types of cancer including colon, breast, prostrate, lung and pancreatic cancers.

Creatine is 100% natural and occurs naturally in many foods.

Creatine is 100% natural and occurs naturally in many foods.

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to muscle. In humans and animals, approximately half of stored creatine originates from food (mainly from fresh meat).

Since vegetables do not contain creatine, vegetarians show lower levels of muscle creatine. With the help of creatine supplementation vegetarians can compensate for this loss. Simply put, creatine is the most popular and effective bodybuilding supplement on the market.

A French scientist first discovered creatine in 1832, but it was not until 1923 that scientists discovered that over 95% of creatine is stored in muscle tissue. The first published report of creatine having bodybuilding effects was The Journal of Biological Chemistry in, get this, 1926! Although we’ve known about creatine for quite some time, the first real use of it to enhance performance was the 1992 Olympic games in Barcelona, Spain.

Creatine is 100% natural and occurs naturally in many foods; therefore, it can never be banned from any sports or international competitions (unless they banned eating meat). Many foods especially herring, salmon, tuna, and beef contain some creatine. However, the very best source of creatine by far is creatine monohydrate because it contains more creatine per weight of material than any other source.

Creatine is bodybuilding’s ultimate supplement, and for good reason. For one thing, creatine can significantly increase lean muscle mass in just two weeks. It is also responsible for improving performance in high-intensity exercise, increasing energy levels, and speeding up recovery rates. It’s no wonder athletes who use it have such of an edge over those who do not. Soon nearly every athlete who competes will use it (if they don’t already). Creatine’s ability to enhance energy reserves in muscles comes from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while minimizing protein breakdown. This occurs because creatine has the awesome effect of super-hydrating muscle cells with water. It enhances muscles’ growth too-making muscle fibers bigger and stronger.

Quite a few studies have been done on creatine to figure out why and how it works so well. There have been over twenty double blind (meaning neither the researchers nor the subjects knew who was getting what), placebo-controlled studies conducted on creatine in the past five years. They proved that creatine increased energy levels, resulting in increased strength, endurance levels, and recovery rates. Another unexpected benefit attributed to creatine was discovered as well: creatine accelerates fat loss, while building lean body mass!

The best part about creatine-no adverse effects have been reported in any studies. NONE! Creatine is totally safe and effective. Creatine has never been shown harmfully toxic. Nevertheless, just like with anything, it is not recommended to over-supplement once your muscles are saturated with creatine-there is no reason to. This means, stick to the recommended dosages, and be prepared to experience the very best muscle, strength, energy, and endurance gains possible!

THE MIRACLE NUTRIENT

Coenzyme Q-10 is an importent vitamin-like nutrient referred to by some as the “The Miracle Nutrient”. CoQ-10 has a special biochemical role of major importance: it plays a critical role in the production of ATR (the basic energy molecule of all the cells). CoQ-10 is a natural nutrient essential to the life and healthy of every living cell. Without it, our bodies are unable to fight back against infection and disease. New research suggests that CoenzymeQ-10 may help strengthen the nervous system and alleviate some problem associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

Coenzyme Q-10 is a powerful antioxidant which has virtually no side effects. studies indicate that it may:

1. Aid the immune system in its defense against diseases.

2. Help to strength the heart and cardiovascular system.

3. Help normalize high blood pressure without side effects.

4. Control periodical (gum) disease.

5. Help slow the aging process.

Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking any substance for medicinal purposes.