Important Nutrients help you to achieve optimal health

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble nutrient that is found in many foods and is made in nearly all of your body’s tissues. It has the important responsibility of producing cellular energy. However, your body makes less and less CoQ10 as you age. You can take supplements to counter this effect.

Fiber

Fiber is a food substance found in plants that contains no nutrients or calories. It occurs in both a soluble and insoluble form, both of which help with digestion and neither of which can be digested or absorbed by your body. Soluble fibers bind to fats in foods and prevent their absorption, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Insoluble fibers help food move through your body and be excreted more quickly. Fiber is suspected to help prevent certain cancers.

Indole-3-Carbinol

I-3-C is developed from the breakdown of glucobrassicin, a compound that occurs when cruciferous vegetables (those in the cabbage family) are broken or cooked.

Indole-3-carbinol helps prevent the development of estrogen-enhanced cancers (such as breast, cervical, and uterine). Some doctors believe that I-3-C also protects against prostate cancer, as well as cancers caused by pesticides and other toxins. It is an antioxidant, and inhibits oxidation and the formation of free radicals.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that is associated with sleep. It is also an antioxidant, and new research has suggested that it may help significantly in the treatment of breast cancer. The amount of melatonin your body produces decreases as you age, and depends on the activity of an enzyme called serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (NAT). Your body’s production of NAT, on the other hand, depends on its storage of vitamin B6.

Methylsulfonylmethane

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural substance that you make in your body as well as ingest in certain foods. It is used to treat pain and inflammation. MSM supplies the mineral sulfur – an important compound that is vital to life – to your body. However, it is not sulfa. If you are allergic to sulfa, you probably can take MSM. Discuss this with your doctor before beginning supplementation.

MSM is formed from the oxidation of the sulfur compound dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Although DMSO has similar pain-relieving attributes to MSM, DMSO may cause side effects that range from nasal congestion to shortness of breath to body odor. Therefore, MSM is a amore highly recommended route to improving your sulfur level.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are a class of flavonoids – plant substances – that are powerful antioxidants (which help to eliminate unhealthy free radicals). Your body cannot make them. The richest sources of OPCs are extracts of red wine, grape seeds, and pine bark. All forms of OPCs have some similarities. They all have anti-carcinogenic properties and act as anti-inflammatories. However, extracts from different sources can also have different effects on your body.

Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid and a major component of lecithin. Often, the word “lecithin” is used as a synonym for “phosphatidylcholine”. It is a good source of choline. This substance is isolated from egg yolk, soy beans, and certain meats in order to manufacture supplements.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a green algae that contains excellent essential nutrients. Its main components are protein, carbohydrates, and unsaturated (good) fats, and it contains vitamins A, B2, B6, C, E, and K. Chlorella is also abundant with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and iodine.

Chlorella has many medical benefits. It can boost immunity function, reduce high blood pressure, decrease risk of diabetes and anemia, reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause, and promote healthy cell growth and wound healing. Some people are allergic to chlorella, so begin use with caution. If you develop nausea or other gastrointestinal distress, stop taking chlorella.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is part of a large protein molecule that is found naturally in cartilage. Although it is commonly sold as a supplement, it is usually less effective than the similar glucosamine sulfate (also found in cartilage) because its large size doesn’t allow it to be easily absorbed and utilized. Yet, its sulfur molecules are able to be absorbed. As a result, sufferers of osteoarthritis often report pain relief after taking chondroitin sulfate. It can take several months to become effective.

Colostrum

Colostrum, a nutrient with immune-enhancing benefits, is secreted by humans and animals in breast milk. It is also taken as a supplement because it has certain curative properties. Individuals with short bowel syndrome, chemotherapy-induced mouth ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease often report success after taking colostrum supplementation. Colostrum may also protect the stomach and bowel from damage caused by anti-inflammatory medications.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid – it contains both phosphorus and fat molecules – and is one of the key building blocks in your brain. It is also present in every cell in your body and has many important functions. It is critical for neurotransmission (electrical signals sent between neurons), it can benefit heart rhythm, improve immune function, incorporates membrane proteins, influence the fluidity of nerve-cell membraces, reduce cortisol (a stress hormone). It is needed for electrical activity of your brain, and is used in bone formation.

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