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Supplement GlossaryBeta Glucan Beta glucan is a scientifically proven biological defense modifier (BDM) that nutritionally facilitates and modulates the immune response. β-Glucan has been used as an immuno adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, primarily in Japan. Beta glucans occur most commonly as cellulose in plants and trees, the bran of cereal grains, the cell wall of baker's yeast, certain types of fungi, and many kinds of mushrooms and bacteria. Beta glucan has various immune enhancing properties, particularly their ability to activate macrophage immune cells. CoEnzyme Q10 CoEnzyme Q10 is an essential component of the mitochondria - "the energy producing unit of the body", similar to the role of a spark plug in a car engine. CoEnzyme Q10 is found in every cell of the body, but it is most highly concentrated in heart muscle cells because they use the greatest amount of energy. While CoEnzyme Q10 is produced in the body its production decrease with age, which may require dietary supplementation. CoEnzyme Q10 is an extremely powerful antioxidant, which prevents oxidative damage to the lining of blood vessels and the muscle of the heart. CoEnzyme Q10 has shown to offer significant protection against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), angina pectoris, and periodontal disease. CoEnzyme Q10 lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension; counteracts histamine, and is therefore, beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory disease. Glucosamine Glucosamine is vital in stimulating the body to manufacture "proteoglycans" which maintain fluid in the cartilage. Cartilage is a rubbery pliable pad that line joints and acts as protective shock absorbers, so that we avoid bone-on bone contact. Cartilage is made up of living tissue that is continually broken down and replaced, however, injury, stress on joints, and the aging process itself, can harm cartilage tissue. Glucosamine helps prevent arthritic symptoms and relieves the pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, Glucosamine is involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is a gellike aminoglycan that is found in the tissue space, the synovial fluid of joints, and the vitreous humor of the eyes and acts as a binding, lubricating, and protective agent. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. Hyaluronic acid not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. Policosanol Policosanol is a mixture of alcohols isolated and refined from sugar cane. Policosanol has been associated with lower levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol. The level of LDL in a person's blood is linked to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels due to build up of lipids, sometimes known as "hardening of the arteries"). Having a high level of LDL cholesterol puts a person at risk of having coronary heart disease. Patients who have taken Policosanol have also shown increased levels of high-density lipoprotein or HDL, the "good" cholesterol. HDL helps carry cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, where it is processed and excreted from the body. Suntheanine® Suntheanine® contains the amino acid L-theanine found almost exclusively in tea. Green Tea is said to induce relaxation and L-theanine is suspected to be the chief reason for these qualities. Research suggests that Suntheanine® naturally stimulates activity in the brain known as alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. Further research suggests that Suntheanine may have application in improving the quality of sleep, diminishing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, and promoting concentration. Taurine Considered "conditionally essential," taurine appears to play a prominent cell-volumizing role. It's key to fat digestion, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, brain and nervous-system function, and transportation of electrolytes across cell membranes. Taurine is used to transport key nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, into muscle cells. Active individuals report these effects enhance gains in muscle size and strength. Taurine is vital for the proper utilization of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It also has functions in the gallbladder, eyes, and blood vessels, and may have some antioxidant and detoxifying properties. We have made every effort in this section to describe key aspects of how the specified nutritional supplements function in the body. The information on nutritional supplements described in this web site does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, and interactions. It is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed. |
