Alpha Lipoic Acid

_ Both a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant
_ Involved in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy
_ Helps improve blood sugar metabolism and insulin sensitivity
_ Approved as a drug in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy

 

Amino Acids

_ The basic building blocks of all proteins
_ Some can be made by biological processes; some must be provided through diet or supplementation
_ Amino acids that cannot be synthesized are called essential and must be obtained from food
_ Essential amino acids include lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, arginine, tryptophan and histidine.
_ Non-essential amino acids include alanine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, and proline.

 

Antioxidants

_ Antioxidants are molecules that pair their own electrons with “free radicals,” the rogue electrons that can damage cellular structures, neutralizing them.
_ Antioxidants are considered as possible preventive agents for aging, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease.
_ Increase the effectiveness of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, contributes to a healthy endothelium which helps to prevent cardiovascular dysfunction.
_ Abundant in foods such as blueberries, acai berries, apples, pomegranates, strawberries, cherries, plums, sweet potatoes, carrots, pecans and green tea.

 

Chromium Picolinate

_ In 1959, chromium was first identified as an element that enables the hormone insulin to function properly.
_ Refined sugars, white flour and a lack of exercise can deplete the body’s levels of chromium.
_ Chromium aids in weight management by promoting the maintenance of lean muscle and the loss of body fat.
_ Recent research indicates that chromium picolinate can help to decrease cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods.

 

CoEnzyme Q10 

_ The second most important nutrient in the cardiovascular system after nitric oxide
_ Biopsy results show 75% of cardiovascular patients are deficient in CoQ10
_ Statin drugs deplete the body of CoQ10
_ CoQ10 is found in every plant and animal cell and is concentrated in the human heart

 

Essential Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

_ A Harvard study found that over 84,000 people die each year from a deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids
_ Experts estimate that nearly 80 percent of the population does not ingest enough Omega-3 fatty acids
_ Our cells are surrounded by fatty envelopes, and Omega-3 fatty acids help keep our cell membranes healthy, flexible and functional
_ Used by the body to produce natural anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins

 

Glucosamine

_ There are no food sources of glucosamine.
_ The cartilage-to-cartilage interaction that occurs in our joints produces less friction with movement than ice on ice.
_ Aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), which are commonly used to treat the symptoms of arthritis, may in fact inhibit the natural repair of joint tissue, thus leading to further damage.
_ Our body’s natural production of glucosamine slows with age.

 

Green Tea

_ Archeological evidence suggests that people consumed tea leaves steeped in boiling water as many as 5,000 years ago.
_ The primary antioxidant in green tea (EGCG) is 100 times more potent than vitamins C and E.
_ One cup of green tea (delivering 10-40 mg of antioxidant polyphenols) has antioxidant effects greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach or carrots.
_ Green tea is tremendously beneficial
_ Green tea has the highest polyphenol content, while black tea has roughly two to three times the caffeine content of green tea.

 

Pomegranate

_ In ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate represents life and regeneration.
_ Pomegranate juice contains a higher level of polyphenol antioxidants than red wine, cranberry cocktail juice and
blueberry juice.
_ Pomegranate protects and enhances the functions and benefits of nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular system.

 

Vitamin D

_ Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem, impacting people of all ages including both the young
and the elderly.
_ As many as half of older adults in the United States with hip fractures could have insufficient Vitamin D levels.
_ Two studies have examined actual vitamin D levels in obese subjects. One found dramatically lower levels. A South Carolina study found all of the obese subjects had levels below 2.2 ng/ml (deficient) while all of the non-obese subjects had levels above 8 ng/ml (normal).
_ Researchers found that 36% of young medical students and hospital residents— people who work long hours and rarely see the light of day—were Vitamin D insufficient at the end of winter.