January 24, 25, & 26, 2008
Liquid Consumption:
nothing out of the ordinary (cucumber/celery/greens)
breakstone tea
chai tea
lemon water
So, here it is. The long awaited explanation of the long list of supplements I am currently taking with this modified juice feast.
1. Healthforce Nutritionals Vitamineral Green™
Vitamineral Green v 3.70 is the most current evolution of a 14 year quest for excellence, nature's original first food. It now has double the probiotics as the 3.55 version and the grasses have a finer grind for increased assimilation within the body. There was no increase in price either. This product is also marketed (private labelled) as Nature's Best Greens and Nature's First Food.
It simultaneously represents the innate wisdom of nature and the advancements of science. It contains an extremely potent & comprehensive array of nature's most nutritive and cleansing superfoods, grown and processed to maximize their benefits.
It was designed to be the most nutrient dense and comprehensive superfood product ever offered. Vitamineral Green contains a full spectrum of naturally occurring, absorbable and non-toxic vitamins, minerals (including calcium) and trace minerals (including naturally colloidal and better). Vitamineral Green contains no synthetic or isolated nutrients (not excreted as expensive yellow urine or stored as toxic deposits). "Manufactured" by Mother Nature herself; not a chemist. Also naturally occurring are all the essential amino acids (protein), antioxidants, fatty acids, chlorophyll, soluble and insoluble fibers, tens of thousands of phytonutrients, and a plethora of other synergistically bound, organic nutrients. 100% whole food nutrition.
Vitamineral Green also represents a promise. A promise to you that its creator has done everything possible to ensure that it is the best superfood and nutritional product available at this time (Jameth Sheridan, N.D.)
Vitamineral Green is a unique and extremely potent combination of nature's most deeply nourishing, cleansing, and rebuilding superfoods. Its ingredients are specifically grown, processed, and combined to maximize their beneficial effects. Supports healthy bones, regular bowel movements, cleanses and nourishes the blood, colon, liver and kidneys, plus more!
Nutrient Dense Superfood
*100% Whole Food Nutrients
*Absorbable Nutrients
*Completely Non-Toxic in any amount. This is pure superfood!
*Best Value Superfood - Compare To Others (ounce per ounce or gram per gram)
*Amber Glass Bottle with Oxygen Absorber
*Loaded With Enzymes & Life Force
*100% highly functional, power packed ingredients - 31 TRUE Superfoods in all
*NOT DILUTED with apple fiber, barley malt, sucanat, rice starch, large amounts of lecithin, or anything else
*Alkalizing Organic food
*100% Vegan - and Cruelty Free
Ingredients: 100% Organic/Wildcrafted
Land Vegetables:
Whole Leaf Barley Grass , Whole Leaf Wheat Grass , Nettle Leaf , Shavegrass (Horsetail) , Alfalfa Leaf Juice , Dandelion Leaf Juice , Kamut® Grass Juice , Barley Grass Juice , Oat Grass Juice , Burdock Root , Broccoli Juice , Kale Juice , Spinach Juice , Parsley Juice , Carob Pod , Ginger Root , Nopal Cactus , Amla Berry
Algaes:
Spirulina , Broken Cell Wall Chlorella
Wildcrafted Aquatic Vegetables:
Icelandic Kelp , Nova Scotia Dulse
Enzymes:
Optimum absorption of Amylase, Lipase, Protease, Cellulase, Bromelain and Papain
Comprehensive Probiotic Mixture - Beneficial Organisms. Includes Exclusive NSO, (Natural Soil Organisms) and Implantable Species.
A. Agilis, L. Acidophilus, R. Arrhizus, DDS-1 Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Bulgaricus, A. Brasilienese, B. Brenis, P. Chrysosporium, A. Citreus, L. Casei, P. Calcis, S. Cellulasae, P. Denitrificans, S. Faecium, S. Fradiae, P. Flourescens, A. Globiformis, S. Griseoflavus, P. Gelatic, B. Lipolyticum, A. Luteus, A. Lipoferum, A. Lwolfii, B. Laterosporous, P. Marinoglutinosa, , B. Macerans, P. Nigraclens, P. Putida, L. Plantarum, B. Pumilus, B. Polymyxa, B. Stationis, L. Salivarius, B. Subtilus, B. Succinogenes, A. Simplex, B. Subtilus, S. Thermopolis , A. Terreus, M. Verrucaria, T. Viride. , K. Zopfit.
Net Wt.: 16 oz
Grasses are nature's first food. Vitamineral Green, which contains grasses plus more, is definately nature's original first food. Vitamineral Green is a very high quality potent nutrient product and can be used as part of a detoxification, cleansing or juice fast.
2. E3 Live
There's only one ingredient in E3Live™, and that's 100% Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA for short), an edible freshwater plant. AFA is at the very foundation of the entire food chain.
Although it has been eaten for centuries by indigenous peoples, for the first time in history, AFA - nature's most basic food - is available in it's complete, vital, fresh frozen, LIQUID form.
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), (means invisible flower of the water) is a fresh water nutritional plant referred to as cyanophyta. Cyanophyta are living water plants that grow in nearly all droplets of sunlit water and in every gram of soil, on the bark of trees and the surfaces of rocks. It is estimated that there are as many as 50,000 species, including various seaweeds and plankton.
Collectively, cyanophyta are responsible for 90% of the Earth's oxygen and 80% of its food supply. Perhaps the most interesting of these unicellular plants are the cyanophyta community, of which there are about 1500 species--the Upper Klamath Lake, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, or AFA for short, being one of them. AFA is a very special form of cyanophyta. All foods reflect the environment in which they are grown. The beautiful, unpolluted Upper Klamath Lake-one of the few remaining alkaline lakes on the planet holds the key to it's remarkable potency.
This lake has an astonishingly high mineral concentration due to a massive volcanic eruption that occurred in the vicinity over 7,000 years ago, covering the area with millions of tons of mineral ash. Seventeen streams and rivers deposit into the 140 square mile lake an annual average of 50,000 tons of the mineral-rich silt from the surrounding 4000 square mile volcanic basin, making Upper Klamath Lake one of the richest nutrient traps in the world.
Much has been learned about this amazing food since it became available as a food source over 20 years ago. There are more benefits being discovered every day as this cyanophyta is introduced to the medical and scientific communities. AFA has been available in powders and capsules, but now, for the first time in history, AFA is available in its much more potent and vibrant frozen LIQUID form.
Possible Benefits:
-Increase endurance and stamina
-Lift and balance mood to reduce stress
-Increase mental focus and concentration
-Balance blood-sugar levels
-Speed up recovery time
-Restore overall biochemical balance (1)
-Enjoy long-lasting energy boost (2)
-Grow healthier skin, nails and hair
-Truly enhance overall well-being
(1) Dr. Gabriel Cousens, Director, Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center
(2) Dr. Fred Bisci, nationally renowned health lecturer
E3Live™ (fresh-frozen, liquid AFA) is an all-organic wild-harvested aqua-botanical considered by renowned health authorities to be nature’s most beneficial superfood.
Physiologically, E3Live™ helps restore overall body/mind balance in numerous ways. Its field of action simultaneously includes the immune, endocrine, nervous, gastro-intestinal and cardio-vascular systems.
Nutritionally, E3Live™ provides 64 easily absorbed vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has more biologically active chlorophyll than any known food. It is the most nutrient dense food known to mankind.
3. Pure Synergy
Supported by over 30 years of research and use, Pure Synergy® remains the standard by which all other green superfood formulas are measured. Based on the original Kirlian research of Dr. Mitchell May and his colleagues at UCLA Medical Center, Pure Synergy’s unique comprehensive formula offers a multitude of valuable phytonutrients, including lutein, enzymes, chlorophyll, carotenes, beta glucans, iodine, alginates, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, quercetin, RNA/DNA, sulforaphane, phycocyanins, GLA, SOD, sitosterols, and zeaxanthin, from some of nature’s most vitalizing and nutrient-rich herbs, algae, grass juices, sprouts and fruits. These special raw foods provide you with powerful support at the most fundamental levels, and the results can be remarkable! When you receive the deep nourishment necessary to function optimally, your body is able to naturally detoxify, regenerate and sustain abundant physical and mental energy throughout your busy days.
PHYTONUTRIENTS PROVIDE VITAL HEALTH-PROTECTIVE BENEFITS?
“Eat your fruits and vegetables!” We’ve all heard it a thousand times. In fact, scientists and researchers are now recommending nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables. Why so much? Greens and fruits are abundant sources of vitamins and minerals, but, more importantly, they are phytonutrient powerhouses. The phytonutrient compounds that function as a plant’s immune system offer substantial antioxidant and detoxifying benefits to us. We now know that chlorophyll, carotenes, lutein, bioflavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins and phycocyanins are responsible for many of the health-protective benefits experienced by people who eat diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
Pure Synergy is bursting with vital phytonutrients. Grass juices, algae, sea vegetables, spinach, collards, kale and berries are the richest known sources of many of these precious compounds. More important, Pure Synergy provides these phytonutrients in their natural, synergistic food form. This means that the phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals contained in Pure Synergy enhance and support each other’s activity, providing protective, regenerative and strengthening benefits to you!
Pure Synergy’s cleansing and regenerative grass juices, algae, seaweeds and enzymes are combined with protective fruits and berries and restorative, adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms to enhance natural detoxification and the radiant energy that results from genuine well-being. Unlike many companies, we never add fillers or bulking agents (such as whole grasses, apple fiber or pectin, rice bran or flax), which dilute nutritional potency and are a potential source of genetically modified material. Because the cellulose fiber in whole grass is indigestible, it prevents the grass’s valuable phytonutrients from being released in the digestive system. For this reason, we use only grass juices. In every spoonful of Pure Synergy, you receive densely packed nutrition that intensely nourishes and strengthens every system in your body, resulting in sustained energy, enhanced recovery, mental clarity and overall well-being!
Pure Synergy is special not only because of its extraordinary formula, but also because we meticulously cultivate and protect all the precious constituents contained in it. We work closely with our certified organic growers to ensure the optimal development of enzymes and beneficial phytonutrients in Pure Synergy’s ingredients. These extraordinary herbs and other foods are harvested at their peak of potency and immediately concentrated and dried by utilizing proprietary cool-temperature processes that preserve their energetic and nutritional integrity. Studies have shown that these unique technologies offer unprecedented protection of the enzymes and other valuable phytonutrient constituents. Our Ultra Fresh Packaging™ further protects Pure Synergy from damaging light, oxygen and moisture after bottling.
All Pure Synergy’s ingredients are comprehensively tested, and this superior product is made at The Synergy Company’s own award-winning facility, where we are certified to manufacture organic and kosher products.
Available in pleasant- and mild-tasting powder for mixing in water or juice, and in convenient vegetable capsules.
"Pure Synergy has an almost miraculous way of enhancing
mental clarity, health and vitality. An extraordinary superfood,
Pure Synergy could be the most perfect food ever created
by human beings. I use Pure Synergy myself and in my work with clients."
— Gabiel Cousens, M.D., noted medical researcher and author
of the health classic Conscious Eating
Benefits Reported by Pure Synergy® Consumers
Enhances vitality and vigor
Provides sustained and steady energy
Enhances mental clarity
Assists purifying detoxification
Improves immunity
Enhances athletic recovery and physical endurance
Greatly increases sense of well-being
Nurtures a healthy lifestyle
Organic & Wildcrafted Ingredients: Pure Synergy is made with organic and wildcrafted ingredients. This not only assures maximum nutrition, but also protects our environment and bodies from harmful toxins. Pure Synergy’s wildcrafted ingredients are sustainably harvested from their natural environments — the purest sources for some superfoods. All our farmers and wildcrafters take special care with the botanicals in Pure Synergy. Their ethical wildcrafting practices ensure that natural habitats will continue to thrive, and all Pure Synergy’s ingredients are harvested at the optimal stage of growth, when their nutrients have fully matured.
Perfectly Protected: Many nutritional components are highly sensitive to heat. Fresh freeze-drying, cold-drying and Refractance Window drying fully protect the heat-sensitive bioactive constituents and phytonutrients of Pure Synergy’s botanicals. We also utilize special cold-milling equipment. Studies have demonstrated that these unique technologies offer unprecedented protection of all Pure Synergy’s valuable nutrients.
Concentrated & Standardized: When appropriate, we concentrate and standardize select ingredients, using slow, nonchemical processes. Our full-spectrum, standardized concentrates are many times more potent than those created by other methods.
INGREDIENTS:
SYNERGIZED® ALGAE 3.40 grams/serving
Fresh freeze-dried, cold-dried or Refractance Window™ dried: Pure Spirulina Crystals™*, Pure Klamath Crystals™*, Pure Chlorella™, Dunaliella*, Kelp*, Wakame*, Kombu*, Bladderwrack*, Dulse*, wildcrafted Dumontiaceae (Cryptosyphonia woodii).
Algae are some of the earth’s most ancient and nutritionally rich life-forms. Daily, they produce over 70% of the earth’s oxygen supply while transforming the sun’s energy into a powerhouse of essential nutrients. By weight, Synergized® Algae contains more protein, iron, vitamin B12, trace minerals, RNA, DNA, chlorophyll and beta-carotene than any other known natural food source. Synergized® Algae possesses every known mineral essential to human nutrition. Our exclusive formula provides the most complete spectrum of algae available. To ensure the potency of Pure Synergy, we include organic and wildcrafted fresh freeze-dried, cold-dried or Refractance Window dried algae.
SYNERGIZED® PHYTONUTRIENTS & ENZYMES 2.87 grams/serving
Fresh freeze-dried enzymatically active Sprouts of Millet*, Quinoa*, Broccoli*; Apple Fruit*; fresh freeze-dried Blueberry*, Raspberry*; Green Papaya Fruit*; natural plant Enzymes (Amylase, Cellulase, Lipase, Protease).
Due to their lush, vibrant colors, organic apples and berries are an extraordinarily concentrated source of important antioxidant phytonutrients, including quercetin, ellagic and phenolic acids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins. These phytonutrients are so beneficial that scientists now urge people to consume apples and berries daily. The berries in Pure Synergy are organic and fresh freeze-dried to fully protect and concentrate all their valuable compounds and vital enzymes.
Found in all plants and animals, enzymes are essential to maintain our health, digest our food and repair the tissues in our bodies. Without them, life ceases. Pure Synergy contains a combination of specially grown natural and organic sprout enzymes that offers a unique nutritional profile. The enzymes in Pure Synergy help maximize digestion and assimilation of all Pure Synergy’s valuable ingredients. In addition, our plant enzymes provide a natural source of highly active antioxidant enzymes.
SYNERGIZED® CHINESE MUSHROOMS & HERBAL EXTRACTS 2.61 grams/serving
Reishi*, Shiitake*, Maitake*, Agaricus*, Cordyceps*. Standardized 7:1 herbal extract+: Astragalus Root*, Eleuthero Root*, Lycium (Wolfberry) Fruit*, Tang-Kuei Root*, Schizandra chinensis Fruit*, Atractylodes macrocephala Root, Fo-Ti Root, Paeonia lactiflora Root, Rehmannia Root, Codonopsis Root, Licorice Root*, Jujube Fruit, Poria, Ginger Rhizome, Tangerine Peel, Polygala Root, Ligusticum wallichii Root.
Deeply nourishing and completely balanced for both men and women, the blend of organic Chinese mushrooms and herbs in Pure Synergy offers one of the most venerated Chinese herbal formulas. For over 4,000 years, generations of Chinese doctors and healers have revered these herbs and mushrooms for their ability to restore and nourish chi—the natural Life Force.
The organic Chinese herbs in Pure Synergy are hand gathered in China and prepared in the traditional manner, producing a full-spectrum, standardized concentrate seven times more potent than concentrates produced by other processing methods. Unlike any other dried extracts, our organic Chinese herbal extracts are specially concentrated and then dried, per our specifications, on pure astragalus. This proprietary process allows us to eliminate genetically modified fillers and carriers, such as maltodextrin (cornstarch). Our organic Chinese herbs are prepared exclusively for us at a government-licensed pharmaceutical company utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and they are never irradiated or fumigated.
For centuries, Taoist priests and Oriental physicians have valued the therapeutic mushrooms in Pure Synergy for their health-preserving and life-extending power. These powerful organic mushrooms are currently being researched by the National Institutes of Health.
SYNERGIZED® GREEN JUICES 1.72 grams/serving
Fresh freeze-dried or CO2-dried: juice concentrates of Wheat Grass*, Barley Grass*, Oat Grass*, Alfalfa Grass*; Parsley Leaf*, Spinach Leaf*, Kale Leaf*, Collard Leaf*.
Imagine the tremendous energy that bursts forth every spring, renewing life and greening meadows with fresh grasses and wildflowers. We harvest our organically grown grasses during this time to fully capture the powerful regenerative energy and stored nutrients that plants contain in this vigorous stage of growth. Pure Synergy contains only grass juices extracted from the tough, indigestible cellulose fibers so that the grasses’ valuable phytonutrients are released in our digestive systems. Our grasses are juiced at their peak of potency, concentrated and then immediately cold-dried to keep their special nutrients fresh and active.
Our Synergized® Green Juices blend is a splendid source of protein, enzymes, minerals, vitamins and nature’s wonder—chlorophyll. This blend is further enhanced by the addition of our specially grown, freeze-dried, organic green leafy vegetables, which provide an abundance of vital phytonutrients, such as lutein, sulforaphane, octacosanol and carotenes.
SYNERGIZED® WESTERN HERBS 1.15 grams/serving
Fresh freeze-dried: Nettle Leaf*, Red Clover Flower*, Burdock Root*, Yellow Dock Root*, Skullcap Flower* and Leaf*, Dandelion Leaf*, Ginkgo Leaf*. Rosa canina Fruit (Rose Hips)*.
Native cultures and early herbalists in the Americas prized tonic herbs for their ability to balance, regenerate and revitalize the body. These treasured herbs are unique in their ability to provide enhanced benefits when they are consumed daily for long periods of time. Unlike other companies, we offer these highly prized, tonifying herbs organically grown and fresh freeze-dried. We do this because freeze-drying is the only drying process that captures the full spectrum of their active constituents and ensures their optimal potency and freshness.
SYNERGIZED® NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS 2 milligrams/serving
Rosemary Leaf*, Clove Bud*, Sage Leaf*, natural Vitamin E (Sunflower).
Because oxidation rapidly destroys the nutritional value of foods, Pure Synergy contains a completely natural and proprietary antioxidant blend of the essential oils of three powerful spices proven to preserve the freshness of highly sensitive nutritional components. Our Synergized® Natural Antioxidant blend helps to ensure that your Pure Synergy remains as fresh as it was the day it was made.
* Organic
+ Made with organic ingredients
Pure Synergy®
4. Pure Radiance C
From the lush Amazon Rainforest, a potent, organic, truly 100% natural vitamin C — with a blend of certified organic whole foods and wildcrafted Camu Camu.
The soft mist over the Amazon floodwater parts as a canoe glides into view. Although the jungle is alive with a symphony of bird and animal calls, the canoe and its passengers move silently through the water on their special journey. This journey is of great importance to the indigenous people of the Amazon, for only during the yearly Amazon flood can they paddle deep into the rainforest to gather the world’s richest source of natural vitamin C — Camu Camu berries. These remarkable berries have nurtured the local inhabitants’ health and immune systems for centuries by providing them with an abundance of antioxidant vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
Today, most of us are familiar with the many scientific studies demonstrating vitamin C’s important health-enhancing and antioxidant benefits. What people may not know is that like Dr. Szent-Györgyi’s research, much of this research is conducted using foods high in vitamin C and not synthetic ascorbic acid supplements. This is a very significant distinction — scientists and healthcare providers consistently emphasize the importance of obtaining all our nutrients from whole foods such as Pure Radiance C. The proven health benefits we all associate with vitamin C are actually created by the intricate interaction of numerous supportive co-factors found only in food, not in isolated, synthesized molecules. Test-tube vitamin C simply cannot re-create the magnificent synergy of whole-food vitamin C.
Bursting with the proven goodness of 100% natural vitamin C, The Synergy Company's Pure Radiance C combines timeless nutritional wisdom with modern innovation. Its potent blend of certified organic and wildcrafted foods, rich in natural vitamin C, safely provides you with the many benefits of this essential nutrient while protecting the Amazon Rainforest and its people.
After our Camu Camu berries are carefully hand harvested, they are concentrated in a proprietary process that safeguards all their naturally occurring vitamin C and bioflavonoids and other valuable co-factors. We then join our exclusive Camu Camu berry and organic Amla berry concentrates with a blend of certified organic, phytonutrient-rich berries and other fruits and sprouts to create a truly 100% natural and safe whole-food vitamin C and bioflavonoid-rich supplement — Pure Radiance C.
Pure Radiance C provides:
Concentrated Camu Camu berries wildcrafted in the Amazon — proven to be the world’s richest source of vitamin C.
Concentrated Amla berries organically grown in Himalayan valleys — the most revered and regenerative herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
A proprietary blend of certified organic acerola, rose hips and lemon peel and certified organic, freeze-dried blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and cherries — this exquisite blend contributes highly beneficial co-factors, such as bioflavonoids, quercetin, hesperidin, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, to activate powerful antioxidant activity.
Certified organic, freeze-dried buckwheat berry sprouts — an abundant source of naturally occurring rutin, an important vitamin C co-factor.
Bioperine®, a treasured black pepper berry concentrate to facilitate the uptake and absorption of vitamin C in the body.
Only wholesome ingredients — Pure Radiance C is made with certified organic and wildcrafted ingredients and contains no additives, fillers, corn, gluten or synthetic ascorbic acid. All ingredients The Synergy Company uses are grown and processed without genetically modified materials.
Pure Radiance C is a kosher product.
Each ¼ teaspoon of powder or one vegetarian capsule of Pure Radiance C is made with certified organic and wildcrafted ingredients and provides 200% of the FDA’s RDI for vitamin C – the perfect amount according to the latest research!
5. Shatavari (Ayurvedic Herb)
Shatavari: An Ayurvedic Herb for Women
In India, Shatavari is considered the women's equivalent to Ashwagandha. The name translates to "she who possesses 100 husbands", referring to the herbs rejuvenative effect upon the female reproductive organs. This sweet and bitter herb best known as a female rejuvenative having effects on the female reproductive system
Shatavari helps in restoring (natural healing) the damaged metabolism/cells/system on human body and helps it in faster recovery. Shatavari is also known as natural coolant of body having anti-inflammatory qualities. This herb is known to increase sattwa, or positivity and healing power. It also enhances the feelings of spiritual love, and increases ojas. Shatavari also helps in treating ulcers and acidity related complaints.
Healing qualities of Shatavari are very effective on the female reproductive system related problems. It helps in minimizing the women's complaints related to menstrual cycles (Shatavari minimizes the pain, controls the loss of blood and other fluids during menstrual cycle) and balancing the female hormonal system. It also helps in decreasing the inflammation of female sexual organs, in fighting tiredness and morning sickness, helps in problems related to infertility, leucorrhea, and in regulating ovulation etc, which occur during the menopause cycle. Those women, who face problems of hot flashes, they should try combination of Shatavari and Kama Duba.
Shatavari is used as an ingredient in herbal mixtures, which fight against impotence, weakness in sexual activities and sexual organs, inflammation of sexual organs, and a condition called Spermatorrhea.
Shatavari contains a chemical composition, which is diuretic in nature, and helps in fighting infectious conditions such as bladder infections, intestinal infections etc. Because of its properties, Shatavari is used in dysentery, cystitis and such internal infection conditions.
Along with all the above uses, Shatavari is also used in treatment of chronic fever, dehydration, inflammation of internal walls of the heart and lungs, etc. Combination of Shatavari and other herbs is also used to treat ailments and other problems.
Latin Name: Asparagus racemosus
Family: Asparagaceae
Synonym: Shatavari, Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots, Asparagus roots, Tian men dong
Doshas: Vata, Pitta. Shatavari helps in treating (balancing) 'Pitta dosha'.
Parts Used : Roots (Rhizomes) and leaves.
Geographical Source: Grows in low jungles areas throughout India.
Properties: Nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, laxative, antispasmodic, antacid, diuretic, antitumor, demulcent, powerful anabolic.
Uses
Good for eyes, muscles, reproductive organs, increases milk secretion and helps to regain vigour and vitality.
Useful for infertility, impotence and general sexual debility, decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, menopause, leucorrhea, and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area.
Used to treat gastrointestinal disorders (eg. Hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, diarrhea.) and as an external wash for wounds.
Useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. It is believed to bring into balance all of the body's fluids.
Nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs.
Used in for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility.
6. Ashwagandha (Ayurvedic Herb)
According to Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha balances both the Nervous System (vata = air) and the Musculo-Skeletal System (kapha = earth, water) simultaneously while it increases heat (pitta) in the body. In chronic conditions it is common to see Vata-Kapha imbalances that are usually long standing and difficult to treat. A classic example of such a condition is arthritis, which involves painful, dry joints (a vata condition) along with swollen and inflamed joints (a kapha condition). Ashwagandha would be the medicine of choice in such a condition as it balances both the vata and kapha aspects of this imbalance. Ashwagandha is also indicated in many other conditions that combine vata and kapha imbalances.
Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used to treat: general debility, arthritis, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depressed immunity, sexual debility, infertility, memory loss, breathing difficulties, hormonal imbalances and more.
It is used very effectively for insomnia, but not as a sedative. Its rejuvenative and nervous system restorative properties provide the body with the energy (prana), which is needed by the body to settle itself down and sleep. In this way its adaptogenic properties help the body deal with a stress related condition rather than mask it with a sedative.
In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is considered a sweet root. In ancient times herbs were classified by their taste. The sweet taste allows the herb penetrate into the deeper tissues of the body. The sweet taste would open the tissues rather than constrict them. Very bitter roots would constrict and cleanse but not deeply access and rejuvenate the body like Ashwagandha. Its secondary taste of bitter and astringent would stimulate a deep tissue cleansing and rejuvenation that would not be possible with an aggressive bitter herb. Also because of its sweet taste, Ashwagandha is considered a heavy herb and may be necessary to take it with meals or with ginger to effectively digest it. Toxicity is not usually encountered with Ashwagandha.
7. Vitalzym X
Acts like pac man in the body.
Vitalzym X is a Systemic Enzyme and is actually a protein digesting enzyme. We all understand how important proper digestion is to our health but the digestion chemical process is almost the last function, most certainly not the first. There is another very important function that proceeds digestive processes and this is the body-wide protein-eating enzymes that serve to "clean up" excessive potentially unhealthy protein often even growing in our bodies, especially as we age. These proteins, at least in part, are addressed as fibroids or scar tissue.
Let us look at some of the valuable processes systemic enzymes have been shown in many research projects to help (see references).
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Enzymes are the first line of defense against inflammation. Inflammation is known to be a reaction by the immune system to an irritation. Something like, let's say, an injury to your knee. Your immune system is no fool. It senses the irritation. It creates a protein chain called a Circulating Immune Complex (CIC). This particular CIC is tagged specifically for the right knee. ((Nobel Prize in biology was won in 1999 by a scientist who found the tagging mechanism). Getting back to the CIC associated with that injured right knee, this specific CIC floats down to the injured knee. It causes redness, soreness and the infamous "pain." These symptoms are in fact a signature of inflammation. At first the soreness, redness and pain are beneficial because we now have official warning we have been injured and we need to take precautions and give attention to taking care of the problem. The problem is though, inflammation is self-perpetuating. Then, inflammation creates an irritation and in response the body makes CIC's.
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Celebrex, formerly Viox and the rest of the Non Steroidal anti Inflammatory Drugs all work by keeping the body from from making all the CIC's. The fact is, some CIC's are essential and vital to life. There are CIC's like those that maintain the lining of the intestine and those that keep the kidneys functioning properly! Not to mention the fact that they, along with acetaminophen, are highly toxic to our liver/s. Statistically, about 20,000 American die from these over the counter drugs and another 100,000 will wind up in the hospital with liver damage, kidney damage or bleeding intestines from the side effects of these drugs.
Systemic enzymes, however, have been shown to be perfectly safe and free of dangerous side effects. They have no LD-50, or toxic dosages. Best of all, systemic enzymes have also been shown to have a predisposition to tell the difference between the good CIC's and the bad CIC's. That's not all though because best of all systemic enzymes can tell the difference between the good CIC's and the bad ones. This is due to the fact that hydrolytic enzymes are lock and key mechanisms. Their "teeth" will only fit over the bad CIC's. Instead of preventing the creation of all CIC's, systemic enzymes "simply eat the bad CIC's. What does this do? This eliminates the bad and leaves the good CIC's to do their intended by nature, job of lowering inflammation everywhere in the mammalian body. With that, we can expect to lower pain which is a part of inflammation.
Anti Fibrosis
Here is the crux of the entire beauty of systemic enzymes, they "EAT'" scar tissue and fibrosis. Fibrosis is scar tissue and most doctors learn in anatomy it is fibrosis that eventually kills us all. In explanation, as we all age, and at about age 27 or thereabout, we have a diminishing number of natural occurring enzymes available in our own body/ies. Instead of our bodies releasing a goodly amount of enzymes each day, at about age 27, our body/ies begin to dole out miniscule drops of enzymes. If our body/ies continued to use the higher level of natural occurring enzymes, we would all be dead by age 40 or thereabout because we would be just about totally out of our own enzymes. For instance, Cystic Fibrosis patients who have virtually no enzyme production to speak of, even as wee children, usually don't make it past their 20's. They die very young from restriction and shrinkage in their lungs from the formation of fibrosis or scar tissue.
So our body/ies begin, once again, to "dole" out our enzymes with an eyedropper instead of a tablespoon. The result of this is that the repair mechanism of your body goes off balance and has nothing to reduce the over abundance of fibrin it deposits in nearly everything from simple cuts, to the inside of internal organs and blood vessels. In other ward, every injury we sustain, no matter how slight, is a potential scar tissue or fibroid making event. Even plaque is an issue about which many people must be concerned. When the body begins to dole out minute drops of enzymes, this is when most women begin to have deposits of fibrin in the body. Women also suffer fibrin like fibrocystic breast disease, uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Detailed research indicates most all of us begin to grow arterial sclerotic (meaning scar tissue) plaque. Then spider web type fibrin winds it's way through our organs. When this occurs, is when our organs begin to show a reduction in size, capacity and finally their efficient function over time. This then is why, when we age, our wounds heal with thicker, less pliable, weaker and very visible scars.
If we replace the lost enzymes, we can finally expect to control and reduce the amount of scar tissue and fibrosis in our bodies. Even physicians in the u.S. are now discovering even old scar tissue can be "removed" from surgical wounds, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, even keloid years after their formation. Medical doctors in Europe and Asia have known this and used orally administered enzymes for such for over 40 years!
Blood Cleansing
The blood is not only the river of life; it's also the river through which the cells and organs dispose of their waste. Enzymes improve circulation by disposing of the excess fibrin that causes blood to sometimes get as thick as catsup or yogurt, creating the perfect environment for the formation of those dangerous blood clots. All of this material is supposed to be cleaned off by the liver on a "first pass" basis. (This simply means cleansing should occur the first time it passes through the liver).
Looking at our world today, however, we are living in a seriously "toxic world!" So, we begin to understand our liver/s are also subject to the toxic impact so prevalent in this world. The result, then, is that the toxins remain in the liver instead of being eliminated as Nature intended. Here is the result, the waste remains in our livers and is passed on to the blood while it is awaiting enough room in that liver of ours to be eliminated naturally. The enzymes have been shown to help clean out our systems in many scientific research projects but out liver/s have to await enough room in the "toxic liver" to clean out that liver, thus the system.
Here is what happens, when systemic enzymes are taken, they are ready to take the stress off the liver by being in the blood, they then do the following:
Cleaning excess fibrin from the blood and reducing the stickiness of blood cells. These two actions minimize the leading causes of stroke and heart attack, Blood Clots, a major cause of disablement and death in the world today. In this way, these two actions minimize the leading causes of stroke and heart attack, once again, BLOOD CLOTS!.
Breaking dead material down small enough that it can immediately pass into the bowel.
Cleansing the FC receptors on the white blood cells, improving their function and availability to fight off infection.
And here we come to the only warning we have to give concerning the use of system enzymes like Vitalzym or any other systemic enzyme - DO NOT USE Systemic Enzymes (Vitalzym) IF YOU ARE A HEMOPHILIAC OR ARE ON PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNERS LIKE COUMADIN, HEPARIN AND PLAVIX. This type (like Vitalzym) of systemic enzymes cause the drugs to work better, so there is the possibility of thinning the blood too much.
Immune System Modulating
Enzymes are adaptogenic, seeking to restore a steady state to the body. When the immune system is running low, we become susceptible to infectious disease. When it's cranked up too high, then the system creates anti-bodies that attack it's own tissues, as are seen in the autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are prime examples of immune system deficiencies. Systemic Enzymes like Vitalzym "tone down immune function and eat away at the antibodies the immune system is making to attack its body's own immune system.\
Virus Fighting
Viruses harm us by replicating in our bodies. To do this, a virus must bond itself to the DNA in our cells through the medium of its exterior protein cell wall. Anything that disrupts that cell wall inhibits the ability of viral replication by rendering individual viruses inert. Systemic enzymes can tell the difference between the proteins that are supposed to be in our body/ies and those that are foreign or not supposed to be there (again, the enzyme lock and key mechanisms). Vitalzym has the strongest protein eating effect of any enzyme due to its Serrapeptase content and ca be of help in combating viruses.
The term "proteolytic" refers to all enzymes that digest protein. Other classes of enzymes include Amylase a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and Lipase a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat during the digestive process. Each of these help in the digestion of food which in turn helps with absorption of those essential nutrients in the diet. In the body, proteolytic digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas, but supplemental forms of enzymes may come from fungal or bacterial sources, extraction from the pancreas of livestock animals (trypsin/chymotrypsin) or extraction from plants (such as papain from the papaya and Bromelain from pineapples). The primary uses of proteolytic enzymes in dietary supplements are used as digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory agents and pain relievers.
There are a number of clinical trials showing the benefit of using oral proteolytic enzymes as a digestive aid. Proteolytic enzymes are also theorized to help reduce symptoms of food allergies and as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
Perhaps the strongest evidence for benefits of proteolytic enzyme supplements come from numerous European studies showing various enzyme blends to be effective in accelerating recovery from exercise and injury in sportsmen as well as tissue repair in patients following surgery. In one study of footballers suffering from ankle injuries, proteolytic enzyme supplements accelerated healing and got players back on the field about 50% faster than athletes assigned to receive a placebo tablet(1). A handful of other small trials in athletes have shown enzymes can help reduce inflammation, speed healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures) and reduce overall recovery time when compared to athletes taking a placebo(2-8). In patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries, treatment with proteolytic enzymes significantly reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness compared to placebo groups (9-11).
Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase, also known as Serratia peptidase, is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non-pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia E15. The enzyme is found naturally in the intestine of the silkworm, which is used by the silkworm to dissolve the cocoon and emerge as a moth. When consumed in unprotected tablets or capsules, the enzyme is destroyed by acid in the stomach. However, when enterically coated the enzyme passes through the stomach unchanged, and can be absorbed in the intestine.
It has many clinical uses including: as an anti-inflammatory agent (particularly for post traumatic swelling), or Fibrocystic breast disease, or Bronchitis (Serrapeptase loosens and expels mucous).
Serrapeptase digests dead tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque. The late German physician Dr. Hans Nieper, used serrapeptase to treat arterial blockage in his coronary patients. Clinical studies show that serrapeptase induces fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (prevents swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues, and that its anti-inflammatory effects are superior to other proteolytic enzymes(12). Besides reducing inflammation, one of serrapeptase's most profound benefits is reduction of pain, due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues(13) Physicians throughout Europe and Asia have recognized the anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking benefits of this naturally occurring substance and are using it in treatment as an alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs(14).
Bromelain & Papain
Both Bromelain and Papain are plant derived proteolytic enzymes. Bromelain, also known as bromelin, is a protein-digesting enzyme extracted from the flesh and stem of the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus. Papain, is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the papaya plant, Carica papaya. Bromelain is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and decreasing swelling, but the scope of its benefits continues to increase. As a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme, bromelain has many uses. Arthritis patients may reduce the swelling that causes joint pain by taking bromelain. Bromelain may also be helpful for the pain, numbness, tingling, aching, and loss of motor and sensory function in the fingers resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (15,16). Prevention of the adhesiveness of platelets to endothelial cell walls was accomplished with 0.1 mcg/ml of Bromelian(16a). Thus the benefit of bromelain occurs over a broad range of doses, and even small amounts may be beneficial to anyone at risk to thrombotic heart attack or stroke. Papain has been shown to be effective in preventing burn wound infection and helping remove dead cells(17). Papain is also used for the following:
Defibrinating wounds in hospitals
Preventing cornea scar deformation
Used in treatments of jellyfish and insect stings
To treat edemas, inflammatory processes, and in the acceleration of wound healing
In low doses as an indigestion medicine
Papain has been used to treat ulcers, dissolve membranes in diphtheria and reduce swelling, fever and adhesions after surgery.
Amla
Also known as Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is the richest source of Vitamin C. It also contains tannic acid, glucose, protein, cellulose and Calcium. Amla is useful for stomach problems, it is antipyretic, hair tonic and nerve brain tonic. It's also useful in anemia, hyperacidity and in gynecological problems and epistaxis. Amla is considered to have restorative and preventive properties.
Rutin
Is one of the many existing Flavonoids. Flavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids support health by strengthening capillaries and other connective tissue, and some function as anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and antiviral agents. Rutin and several other flavonoids may also protect blood vessels. Rutin was shown to stimulate wound healing in rats and augment the tensile strength of scar tissue significantly(18).
8. Premier Research Max Stress B Nano-Plex
Key Benefits
The world's first natural-source B vitamins made from probiotic fermentation
International patent-pending technology
Highly active, "living" B vitamins in their end-chain forms which deliver high cellular resonance
Other B vitamin products are typically synthetic with no cellular resonance
Maximum stress support, anti-aging, instantaneous energy boost, brain rejuvenation, heart health and mood balance*
Research suggests natural sources of B vitamins are safest and most effective, especially in long term use*
The World's First Natural-Source B Vitamins
Now for the first time, completely natural-source B vitamins are available in Max Stress B Nano-Plex derived from proprietary technology using special, healthy pro biotic strains. This means a Quantum Leap in everything that B vitamins do for the body maximum stress protection, anti-aging, instantaneous energy boost, brain rejuvenation, heart health and mood balance.
Because of its liquid oral delivery system, this is one product that literally everyone we know who tried it really felt an immediate difference - an instant feeling of well being and better mental clarity. *
No amount of synthetic B vitamins can deliver the super energy boost you'll experience with just 1/2 teaspoon of Max Stress B Nano-Plex. This product nourishes the cell's DNA, delivering a biophotonic "body of light" only found in "once-living source" nutrients. Synthetic B vitamins - and all synthetics for that matter - actually accelerate aging and degradation of the cell's DNA.
Vital For Robust Health
The whole B-complex family of vitamins - especially folic acid and vitamin B 12 - are necessary for optimal health for you and your entire family. While they may not be as famous as vitamin C, the B vitamins - especially folate - are certainly making a name for themselves in the news these days. In fact, in 1998, the Food and Nutrition Board, the group within the National Academy of Sciences that sets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), published revised RDAs, now called Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), for the B vitamins.
Get the Whole Complex of Benefits
The B vitamins work together as a team, which is why it is generally recommended to take a supplement with the whole vitamin B-complex family, rather than individual, isolated B vitamins. The whole B family is needed to help keep the body in balance and harmony for greater physical, emotional and mental health for you and your family.
Even if you could eat large amounts of foods rich in B vitamins, such as fruits, vegetables and grains, you would still typically fall short of the desired daily intake of B vitamins. Why? Research shows that the nutrient content of our food has been drastically decreased due to poor soil health and extensive pesticide use in the U.S. So, one of the best ways to assure you're getting enough B vitamins is to take a natural-source B-complex supplement such as Max Stress B Nano-Plex.
But does your vitamin B complex product contain real B vitamins?
Probably not! About 99% of all vitamin B products on the market today are synthetically made in a laboratory. Despite marketing claims, these laboratory-produced vitamins are not natural B vitamins - and far from it. They are chemically synthesized molecules manufactured in a test tube, typically from coal tar derivatives. Ouch! These synthetic molecules mimic only one component of the multitude of life-supporting nutrient complexes found in real, natural B vitamins.
Vastly Superior Benefits
Now, using breakthrough, patent-pending technology, you can receive the vastly superior benefits of natural B vitamins to support your body without the synthetics. Max Stress B Nano-Plex is made using special strains of pro biotic bacteria to produce all natural B vitamins in their most potent, end-chain coenzyme forms.
Test-Tube Vitamin B: No Thanks
The proven benefits associated with the B complex are actually created by the entire, intricate, complex symphony of phytonutrients and supportive co-factors naturally found only in whole nutrient sources, not in isolated, synthesized molecules. In short, test-tube vitamin B complex simply cannot re-create the magnificent synergy of a whole-nutrient vitamin B complex.
Get "B" Vitamins on Your "A" List
Let's take at look at the whole "B" family - the B-complex and other B-like vitamins - and why they need to be on your "A" list of "must-have" nutrients.
Folic Acid Imagine eating 2 heads of lettuce, 3 apples, 5 bananas, and 7 carrots every day to try to get the minimum requirement of folate (400 micrograms). Even if you could eat large amounts of folate-rich foods, research shows that folic acid derived from food may be less readily assimilated and utilized than the end-chain form of folic acid as found in Max Stress B Nano-Plex.
Women of child-bearing age are now being urged to increase their folic acid intake in order to help prevent neural tube defects in infants (which can cause brain and spinal defects) and spina bifida (where a segment of the spinal nerve cord grows outside the bony spinal column). In addition, adequate levels of folate have been associated with lower levels of homocysteine in the blood (a risk factor for serious heart and immune concerns).
Vitamin B12 (S-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, fully reacted coenzyme form). Vitamin B 12 plays a key role in the body and is also associated with lower levels of homocysteine in the blood. It is required for energy production and overall health of the body, including red blood cell formation. Other roles of B12 include proper nervous system development and prevention of infertility in men. It has also been shown to improve memory and promote heart health. Lack of sufficient amounts of vitamin BI2 can create a deficiency or absorption problems that can lead to pernicious anemia. Research has shown that vitamin B 12 levels decline as we age. This may be due to poorer food choices, reduced intake of BI2 or poor absorption.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-S-phosphate form). Like folate and B 12, vitamin B6 has also been associated with lower levels of homocysteine. In addition, vitamin B6 is well known in this computer age for its role in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in wrists and arms caused by repetitive motion. Those most susceptible to CTS include computer operators, supermarket checkers, production line assemblers, carpenters and seamstresses.
In their book, "Vitamin B6 Therapy", John Marion Ellis, M.D. and Jean Pamplin explain how B6 helps carpal tunnel syndrome: "Vitamin B6 works by improving the function of the synovium, the sheath that surrounds the tendons." In addition, they explain how insulin resistance (elevated bloodglucose levels now at crisis proportions in the U.S. due to eating refined sugar and grains) causes reduced blood levels of B6 which then lowers both pancreatic and circulating insulin levels.
Vitamin B5 (coenzyme A form). Best known as pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 was discovered by Dr. Roger Williams who spearheaded the concept of biochemical individuality. It has long been considered the "anti-stress" vitamin for its role in helping to balance adrenal gland function and thus, helps us cope with stress better. In his book, "The Vitamin Revolution", Michael Janson, M.D., says that insufficient amounts of pantothenic acid can lead to fatigue, mood imbalances and sleep concerns. Until now, only the inferior form of vitamin B5, d-calcium pantothenate, was available. Now, for the first time in history the superior end-chain form of B5 (coenzyme A) is available and the high powered derivative acetyl coenzyme A as well in a stable form all available in Max Stress B Nano-Plex. No other product on earth can directly deliver this form at any pnce.
Vitamin B3 (inositol hexanicotinamide, the no-flush form). Vitamin B3 helps improve blood circulation by dilating arteries - especially important in the extremities and brain. This vitamin is a key factor in metabolizing carbohydrates, boosting energy and maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin-S phosphate form). Vitamin B2 is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein and therefore, in creating energy. B2 also supports eye and skin health. The book, "The Natural Pharmacy", points out that B2 also helps boost athletic performance, promotes brain health and assists in maintaining healthy, moist lips.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin cocarboxylase form). Like B2, vitamin B1 is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, fat and protein - and thus, boosting energy. It supports the nervous system and healthy emotional balance. Insufficient vitamin B1 can create a loss of appetite, memory and mood imbalances and sluggish thinking. Many studies show that B1 enhances the ability to learn and retain knowledge.
Inositol. Inositol is involved in immunity, liver function and cell membrane health. It promotes healthy liver metabolism, skin health and heart function, according to Dr. Berkson, author of "All About B Vitamins". Inositol has been used by healthcare practitioners for severe mental imbalances.
Choline. In 1998, for the first time, choline was classified as an essential B vitamin. Among many roles that it plays, choline is important for liver function, heart health, achieving optimal physical performance and healthy memory and mental balance.
Biotin. Even after biotin's initial discovery, it took nearly 40 years of research for it to be fully recognized as a vitamin. Its roles include breaking down fats and creating new ones, constructing proteins from amino acids, and helping to manufacture various building blocks of genes.
The Natural Vitamin B Complex Super Food
All together, the entire complex of Super Food B vitamins are present in Max Stress B Nano-Plex - naturally combined with powerful, synergistic co- factors and transporters - a truly 100% natural, whole-nutrient vitamin B complex supplement, delivering safe, proven support for energy, anti-stress, brain, heart, mood and immune health. *
Vitamin B Nano-Plex (2 fl oz/bottle): Ingredients
Proprietary Blend: Primary Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Bifidobacterium Species (breve ss. breve, infantis ss. infantis, longum), Enterococcus Species (faecalis TH10, faecium), Lactobacillus Species (acidophilus, bulgaricus, casei ss. casei, fermentum, helveticus ss. jagurti, plantarum), Streptococcus Therm.
Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Alcohol
Recommended Use: Adults or children (age 4 and up): Take 1/2 teaspoon mixed in 1/4 cup water or juice, 1 to 2 times daily.
9. Maca Root
Maca: Ancient Peruvian Superfood!
Maca is a superfood-food-herb with an outstanding ability to increase energy, endurance and strength. Maca is a favorite of raw-foodists, vegetarians, adventurers, extreme athletes, dessert chefs and food alchemists.
What is Maca?
Maca has traditionally been a staple superfood-food-herb in the harsh cold climates of the high Andes in Peru for thousands of years. Maca grows at an elevation of 11,000-14,000 feet making it likely the highest altitude food-herb crop in the world. The character and properties of maca have been developed by the extreme conditions under which it grows. This makes Maca an excellent food-herb choice for individuals living in cold climates and/or at high altitudes and/or with extreme lifestyles.
Maca is a member of the cruciferous family of plants. It is a distant relative of the common radish. The maca plant produces leaves that grow close to the ground and the plant produces a small, off-white flower typical to the cruciferous family. The main part of interest for this plant, however, is the radish-like tuberous root.
Historical and Traditional Use of Maca
Archeological evidence has been found, that maca was domesticated over 2,000 years ago by the predecessors of the Incan people. Even today, for many indigenous inhabitants of the Andes, Maca is still one of the most vital and valuable of all commodities.
The maca root has been used over the ages for its nutritional and herbal qualities. Once harvested, the maca root was traditionally dried, then powdered. Once powdered it was either eaten or put into sacs and traded for other commodities. Oftentimes cacao nibs and beans (raw chocolate) would come up the Andes from the jungle and in exchange maca would go down from the Andes into the jungle. These two foods (maca and cacao) have a unique affinity and history which is evident when one tries eating them together. Both cacao and maca were used as money by ancient indigenous peoples.
Maca's Remarkable Reputation
Maca's reputation as a powerful strength and stamina enhancer as well as libido-enhancing food-herb stretches back into prehistory. Maca, like goji berries and ginseng, is a powerful adaptogen, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body's systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.). As an adaptogen, maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but if it is not, it will not overstimulate. Adaptogens also boost immunity and increase the body's overall vitality by 10-15% according to most studies. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole body to diverse and challenging situations and stress.
During the height of the Incan Empire, legend has it that Incan warriors would consume maca before entering into battle. This would make them fiercely strong. But after conquering a city the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca, to protect the women from excessive sexual impulses.
The Scientific and Health Properties of Maca
Dried maca powder contains 60% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, and slightly more than 10% protein. It has a higher lipid (fat) content than other root crops (2.2%), of which linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid are the primary fatty acids, respectively. Maca is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and iron, and contains trace minerals, including zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, bismuth, manganese and silica, as well as vitamins B1, B2, C and E. Maca contains nearly 20 amino acids and seven essential amino acids. Maca is also a rich source of sterols, including sitosterol, campestrol, ergosterol, brassicasterol, and ergostadienol. As a root crop, maca contains five times more protein than a potato and four times more fiber.
Peruvian research claims that maca improves memory, increases oxygen in the blood, improves the function of neurotransmitters and increases libido. One of the researchers heading current studies on maca, Peruvian biologist Gloria Chacon de Popivici, Ph.D., suggests that maca alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and the adrenals. She has theorized that by activating these endocrine glands maca is able to increase energy, vitality and libido. Other researchers indicate that the effect of maca is more basic and that when the body is well-nourished, libido rises and depressing attitudes lower. Maca's nutrient value could explain some of these purported actions.
Maca's actions on sexual function are better researched than its effects on mood and memory. One study showed that maca increased fertility in rats. Then came studies of guinea pigs, rams, and cows, each of which corroborated maca's libido-enhancing effects. For example, maca significantly increased ram semen volume and sperm count.
Researchers consider plant sterols, isothiocyanates, macamides and glucosinolates to be maca's active constituents.
10. Latero-Flora Powder
Latero Flora powder 100 grams (3.5 oz)
Latero Flora is a new organic food substance containing Bacillus Laterosporus(BOD strain), a viable non-lactic producing microorganism combined with trace amounts of protein, minerals, and amino acids derived from the culturing medium (tryptic soy broth). Bacillus Laterosporus is a microorganism that is an aerobic, spore forming bacteria common to soil and plant life; generally found in the human intestinal tract in small numbers; a transient bacteria which lives in the human body as long as it has an ample supply of nutrients and oxygen or until it is passed thru the rectum; resistant to stomach acids.
Latero Flora normalizes the flora in the human digestive tract, aiding in digestion, toxin elimination, and discourages the growth of yeast, fungi and other pathogenic microorganisms.
These are the main things I am taking on a daily or rotational basis. This is the reason why what I am doing is not considered fasting. Because I am taking protein concentrates (the first 3 things on this list), my body is still, in a way, eating. It is cleansing, but the cleansing is not as hars and rapid as it typically is on a strict fast with no supplements.
I am not a big advocator of supplemental use by the way. I do believe they can be beneficial for a period of time in order to bring the body back into balance, and I also believe there are some nutrients that are necessary to supplement with due to the degrading nature of our soil and eco-system in general, which has made it difficult to obtain everything we need strictly from the fresh plants and herbs.
Some things, such as the ayurvedic herbs and dried food concentrates, I do not consider "unnatural" in the way you will hear some raw food advocates speak of supplements. These products are literally the dried version of the plant itself, which we are all aware of how powerful herbs can be when taken under correct circumstances.
The other supplements I am taking I feel are helpful for me for right now and where my body is in its cleansing process. It may be that I will move through this to a place where my body does not require so many supplements. Right now it is proving to be quite beneficial, and until my body says otherwise, I will continue on.
Day 33 Blog entries Last Year:
day thirty three...feeling the detox
My current mood is Sleepy
December 22, 2006
lately this one has been feeling the effects of consuming beet juice on a daily basis. beet-apple-ginger....such a great combination. it is really helping to move things through the system, which this one is thankful for. it has been making her feel a little low on energy.
she went running last night with a friend. we ran 4 miles, which is usually a walk in the park for this one. however, there seemed to be a few factors that made this run in particular quite challenging for her on a physical level. she realized last night that running, for this one, is such a meditation. last night was the first time that she can recall actually placing a focus on the physical form while running. it was an interesting sensation, breathing the unfamiliar air of the pacific northwest, it left my lungs questioning what was being done to them as they struggled to find their rhythm. it was another reminder of how everything is a reminder.
this one is in the middle of a 3 week vacation and is about to switch gears over to seeing her family in minnesota & michigan. slight anxiety fills this being in regards to their reactions to this juice fast. it is hard to help another understand something most people consider to be a rather extreme feat. she has noticed a common natural reaction of placing judgment when not needed. it will be a nice challenge for this one, and that is always welcome.
