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ACAI

This wonderful berry has very good levels of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitami
ns that would benefit overall health and fitness.
Acai berry is a small, round, dark purple fruit obtained from acai palm tree. Bo
tanically, acai belongs to palm orArecaceae family of tall trees in the genus Eu
terpe and known as Euterpe oleracea.
Each acai berry measures about the size of small sized grape, 2-3 cm in diameter
. They appear dark-green initially, later turn to deep-purple color on attaining
maturity. Technically, the fruit is a drupe which consists of outer-edible pulp
surrounding a central large seed. Only the pulp part, comprising about just 1015% of berry weight, is edible.
Health benefits of acai berry
Acai berry has very good levels of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins that ha
ve health benefiting and disease preventing properties.
Unlike other berries and fruits, acai has high caloric values and fats. 100g of
berries provide about 80-250 calories depending up on the preparation and servin
g methods. In fact, fresh acai berry has been the staple nutritious diet of nati
ve Amazonian for centuries.
Acai berry contains many polyphenolic anthocyanin compounds like resveratrol, cy
anidin-3-galactoside, ferulic acid, delphinidin, petunidin as well as astringent
pro-anthocyanidin tannins like epicatechin, protocatechuic acid and ellagic aci
d. Scientific studies suggest that these compounds have been claimed to act as a
nti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer functions by virtue of their anti-free
radical fighting actions. In addition, tannins are known to have anti-infective
, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
Primary research studies suggest that ellagic acid in acai has anti-proliferativ
e properties by virtue of its ability to directly inhibit DNA binding of certain
carcinogens (nitrosamine toxins in the food).
Acai berry is also rich in medium chain fatty acids like oleic acid (omega-9) an
d linoleic acid (omega-6). These compounds help reduce LDL-cholesterol level and
raise good HDL-cholesterol levels in the body and thus help prevent heart disea
se. In addition, the essential fats help prevent skin dryness by maintaining ade
quate moisture in the skin.
Acai pulp has good levels of dietary fiber. Adequate fiber in the diet helps cle
ar cholesterol through the stools.
ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of acai berry is thought to be a
t mid-level range for fruits, higher than that of oranges but less than pomegran
ate. USDA so far not validated exact ORAC value of acai.
Acai berries contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper
, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body flui
ds that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by th
e body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme,superoxide dismutase.
Further, they are rich in B-complex vitamins and vitamin-K. Contain very good am
ounts of niacin, vitamin B-6 and riboflavin. These vitamins are function as co-f
actors and help body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Acai uses in traditional medicine
Acai extracts have been used by Amazon basin tribes as the treatment remedy for

diarrhea, parasitic infections, hemorrhages, and ulcer treatment.


A kind of decoction obtained from crushed seeds has been used in the treatment o
f fever.
Decoction obtained from the roots has been used in the treatment of menstrual pa
in, liver diseases, malaria in Peruvian culture.
Resveratrol
Primarily known for being abundant in red wine, resveratrol is a powerful antiox
idant which is now available in pill form. Derived from various types of berries
- especially grapes - resveratrol has been shown to have positive cancer and we
ight loss benefits. Indeed, the health benefits of resveratrol are proving to be
numerous and substantial. It can be used to help fight cancer, encourage weight
loss and for a host of other reasons. Besides its cancer fighting and weight lo
ss abilities, more health benefits of resveratrol are being discovered every day
. If you are concerned about cancer or weight loss, try looking into the many he
alth benefits of resveratrol.

Anti-aging and resveratrol benefits


In addition to the many health benefits of resveratrol - including cancer fighti
ng and weight loss attributes - it is also a tremendous anti-aging agent. Studie
s have shown that resveratrol can slow down the aging process; individual result
s may vary. Regardless, the health benefits of resveratrol combine with its anti
-aging capabilities to help millions fight off cancer and pursue their weight lo
ss goals. Imagine achieving a younger look while warding off cancer and achievin
g weight loss; the health benefits of resveratrol may be able to do all of this
for you.

Cancer and resveratrol benefits


Among the many health benefits of resveratrol, its cancer fighting properties ar
e among its most famous. People who turn to resveratrol for weight loss means ar
e also quite happy to learn that it also has many cancer fighting characteristic
s. It is believed that resveratrol helps prevent the spread and development of c
ancer. Those unsure about the health benefits of resveratrol, then, can give it
a try and see if it helps in their weight loss goals; if nothing else, it can ai
d their health by warding off cancer in their body.

Weight loss with resveratrol


With so many weight loss products saturating the market today, people may be uns
ure about the purported health benefits of resveratrol. In addition to being a c
ancer fighting antioxidant, resveratrol can help promote healthy weight loss. Th
ere's little doubt that people become suspicious when presented with a list of t
he many health benefits of resveratrol; yet when taken in pill form, there is no
harm in taking it. The potential to fight off cancer and achieve weight loss is
enough to persuade even very skeptical people to give the health benefits of re
sveratrol a try.

Red wine and resveratrol benefits


Wine drinkers will be happy to know that they can enjoy the many health benefits
of Resveratrol by drinking red wine. However, it should be noted that wine cons
umption must occur in moderation. Drinking too much red wine - like any form of
alcohol - can negate the health benefits of resveratrol. Done properly, though,
red wine can help fight off cancer and promote weight loss. Small doses - as lit
tle as a glass per day of wine - can achieve great weight loss and cancer fighti
ng results. Indeed, one really has nothing to lose in investigating the health b
enefits of resveratrol.
Raspberry Ketone
Research has shown that raspberry ketone can help in your weight-loss efforts, e
specially when paired with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet of healthy
and whole foods.
Raspberry ketone is the primary aroma compound of red raspberries. This compound
regulates adiponectin, a protein used by the body to regulate metabolism. Raspb
erry ketone causes the fat within your cells to get broken up more effectively,
helping your body burn fat faster. The recommended dose is 100mg per day. To get
the same benefit from the whole fruit, you'd have to consume 90 pounds of raspb
erries.
What Makes Raspberry Ketone So Good
One of the biggest benefits of raspberry ketone supplements is how quickly it ta
kes effect. Taking the recommended dose per day with a glass of water, and combi
ned with a healthy diet and regular exercise, raspberry ketone can produce visib
le weight loss results in two weeks.
Since it comes from a natural source, raspberry ketone is safe and has no known
negative side effects. In fact, the FDA has placed this ingredient in the general
ly recognized as safe category.

The Raspberry Ketone Supplement


The compound has been shown to work well in fat burning and weight loss. But its
efficacy is hastened and enhanced when combined with other thermogenic natural
ingredients. Among the most well known combination extracts for raspberry ketone
are green tea, acai berry, resveratrol and the African mango. Alone, they are a
ll powerful weight loss products. Combined, they make potent enemies of fats and
fat tissues and guarantee a reduction in weight.
Raspberry ketone products and their complementary ingredients are all derived fr
om herbal and organic sources, making them safer than their synthetic counterpar
ts. Because they're all natural, they're great for people who want a stimulant-f
ree weight loss product.
Other Uses of Raspberry Ketone
Raspberries have long been known to contain significant levels of antioxidants,
the body s protection against diseases and cell damage. Adinopectin, the hormone p
rotein in the body that is released by raspberry ketone, protects against type 2
diabetes. It also helps prevents the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls an
d non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that is a risk factor for liver cancer.

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Instead of being marketed as strictly a weight loss supplement, it should be mar


keted as an overall health supplement.
Drop Your LDL Cholesterol
It s been shown many times that there is a direct link between being overweight an
d having high cholesterol. Green coffee studies not only showed dramatic weight
loss, but also a substantial decrease in LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol levels
were also shown to be held steady. By reducing your bad cholesterol you also dr
amatically reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
Get a Healthier Blood Pressure
Many factors come into play when you re talking about blood pressure. One of the m
ain ones that s tied to it is your weight. High blood pressure and hypertension ar
e very common in severely overweight people, particularly if they don t eat health
y. When you take green coffee extract, it helps you lose extra weight no matter
what kind of diet you might eat. In turn, you naturally end up with a lower and
healthier blood pressure.
Get More Energy
Your metabolism gets a nifty boost from green coffee bean extract. That means th
at even when you aren t being active, your cells are fueled with energy and burnin
g fat. This likely explains why a lot of people who have taken this extract say
that they gained more energy.
Improve Your Immune System
Green coffee beans themselves contain some pretty potent antioxidants. When taki
ng the extract, these antioxidants help get rid of free radicals and toxic subst
ances in your body that can do substantial damage. Free radicals are often to bl
ame for poor circulation, metabolism and other bodily functions like your immune
system. Not only that, but it helps on the outside too. Free radicals can cause d
ull skin, acne and premature aging.
Increase Your Brain Power
The energy being supplied to your cells also help you improve your mental functi
ons. With the constant flow of nutrients and energy, you ll be able to focus bette
r and concentrate on what you re doing. You won t find yourself tired, worn out and
easily distracted as you once were.
As you can see, there s a lot more to green coffee extract than what s usually talke
d about. Yes, weight loss is definitely the main selling point and the main reas
on that most people use it. But all these benefits combined make this a powerful
super-supplement that everyone should consider trying.
You can expect dramatic weight loss, as much as 4% of your body fat each and eve
ry week, but you ll also be improving your overall health. The better you treat yo
ur body with diet and exercise, the better your results will be. But it isn t requ
ired. It works regardless of what you eat or how often you get on-the-move.

Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia is a tree that grows in subtropical climates like Indonesia an
d Africa. The tree produces a fruit that has some properties similar to citrus.
The rind and extract of the fruit has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine b
ecause of the sour taste. The powdered rind is even used as a condiment in India
. Widespread cultivation of the Garcinia Cambogia has started because the chemic
als in the extract are believed to have several benefits related to weight loss
and the treatment of some other health issues.

Garcinia Cambogia Appetite Suppression


Garcinia Cambogia contains a chemical related to citric acid known as hydroxycit
ric acid (HCA). The exact chemical effects of HCA on the body are not fully unde
rstood at this time. The belief is that HCA affects the metabolism in the body.
Carbohydrates that are consumed that are not immediately needed to create energy
are normally converted to fat in the body. The fat stores the energy until it i
s needed later during intense exercise.
It is thought that the HCA in Garcinia Cambogia prevents the conversion of carbo
hydrates into fat. This causes the carbohydrates to be stored as the polysacchar
ide glycogen in the liver and muscles since it was not converted into fat. The b
ody reacts to increased levels of glycogen in the liver by sending a signal to t
he brain that indicates the body no longer needs food. This suppresses appetite
after eating a normal meal and prevents overeating.
Garcinia Cambogia Stops Fat Production
The HCA in Garcinia Cambogia causes carbohydrates not to be converted into fat.
This means that people who are overeating will feel full after consuming a norma
l portion of carbohydrates because of the glycogen that is produced. This can re
sult in weight loss because new fat is not added to the body. The lack of new fa
t will result in the slow depletion of the fat that has already been stored when
ever the body requires energy between meals. Garcinia Cambogia must be taken eve
ry day for a certain period of time before the weight loss starts to occur.
Garcinia Cambogia Results in Efficient Metabolism
Using Garcinia Cambogia regularly as a dietary supplement can result in more eff
icient processing of the carbohydrates that are eaten and the fat that is stored
. The glycogen that is stored in the liver after a meal will be metabolized quic
kly during exercise. The carbohydrates that are being processed in the body are
converted into glycogen slowly over the course of several hours to a day.
This means that the body will have ready access to a plentiful source of energy.
People who exercise regularly and take Garcinia Cambogia extract will be able t
o sustain high levels of activity for a long time. This will assist in weight lo
ss because exercise will eventually start to burn the stored fat that is already
in the body.
Garcinia Cambogia Can Lower Cholesterol
Another benefit of Garcinia Cambogia that is being explored is the ability of th
e extract to lower cholesterol levels. The HCA in Garcinia Cambogia triggers car
bohydrates to be converted into glycogen instead of fat.
This process also disrupts the production of triglycerides and can reduce the am
ount of triglycerides in the body over time. The studies of Garcinia Cambogia in
this area are not complete.

Phytoplankton
Phyto = Light/Plant

Plankton =

Phytoplankton is the stuff that shellfish eat


human eye.

Floating/Suspended
marine microalgae invisible to the

Scientists have studied the benefits of marine phytoplankton to humans for decad
es, but up until now, no one has had the technology to extract it from the ocean

for human consumption. Marine Phytoplankton are a major source of the Earth s oxy
gen supply and is the most powerful and essential food on Earth.

Here are some things you must know about marine phytoplankton:
They are tiny organisms with the ability to convert sunlight, warmth, water and
minerals into edible nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino a
cids. These single-celled plants, are the basis of all other life forms on plane
t Earth and are the vegetation of the ocean.
They are consumed by the smallest to the largest forms of life. Whales that feed
on plankton and krill are known to live up to 200 years.

Many of today s lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disea
se and liver conditions are due to the body s inability to function properly at th
e cellular level. If we do not consume enough micronutrients, like antioxidants,
our cell membranes begin to TOIL; that is, they become Toxic, Oxidized, Inflame
d, and Lacking in Energy. Then diseases begin to manifest themselves. Simply put
, by repairing the TOILing cells to improve their communication and their metabo
lism, we may impact most diseases and restore proper function at the cellular le
vel.
Fortunately, just ONE dose of marine-phytoplankton has the capability to tune th
ese cells and has the potential to prevent chronic illnesses.
Health Benefits of Marine Phytoplankton
The elements and electrolytes in marine plankton are almost tailor-made for the
human body. It s no coincidence that the composition of human plasma is similar to
that of seawater. Our bodies need these elements to perform as nature intended.
Left to its own devices, the human body has a marvellous system called homeosta
sis, which keeps all systems in balance. If we take away some critical component
s, the body experiences malfunctions that cause suboptimal performance. Too many
malfunctions usually lead to chronic illnesses.
The phytonutrients in marine phytoplankton has shown promising effects in boosti
ng health in a variety of ways:
General Nutrition - Contains ultra-potent lipids to enhance brain function
Cardiovascular Health - Supports a healthy heart
Cholesterol - Clinically tested to reduce cholesterol
Blood Sugars - Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Neurological Support - Mental alertness, ADHD, Parkinsons, and general dementia
Joint Health - Relieves pain and inflammation
Skin Care - Psoriasis & Dermatitis
Vision - More effective than Lutein
Liver Health - Supports a healthy liver

Sleep - Supports good sleeping habits


Energy - Increases natural energy

Here are some unique properties of marine phytoplankton:


It provides a rare, complete food that will give the body virtually all the raw
materials it needs from one single source to produce healthy new cells and neuro
-chemicals for the brain such as dopamine and serotonin.
It is composed of single cells that bypass the liver and digestive system. This
is critical and highly effective for chronically ill patients who have liver con
ditions. Whereas other products can take months to see significant results, resu
lts are noticed within days of taking marine phytoplankton.
Marine phytoplankton also considerably increases the amount of oxygen that the b
ody can carry. This is crucial for a healthy body and many people have reported
that it has increased their athletic endurance and stamina due to increased oxyg
en levels in the blood.
Because it works at the deepest level of the cell, it seems to work for a wide v
ariety of diseases and imbalances including chronic illnesses.

So how can marine phytoplankton change your life?


INCREASED energy levels
SHARPER and CALMER mind
QUALITY sleep, waking up fresh and rejuvenated to start the day
CHRONIC DISEASE prevention and healing

Chlorella
It s green, grows in the fresh waters of Australia and Southeast Asia, and it may
be one of the most nutritionally valuable food sources out there. What I m talking
about is chlorella; and due to the many health benefits of chlorella, it has ga
ined incredible popularity over the past few years.
Health Benefits of Chlorella
Usually taken in a capsule or put in smoothies and other recipes as a powder, th
is green algae is being credited with all sorts of health benefits. From reducin
g body fat to helping ward off metabolic syndrome, this little green algae is po
werful far beyond its unassuming appearance.
It s tiny about three to eight micrometers in diameter. After being harvested from f
resh water ponds it has to be dried and crushed, and right now there are many su
pplement and natural foods companies getting in on the chlorella action.
So, what s so great about it? It s hard to know where to start since there are so ma
ny health benefits of chlorella, but this healthful algae is said to have twice
as much protein as spinach and nine essential amino acids. It has 38 times more

protein than soybeans and 55 times more than rice. In addition to this it s packed w
ith vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K1 and Magnesium.
In people with cancer, there has been promising research to show that chlorella
fights infections. In a study of brain tumors and chlorella.
The health benefits of chlorella also include the boosting of the digestive syst
em - improving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome - among other things. It
increases the body s production of good bacteria in the gut, and that it works to
absorb toxins in the intestines. It also encourages more regular bowel movement
s, moving food through the digestive system and clearing out the intestines to p
revent the re-absorption of toxins.
As for hypertension-chlorella lowered blood pressure in about 50% of cases and a
lso lowered serum cholesterol
making a great addition to the many home remedies
for high blood pressure.
Chlorella also reduces the symptoms of diseases like fibromyalgia, colitis, and
metabolic syndrome.

Health benefits of riboflavin


Riboflavin is a well absorbed water soluble vitamin, which has a key role to pla
y in maintaining health. Some of its major health benefits are given below:
Helps in the production of energy: It plays a major role in the production of en
ergy by assisting in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Helps in RBC production: Vitamin B2 is essential for the formation of fresh red
blood cells and antibodies in humans.
Regulates growth and reproduction: Riboflavin has an important role in ensuring
proper growth and in the development of reproductive organs and the growth of bo
dy tissues such as skin, connective tissue, eyes, mucous membranes, nervous syst
em and the defense system. In addition it also ensures healthy skin, nails and h
air growth.
Regulates thyroid activity: Vitamin B2 can regulate thyroid activity.
Prevents disease conditions: Vitamin B2 can help to prevent many common diseases
conditions like migraine headaches, cataracts, acne, dermatitis, rheumatoid art
hritis, and eczema.
Prevents acne: Riboflavin helps to improve the mucus secretion of skin and might
clean up the skin pustules.
Increases immunity: Riboflavin also helps to enhance the natural immunity by str
engthening the antibody reserves and by reinforcing the defense system against i
nfections.
Helps in the Repair of tissues: Riboflavin plays an important role in the repair
of tissues, healing of wounds and other injuries.
Protects the nervous system: Vitamin B2 can help in treating various nervous sys
tem conditions such as numbness Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety
and epilepsy among others. It is thought that riboflavin when used along with v
itamin B6 was effective to Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

Essential for the normal growth: Riboflavin is associated with protein and hence
it is essential for normal growth.
Ensures healthy eyes: Vitamin B2 plays a major role in ensuring healthy cornea a
nd perfect vision.
Helps to slacken the progression of AIDS: Studies have shown that riboflavin can
slow down the progression of AIDS.
Helps in the absorption of minerals: It helps in the absorption of minerals such
as iron, folic acid and other Vitamins such as B1, B3 and B6.
Helps to protect the digestive tract: It plays a major role in maintaining the m
ucous membranes in the digestive system.
Healthy development of the fetus: Though there are no proofs to substantiate the
claims that Vitamin B2 is essential for the healthy progression of pregnancy, i
t is regarded as an essential ingredient of the mother s diet along with Vitamin A
.
Remember to have a well balanced diet plan to ensure the supply of riboflavin, w
hich needs to be replenished daily.

Spirulina
Spirulina is a natural algae (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredible high in prot
ein and nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodi
es of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. It is larg
ely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and I typically recommend it t
o clients who decide to remain vegetarian for its high natural iron content. It
is often touted for its high B-12 content, though there is a lot of debate about
if this particular form is a complete and absorbable form of B-12 and I don t rec
ommend it completely in place of animal products.
The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it idea during pregnancy,
after surgery or anytime the immune system needs a boost.
Health Properties: Spirulina has some great health-boosting qualities:
Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamm
a linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflamma
tory properties, especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements li
ke Fermented Cod Liver Oil. (I suspect that the benefits of GLA in Spirulina are
even more than what the studies have found since these studies often use vegeta
ble oils for their GLA source, and the other inflammatory compounds in vegetable
oils can interfere with the anti-inflammatory ability.) It contains all essenti
al amino acids.
Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s.
Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the b
lood and boost the immune system.
Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent d
uring pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation.
Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedi
a): Spirulina contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide

), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitam
in E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesi
um, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many
pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable
Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in m
ilk, making it excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy.
Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful in allergies and aller
gic reactions.
Spirulina s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralizatio
n regimen.
Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be us
eful for radioactivity exposure or radiation therapy.
The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate
of between 50-61%
Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them.
Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COQ10


Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an enzyme that's involved with producing the energy u
tilized by the body's cells. It's also known by the name ubiquinone. Adequate en
ergy is required for cellular function, so CoQ10 is essential for the health of
almost all the body's tissues and organs. CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant. Th
e body synthesizes CoQ10 naturally; however, certain health conditions may impai
r the body's ability to keep up with CoQ10 demand. In these scenarios, CoQ10 sup
plementation may be helpful.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Coenzyme Q10 may be useful in a variety of cardiovascular ailments. The heart ce
lls have a high rate of metabolism so they require ample levels of CoQ10 to supp
ly the cellular energy source, ATP. According to Drs. Alan Gaby and Laurie Misch
ley, a medical doctor and naturopathic doctor, respectively, and contributors to
the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," CoQ10 deficiency is found in individuals wi
th cardiovascular disease. Restoring CoQ10 levels can correct this deficiency an
d help the heart muscle to function optimally. This can treat and prevent condit
ions such as ischemic heart disease, where the heart muscle does not get enough
oxygen and nutrients; cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle is inflamed; conges
tive heart failure; angina; heart murmurs and high blood pressure. Drs. Gaby and
Mischley also suggest that CoQ10's antioxidant capacity may be helpful for prev
ention against atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become hardened and the ri
sk of heart attack increases.

IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTION


Like the cardiovascular system, the immune system has high metabolic needs and t
herefore requires sufficient levels of CoQ10 for optimal function. Drs. Gaby and
Mischley explain that CoQ10 stimulates immunity by increasing the activity of t
he immune system cells, macrophages and granulocytes. This increase in immune ce

ll activity works to counter microbial infections. Also, CoQ10 may be helpful to


slow the aging process, which often coincides with decreased immune function. D
rs. Gaby and Mischley suggest that CoQ10 may also be a helpful in treating and p
reventing cancer, by shrinking tumors and inhibiting their growth. Of course, in
dividuals with cancer or any other health condition should consult their doctor
for a well-rounded treatment plan that may or may not include CoQ10 supplementat
ion.

ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize fre
e radicals -- substances that form both from internal metabolism and external to
xin exposure and cause damage to cells. In other words, antioxidants protect the
body's cells from harm and help repair existing damage. According to Drs. Gaby
and Mischley, free radical formation is implicated in a number of diseases, such
as asthma, heart disease, Parkinson disease, gastric ulcers and infertility. Op
timizing CoQ10 levels in the body may be a useful adjunct in treating these dise
ases, by optimizing cellular energy and minimizing harm to the tissues and organ
s. In addition to supplementation, CoQ10 is also available from the diet, especi
ally from oily fish, organ meats and whole grains.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RIBOSE SUPPLEMENTS?


Ribose, also referred to as D-ribose, is a naturally occurring simplesugar that
the body makes from glucose. This substance is found in ribonucleic acid and deo
xyribose acid, the genetic information carriers better known as RNA and DNA, res
pectively. Ribose is also a component of several compounds involved in metabolis
m, most notably adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which regulates energy productio
n and storage in cells. Although ribose hasn't been studied extensively, there i
s evidence to support its use as a dietary supplement. In fact, research indicat
es that ribose may benefit people with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome an
d congestive heart failure.

ENHANCED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE


Since ribose is necessary for energy production, it is believed that supplementi
ng with this substance enhances athletic endurance by increasing the rate of mus
cle ATP recovery and reducing fatigue after intense exercise. Therefore, it is m
arketed as a dietary aid for athletes, particularly body builders. Ribose is als
o added to energy drinks, although it may appear in the list of ingredients as a
brand name, such as Corvalen.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
According to Linda Page, author of "Cooking for Healthy Healing," ribose enables
the heart to increase energy reserves. She says that this compound permits the
heart to replenish more than 85 percent of its ATP levels within 24 hours. This
is of particular significance to people with heart disease. For example, people
with ischemia may experience a fall of 50 percent or more ATP because not enough
oxygen is being delivered to cells.

FIBROMYALGIA
An unspecified number of people involved in the study cited above also suffered
from fibromyalgia, so reports of overall symptom improvement of this condition w
ere also attributed to ribose therapy. However, a case study published in the No
v. 24, 2004, issue of "Pharmacotherapy" suggested that ribose specifically benef
ited one woman with fibromyalgia when it was added to her treatment regimen. The
authors of the study speculated that ribose may benefit people with fibromyalgi
a by correcting imbalances of muscle adenine compounds, including ATP, a scenari
o that depletes cells of energy.

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