American Ginseng is a plant having leaves growing in a circle. The flowers are umbrella shaped and are yellowish green in color. American ginseng can be used only if it is four to six years old. Hence, it is expensive, but, is now grown on farms. American ginseng roots and the root hairs are used to make products. American ginseng is more relaxing than the Asian ginseng that has stimulating effects. American ginseng is available in water and alcohol extracts, capsules, powders and tablets. This is also obtainable in various combinations and herbs. American ginseng is not recommended for children. This herb helps in strengthening the body as well as in treating disease. These can trigger side effects and also can interact with other supplements, herbs or medications. The side effects of American ginseng include insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, nosebleed, headache and breast pain. Women in the stages of breast feeding or pregnancy are not recommended.

Biotin is essential to cellular metabolism, as it plays an important coenzyme role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Boron is a trace element required by our body for proper metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It has many medicinal uses and helps in preventing arthritis, reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, reduces congestive heart failure, decreases the severity of fungal infections and helps in the production of estrogen. It is also useful for body building, in cancer therapy, improves brain function, helps in bone building, helps in preventing blood clots, used in cancer therapy, ensures proper embryonic development, lowers plasma lipid levels, prevents post menopausal osteoporosis, helps in preventing blood clots, helps to maintain proper cell membrane function and it serves as enzyme inhibitors.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Chloride is an electrolyte that works with potassium and sodium. Electrolyte dissolves in water and carries an electrical charge, and because human body is made up of water, the Chloride can easily move around the cells of the body. Chloride helps in carrying the nutrients in the body, ridding the body of excess water and regulating the acidity in the body. Chloride also plays an important part in process of metabolism and digestion. Chloride is an essential element that makes up Hydrochloric acid in the stomach that used for digestion. Chloride helps in losing weight safely because it promotes better metabolism and better digestion while ensuring the proper nutrients are distributed in the body.

Chromium is an essential mineral that plays an important role with how the body uses glucose. Chromium may be found in brewer’s yeast, grains, cereal and in some beers. It aids in maintaining the ideal blood sugar level which helps diabetic patients. It also helps in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body that may help reduce fats. It helps improve muscle tone by burning the fats. It reduces hunger pangs, suppress cravings and appetite. It is help control the blood cholesterol level. It lowers the risks of cardiovascular problems. It also alleviates depression by stimulating the fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis that is important for brain function.

Coenzyme Q10- The vitamin-like Coenzyme Q10 or (CoQ10) is a fat soluble substance, found in all human cells. It acts as an antioxidant thus helping the body to get rid of free radicals and facilitating biochemical reactions that produce energy in the body cells. It is found mainly in the mitochondria where the cells make energy. Since mitochondria are found in abundance in the heart and liver cells, these cells naturally contain CoQ10 too. Needless to say, those who suffer from heart disease are the one who have relatively low CoQ10 too, as the heart cannot function to its full capacity if CoQ10 is not adequately present. CoQ10 deficiency may also give rise to periodontal disease though there isn’t enough evidence to prove so. However, it has been found that those suffering from this disease have relatively less CoQ10.

Copper, a trace element that is essential for the human body. Copper is needed to absorb and utilize iron in the body. Copper is a part of enzymes, essentially proteins that assist biochemical reactions in cells.

Folic Acid or Vitamin B9 is essential as it assists the formation of red blood cells in the body and genetic material within every cell. It helps in metabolism of proteins and prevention of anemia and is vital for cell growth and division. Folic acid is an important nutrient for pregnant women to prevent congenital malformation in the fetus. It reduces the risk of brain and spinal cord defects, heart defects, limb defects, urinary tract abnormalities and cleft palate in the fetus. It is highly beneficial if taken prior to and during the first month after conception. In men, folic acid reduces chromosomal defects in the sperm. Spinach, lettuce, peas, beans, sunflower seeds, asparagus, baker’s yeast, fortified cereal products and liver are rich in folic acid.

Ginkgo Biloba has been used since ancient times to treat numerous health ailments. In fact, it happens to be one the oldest living trees in the world. Ginkgo biloba owes most of its popularity to its ability to fight the effects of aging. However, this does not mean that this is the sole factor that has made it so popular worldwide. It is used in treating neurological disorders, circulation problems, mental fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, and headache. It also helps in improving concentration and memory and even treating hearing loss in elderly people. People suffering from asthma have also experienced great relief with regular use of Ginkgo Biloba extract supplements. Its usage is also apt in relieving cold hands and feet, swelling in limbs, and chronic arterial bondage.

Grape seed is the seeds of the ordinary grapes. They are used primarily because they have polyphenols recognized as anti oxidants. Research confirms numerous health benefits of grape seed extracts; they limit lipid oxidation, thus controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Grape seeds contain phenolics, which are useful in treatment of heart disease because they inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce inflammation, however, the results are preliminary and more research is being done to confirm these facts. A polyphenol contained in grape seeds is resveratrol which may inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation, and it may also be active against HIV by inhibiting expression and replication of the genome of the virus.

Hesperidin, sometimes also referred to as hesperitin, is a flavonoid which has potent antioxidant property. Orange juice and Grapefruit juice are rich in Hesperidin. It is rich in phytochemicals that are known to fight free radicals from damaging the cells. It can help maintain a healthy heart, and prevent cancer. It has the ability to improve the cholesterol level. It works by raising the high density lipoprotein while lowering the low density lipoprotein. It also lowers the triglyceride levels. Hesperidin also helps control the blood pressure level by increasing the elasticity of the arteries. It also has anti-allergen and anti-inflammatory properties.

Iodine is a chemical belonging to the halogens group. It occurs combined in nature and is a lustrous metallic grey solid. It finds application in medicine. It is a component of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Its deficiency leads to the conditions of goiter and cretinism and is one of the greatest causes of preventable mental retardation. Its deficiency results in developmental abnormalities and other health problems. It is known to moderate the effects of estrogens on the breast tissue and have a role in the development of fetal nervous system. It is a component of healthy connective tissues and may also protect against radioactivity.

Iron is a necessary mineral for humans, needed for example to help form red blood cells which transport oxygen around the body. Fortunately there are plenty of good sources available for both the omnivore and the vegetarian or vegan These include liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit , also whole grains and many of dark green leafy vegetables, although some such as spinach also contain substances that prevent the absorption of iron as do caffeine based drinks such as tea and coffee. On the other hand the drinking of fluids containing vitamin C aids the body in its necessary task of absorbing iron.

Kelp is algae belonging to the class Phaeophyceae. These are seaweeds and exist in a number of commercially important species. Since these are marine organisms, they obtain their nutrition from the sea and as a result, a number of important minerals get incorporated in their bodies. They are high in iodine which is the necessary component of thyroid hormones. These hormones maintain the metabolism of the body properly. Other minerals found in it are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and sodium. All these minerals are vital for the body for various functions. Kelps also contain the vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E and many amino acids. It finds wide applications from the food industry to the medicine industry.

Lecithin is pure phosphatidylcholine, however, the name lecithin is also used to denote any group of fatty acids isolated from egg or milk, which contains phosphatidylcholine together with phosphoric acid, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, glycolipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids. It was originally isolated from egg yolk. Natural sources of lecithin are eggs, milk, soy beans etc. It is used as a food additive( E number E322), as a natural emulsifier and lubricant. Research also suggests that it can lower cholesterol levels. Lecithin may be used by those who are taking niacin for medical reasons because niacin treatment can deplete lecithin in body.

Magnesium, which is a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, bones, and nerves. Magnesium is also needed for energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts to manufacture enzymes necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fat. It also aids the immune system and blood sugar balance. Manganese is also involved in the production of cellular energy, reproduction and bone growth.

Mixed Carotenoids- Carotenoids are naturally occurring organic pigments. They are found in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants and in some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, fungus and some bacteria. Mixed carotenoids are a mixture of carotenoids obtained from plant sources through the process of solvent extraction. The main component of a typical mixture is lutein. Other components include Variable amounts of neoxanthin, violaxanthin and ? -carotene. Supplements containing mixed carotenoids of different types are shown to have significant beneficial health effects. Carotenoids reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and also function as an anti-oxidant. The physiological functions of carotenoids include functioning as a free-radical scavenger; they also enhance the vertebrate immune system.

Molybdenum is a micromineral needed by the body for the metabolism of purines, a protein component of the DNA. Microminerals are minerals required by the human body in minute amounts (<0.005% of body weight) for enzymatic reactions. These are also known as trace elements. Molybdenum, although needed and present in the body in small amounts, it is as significant as the B-complex vitamins and Magnesium. Found abundantly in the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands and blood cells, it exists in bound form as a central part of various enzyme molecules. Some of these enzymes are: xanthine oxidase for the oxidation of xanthine to uric acid; liver aldehyde oxidase, a flavoprotein, for catalyzing the oxidation of aldehydes to corresponding carboxylic acid; and, sulfite oxidase which affects degradation of amino acid-derived sulfur. It is excreted in the urine. Molybdenum toxicity has not been observed in humans but high intakes of molybdenum can alter the activity of alkaline phosphatase and produce bone abnormalities. Doses above 10-15 mg each day causes gout-like symptoms.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Nickel- If you consider going back to Chemistry class, you may remember the chemical element Nickel. It has a chemical symbol of Ni and 28 is its atomic number.  If its physical property is going to be discussed, it looks like some sort of rock with a silver color. During ancient times, Nickel was always being confused with silver or metal – but take note that Nickel is very different from these two elements. Magnets are made up of Nickel. The things that you normally see in the industry are made up of Nickel – guitar strings, alloys, batteries and even coins. It is a great thing that Nickel had been discovered 3500 years ago – without it, can you even imagine what life would be?

Pantothenic Acid is actually a part of the Vitamin B complex, namely Vitamin B5 and is deemed an essential nutrient. It has a critical function in the synthesis and metabolism of core nutrients, such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and it forms the coenzyme – A, also called CoA, most notable for the role in oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids and pyruvate. The Greek origin of the name Pantothenic Acid already states that this Vitamin is found nearly everywhere, with prominent amounts in eggs, meat, legumes and whole grain cereals. In health and fitness circles the dietary supplement is very popular for its energy producing role, but also for the ATP process and for the maintenance of cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the body.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is essential for normal heart and kidney functionin. It speeds up the healing of broken bones and other injuries and functions to metabolize fats and starches for energy, as well as being necessary for correct nerve impulses and for niacin assimilation. Phosphorus is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells, and for the production of the genetic building blocks, DNA and RNA. Phosphorus is also needed to balance and metabolize other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. It is also important for forming cell membranes, the specialised layers that enclose body cells. It is a principal mineral of bones and teeth.

Potassium is an electrolyte, a substance that maintains the fluid levels in the body. It is helpful in regulating blood pressure and heart function. Intake of potassium can benefit people suffering from hypertension. Research has found that a potassium supplement intake decreased incidence of stroke by 60 percent. It neutralizes acids and restores alkaline salts to bloodstream.  It acts along with sodium cells to maintain or restore membrane potentials. Potassium is also vital for nerve functioning and cardiovascular, and regulates nutrients’ transfer into cells and adds to muscle energy. It also helps recuperative powers, besides regulating water balance. Potassium is beneficial for eliminating wastes. It is helpful in controlling headaches and convulsions, and quickens healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries.

Riboflavin, also called Vitamin B2, is naturally manufactured by the body. Riboflavin is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Riboflavin is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Riboflavin is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Rose Hips- High in Vitamin C, rose hip is the pomaceous fruit or seed pod of the roses. Usually found in red to orange or dark purple to black color, this fruit is not poisonous. However, rose hips from plants that have been treated with pesticides should not be used. Rosa Canina (dog rose), R. moschata and R. rubiginosa are few species referred to as rose hips. With the intake of these fruits in a powdered form, you can get vitamin E, C and K naturally. It not only helps in treating several infections like flu and cold but it can also speed up the healing of skin irritation and bruises. Rose hips taken in capsule form can provide you relief from sore throat and inflammation. It is also useful in treating breast cancer and uterine cramps.

Rosemary Extract is derived from a common household herb commonly used in cooking. It contains carnosol, carnosic acid, and caffeic acid which are potent antioxidants that prevents free radicals from damaging the tissues and the cells which may cause serious illness such as cancer and heart problems. It increases the concentration, focus and memory retention. It stimulates the brain and the nerves which help alleviate the mood from depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness. It is easily absorbed by the intestine, and aids in preventing indigestion, flatulence, and stomach cramps. Rosemary extract is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent, that helps relieves the symptoms of arthritis.

Rutin is a bioflavonoid that consists of the flavonol quercetin and disaccharide rutinose. It also includes hesperidin, eriodictyl and citron that plays an important role in the absorption of Vitamin C. Rutin may be found in vegetables and fruits such as apple peels, citrus, broccoli and onions. It has anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and Chrohn’s disease. It also strengthens the capillaries that prevent the hardening of arteries, and high blood pressure. Rutin also contains catechins that fight free radicals from damaging the cells and tissues that may cause diseases such as cancer, strokes, senility, premature aging, and arteriosclerosis. Rutin also aid in controlling the blood cholesterol level.

Selenium , an essential mineral that is toxic at high dosages. Selenium plays an important function in the antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against free radicals. Selenium also promotes proper thyroid hormone metabolism.

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Spirulina Powder is derived from spirulina cyanobacteria that grow in tropical countries like Thailand. It is a good source of vitamin B12 that improves and maintains healthy nerves. It contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA) that is present in mother’s milk that has potent immune system booster. It has phytonutrients that aids in detoxifying and cleansing the body from harmful toxins that may cause serious illness. Spirulina Powder is also rich in beta carotene, essential amino acids, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin D and protein. It helps in the synthesis of the enzymes in the body that are important in regulating the metabolism. It is also an effective antioxidant that protects the cells from free radical damages.

Thiamine, also called Vitamin B1 or Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thiamine is commonly found in breads and cereals. Thiamine is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Tin is considered to be a trace mineral or micromineral that is found in small amounts in the body. it is found in most of the human tissues particularly in the supra-renal glands, liver, spleen, brain and thyroid gland. It is noted to decrease the symptoms of asthma. It also helps ensure proper growth, enhances the appetite. Tin also helps in alleviating pains, headaches, treat skin problems and improves digestion. It also helps prevent hair loss and hearing loss. It is also found to help increase positive mood and feeling of well being. It also helps increase energy and prevents fatigue.

Tocotrienol Complex may be found in common vegetable oils, soy, wheat germ, sunflower, oat, barley, rye, and virgin palm oil. Tocotrienol Complex is part of the vitamin E group. It is an important nutrient that has potent anti-oxidant effects and protects the DNA from free radical damages. It helps control the blood cholesterol level by lowering the LDL cholesterol in the body and inhibiting the liver from producing it. It may even help reverse arterial blockage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is also used in cosmetic and sunscreen products because it protects the skin and reduces the absorption of ultraviolet radiation that may cause premature aging. It help maintain the skin moisture.

Trace Mineral Complex is a combination of various minerals that are important for the overall health. It is referred to as trace minerals or microminerals. The body only needs small levels of these minerals to be effective. It is naturally present in the body in almost negligently small level such as boron, selenium, copper and zinc. Deficiency in copper and manganese may cause weak and brittle bones due to low bone density. While calcium is known to increase and improve bone health, supplementing it with trace minerals makes it more effective and efficient. Studies also showed that deficiency in vanadium caused skeletal deformation. Vanadium stimulates collagen production that helps keep the bones healthy, strong and flexible.

Vanadium is a chemical element that not much is known about but is being used as a dietary supplement and increasing insulin sensitivity.

Vitamin A is the second Vitamin that was discovered, after Vitamin B. It can be found in several forms, whereby the primary source is the natural retinol derived from animal food sources. Chemically related compounds are called retinoids and are used primarily in medicine and as dietary supplements beta-carotenes. While carotene forms stemming from dietary sources are not toxic, intake of synthetic and natural retinoid forms should be strictly limited. Vitamin A is found naturally in beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish livers; in the sweet potato, carrot, broccoli leaf, butter, spinach, pumpkin, eggs, papaya, mango, peas, winter squash, apricot, cantaloupe melon and leafy vegetables. Vitamin A is necessary for normal reproductive capabilities, membranes, tissues, skin, eyes, normal tooth and bone development and much more.

Vitamin B12 is required for the normal functioning and development of the nervous system, blood cells and brain. It’s a water soluble vitamin which is used to elevate mood, improve energy levels and concentration, to boost immune system and in sleeping disorders. Severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia. It is also used for lowering high homocysteine levels which may contribute to heart disease, asthma, AIDS, to prevent cervical and other cancers, memory loss, osteoporosis, allergies and skin infections. It also helps to prevent atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and kidney and gum disease. Vitamin B12 is added in almost all multi-vitamin B complex supplements. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 in infants can lead to megaloblastic anemia, delayed developments and movement disorders. Studies have proved that when used in combination with folic acid, it can prevent heart diseases.

Vitamin B6 is important to a healthy human diet and is equally important in various metabolic and synthesis functions as well as gene expression.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic (a-SKOR-bik) acid, is needed for many functions in the body, including helping the body use carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Vitamin C is found in most citrus fruits and green vegetables and is a strong antioxidant.

Vitamin D- The fast soluble vitamin D is perhaps the most underrated nutrient that is produced when sunlight touches the skin. But it is extremely vital for bone health, as without it the body cannot absorb the calcium that you may provide it in the form of supplements. With the advent of beauty products with high sun protection factor, this nutrient is becoming less available to our bodies. Even weaker sunscreens with just SPF-8 prevent the body considerably from producing vitamin D. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia may stem from deficiency of this vitamin. You can provide vitamin D to your body through supplements and foods like mushrooms, tuna, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified dairy products and cereals, yoghurt, and milk.

Vitamin E is the name for a group of tocopherols and tocotrienols that are soluble in fat and display antioxidant properties. The most important vitamin out of this group is alpha tocopherol, which professes the highest bioavailability, and therefore, was the most studied Vitamin E. Found in such foods as nuts, seeds, milk, wheat germ and most vegetable oils, this Vitamin is said to be perhaps the most important antioxidant in human nourishment, although this trait is not deemed the imperative reason why Vitamin E is required to be in every diet. Most clinical studies which were supposed to crown Vitamin E as the prevention from prostate cancer or cardiovascular wonder supplement have been either inconclusive or were discontinued due to poor results. Vitamin E deficiency results in neurological and neuromuscular problems, but also in failure to absorb fat.

Vitamin K- The lipophillic, hydrophobic vitamins needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins is denoted by the Vitamin K. It is required mostly for blood coagulation. K3, K4 and K5 are the three types of synthetic Vitamin K that are used in many areas. Pet food industry makes use of Vitamin K3 whereas Vitmanin K5 is used to inhibit fungal growth. The main sources of vitamin K are spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and a few fruits like kiwifruit and avocado. Recent research shows that vitamin K helps in increasing bone mass. Research also shows that the consumption of vitamin K helps in promoting osteotrophic processes while at the same time slowing the osteoclastic processes. This process is done by achieving the calcium bonding in the bones.

Zinc, a mineral needed for cell division and repair as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is also an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.