Monthly Archives: September 2018

Why Garlic?

GarlicJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

 

 

Throughout history, garlic has been utilized by many cultures as a flavoring and a preservative, as well as for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Per the Journal of Nutrition, in addition to Biblical references to garlic, ancient medical texts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India all contain prescribed medical applications for garlic. It’s interesting to note that although these cultures developed in isolation from one another, all reached similar conclusions regarding garlic’s efficacy and actions. Early history shows that garlic was mainly utilized to maintain and increase the strength, endurance and work capacity of laborers, soldiers and sailors, as well as to treat circulatory ailments, parasitic infestations and general malaise. Long before the functions of the human vascular system were known, Greek physician, Dioscorides, the chief physician for the Roman army under Nero, recommended garlic to “clean the arteries.”

Of all the medicinal plants used intensively in traditional medicine, garlic may be one of the most important. Widely recognized by modern science for its broad and beneficial effects on cardiac health, an abundance of scientific literature supports the consumption of garlic for its preventative characteristics in cardiovascular diseases. These include its ability to reduce blood sugar, serum cholesterol and triglycerides; balance inflammation and regulate blood pressure; as well as improve endothelial function and prevent atherosclerosis. In order to provide a consistent dosage, most of the studies relating to the health benefits of garlic involved the use of garlic supplements. Aged garlic extract (AGE), in particular, provides unique and potent sulfur-based compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Several studies have demonstrated that AGE inhibits the progression of coronary artery calcification. One of the most compelling findings of a placebo-controlled double-blind study of AGE involved 72 participants who met at least two of the five criteria for metabolic syndrome,  a rapidly rising threat to a long and healthy lifespan. An individual with three of the following health conditions–central obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance–would be diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome, which greatly increases diabetes and heart health risk. Researchers found the percentage of low attenuation (soft) plaque change was significantly greater in the AGE group than in the placebo group. Although the researchers suggest that further studies are warranted to evaluate whether AGE has the ability to decrease adverse cardiac events, the answer may lie in its ability to help inhibit or reverse early heart disease by stripping soft plaque buildup from artery walls.

Per scientific studies, the organic compound, allicin, responsible for garlic’s flavor and aroma, acts as one of the most powerful nutritional antioxidants. Researchers, who set out to determine exactly what was responsible for garlic’s medicinal benefits, found that as allicin decomposes it rapidly reacts to neutralize free radicals. The antibacterial activity of garlic is widely attributed to allicin as well. Garlic has been proven to be effective against a host of bacteria, including salmonella and E.coli. Its anti-protozoal properties have demonstrated effectiveness against candida, giardia and more. In review, garlic’s more than 200 compounds are reported to enhance the immune system, to have antitumoral and antioxidant features and to be effective against bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Components include sulphur compounds, volatile oils, enzymes, carbohydrates, minerals, amino acids, niacin, vitamins A, C, E, B1 and B2, bioflavonoids and beta-carotene many of which offer cellular protection from the harms of free radicals and oxidizing agents.

Professional Supplement Center offers many high quality supplements in support of overall wellness:

Kyolic Formula 100...Kyolic® Formula 100 Vegetarian Cardiovascular by Wakunaga Pharmaceutical: This odorless, organic, scientifically researched aged garlic supplement supports and strengthens the cardiovascular system by reducing major risk factors, maintaining circulatory function, and promoting overall heart health. Free of dairy, preservatives, sugar, yeast and artificial ingredients. Organically grown, odorless vegetarian formulation.

Fermented Black...Fermented Black Garlic by Dr. Mercola®: Aging and fermenting enhances the sweetness and bioavailability of the beneficial nutrients including S-Allyl Cysteine. This product is formulated in support of healthy immune function and the maintenance of cholesterol and blood pressure levels already within the normal range. Soy and gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

Kyolic Formula 104Kyolic® Formula 104 by Wakunaga Pharmaceutical: This odorless, organic, scientifically researched aged garlic supplement supports healthy nerve function, overall cardiovascular health and the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range. Free of gluten, dairy, yeast, sugar preservatives and artificial ingredients.

References:
Historical Perspective on the Use of Garlic. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/3/951S/4687053
Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic
Aged Garlic Extract Reduces Low Attenuation Plaque in Coronary Arteries of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome in a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/146/2/427S/4584725
Chemists Shed Light On Health Benefits of Garlic. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090130154901.htm
Garlic (Allium sativum) and traditional medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17594659

The Immune Supportive Benefits of Black Elderberry

ElderberryJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

 

 

With cold and flu season around the corner, it’s a good time to think about restocking the home medicine kit with natural remedies. Black elderberries are truly unique nutritional powerhouses that possess biologically active health-benefiting components. Nutritional analysis shows that black elderberries provide protein, omega-3 essential fatty acids, free and conjugated forms of amino acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals and high levels of calcium, potassium and vitamin C, as well as powerful and potent antioxidants. The extraordinary level of antioxidants is largely attributed to anthocyanins, flavonols, proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids that surpass the antioxidant capacity of other dark-fleshed small fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries and black raspberries.

Commonly used as daily support for its immune boosting properties, as well as for acute immune challenges, elderberry can be found as syrups, lozenges, capsules, and tonics. The fruit is also used to make jams and baked goods, while teas, wines, cordials and sodas are often made from the elderflower. Recorded history shows that the use of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as medication dates back to ancient times. Black elderberry’s healing powers were valued by Hippocrates who reportedly described elderberry as his “medicine chest” for the wide variety of ailments it appeared to treat. Over the centuries, black elderberry has been utilized for the treatment of colds, flu, swelling, and over 70 other maladies. Today, research data obtained from studies around the world have found black elderberry to be an efficient, safe and cost-effective way to reduce the symptoms of colds, fevers and flu. By stimulating the immune response, elderberry has been shown in studies to shorten the duration of influenza A, B and H1N1 illness by an average of four days.

Per Dr. Gerhard Rechkemmer, president of Germany’s Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, black elderberries have significantly greater antioxidant capacity than other antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C. Research at the Institute has shown that anthocyanins found in elderberries boost the production of cytokines, which helps to balance and enhance  the immune response. Cytokines, a family of cell signaling molecules, aid cellular communication between compounds, such as interferon and interleukin, that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Also described as immunomodulating agents, cytokines are important regulators of both the innate and the adaptive immune response to inflammation, infection and trauma.

The medicinal properties of elderberries are largely associated with the presence of polyphenol antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize free radicals to counteract oxidative stress, thereby helping to protect against cellular aging, degenerative diseases, infections and certain cancers. Anthocyanins in elderberries have been shown to be absorbable by the body and are able to significantly increase plasma antioxidant capacity. For generations, elderberry has been traditionally used to relieve constipation, gingivitis, nerve pain, upper respiratory tract infections, and chronic fatigue, as well as to relieve cold and flu symptoms of  coughing, nasal congestion, mucus discharge and fever. Elderberry’s significant antioxidant capacity is well documented. It is known to be immunoprotective, immunostimulatory, and antiviral, and it also increases production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Elderberries should always be cooked before consumption. As not all species of elderberry are edible, it’s never a good idea to eat wild elderberries. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or are taking medications should consult a healthcare practitioner before using elderberry products.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality black elderberry supplements:

Black Elderberry...Black Elderberry Extract by Ecological Formulas: Formulated to deliver specially isolated derivatives of black elderberry juice, this extract provides a high concentration of polyphenols including anthocyanidins. Honey sweetened. Gluten and casein free.

 

Sambucus Black...Sambucus Black Elderberry by Protocol for Life Balance®: This concentrated liquid tonic provides 500 mg of black elderberry in support of health maintenance, overall wellbeing and free radical scavenging. Free of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, eggs, fish and shellfish. Non- GMO vegan formulation.

 

Black ElderberryBlack Elderberry by Professional Solutions: Designed for optimal support of healthy immune function, this product supplies 158 mg of certified organic dried black elderberry extract per capsule. No sweeteners, binders or fillers. Vegetarian formulation.

 

Kids Black...Kids Black Elderberry Syrup by Gaia® Herbs: This great tasting, all natural syrup is made from USDA Certified Organic black elderberries with added organic honey. Black Elderberry Syrup may be taken daily or when needed for additional immune support. Free of artificial ingredients and high fructose corn syrup. Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016
Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400
Total phenolic, anthocyanin contents and antioxidant capacity of selected elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.) accessions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950382/

Kirkman® – Featured Brand

KirkmanSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

Since 1949, Kirkman® has developed and manufactured high quality supplements for children, adults and individuals with special needs, allergies and sensitivities. Their mission statement remains to provide unique and effective products that are designed to have a positive impact on the health and wellness of individuals with special sensitivities and dietary requirements. As such, Kirkman® maintains the highest level of scientific excellence in the research and development of their formulas. As a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical company, all Kirkman® products are manufactured in their own cGMP and NSF certified facility in compliance with the highest industry, regulatory and extensive internal standards.

Kirkman’s Ultra Tested® products are tested for more than 950 environmental contaminants, including pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, biocides, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. Premium raw materials are tested for quality, potency, identity, safety, purity and stability, as well as casein, gluten, soy and other potential allergens.

To see more products from Kirkman®, please visit professionalsupplementcenter.com

Advanced Adult Multi...Advanced Adult Multi-Vitamin/Mineral: This comprehensive hypoallergenic formula provides highly bioavailable forms of 12 vitamins and 8 minerals in the amounts supported by the latest scientific studies in support of general good health. Free of sugar, starch, soy, wheat, casein, gluten, milk, eggs, preservatives, yeast, flavorings, colorings, peanuts and tree nuts.

Advanced Eye Care...60 to 90 Advanced Eye Care Support: This specially formulated eye care product is specifically designed with clinically proven ingredients in support of senior vision health. Free of sucrose, sugar, starch, wheat, casein, gluten, milk, corn, eggs, yeast, flavorings, colorings, peanuts, tree nuts and fish.

Men's Multi-Vitamin...60 to 90 Men’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Boost: Specifically formulated for senior men, this product provides a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrients known for their anti-aging properties, as well as hormonal balance, and the maintenance of cardiac, cellular, prostate, immune, muscle and bone health. Free of sugar, starch, soy, wheat, casein, gluten, milk, eggs, yeast, flavorings, colorings, peanuts and tree nuts.

Women's Multi...60 to 90 Women’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Boost: Formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of senior women, this product provides a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals in support of strong foundational health. Included are nutrients known for their anti-aging properties, as well as the maintenance of cardiac, cellular, immune, urinary tract, muscle and bone health. Free of sugar, starch, soy, wheat, casein, gluten, milk, eggs, yeast, flavorings, colorings, peanuts and tree nuts.

Children's Chewable...Children’s Chewable Multi-Vitamin Mineral Wafers with Xylitol: These chewable wafers offer higher potency bioavailable vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and CoQ10 in support of children’s overall good health. Natural mango/peach flavor. Free of soy, wheat, casein, gluten, milk, eggs, yeast, peanuts, tree nuts and artificial flavorings, colorings and sweeteners.