Benefits and Properties of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a an herb which which has been used throughout history in order to help promote good health and wellness. Recent research has found that the active compound 4-hydroxyisoleucine can aid in maintaining healthy glucose levels and in correcting metabolism of sugars. The body’s ability at managing and balancing correct blood sugar levels could be the single most critical variable affecting your overall health and longevity, and the one which is most impacted directly by diet and lifestyle.

However, today’s high-glycemic carbohydrates and sugar-heavy food (combined with low levels of activity) have created a serious obstacle to people being able to maintain their body’s intricate glucose/insulin balance. The resulting stress and deterioration of cells has dire consequences for both the body and mind. As a supplement to your diet, Fenugreek is an excellent tool to help improve blood sugar levels, and therefore, your quality of life.

Fenugreek has an extended history of folk use across Asia and the Middle east as an anti-diabetic, to treat stomach ulcers, to promote lactation, and as an herb to treat a variety of skin conditions. Much of the research on fenugreek has had a focus on its cholesterol-lowering, blood lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic properties. These properties seem to be directly linked to the presence of soluble fibers, primarily galactomannans. Galactomannans have also been shown to have fat-sequestering properties, which causes them to bind to dietary fat and reduce its absorption by the body. Additionally, the anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek have been linked to the presence of a novel, free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine.

4-hydroxyisoleucine is an amino acid derivative that aids insulin production in the pancreas. Research has shown that supplementing your diet with fenugreek lowers fasting blood sugars and improves after-meal glucose tolerance substantially. 4-hydroxyisoleucine operates by two different mechanisms: It stimulates insulin production for people who want to raise their glucose metabolism and aid in the reduction of glucose resistance and the uptake of glucose, which reduces overall blood glucose levels.

A number of research studies have shown 4-hydroxyisoleucine plays an important role in promoting insulin and in regulating glucose. 4-hydroxyisoleucine promotes the secretion of insulin, thereby reducing the amount which blood glucose is elevated. Elevated blood glucose levels after eating can lead to an increase in the production of body fat.

What are the Benefits of Green Tea Extract?

The benefits of green tea extract have been studied and documented extensively because of their possible role in strengthening the body's immune system, and combating both heart disease and cancer.

Green tea extract is made from the leaves of the tea plant, Cammelia Sinsenis. It is composed of chemicals known as catechins, of which ECGC is the most plentiful. ECGC is thought to have the most therapeutic value.

Reducing LDL Cholesterol

Research has shown that green tea extract reduces the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the blood. LDLs are responsible for the accumulation of plaque in arteries that may lead to heart disease.

Promoting Weight Loss 

Studies have shown that green tea increases thermogenesis, the production of body heat, which helps to burn more calories and fat.

Defending Against Cancer

Research suggests green tea's role of neutralizing free radicals, the chemicals that damage cells in the body. Green tea may also limit cell replication, which is a primary attribute of cancer cells.

Promoting Overall Good Health

Green tea contains strong antioxidants which can strengthen the body's immune system and help guard against illness and disease.

In order to ensure that you are receiving the maximum benefits of green tea extract, you should make sure you get a supplement which contains standardized herbal extract of pure green tea. Numerous green tea extract products sold do not use a standardized extract, because it is more expensive to produce. But be aware that these products may not contain sufficient quantities of active ingredient to offer the benefits of green tea.

Some Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is one of the most powerful antioxidant supplements you can buy. Antioxidants are chemicals which act to reduce oxidation which occurs within the body. The natural extracts from the plant contains procyanidolic oligomers, also known as PCOs. Researchers have found that PCOs strengthen blood vessels and also help to stimulate and improve blood circulation.

 This antioxidant has been found to be about 20x stronger than Vitamin C and almost 50x stronger than Vitamin E, and is even stronger than Beta Carotene. Grape seed extract functions as an extended antioxidant that can remain in your bloodstream for up to three days.

In the late 90's it was first found that grape seed extract acts as a preventative against skin cancer. It was also found that grape seed extract may help to protect against prostate cancer. It is also widely believed that grape seed extract may serve to aid in slowing the aging process.

In other research studies, grape seed extract was found to possibly reduce the effect of cellulite. It has also been reported that it may help lower cholesterol, which in turn may lower blood pressure levels.

Grape seed extract is usually taken in capsules or tablets. Take it with a full glass of water and, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may take it with or without food.

Ginger: Use and Benefits

Ginger has a variety of health benefits, including treating nausea and other digestive problems, improving and stimulating circulation, and treating arthritic pain. Relieving nausea resulting from pregnancy or travelling is one of its most popular uses.

The ginger root can also be highly effective at helping to calm and soothe an upset stomach, and to stimulate the flow of bile. It also aids in relieving stomach cramps. Ginger promotes a healthy cardio-vascular system and improves circulatory function.

Ginger oil can be used for massage which can aid in providing relief for painful arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is often used as an ingredient in herbal decongestants and can reduce the symptoms of respiratory conditions, colds, and allergies.

How to Use Ginger

Ginger root can be ground or grated and used for cooking. It is also widely available in supplement form, which can be ingested orally on a daily bases.

Grated ginger root combined with a small amount of lime juice can soothe problems with the digestive tract and reduce gas and flatulence. Ginger can also be made into an oil and massaged into areas of localised pain. Addittionally, it can be taken as an extract whcih helps reduce inflammation.

When deciding on a ginger supplement, it is important to pick one that contains ginger's pungent compounds. These are called gingerols and shogaols and are the ginger plant's primary active ingredients.

Bilberries and Their Benefits

Bilberries are the small, dark fruit of a European shrub - which is extremely similar to the North American blueberry. Bilberries contain very powerful antioxidants which may help to neutralize dangerous free-radicals throughout the body.

Vision Problems

Some studies have shown the compounds active in bilberry - called anthocyanosides - may help to lower the rate of macular degeneration. Billberries have also been shown to help prevent cataracts, glaucoma, and poor night vision.

Vascular and Blood Disorders

Bilberries have been used to help treat varicose veins, as well as angina. The flavonoids contained in bilberry have the effect of thinning blood and preventing weakness of the capillaries.

Digestive Problems

Information regarding the history of bilberry has shown that it has often been used as a digestion aid, as well as for treating diarrhea, nausea, dysentery and indigestion. Bilberries have also been used as an anti-inflammatory for the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, and to help alleviate painful ulcers.

Menstrual Cramps

Many women have reported that they have successfully used bilberry as a treatment for the relief of menstrual cramps.

Ginseng has Many Health Benefits

Ginseng has had many reported health benefits for a very long time, including improving cognitive function, as well as helping to prevent the development of dementia.

"Ginseng appears to have some beneficial effects on cognition, behavior and quality of life," according to JinSong Geng, of the Medical School of Nantong University in China.

Numerous trials have shown evidence which suggests that ginseng may have a positive role in enhancing learning, memory and for general health.

Soo-Yeun Lee of the University of Illinois has mentioned several studies that may highlight ginseng's impact on a variety of aspects of health and well-being.

"Consumers like to see ginseng on a product's ingredient list because studies [suggest] that it improves memory, enhances libido and sexual performance, boosts immunity and alleviates diabetes," Lee said.

Very recently, food chemists have created a process which reduces the herb's bitterness, which could increase its use as a functional ingredient in energy drinks. According to the chemists, improving the taste of the herb may help manufacturers add ginseng's health benefits to these beverages by helping them not to add the bitter taste.

Source: Ginseng Benefits (Dr. Axe).