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Amino acids - are commonly referred to as the building blocks of the body. They form antibodies to combat invading viruses and bacteria: build cells and repair tissues, they are part of the enzyme and hormonal system; they carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity; they build nucleoproteins (RNA and DNA). When protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) the rest are non-essential (can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition).
Antioxidant - are substances which may protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules. These molecules are known as free radicals. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances.
Beta-carotene - is a pro vitamin A compound (acts as a precursor of vitamin A). Foods or supplements containing beta-carotene are converted to vitamin A for the maintenance of healthy skin, good vision, and a robust immune system. Studies conducted over several years indicate that betacarotene may play a significant role in reducing the effects of certain illnesses (such as heart disease, decreased immune function, cataracts, and forms of cancer) and, in certain cases, perhaps even prevent them. Beta-carotene is also a powerful antioxidant, and has been shown to help guard against cancer and heart disease.
Chronic disease - chronic disease is a term which often describes one that is long lasting or recurrant, normally for more than three months in duration. The term chronic describes the course of the disease, or its rate of onset and development. There is a difference between a chronic course (of disease) and a recurrent course (of disease). Recurrent diseases relapse repeatedly, with periods of remission in between.
Essential Fatty Acids - The essential fatty acids, Omega-6 and Omega-3, have been ingested in an approximatey equal proportion throughout human history. They are two of forty-nine known essential nutrients, and as such cannot be synthesized by the body. They must be ingested directly in foods or taken into the body by some form of dietary supplement. The relationship of equivalence between the two Omegas is critical because they self-check each other in a delicate balance to regulate thousands of metabolic functions through prostaglandin pathways. Nearly every biologic function is somehow interconnected with the delicate balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3.
Flavonoids – over 6,000 different substances found in virtually all plants, are responsible for many of the plant colours. The chemistry of flavonoids is complicated, and within the non-technical term "flavonoids" can be found many different chemical groups of substances. These groups include flavonols, dihydroflavonols, flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, and anthocyanidins. Within each of these groups fall hundreds, and sometimes thousands of different flavonoids. For example, well-known flavonols include quercetin, rutin, and hesperidin, while well-known flavones include apigenin and luteolin. Flavonoids may also be named directly after the unique plant that contains them. Ginkgetin is a flavonoid from the ginkgo tree, and tangeretin is a flavonoid from the tangerine.
Free radicals - A highly chemically reactive atom, molecule or molecular fragment with a free or unpaired electron. Free radicals are produced in many different ways such as, normal metabolic processes, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, nuclear radiation and the breakdown in the body of spoiled fats. Free radicals have been implicated in aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other kinds of damage to the body, (see antioxidants). Have you ever seen a peeled apple turn brown? Free radicals are the culprit. The same thing happens when the body is stressed-either physically or mentally, or from environmental toxins. Free radicals attack the body, and are the principal reason for the aging process. Antioxidants help neutralize free radical damage. The greater the amount of antioxidants in the body, the better we can slow down the aging process.
Goji berry – also known as Wolfberry, Gou qi zi, Goji, lycium fruit, box thorn, tea tree, matrimony vine.
Immune system - The immune system, which is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, defends people against germs and microorganisms every day. In most cases, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. But sometimes problems with the immune system can lead to illness and infection. The immune system is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body.
Lycium barbarum - (also known as) Wolfberry, Gou qi zi, Goji, lycium fruit, box thorn, tea tree, matrimony vine.
Polysaccharide - They are polymers made up of many monosaccharides joined together by glycosidic links. They are therefore very large, often branched, molecules. They tend to be amorphous, insoluble in water, and have no sweet taste.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of the most powerful antioxidants for fighting inflammation, disease, pain, and the effects of aging.
Wolfberry – also known as lycium barbarum, Gou qi zi, Goji, lycium fruit, Lycium Barbarum, box thorn, tea tree, matrimony vine. |
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