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, also called Vitamin H or Vitamin B7. Biotin is a water-soluble B-Complex Vitamin that is needed for 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, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

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, Folacin or Vitamin B9, as well as the natural Folate, is water soluble and an essential nutrient, necessary, among other reasons, for production of healthy red blood cells and during periods of rapid cell division as well as growth. Folate, the natural form of Vitamin B9, is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuces, but also in liver and liver products. The synthetic form of folic acid is being added to many cereal and bread products, but is also a very popular nutritional supplement ingredient. Pregnant women, but also humans who are involved into rapidly growing muscle tissue, for instance in body building circles, require additional levels of folic acid to the regular nutritional intake. Many multivitamin supplements contain 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 is found in abundance in citrus fruits and is a flavanoid. It is commonly found in the white parts of the fruit or the pulps of the peel. Hesperidin is not limited to fruits and can be found in many green vegetables as well. According to many studies it acts as an antioxidant for the human blood vessels. Most of the studies are in its preliminary stages, but this has showed significant signs of reducing diseases like blood pressure and cholesterol. The nature of Hesperidin helps release histamine from the mast cells which help reduce the occurrence of hay fever and other allergies.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

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, which describes any of several large broad-fronded brown seaweeds. Kelp seaweeds are rich sources of minerals and trace elements, especially iodine, which is essential to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Lecithin is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is composed mostly of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier.

Magnesium is the chemical element found in the periodic table with the atomic number 12. This alkaline earth metal is one of ten most common elements in the known universe and also very prominently present in the human body. It manipulates polyphosphate compounds, most prominently the DNA, RNA and the ATP. Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium ions to function properly. Most common application of magnesium in medicine may be the addition to antacids and laxatives. This metal is not found as a free element naturally on Earth, generally the metal is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium salts. The most common deficiency in the United States with staggering two thirds of the population is the magnesium deficiency. Magnesium can be obtained through vegetables, tea, cocoa, cereals, coffee, nuts and spices.

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 essential in regulating pH balance in the body, enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat. Very small amounts are needed. Molybdenum is necessary for the proper function of certain enzyme-dependent processes, including the metabolism of iron. Molybdenum also promotes normal cell function and helps in the activation of certain enzymes, it is a key component of the metabolic enzyme xanthine oxidase. Molybdenum is found in the liver, bones and kidneys. It supports bone growth and teeth strength. A deficiency may cause impotence in older men. High intakes of sulfur and diets high in refined and processed foods may decrease molybdenum levels.There is no recommended dietary allowance for molybdenum.

Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose that serves as fuel for energy. It also helps the body in metabolizing fats and proteins. Niacin also helps in the production of hormones necessary for the body to function properly. It is also effective in improving the circulation in the body. It lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar level. It also helps in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It also helps in regulating the blood sugar level. Niacin also helps prevent the Pellagra disease, which causes digestive problems, diarrhea, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, amnesia, dementia, delirium, and even death. Niacin also helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and is also effective in treating acne.

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, commonly called Vitamin B5, it is a water-soluble member of the vitamin B complex. Pantothenic acid is involved in adrenal gland function and is required to fight stress.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is the chemical element with the atomic number 15 in the periodic table. It is not found as a free element anywhere in the world. In biology and biochemistry it may be the most important element, being present in all living cells of living species. It is present in the DNA, in the RNA, in ATP, but is also found in cell membranes in form of phospholipids. It is also present in the bones, where it builds calcium phosphate salts, responsible for strong bones. Apatite is a collection of phosphate minerals which are generally found in bones and teeth; namely bromapatite, fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite. Several phosphates are being added to body building supplements and powders, intended to aid in skeletal and cellular strength improvement.

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 is a trace mineral that plays an important role in several metabolic pathways such as glutathione-peroxidise pathway. Selenium works with Vitamin E which gives its strong antioxidant effects and improves the immune system. It protects the body from prematurely aging. It also help prevent free radical damages that may cause heart diseases and cancer. It is essential in the proper function of the thyroid hormones, and promotes efficient metabolism. It is also beneficial in the reproductive health particularly of men because it facilitates in the sperm production, and prevents infertility. Selenium also helps reduce inflammation which is beneficial to those with rheumatism to reduce pain.

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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, which is listed in the list of elements as number 23, defining its atomic number. It is a metal and does not have a prominent role in human biology. It has shown in rats and chickens that a vanadium deficiency may result in reduced growth and reproduction deficiencies. Vanadium sulfate is deemed a very popular dietary supplement for the interaction with blood insulin. While providing some glucose control in people suffering from type 2 diabetes, proof for the claimed effect with body building athletes has not yet been scientifically established. In athletes with high levels of energy requirements a stabilized blood sugar may result in prolonged endurance, furthermore, vanadyl sulfate has gained popularity because of the apparent muscle recovery effect.

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite(the light-absorbing molecule retinal). This molecule is absolutely necessary for both scotopic and color vision. It also palys an important role in the health or our skin, bone metabolism, immune function. It is also commercially produced and administered as esters such as retinyl acetate commonly called Vitamin A acetate. Its defeciency can cause blindness. Other problems include impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), keratosis pilaris and squamous metaplasia of the epithelium lining the upper respiratory passages and urinary bladder to a keratinized epithelium.

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the 8 B vitamins. It has the chemical formula C63H88CoN14O14P. In the absence of Vitamin B12, the brain and the nervous system will not be able to function properly. It also plays a key role in the formation of blood. Vitamin B12 was discovered from its relation to the ailment pernicious anemia. Plants and animals are not capable of synthesizing VitaminB12; the enzymes required for this purpose are found only in bacteria. Vitamin B12 deficiency in human beings is due to its complex human physiology. It is available singly or in combination with other supplements.

Vitamin B6- There are three traditionally considered forms of vitamin B6: pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM). The phosphate ester (PLP) has a leading role in metabolism of human body. It is obtained from the diet since humans cannot manufacture it. PLP is crucial in over 100 enzymes that enable important chemical reactions in the human body. In the brain, the manufacture of neurotransmitters like serotonin from tryptophan is made possible by PLP. PLP is also a coenzyme in the production of the iron coating component of hemoglobin called heme. Signs of vitamin B6 deficiency include irritability, depression and confusion, inflammation of the tongue, sores or ulcers of the mouth and the skin at the corner of the mouth.

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 an antioxidant that is known for protecting the tissues of the body from damage caused by free radicals.

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 is acknowledged as essential to the human organism. It is a trace element found in over a hundred and up to three hundred enzymes. It is the second most important mineral in the body, after iron. Zinc is also defined as an important catalytic agent, which is active in enzymatic reactions such as hydroxilation, which is essential for the protein forming amino acid proline, but also for hypoxia response. Zinc is naturally found in red meat, milk, spinach, nuts, oysters, beans and oats. Low zinc counts can attribute to a weakened immune system, interfere with muscle building, cause diarrhea and all kind of other deficiencies. In body building circles, Zinc is an important supplement, valued for the indirect increment of testosterone and the muscle building role.