June 28, 2022

Food Supplements 101

by Kenneth Gray in Blog

What is a food supplement?

Food supplements are used to provide nutrients to the body in a concentrated form that may not be sufficiently consumed or provided in a diet.

A dietary supplement is a manufactured product meant to improve the diet when taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid. A dietary food supplement can provide extra needed nutrients by either extracted from food sources or synthetic, individually or in combination.

Food Supplements can be vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids that the body needs to function correctly.

What are the different types of dietary food supplements?

Dietary supplements (food supplements) come in many forms. They can be powders, pills, capsules, tablets, tinctures, and liquid extracts.

Food supplements also come in a variety of doses and different combinations. Read carefully the instructions and follow directions provided by the manufacture of the supplement.

Please visit our blog post on “What you need to know about supplements.” for futher information.

Who needs food supplements?

There are many reasons why people will need food supplements.

For some people they may have a compromised immune system and they need extra nutrients to support their bodies natural immune system.
For some it may be for health issues that prevent their body from absorbing nutrients properly or sufficiently from a normal healthy diet.
For some it may also be due to the foods they eat that don’t provide enough of the right nutrients for the body to operate to its fullest potential.

Some people can obtain the right nutrients from proper nutrition, however, if simple lifestyle changes are not enough and you have consulted your doctor, and you need extra support, witch most people do, then the right supplements will help.

Examples of population groups requiring specific advice about supplements and may need food supplements for extra support.

People over age 50 may need extra Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folate. Elderly adults with a weaken immune system may benefit from a low-dose multivitamin supplement.
Women of childbearing age may need folic acid and vitamin D, and possibly iron.
Women Breastfeeding may need vitamin D.
People with insufficient sun exposure or darker skin may need vitamin D.
Children under age 5 may need vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, although children with a good appetite who eat a wide variety of food may not need them.
Vegans may need vitamin B12, vitamin D2
People with certain conditions that limit their colons ability to absorb nutrients completely may need extra vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and and possibly iron.

Which form of supplement works the best?

Specific forms of supplements will not thoroughly or adequately absorbed into the body and, as a result, will Not provide adequate benefit.

Tinctures or liquid extract supplements are better absorbed by the body and at a faster rate, maximizing the nutritional benefit and eliminating the need to take more to make up for the wasted amount that passes through your body untouched.

Not all food supplements will provide the proper amount of ingredients to make a nutritional difference.

Read the label to determine the purity of the ingredients. Is it more water or filler than the supplement? Is it pure natural ingredients? The first ingredient listed will be the dominant ingredient.

Supplements with “proprietary blends” do not have to report any ingredient amounts on their labels and should be avoided.

Natural food supplements are best when it comes to ingredients.

Herbal dietary food supplements are derived from nature and can come from flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and fruits. Most are processed naturally with little, if not any chemical preservatives.

Herbal dietary supplements should have less than three ingredients and are usually vegan, but not necessarily non-GMO. Some may be gluten-free and organic. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the manufacturer before using supplements.

A few more essential tips to be aware of with supplements:

1. Caution is best.

Before taking supplements, consult with your doctor if you are taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Make sure the supplement is compatible with your current medications. Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should also consult their doctor before beginning any new supplements.

2. Try only one new supplement at a time.

It is wise to try a small amount first when trying a new supplement. Stop taking the supplement if you feel ill.

3. Store supplements in the appropriate location.

Some supplements may be sensitive to light or to the environment. Follow storage instructions, and if they are not available, ask the seller for them.

4. Who regulates supplements?

Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which protects the right of consumers to access supplements for wellness.2

5. Read the supplement label for ingredients.

If you have allergies, make sure to read the ingredients before using supplements. If you don’t understand an ingredient on the label, then it is most likely not natural, and you should look it up online. It is always better safe than sorry when it comes to your health and well being.

SUMMARY

Some groups of people are advised to take specific supplements. Food Supplements will supply the missing nutrients your body may need or can’t get enough of from standard diets. Avoid taking multiple doses that exceed the Recommended Daily Amounts (RDAs) or the manufactures instructions.

Herbal supplements are a better choice, and liquid extracts have the best absorption rate and the best value. Most extract supplements also provide a highly concentrated amount of nutrients you will not find in other supplements and most diets.

If you have any questions, please email us, and we would be glad to answers any questions you have about supplements.

References:

Cautions:
If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, or allergic to food, consult with your healthcare provider before use. Keep out of the reach of children.

*Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

November 10, 2022

Astragalus Extract – Benefits, Uses, Remedies, and History

Astragalus Extract: Benefits, Uses, Remedies, and History Introduction Astragalus Extract has many benefits, uses, and remedies. The Chinese are known for their liberal use of natural ingredients derived from plants, herbs, roots, and others. One such herb that the Chinese have been using in traditional medicine for centuries is the astragalus or huáng qi, which means “yellow leader”. The astragalus (scientific name: Astragalus Mongholicus) belongs to the third-largest plant family in the world, the Fabaceae or pea family. Within this plant family are herbs and several species of plant-based protein sources – lentils, chickpeas, peas, and beans. In particular, the root of the astragalus is what is commonly used in herbalism. History of Astragalus The astragalus has a long history of use in Asian cultures, particularly in China, Mongolia, and North Korea where it is considered a native root. As mentioned in the get-go, it’s known as “yellow leader” not only because of its reputation as an herb but also because of its inner root’s color. It is touted as one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in herbalism. Astragalus, more particularly its roots, has many purported health benefits. Apparently, it supports vital energy, can reinforce the body’s natural defenses, helps boost the immune system, has anti-aging properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. * The astragalus root contains many active plant compounds believed to be responsible for its potential health benefits. It is made into several forms of supplements – liquid extracts, capsules, powders, teas, and tinctures. How Can Astragalus Root Boost Your Immune System? It’s common knowledge that the body’s immune system protects it against harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses that invade the body and cause various illnesses. One of the best ways to combat these illnesses is to strengthen the immune system, particularly by increasing the body’s production of white blood cells. Some evidence show that taking astragalus extract may help increase the production of white blood cells in the body. Moreover, the natural antibiotic properties of astragalus helps the body become more resistant to viral infections. Taking astragalus tincture provides the body with antioxidants that can likewise protect cells against free radical damage. * Can Astragalus Extract Help Improve Heart Health? A study shows that taking astragalus root tincture may promote a healthy heart by increasing the amount of blood pumped from it. It can protect the inner walls of the blood vessels, thereby preventing plaque buildup in the arteries by making the blood vessels wider. Astragalus root can, thus, help improve heart function especially in people with certain heart conditions. * According to another clinical study, when taken as a supplement to conventional therapy, pure astragalus extract greatly improved the heart function of patients with heart failure compared to those who received standard treatment alone. * Regular intake of astragalus tincture also promotes heart health by reducing blood pressure and reducing high levels of triglycerides, which put people at risk for various heart diseases. Astragalus root tincture can likewise help regulate calcium homeostasis in the heart; thus, help prevent damage to heart muscle. * How Can Astragalus Root Tincture Regulate Blood Sugar? It’s common knowledge that people suffering from diabetes have a tough time getting their blood sugar levels under control. Nevertheless, the active compounds in astragalus root extract, which may include saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, may regulate blood sugar levels. In fact, studies show that astragalus tincture may be taken as a supplement to traditional blood sugar management. * Can Pure Astragalus Extract Really Help Improve Kidney Function? Regular intake of pure astragalus extract helps improve blood flow to the kidney, thereby improving kidney health and function. Kidney damage or malfunction may be due to proteinuria, a condition in which abnormal amounts of protein are found in urine. Taking in regular doses of astragalus extract helps regulate the amount of protein found in urine; thus, proteinuria may be prevented. Other Health Benefits of Astragalus Extract Provides relief from seasonal allergies – including regular intake of astragalus root extract as a natural allergy therapy. * Helps reduce stress – the antioxidant properties in astragalus tincture can help curb stress levels in the body, thereby promoting peace and calm not just in the body but also in the mind. * Helps reduce sleep issues – because pure astragalus tincture can help improve overall health, its regular intake can deliver better sleep patterns by reducing sleep issues like insomnia, sleeplessness, and interrupted sleep patterns. * Helps reduce signs of aging – since astragalus tincture contains antioxidants, it goes without saying that it helps reduce signs of aging and helps in the growth of tissues for healthier looking skin. * Conclusion Indeed, astragalus root extract can purportedly help boost the immune system, promote healthier heart, improve kidney function, regulate blood sugar levels, and so much more. Nevertheless, you will only get the utmost benefits from it by incorporating it in diet as a daily nutritional supplement. Taking it once or twice a day will help you get the most out of it, on your way to a healthier life. * SHOP MAXX HERB Astragalus Root Extract - 4oz Astragalus Root Extract - 4oz Reminder *Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. A message from the company: “We make health supplements we want to use for ourselves because we saw a need for better natural supplements. We believe in herbal remedies and supplements and the health benefits they provide.” - Maxx Herb Don’t forget we have a 90-day money-back guarantee. Read more about what you need to know about supplements here. *Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

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November 10, 2022

Antioxidant Powerhouse: How Does Red Nopal Cactus Juice Compare to Orange Juice

Antioxidant Powerhouse: How Does Red Nopal Cactus Juice Compare to Orange Juice Introduction Red Nopal Cactus Juice and Orange Juice have their health benefits, but how are they different? Staying healthy and strong is so important today, and for most of us, more than ever before. For months now we have been talking about the benefits of Red Nopal Cactus Juice, but how does it hold up to orange juice? Red Nopal Cactus juice is a great way to support the immune system, blood sugar balance, and to add other numerous nutrients into your diet. It’s easy to add to a shake in place of fruit juices or to drink on its own, like orange juice. It tastes great, too. Now lets compare Red Nopal cactus juice benefits with those of orange juice. The main differences are Betalains, Calcium and Potassium, anti-inflammation properties, and blood sugar balance support. Antioxidant Comparison Red Nopal Cactus juice naturally supports the body’s ability to fight inflammation. It is an amazing source for betalains and is rich in antioxidants. Orange juice is rich in antioxidants, but it is not a sufficient source for betalains, a rare form of antioxidants. It’s all about the betalains/betaxanthins and indicaxanthins when it comes to supporting the body’s ability to respond to inflammation. Nopal cactus juice contains a natural source of betalains, a rare form of antioxidants found in the fruit of the Red Nopal Cactus. The Nopal Cactus fruit, which grows on the top of the cactus leaf, is also known as the pear or prickly pear. Traditionally, prickly pear juice use is to support healthy cell replacement, healthy response to inflammation, and it is used to detoxify and fortify the body to help promote healthy living.* Why are Betalains important? On the metabolic side, the antioxidants work to eat up the free radicals in one’s metabolism known as c-reactive proteins. Betaxanthins, flavonols, polysaccharides, and polyphenols are all extremely important antioxidants, anti-inflammatories that combined together work to immediately lower the metabolic and trauma-based (injury, surgery) inflammation. “Cactus pears contain mainly indicaxanthin, betanin, and isobetanin, and can have up to 24 different betalains (Castellanos-Santiago and Yahia, 2008). Red-purple pitaya contains betanin, isobetanin, phyllocactin, hylocerenin and isohylocerenin (Strack et al., 2003; Stintzing and Carle, 2007). The ratio and concentration of betalain pigments in cactus pear fruit are responsible for the color of specific cultivars, showing the highest betalains content in fruit of purple color, comparable to that found in red beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Pablo) (Castellanos-Santiago and Yahia,”– Betalains What are free radicals? Definition of free radical: an especially reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons especially : one that is produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from an outside source (such as tobacco smoke, toxins, or pollutants) and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure The free radicals generally originate from 3 conditions: Bad diet – junk food alcohol, etc Pollution – environmental type Stress – work-related or other Nopal Cactus Fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants that help your bodies response to free radicals. Mineral Comparison When it comes to calcium and potassium Red Nopal cactus juice edges out orange juices. Both orange juice and Red Nopal cactus juice are are a good source for Vitamin C and contain calcium and potassium. All of these properties are very important for the bodies overall health. If you compare the nutritional labels ounce for ounce: One ounce of orange juice contains 2.5mg of calcium and 56mg of potassium. One ounce of Nopal Cactus juice contains 30mg of calcium and 66mg of potassium. Hands down the Red Nodal cactus fruit contains more nutrient rich minerals and antioxidants. Natural Sugar Content All juices will have sugar, but some are natural with no added sugar or artificial additives. Red Nopal Cactus fruit juice does not add sugar and is 99.3% pure red cactus fruit juice. Most orange juices don’t add sugar, but may contain additives. Always check the nutritional label when consuming any kind of juice, soda, or drink. The biggest difference when it comes to sugar between red cactus juice and orange juice is the amount recommended in one serving. One serving of orange juice in an 8-ounce cup contains 24 grams of sugar. One 2-ounce serving of Red Nopal Cactus juice is 6g of sugar. When it comes to nutrition, all juice should be consumed in moderation. We caution against drinking too much juice at one time. That is why 2 ounce 2 times a day is recommended for more health benefits. Plus, it is better absorbed by the body and its anti-inflammatory properties help your overall health. Overall Benefits of Red Nopal Red Nopal Cactus juice is made from pure red nopal cactus fruit (99.3%). The only other addition is citric acid, and that is for preservation(.7%). Red cactus juice helps with regulating blood sugar, where orange juice could potentially spike your blood sugar. Red cactus juice also helps boost immunity as well as healthy digestion. It also promotes joint health, and it aids in regulating healthy cholesterol levels. The Nopal red cactus fruit is a powerful and potent nutrient goldmine containing many naturally occurring minerals (calcium, iron, potassium & magnesium), enzymes, vitamins (A, B & C), betalains, amino acids, polysaccharides, polyphenols & fiber. You can enjoy it in its pure state or mix it with your favorite juice or add it to a smoothie. Read more about the benefits of Red Nopal Cactus Juice, also known as, Prickly Pear Juice. Conclusion The purpose of this content was not to convince you that orange juice isn't healthy because that's not true at all. Besides being delicious, oranges are a healthy sources of vitamin c and other minerals. Orange juice is a staple beverage that we all love, but there are other delicious and beneficial fruit juices that can bring even more health benefits to the consumer. Red Nopal Cactus is one of those tasty alternatives that can offer a maximum amount of health benefits while containing a lower sugar content than orange juice. Try Maxx Herb's Red Nopal Cactus Juice or Powder and decide for yourself which one meets your health standards and tastebud needs! SHOP MAXX HERB Red Nopal Cactus Fruit Juice (Organic) - 32oz Red Nopal Cactus Fruit Powder (Organic) - 10oz Reminder *Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. A message from the company: “We make health supplements we want to use for ourselves because we saw a need for better natural supplements. We believe in herbal remedies and supplements and the health benefits they provide.” - Maxx Herb Don’t forget we have a 90-day money-back guarantee. Read more about what you need to know about supplements here. *Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. References Gary N. Ervin "Indian Fig Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) Miller) in the Americas: an Uncertain History," Haseltonia 2012(17), 70-81, (1 January 2012). https://doi.org/10.2985/1070-0048-17.1.9 Romero-Orejon, Frank et al. "Secondary Metabolites of Edible Cacti (Cactaceae) from the South American Andes". Secondary Metabolites - Trends and Reviews [Working Title], edited by Ramasamy Vijayakumar, Suresh Raja, IntechOpen, 2022. 10.5772/intechopen.102419. https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/80527 Jensen, Gitte S. “Improved Joint Mobility Associated with Reduced Inflammation Related to Consumption of Nopal Cactus Fruit Juice: Results from a Placebo-Controlled Trial Using Digital Inclinometry to Objectively Document Mobility of All Major Joints.” Clinical interventions in aging vol. 15 2341-2352. 9 Dec. 2020, doi:10.2147/CIA.S267451. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7734066/ Patricia López-Romero, Edgar Pichardo-Ontiveros, Azalia Avila-Nava, Natalia Vázquez-Manjarrez, Armando R. Tovar, José Pedraza-Chaverri, Nimbe Torres, The Effect of Nopal (Opuntia Ficus Indica) on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Incretins, and Antioxidant Activity in Mexican Patients with Type 2 Diabetes after Consumption of Two Different Composition Breakfasts, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 114, Issue 11, 2014, Pages 1811-1818, ISSN 2212-2672, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.352. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212267214010211

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November 10, 2022

5 Life Extending Benefits of Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG)

5 Benefits of Ca-AKG: Discover How One Powerful Natural Ingredient Can Make a Positive Effect on Aging. Aging Process Aging is a natural part of life that every living organism goes through whether we like it out not. Though aging can bring positive insights on life, intelligence, and meaningful experiences, our bodies can't escape the natural process of simply getting older and the pain that comes with it. Let's be honest, getting older can sometimes be a down right painful experience at times as the force of gravity pushes harder and harder on our bones and muscle tissue. Luckily, science and technology has helped the world ease the pain and discover new ways to help aid or smoothen out the unescapable aging process. We know that a healthy diet, right amount of sleep, proper exercise, and a positive mental state are all vital and nourishing to the aging process. What if I told you there is a new discovery in the health science world that is changing everything we know about getting older. Today we are going to talk about that new discovery and how one simple ingredient can have enormously positive affects on the body. That one ingredient is called Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG), a magical powder that's here to help us all feel and look younger! Let's go over 5 fascinating benefits of this naturally occurring life-extending powder. 1. Promotes Gastrointestinal Health Alpha-ketoglutaric acid supplements are believed to be anti-catabolic, which means that they could potentially* slow or prevent catabolism (the breakdown of tissues). In 2012, a study by the Italian Journal of Animal Science was published, stating that alpha-ketoglutaric acid prevented the breakdown of the intestines in lab rats that were fed a strict protein-free diet for 14 days. Contrary to the projected outcome, and the results within the non-treated group, the rats never experienced any damage to the villi within the intestines; instead, the rats who were fed alpha-ketoglutaric acid showed no evidence of obvious intestinal damage. Furthermore, the rats who ingested the supplements were reported to maintain normal growth, even with the total lack of protein in their diets. Those with higher doses had shown even better results. The findings support alpha-ketoglutaric acid’s anti-catabolic effects, and those benefits could also be experienced by humans. 2. Aids Reduction of Age-Related Inflammation In a study conducted by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and sponsored by Ponce De Leon Health, Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) was found to have increased lifespan and to have also decreased morbidity in aging mice. The animals in both the control group and the Ca-AKG treated test group were examined for 31 different frailty markers and further tested for a multitude of biomarkers of aging and inflammation. “Researchers found that mice in the test group experienced a 12% increase in lifespan, and perhaps even more significantly, a 46% reduction in frailty, and 41% increase in healthspan. To determine its role in mammalian aging, we administered CaAKG in 18 months old mice and determined its effect on the onset of frailty and survival, discovering that the metabolite promotes longer, healthier life associated with a decrease in levels of inflammatory factors.” Ca-AKG works by slowing the rate of age-related DNA methylation and reducing the inflammation caused by senescent cells: two proposed reasons why we age. 3. Promotes Heightened Metabolism Ca-AKG can help to strengthen amino acid metabolism. Because of its ability to decrease hyperphosphatemia, ammonia levels in cells are reduced (muscle spasms can be caused by high levels of phosphate in the blood). Metabolism and aging are interconnected. A stronger metabolism can help you to maintain a healthier body, with a longer lifespan. 4. Supports Lengthened Lifespan While the decrease of morbidity outweighed the lengthening of the lifespan, it should still be noted that a 12% increase of lifespan was reported during the study by Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Ca-AKG has been proven to partially increase lifespan and longevity and to further increase the quality of life in the later years of the aging process. “Although the study was conducted on animals, humans share a number of major molecular aging pathways with mice and experience many of the same challenges to health associated with old age,” he continued. “We are of the view that supplementation with calcium alpha-ketoglutarate may impact important elements of human aging and improve quality of life in the elderly population,” said Dr. Kennedy, Director of the Center of Healthy Ageing of the National University of Singapore. 5. Helps Improved Quality of Life According to the lead researcher at Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Azar Asadi Shahmirzadi, Ph.D., their findings during this study indicate that the decline in health, attributed to aging, may not be inevitable; rather, the study suggests that adding Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate could potentially help to manage this decline by reducing morbidity. If this effect could be translated to humans, the supplement could very well help to meaningfully shorten the amount of time spent suffering from age-related conditions, increase and expand the period of healthy living, and drastically lessen the costs of providing healthcare to an aging population. Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) Supplement is meant to be used to support, help, or aid you and your health. It is not a replacement for medicine, medical treatment, and is not guaranteed to fix, cure, or treat any potential medical affliction. There you have it, 5 of the many amazing and beneficial effects of Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate! Try Maxx Herb's high rated Ca-AKG powder and start feeling/looking younger today! SHOP MAXX HERB Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Ca-AKG Powder - 100g 5.0 Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Ca-AKG Powder - 100g 5.0 Reminder *Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. A message from the company: “We make health supplements we want to use for ourselves because we saw a need for better natural supplements. We believe in herbal remedies and supplements and the health benefits they provide.” - Maxx Herb Don’t forget we have a 90-day money-back guarantee. Read more about what you need to know about supplements here. *Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

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Food Supplements 101

What is a food supplement?