| Immune Health Supports Your Immune System Year-Round!
N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Potent Detoxifier and Glutathione Booster
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, a major precursor in the formation of the of the body’s most abundant antioxidant, glutathione. NAC is more stable than L-cysteine and is quickly metabolized into glutathione once it enters the body.
NAC is a potent cell detoxifier, as well as helping to strengthen cell membranes. NAC strengthens the protective lining of the stomach and intestines, and has proven liver-protecting qualities.
Quercetin - Cell Protector and Vitamin C Producer
Quercetin is one of the most potent bioflavanoids used by plants to protect against UV radiation and microbes. Quercetin is the most active of the flavonoids. Quercetin has powerful cell protecting properties and stabilizes cell membranes so they are less reactive to allergens and toxins by inhibiting the manufacture and release of histamine. Bioflavonoids, in fact, are considered “nature’s biological response modifiers.”
While bioflavonoids, like quercetin, are poorly absorbed in the body, they stimulate the body to produce uric acid to excrete them, which helps the body to eliminate other unwanted compounds.
Quercetin inhibits lipid peroxidation and increases protective mucus production in the gastrointestinal tract. Quercetin is also thought to help preserve vitamin C in the body and support the health of fragile capillaries.
Green Tea Extract - Ancient Immune Booster and Powerful Antioxidant
Green tea has been used for over 5,000 years for pain, digestion, mood maintenance, immune enhancement, detoxification, energy enhancement, and anti-aging. Green tea contains high concentrations of polyphenols – plant-derived antioxidant compounds linked to health benefits ranging from immune system support to cardiovascular health.
The primary polyphenols found in green tea include four catechins -- epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most potent and extensively researched. As an antioxidant, EGCG ranks up there with vitamin C and glutathione, and helps move carcinogens and invading bacteria out of the body.
Since the 1970s, epidemiological studies have shown that in parts of the world where green tea is consumed, the incidence of solid tumor cancers -- such as breast, lung and gastrointestinal cancer -- is lower. Green Tea has garnered the attention of the National Cancer Institute and many other research initiatives.
Elderberry Extract - Immune System Regulator and Anti-Viral Hero
Elderberries have been used in European folk medicine for arthritis and asthma to colds and constipation. Elderberries provide anthocyanins, potent purple pigments with many health benefits. Anthocyanins found in elderberries have more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or vitamin C.
Elderberry anthocyanins are thought to enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines, proteins acting as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response. Elderberry extract showed anti-viral activity when in vitro elderberry extract inhibited the replication of a number of strains of influenza in cell cultures.
Elderberry extract also reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is implicated in atherogenesis, contributing to cardiovascular disease.
Beta Glucan - Immune Cell Activator
Beta glucan is what's called a biological response modifier, meaning it nutritionally strengthens and regulates the immune response. Biological response modifiers are often used in cancer patients, and have shown to exert antitumor effects by improving host defense mechanisms against the tumor. In fact, beta glucan has shown a direct antiproliferative effect on tumor cells and enhance the ability of the host to tolerate damage by toxic chemicals that may be used to destroy the cancer. Beta Glucan has a strong and growing reputation in cancer-related immunity, including the high-recommendation of Bill Henderson in his book, Cancer-Free: Your Guide to Gentle, Non-Toxic Healing.
Beta glucan is ingested through immune cells to yield various therapeutic healing effects generated by the immune cells. For many years Glucans have been investigated for these immune enhancing properties, particularly their ability to activate macrophage immune cells and NK-Cells, plus in turn, the T-Cells, and B-Cells.
As an added bonus, beta glucan supports healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This yeast-based immune booster is a great ally all year round.
Resveratrol - Anti-Aging Agent, Immune Defender, and Heart Helper
Scientists became interested in exploring potential health benefits of resveratrol when its presence was reported in red wine, leading to speculation that resveratrol might help explain the “French Paradox” -- the observation that the French suffer a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease, despite having a diet relatively rich in saturated fats.
Resveratrol is produced by several plants to combat bacteria and fungi attacks. Resveratrol has been linked to anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-lowering, chelating and other beneficial cardiovascular effects.
Researchers found that low doses of resveratrol mimic the effects of what is known as caloric restriction - diets with 20-30 percent fewer calories than a typical diet - that in numerous studies has been shown to extend lifespan and blunt the effects of aging. Later the same year, Sinclair reported that resveratrol counteracted the detrimental effects of a high-fat diet in mice.
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