Category Archives: Nutrition

This Critical Enzyme has 25-50 Times More Antioxidant Power than CoQ10 and Vitamin C

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Discover which super food packs the most of this powerful free-radical fighter and how it can give you exceptional health, while adding years to your life.

This Super Antioxidant is Your Anti-Aging Weapon

High SOD levels have been associated with long life spans.

This vital enzyme catalyzes the breakdown of superoxide radicals, the most common and destructive free radicals in the body, into components consisting of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.1  SOD then continues its work, neutralizing the resulting by-products of this process to protect cells and tissue from further damage.2

Several studies on aging have found that animals that produce the highest levels of SOD have the longest life spans.3 Normally SOD is created by the body, but by ages 25-30 the levels of enzymes needed to create SOD in any significant amount have diminished.4 This makes it essential, especially for those 25 years and older, to take in extra sources of this antioxidant enzyme.

When it comes to foods with high antioxidant levels, many people immediately think of cocoa or acai berries. However, deep within some northern forests, nature has hidden away a super food with more antioxidant properties than any other edible substance.

 “Mushroom of Immortality”, “King of all Plants”, a “Gift from God”

These are just some of the names used for thousands of years to refer to the chaga mushroom, long-revered for its curative properties. Chaga mushrooms are a native of Russia, east Europe, Korea, Siberia, North Carolina Mountains and northern portions of the USA. Found growing on the bark of birch trees, the mushroom’s nutrient content actually increases in colder climates.

Chaga mushrooms contain the highest levels of the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Don’t be fooled by its unsightly outward appearance. The chaga mushroom is a cocktail of extraordinary complex life-enhancing phytonutrients, a gift from God indeed.

Clinically proven to be one of nature’s safest and most powerful medicinal herbs, chaga extract contains 25- 50 times more SOD antioxidants than the antioxidant powers of vitamin C, wild blueberries, Co Q10, strawberries, seaweeds, fish oils and many essential oils.

In fact, wild-harvested chaga mushrooms have the highest levels of superoxide dismutase content of any known food. 5, 6

Comparison of Active SOD Levels in Several Top Medicinal Mushrooms

Chaga- The Champion of Antioxidants

The ORAC test was developed by the scientists at the National Institute on Aging (NIA). ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) scores measure the ability of a food, oil, or spice to absorb free radicals.

Researchers have determined that consuming foods with high ORAC scores helps protect against premature aging and age-related memory loss. Chaga boasts the highest antioxidant capabilities of any known food, as tested by the USDA and Tufts University in Boston, MA.7

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Score per 100 grams

NOTE: The actual unit of measurement for the ORAC scale is micromoles of Trolox equivalents per 100 grams (µTE/100g) of sample.

Chaga Protects Your Health & Adds Years to Your Life

Chaga has been tested in over 50 clinical studies and referenced in over 1,600 publications for its various health benefits.

Chaga is highly valued throughout Asia and Europe as a health food and medicine. It has been used to treat various ailments and illnesses from stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, hypertension, viral infections and cardiovascular disease to diabetes. Recently it has attracted attention as a potential therapy for HIV infection. Listed below are just a few of the ways chaga can improve your chances of living a long, healthy life.

Cancer: Laboratory studies have proven chaga mushrooms inhibit cancerous tumor growth, especially in mammary glands and reproductive organs. Chaga has also been shown to prevent side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Anti-Aging Properties: Phytonutrients protect tissues and cells from free radical damage

Anti-Fungal/Anti-Candida, Anti-Viral and Anti-Bacterial

Immune System Modulator: Chaga is especially beneficial for autoimmune diseases, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Anti-Inflammatory: Studies have shown that SOD plays a critical role in reducing internal inflammation and lessening pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Disease: Lowers LDL Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure

Diabetes: Improves Insulin Resistance

Skin Disorders: Chaga is an excellent natural treatment for Psoriasis, Eczema, etc.

Increases Energy & Physical Stamina: Boosts energy levels, amps up your motivation and increases the ability to focus, all while promoting a relaxed, calm mood.

Chaga’s Exceptionally Nutrient-Dense Profile:

  • Superoxide Dismutase- Powerful, super-antioxidant enzyme
  • Beta Glucans- Healing polysaccharides that modulate & enhance immune system response
  • Flavonoids- Antioxidant compounds
  • B-vitamins- Play an important role in cell metabolism
  • Minerals- Necessary to create vital metabolic enzymes
  • Plant Sterols- LDL cholesterol lowering effects
  • Melanin- Nourishes hair, skin and nails and restores a youthful appearance
  • Betulin & Betulinic acid- Possess anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, & anti-cancer properties
  • Germanium- Improves tissue function, lowers high blood pressure, enhances eye health & immune function and provides morphine-like pain relief
  • Hundreds of other Phytochemicals & Phytonutrients

Beware of Cheap Chaga Imitations!

Most of the chaga products on the market are man-made, produced from mushrooms that are laboratory-grown in steel vats. The result is an inferior product that contains significantly reduced amounts of SOD, phytosterols and other nutrients abundantly found in wild chaga. In fact, some synthetic versions have been found to have only 1/1000th of the phytosterols and no SOD at all.

North American Herb and Spice’s Wild Chaga has been clinically proven to contain 20,000 active superoxide dismutase units per gram. By comparison, the typical SOD pill supplements contain 200 to 2,000 units per serving and lack the bioavailability of a natural, wild source.

Demand WILD! Unless it is truly wild, as used exclusively by North American Herb & Spice, it should not even be called chaga. North American Herb & Spice’s exclusive, handpicked, raw, wild chaga supplements are what nature intended them to be—NATURAL!

Get Your Daily Dose of Power from Wild Chaga- Order Now & SAVE!

North American Herbs & Spice Chaga Syrup is caffeine-free and can be taken alone or used in your favorite tea, coffee, juices, milk, soups and beverages of any kind. Chag-O-Power Drops let you experience the power of raw chaga under your tongue. ChagaMax with Wild Oregano is also available in capsule form.

All-Natural & Safe

Chaga is completely natural and there have been no reported side-effects in several thousand years of use. There are no known conflicts in using chaga. It is completely safe to use every day, even many times a day. It is recognized as a nutritional supplement and is produced under Good Manufacturing Practices for supplements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

  1. McCord JM, Fridovich I. Superoxide dismutase. An enzymic function for erythrocuprein (hemocuprein). J Biol Chem 1969;244:6049-55.
  2. Faraci FM, Didion SP. Vascular protection: superoxide dismutase isoforms in the vessel wall. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2004 Aug;24(8):1367-73.
  3. Cutler RG. Antioxidants and longevity of mammalian species. Basic Life Sci. 1985;35:15-73.
  4. Cutler RG. Antioxidants and aging. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 Jan;53(1 Suppl):373S-9S.
  5. Ingram, Cass. D.O. Wild Forest Chaga—The King of All Herbs, Mushroom of Immortality. 2010. www.chagaknowledge.com/chagabenefits.htm.
  6. Superoxide Dismutase. Dept. of Health and Food Services Research Center. Tokyo, Japan. Dec. 31, 2008.
  7. Haytowitz, D.B., Bhagwat, S.A., Prior, R.L., Wu, X., Gebhart, S.E., Holden, J.M. 2007. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Food. Tufts University Dept. of Health Sciences. Boston, MA. U.S. Dept of Agriculture, National Institute of Health Project. 2003.

You Are Subject to a Lower IQ and Cancer Without These Essential Nutrients…

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Your Brain & Other Organs Fall Apart Without These Essential Nutrients…

and the Human Body Cannot Make Them

Certain fats are crucial for optimal health and metabolism.

Find out which ones and determine if you may be deficient.

Most people are unaware that saturated fats, including cholesterol, are essential to health and are produced by the body. There are some fats your body cannot make and must get from its food supply. These fats are referred to as ‘essential’ fatty acids (EFAs). Your body needs these types of fats to survive and function properly.

There are only two Essential Fatty Acids that the body requires from an outside food source: Omega-3 and Omega-6. These two are particularly responsible for controlling many cellular processes and are just as important to our health as vitamins or minerals. However, it is vital to have a balanced ratio of these fatty acids from the right sources.

 Ways Your Body Shows EFA Deficiencies 

EFA deficiencies are common and can often be detected by signs on the body itself.

  • Dry skin (feet/face/general)
  • Scaly or flaky skin (legs)
  • Cracking/peeling fingertips & skin on heels
  • Lackluster skin
  • Small bumps on back of upper arms
  • Patchy dullness &/or color variation of skin
  • Irregular quilted appearance of skin
  • Thick or cracked calluses
  • Dandruff or cradle cap
  • Dry, lackluster, brittle or unruly hair
  • Soft, splitting, dull, slow-growing fingernails
  • Dry eyes
  • Dry mouth/throat
  • Inadequate vaginal lubrication
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Premenstrual breast pain/tenderness
  • Excessive ear wax
  • Excessive thirst
  • Allergies (eczema/asthma/hay fever/hives)
  • Cravings for fats/fatty foods
  • Stiff or painful joints

EFA Deficiencies Create Detrimental Health Problems

The significance of these deficiencies goes far beyond the presence of these obvious deficiency symptoms and relates to a large variety of medical conditions, including:

Skin problems are an early sign of EFA deficiencies, which can lead to many health problems.

  • High Cholesterol                          
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes 
  • AD/HD
  • Eczema & Psoriasis
  • Reduced Immune Function
  • Epilepsy
  • Cognitive Decline
  • Asthma
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Glandular Atrophy (Leads to infertility and growth deficiencies)
  • Inflammatory/Auto-immune conditions (i.e. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus)
  • Mental Health conditions (i.e. depression, Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)

Whether you are trying to overcome a particular health issue or are simply trying to preserve your health, choosing a high-quality supplement with the optimal balance of fatty acids is vital.

 How Essential Fatty Acids Protect Your Body & Well-Being

Improve Brain Function: (Mood, intelligence, behavior, and vision) The brain is made up of over 60% fat. EFAs play an important role in the nervous system. Omega 3 from plant seed oils can be converted in the body to DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is supposed to comprise over 50% of the fat content of the brain and is involved in intelligence, memory and mood. Depression and other brain diseases have been associated with decreased levels of omega-3.

Strengthen Immune System: EFAs make hormone-like eicosanoids that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and can slow damage caused by autoimmune disorders. EFAs also have anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, helping to protect against infections.

Lower Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: EFAs lower high blood pressure levels, triglycerides, fibrinogen, clot formation tendency and inflammation.

Prevent Cancer: Dr. Otto Warberg discovered in the 1920s and 1930s that normal cells become tumor cells when oxygen levels are reduced by 35% or more. Warberg proved that all cancer, no matter the label given, is one of the following: an oxygen deficiency at the cellular level; or the cell has lost the ability to absorb oxygen; or the mechanisms within the cell to utilize oxygen have been damaged. So remember this, the primary cause of all cancer is an oxygen deficit.

The secondary causes of cancer can be the cells’ inability to absorb oxygen, or that the mechanisms of oxygen utilization are damaged. Guess what determines the cells ability to absorb oxygen? Essential fatty acids. That’s right. If the cell wall does not have plant-derived Omega 3 and Omega 6, then it can no longer absorb oxygen. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are the window through which oxygen can enter the cell. When you eat a diet devoid of, or lacking in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, or if you crowd out the body’s ability to benefit from Omega 3 and 6 because of the consumption of heated or chemically extracted vegetable oils, or consume trans fats, margarine, or hydrogenated oils, then you can crowd out the body’s ability to utilize the small amount of good Omega 3 and 6 and end up with a deficiency at the cellular level.

Johanna Budwig, a famous doctor in Hungary, discovered Omega 3 rich flax oil combined with cottage cheese could give the body the ability to restore the cells’ walls ability to absorb oxygen. In the 1950s, Budwig gave nothing but these two foods to people with cancer and had a 90% success rate and remission from cancer. Nowadays, I do not advocate people eat heat-sterilized cottage cheese. Instead, I recommend our One World Whey Protein powder, along with Omega 3 and 6 rich cold-processed vegetable oil to insure that your body can absorb oxygen at the cellular level.

Increase Energy, Performance and Stamina: EFAs help build muscle, prevent muscle break down and speed recovery from exercise.

Regulate Body Weight: EFAs help boost mood and energy levels and suppress appetite, which aids in the loss of excess body fat. Recent studies have shown EFAs have the ability to block the genes that produce fat in the body. They also increase thermogenesis.

EFAs are essential for having a healthy heart, mind, skin and immune system.

Regulate Organs & Glands: EFAs play a huge role in liver and kidney regulation and in the functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands. The production of male and female hormones also depends on EFAs.

Support Healthy Child Development: For proper nervous system development, a growing fetus needs optimum levels of EFAs. Children can suffer from serious mental and physical health problems when mothers do not get enough EFAs during pregnancy.

Boost Bone Strength: EFAs aid in the transport of minerals that keep bones and teeth strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Protect DNA & other Cells: EFAs regulate gene expression and omega-3s have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. 

Produce Beautiful Skin, Hair, & Nails: Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails. Omega-3s can help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

 Ironman Triathlete Formulates
Perfectly Balanced, Organic, Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend

Formulated by Brendan Brazier, professional Ironman triathlete and best-selling author on performance nutrition, Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend is produced from pure, premium and unrefined certified organic botanicals. Cold-processed without distillation, chemicals, synthetic purification agents or solvents, this blend of oils retains their naturally complementary antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend is made from a variety of organic seed oils, including: organic hemp seed oil, organic flax seed oil, antioxidant oil blend (all-organic: green tea seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, black cumin seed oil, black raspberry seed oil, blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil), organic pumpkin seed oil and organic coconut oil—providing a perfectly balanced ratio of essential fatty acids.

To ensure freshness and prevent oxidation, Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend is manufactured in an inert atmosphere, free of heat and light. The result is a balanced, full-spectrum, ultra-virgin and ultra-pure oil blend with optimal nutritional properties.

Packed with Health-Boosting Nutrients:


Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids                 

Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-9 and Omega-5 Fatty Acids

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)

Stearic and Palmitic Acids

Tocopherols and Tocotrienols

Carotenoids and Sterols

Chlorophyll and other Phytonutrients

Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend is ONLY Made with
Pure, Unrefined, Organic Ingredients

Antioxidant Oil Blend

Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend is a powerful blend, made up of a unique, balanced and synergistic array of antioxidant and phytonutrient-rich seed oils with broad nutritional and healing properties including:

Green Tea seed oil: Green tea seed oil is similar to olive oil in its nutritional makeup. It’s rich in antioxidants and has remarkable antiseptic, fungicide, bactericide and lipid-lowering effects. Green tea seed oil does not contain caffeine.

Pomegranate seed oil: Pomegranate seed oil is an omega-5 conjugated fatty acid that is rich in punicic acid. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects and contains tocopherols, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol.

Black cumin seed oil: Black cumin seed oil’s immune-boosting antioxidant levels are among the very highest of all plant oils.

Black raspberry seed oil:  Another rich source of antioxidants, black raspberry seed oil contains four different types of Vitamin E (alpha and gamma tocopherol, beta and gamma tocotrienol).

Blueberry seed oil: Blueberry seed oil has powerful free-radical-scavenging properties.

Cranberry seed oil: Cranberry seed oil provides excellent skin and cell protection, given its extremely high gamma tocopherol content, which has the highest antioxidant capacity of all of the tocopherols.

Hemp seed oil: This is quite possibly nature’s most perfectly balanced oil—Hemp seed oil is rich in Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in an ideal 1:3 ratio. Hemp seed oil also contains a rare combination of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acids. Additionally, hemp seed oil contains antioxidants like Vitamin E, carotene and alkaline-forming chlorophyll.

Flax seed oil: More than half the fat in flax seeds is alphalinoleni fatty acid (ALA), which is the essential Omega-3 fatty acid. 

Pumpkin seed oil: Pumpkin seed oil provides Omega-6 and Omega-9 EFAs, along with powerful immune-modulating plant sterols. It aids in cholesterol regulation, prostate maintenance, bladder control, hormone balance and reproductive health.

Coconut oil:  Coconut oil is a rich source of healthy medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. It helps strengthen the immune system, protect against infections and degenerative conditions and provides a quick source of energy.

So Many Delicious Ways to Get Your EFAs!

Take one or more tablespoons of Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend daily with meals for optimal benefits. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this oil can be added into smoothies or other drinks, drizzled on salad as a nutritious dressing, or taken straight from a spoon – it has a light, nutty delicious flavor. We also recommend using it in dips, soups or adding it to your favorite vegetable, rice or pasta dishes for an easy and delicious way to up your EFA intake.

Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend can be used with all cold, warm and hot foods, but should not be used for baking, frying or other high-temperature cooking.