Nationalnutrition

What is Black Elderberry? Did you know that the elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants worldwide? The term “elderberry” is used to refer to several different varieties of the Sambucus tree –a flowering plant belonging to the Adoxaceae family – including lemony-lace elderberry, black beauty elderberry, and black tower elderberry. However, Sambucus nigra (or European elderberry – black elderberry), is by far the most common and the one used in dietary supplements. Sambucus nigra has a long and impressive history of medicinal use that is said to date back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “Father of Medicine”, who described the plant as his ‘medicine chest” because of the wide range of conditions it could be used to treat. What Makes Elderberries so Special? Not only does the black elderberry pack quite a nutritional wallop, but it also contains a unique group of powerful bioactive compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, phenolic aci...

  Vitamin C Basics Vitamin C is one of the most well-known and widely used supplements worldwide and has a well-established and scientifically validated reputation as a potent antioxidant and immune function stimulant . As an essential water-soluble micronutrient, vitamin C must be replenished daily – via food and/or supplementation – to avoid deficiency due to the transient nature of water-soluble vitamins. An adequate intake of vitamin C strengthens, immunity, protects against free radical damage, and ensures the growth and repair of the body’s tissues, as well as supports the health and maintenance of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Low Bioavailability of Natural Vitamin C Ascorbic acid is the natural form of vitamin C and is found in a variety of foods - most notably citrus fruits, acerola cherries, rosehips, kiwis, and many other fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, however, the absorption efficiency of natural vitamin C from food is highly dependent on...

  Given the paucity of magnesium in today’s foods, magnesium supplementation is a good idea for most adults. Here is an article that highlights what is magnesium, benefits, symptoms of deficiency, supplements and much more. What is Magnesium, What is it Good for & What does it do for your body? Magnesium, (atomic number 12 on the periodic table), is the fourth most abundant mineral and the eleventh most abundant element by mass in the human body. Magnesium is also one of seven essential macrominerals, which means we need to consume it in relatively large amounts every day. This is key because magnesium plays a central role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, as well as is directly involved in muscle contraction, and nerve function, DNA replication, maintaining bone and teeth structure, balancing calcium, potassium, and sodium, regulating blood pressure, supporting immune function, and many others. Magnesium is also essential to the production of glutathione – our b...

  The popularity of curcumin and turmeric as powerful anti-inflammatories has been growing steadily in recent years, as consumers are increasingly turning to natural solutions to relieve their aches and pains. People often assume that curcumin and turmeric are one and the same. They are, however, two very distinct things.     What is Turmeric? Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family and is native to Southeast Asia, where it is grown commercially. Its rhizome (or root) is used as a spice (a major ingredient in most curry powders) as well as in herbal medicine – notably in Ayurveda, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Turmeric is also sold as a natural anti-inflammatory supplement for a variety of conditions such as joint disorders like arthritis, seasonal allergies, digestive disorders, brain degeneration, respiratory infections, liver disease, obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, and even cancer. What is Curcumin? Curcumin comes from turmeric and is the prim...