Perhaps the most complex organ that still has some secrets is the brain. The idea of losing the ability mindfully function in the now, and/or develop faulty memory is terrifying to most people.

Vinpocetine is a compound extracted from the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) that is known to cross the blood-brain barrier denying entry to compounds that may be detrimental to the brain.

It has been widely studied in humans and researchers have shown its ability to increase short-term memory ability and also critical reaction time in healthy volunteers.

Research has shown vinpocetine as a cerebral vasodilator, a substance that improves blood flow to the brain; as well as a nootropic, a substance that improves cognitive function in healthy humans.  Vinpocetine also protects the brain from degradation by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that works to break down and destroy critical energy molecules the brain needs to function.  It is the only mental dietary supplement for which a direct mechanism of action has been proposed and scientifically verified.

Periods of stress, and/or prolonged poor lifestyle habits, can cause brain fog, slight confusion, and slow cognition. Making improvements such as a healthy diet (fish is a great “brain food”) and healthy stress management techniques, can go a long way to a sharper memory and an improvement in the ability to perform mental tasks. Taking vinpocetine will help nourish your brain and keep it healthy.

Click on NHI OnDemand-a Health & Wellness Trade site- for more information about cognitive function.

You may have wondered, “just what us a ‘superfruit?” and “what gives it its super powers?”

A “superfruit” is a fruit that is combined with rich nutrients and high antioxidant power.  Fruits naturally grow their own antioxidants as protective mechanisms for their particular climate and environment.  Those that grow in tropical locales tend to have higher concentrates of antioxidants due to natural assaults found in hot, humid ecosystems that also contain high numbers of insects and bacteria – all things the fruit needs to protect itself from.

You may have heard about noni and acai, two very popular supplements sold by retailers.  They are nutritious for supplementing, as powerful antioxidants flooding the body with natural phytochemicals that help keep you healthy!  Acai is packed with amino acids, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as trace minerals and phytosterols. Noni offers you lignans, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol and catechin, and other antioxidant compounds.

Mangosteen is often sold as a juice blend. It is uniquely abundant in xanthones, a type of strong antioxidant. Xanthones also have been shown to have other benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties. Mangosteen also has polysaccharides, sterols, catechins and proanthocyanidins, the last two being very strong antioxidants.

Pomegranate is also more widely known and consumed today for its antioxidant benefits.   Pomegranates contain ellagitannins, such as punicalagins, which are powerful antioxidant polyphenolic compounds.

It is easy to see how blending all these superfruits is wholesome for good health.  Our proprietary product, PhytoTropic™, features concentrates of all four superfruits as a powerful antioxidant ingredient.

You may believe that there’s no difference between a generic ingredient and a brand name ingredient, except the fancy name.

Generics, or “no frills” products, indeed have their place in industry and in retail.  However, there are many key factors why, when it comes to many ingredients, notably specialty ones, the proprietary branded ingredients make smart investment sense.

Branded ingredients are often what the finished product manufacturer touts as its product’s identity, either in full or in part.  So the branded ingredient needs to be one that is easily read and grasped by the consumer as the brand marketer is counting on making a memorable first impression.

Branding starts in the supplier’s research and development, along with cultivating relationships with growers and processors responsible for producing superior quality and pure product. Often, a well-researched and proven-effective proprietary processing technique that enhances the biological value of the ingredient versus its generic counterpart is a significant part.

Once an ingredient and the facility that manufactures it are assured of exceptional quality and the research of its safety and efficacy are likewise validated, it is taken to a marketing think tank to create a brand around it. This includes a name that reflects the nature of the ingredient and that also speaks to a core consumer that will find it valuable. A logo is also developed, and paperwork is filed for trademark protection.

Crafting a valuable branded ingredient is, therefore, an investment. Reputable branded ingredients have everything: the quality research, the quality production, the characteristic distinctions, and the marketing savvy.

When it comes to specialty ingredients such as antioxidants, the power of branded ingredients makes the best sense for long-term product success!

We may be enduring what has been said to be the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s – but there is a bright light shining in the darkness:  the nutraceutical industry is booming.

Through difficult times, people know they need to be as healthy as possible to withstand tough pressures and the inordinate stress.  Today, many people understand that dietary supplements and functional foods are good, and they firmly believe that taking nutraceutical products can keep their doctor visits and pharmacy bills down.

The Freedonia Group, a leading market intelligence firm, just released data from a new report, “World Nutraceutical Ingredients.” The report asserts that the U.S. will continue to be the largest global consuming nation of nutraceutical ingredients for the next five years, reflecting the continually burgeoning array of functional beverages/foods, natural remedies and dietary supplements. North American demand for nutraceutical ingredients will rise from a market value of $3824m in 2008 to $4890m by 2013, predicts the report. Annual growth in the market will decrease slightly from 7.7% last year to 5% in four years.

Worldwide demand of nutraceutical ingredients are expected to reach $21.8 billion by 2013.

We believe that production and innovation, along with increased investments in research that proves safety and efficacy will drive continued growth and success in the industry.

For more information about the report, see The Freedonia Group website: www.freedoniagroup.com

You may have heard by now that it is a great idea to enjoy a glass – or two at most – of delicious, satisfying red wine. In fact, doing so regularly may add a little more zest to your life and keep your heart healthy.

This knowledge came from an initial study in 1992, when the term French Paradox was introduced after researchers showed in an epidemiological study that the French, despite higher incidence of smoking, less exercise and a diet relatively higher in fatty foods than Americans, have a lower incidence of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. The researchers correlated this health paradox to the French love of red wine.

French red wine grapes contain two main constituents shown to be of significant antioxidant value: polyphenols (flavonoids) and resveratrol. Animal studies of red wine polyphenols have demonstrated effects in cardioprotection, supporting healthy cholesterol levels, vision improvement and general free-radical scavenging.

Resveratrol is produced by grapes to protect against fungal infection. It has been shown in studies to exert potent cardioprotection by inhibiting LDL oxidation and reducing platelet aggregation. In a rat model study, researchers found that resveratrol had a dramatic effect against ischemia-reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Resveratrol reduced both the incidence and duration of ventricular dysrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. What this means is that is supports healthy heart function.

A significant study, published in 2006 in the journal Nature, demonstrated that obese mice fed red wine extract (resveratrol) were in better health and lived longer than obese mice that were not fed the red wine extract. In the supplement group, deaths dropped 31%, compared to the control group. Study authors also concluded that the red wine extract group of mice lived longer than what they normally should have given their obesity.

David Sinclair, co-author of the study, told Newsweek, “At the genetic level, we saw alterations in all the known longevity pathways that we looked at. It would appear this molecule triggers our natural genetic defenses against aging. That’s probably why resveratrol is such a potent molecule. It’s no mere antioxidant.”

In addition, Sinclair said that his team saw benefits in the supplement group that are associated with healthy longevity, specifically lower insulin, body temperature and blood sugar.

References:

Rao AV, et al.  Bioabsorption and invivo antioxidant properties of the grape extract BioVin® polyphenols: a human intervention study.  Journal of Medicinal Food 200; 3:15-22.

Renaud S, et al.  Wine, alcohol, platelets and the French paradox for coronary heart disease.  The Lancet 1992; 339:1523-6.

Baur J, et al.  Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high calorie diet.  Nature.  2006; 444:337-342

For more information click on the links to see some articles about resveratrol:

Mayo Clinic: “Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?”

60 Minutes: “Fountain of Youth in A Wine Rx?”

Total Health for Longevity: “Resveratrol: Unique Nutrient for Extending Health Into Old Age”