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Special Ingredients |
Here is a comprehesive list of most of
the ingredients that are in our food, along with other important
facts. Click
on each topic to read about specific ingredient profiles.
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Proteins are a group of highly complex organic compounds found in all living
cells. Protein is the most abundant class of all biological molecules.
Complete proteins contain all the amino acids necessary for human growth
and maintenance.
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Grains are excellent sources of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and minerals.
They act as antioxidants, are are needed by every cell in the body.
When you use the whole grain, numerous nutrients such as the B vitamins,
vitamin E, and numerous enzymes are intact. In addition, grains improve
bowel function, help to eliminate constipation, fight skin inflammation,
help stabilize blood sugar levels, and are antiviral and antioxidant.
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Vitamins are nutrients required in tiny amounts for essential metabolic
reactions in the body.
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Minerals are essential to good health because they act as catalysts for
a number of vital bio-chemical reactions. They're utilized throughout
the day and must be replenished.
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| Antioxidants
are compounds that protect the body from formation of oxygen free radicals,
which are unstable oxygen molecules that can line the interior of blood
vessels and restrict blood flow. Free radicals rapidly react with other
molecules, starting chain reactions in a process called oxidation. They
prevent and slow down the breakdown of another substance by oxygen. The
highly reactive free radicals can damage healthy DNA and have been linked
to changes that accompany aging and with disease processes that lead
to cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The body produces its own antioxidants
to keep them in balance. However, stress, aging, and environmental sources
such as polluted air and cigarette smoke can add to the number of free
radicals in the body, creating an imbalance. |
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Proteins |
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Twenty amino acids are
needed to build the various proteins used in the growth, repair, and maintenance
of body tissues. Eleven of these amino acids can be made by the body itself,
while the other nine (called essential amino acids) must come from the
diet. The classification of an amino acid as essential or nonessential
does not reflect its importance, because all twenty amino acids are necessary
for health. Instead, this classification system simply reflects whether
or not the body is capable of manufacturing a particular amino acid.
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Fishmeal is a rich source of amino acids, high quality protein and marine
lipids. It also reduces dependence on synthetic amino acids. Because adequate
amounts of essential amino acids may be lacking in the body, it is an ideal
supplement.
The fatty acids in fishmeal also complement those from vegetable proteins.
The latter contain predominantly omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas
fishmeal is rich in long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Together
with vegetable proteins it can provide the optimum ratio of omega-6:omega-3
fatty acids. This results in improved disease resistance. There is now
substantial evidence showing the benefits of these fatty acids in terms
of health of the human consumer.
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Eggs are an excellent source of complete protein since they contain the
right proportion of all amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E,
vitamin A, unsaturated fatty acids, and the minerals copper, iron, sulfur,
phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and zinc. The egg yolk contains the richest
known source of choline, also found in lecithin, which is necessary for
keeping the cholesterol moving in the bloodstream. Also, eggs help your
animal have a shiny coat.
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Grains |
Whole barley is the grain without its outer shell. Whole barley is a good
source of protein, fiber and niacin, and also contains calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus and potassium. Barley's a rich source of tocotrienols -- powerful
antioxidants also found in vitamin E that helps prevent heart disease and
cancer. Barley's also high in beta-glucan, a cholesterol-clobbering soluble
fiber.
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Oat based foods have long been recognized for their health benefits, and
it is now generally accepted knowledge that oats make a significant contribution
to human health. Oats contain a high percentage of desirable complex carbohydrates.
Oats are a good source of total dietary fiber, and the high percentage
of soluble fiber present in oats is thought to contribute to lower blood
cholesterol levels and decreased risk of heart disease. The edible portion
of oats contains one of the highest protein levels of all commonly consumed
cereal grains. In addition to having an overall high protein content, oats
contain one of the best amino acid profiles of all grains.
Like all cereal grains, oats have a relatively low fat content. The lipids
present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids, and are
primarily unsaturated. A higher dietary intake of unsaturated fats relative
to overall fat consumption has been linked with longevity and general good
health.
Oats have a high vitamin B1 (thiamin) content. Thiamin is required by the
body for carbohydrate metabolism.
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Rice is the most easily digested grain and least likely to cause allergic
reactions. Rice is low in calories, non-fat, a great source of complex
carbohydrates, cholesterol-free, and naturally low in sodium. Rice clears
up psoriasis and is an anti-cancer and anti-diarrhea. It also helps prevents
kidney stones.
Brown rice
This is the whole rice grain, with the outer husk removed and the bran
layers and germ left intact. It is light brown in color and the healthiest
form of rice since all the vitamins, minerals, important oils, and fiber
are retained in the production process. The bran in this rice also contains
oryzanol, a compound that can help reduce the body's production of cholesterol.
It also contains a generous supply of B vitamins, plus calcium, phosphorus,
and iron.
White Rice
This is rice that has been refined so as to remove both the outer husk
and bran layers leaving only the starchy inner germ intact. White rice
has a core comprised of mostly complex carbohydrates. |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin A is essential, either directly or indirectly, for the function
of all the organs in your body and is particularly important for growth
and development.
Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of many body cells including
those of bones, teeth, collagen and cartilage. It is also essential for
a process known as cell differentiation in which unspecialized cells are
modified so that they can perform specific functions. Thus vitamin A plays
a central role in tissue development and maintenance.
Vitamin A is vital for the formation of healthy epithelial cells. These
cells cover the internal and external surfaces of the body and are found
in the skin, lungs, developing teeth, inner ear, cornea of the eye, sex
organs, glands and their ducts, gums, nose, cervix and other areas. Many
epithelial cells produce mucus that is necessary to lubricate body surfaces
and protect against invading microorganisms.
Known as 'the anti-infective vitamin', vitamin A plays an essential role
in protecting your body from infection. Vitamin A stimulates and enhances
many immune functions including antibody response and the activity of various
white blood cells such as T helper cells and phagocytes. This immune-enhancing
function promotes healing of infected tissues and increases resistance
to infection. Laboratory experiments have shown vitamin A to have antiviral
activity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant activity and has a role in protecting
against free radical damage that contributes to many common diseases.
Vitamin A is involved in iron metabolism and storage. Our eyes need vitamin
A to function effectively as vitamin A is involved in the production of
a chemical called visual purple, which helps us to see in dim light.
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Vitamin D plays a role in the functioning of healthy nerves and muscles
by regulating the level of calcium in the blood. It stimulates intestinal
calcium absorption and re-absorption in the kidneys, and regulates the
metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for many body functions
including the normal growth and development of bones and teeth. It enables
bones and teeth to harden by increasing the deposition of calcium into
these structures and may also assist in the movement of calcium across
body cell membranes.
Vitamin D is involved in normal cell growth and maturation and may play
a part in cancer prevention. Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of
the immune system. Vitamin D plays a role in the secretion of insulin by
the pancreas, thus aiding in the regulation of blood sugar. Careful regulation
of calcium levels is vital for normal nerve impulse transmission and muscle
contraction.
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Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant in the cells and tissues of the body.
That means it combines with oxygen to prevent other body substances from
doing so. It protects polyunsaturated fats and other oxygen-sensitive compounds
such as vitamin A from being destroyed by damaging oxidation reactions.
Vitamin E's antioxidant properties are also important to cell membranes.
For example, vitamin E protects lung cells that are in constant contact
with oxygen and white blood cells that help the body fight disease. Evidence
is starting to build that vitamin E can protect against heart disease and
may slow the deterioration associated with aging.
Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant in foods. It helps keep vegetable
oils from being oxidized and turning rancid. This makes vitamin E a useful
food preservative. A deficiency of vitamin E weakens the immune system,
increasing susceptibility to infection.
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Vitamin K is used to make prothrombin and other proteins that are important
in blood clotting. Vitamin K also plays a role in the conversion of prothrombin
to thrombin, another protein important in blood clot formation.
Vitamin K is necessary for the conversion of osteocalcin to its active
form. Oosteocalcin regulates the function of calcium in bone turnover and
mineralization. It is also necessary for the function of a protein known
as MGP that is present in bones, teeth and cartilage.
Vitamin K is necessary for the production of a urinary protein involved
in kidney function that inhibits the formation of calcium oxalate kidney
stones.
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Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin C promotes healing and is extremely important to the body's immune
system by helping produce collagen. Collagen is the main supportive protein
of skin, tendon, bone, teeth, cartilage, and connective tissue. Whenever
tissue must grow, develop, or repair itself after injury, collagen is needed
to hold everything together. The majority of tissues in the body depend
on vitamin C for proper growth, development, and maintenance. If vitamin
C is not present in adequate quantities, this process cannot take place.
A prolonged deficiency of vitamin C will deteriorate structures already
present.
Free radicals, which are believed to promote heart disease, cancer, and
other illnesses, are formed as a process of normal cell metabolism-and
in response to chemical toxins such as cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Free radicals are also generated as a result of psychological, physical,
emotional, and pathologic stress on the body. Vitamin C is a free radical
scavenger and reducing agent; it protects the body from free radical damage
by binding to and inactivating these troublesome groups of atoms.
In a 1987 study, Machlin and Bendich showed that ascorbic acid plays a
significant role in various functions in the immune system, such as enhancing
white blood cell activity and boosting interferon levels. Recently, researchers
have shown that vitamin C improves nitric oxide activity. Nitric oxide
is needed for the dilation of blood vessels, potentially important in lowering
blood pressure and preventing spasm of arteries in the heart that might
otherwise lead to heart attacks.
Additionally, vitamin C helps to maintain blood vessels, harden bones,
form the dentine of teeth, heal burns and wounds, and form hemoglobin.
Vitamin C also protects other nutrients within the body, and helps fight
infection. It enhances the effects of vitamin E and actually regenerates
oxidized vitamin E. Vitamin C also plays important roles in wound healing
and as a natural antihistamine. The body's ability to store vitamin C is
limited, therefore regular intake is important.
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Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and a source of sulphur. Biotin also
contains MSM, methionine, zinc and calcium all of which are nutrients necessary
for healthy growth. Biotin functions as an essential cofactor for several
enzymes. Biotin is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and in the synthesis
of fatty acids. It also helps incorporate amino acids into protein.
Biotin is essential for cell growth and replication through its role in
the manufacture of DNA and RNA, which make up the genetic material of the
cell. Healthy hair and nails require biotin. Biotin deficiency affects
the functioning of the immune system. A recent animal study showed a decrease
in white blood cell function with biotin deficiency.
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Pantothenic acid is an antioxidant B vitamin which has been demonstrated
to increase endurance, is necessary for the formation of acetylcholine
in the brain, helps remove age pigment, improves the condition of the skin
and lengthens lifespan in laboratory animals.
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Choline is indispensable for a number of fundamental processes in the body.
Generally classified as a B-complex vitamin (referred to as vitamin B4
in some publications), choline influences the metabolism of carotene and
vitamin A in animals. It is in fact an essential component for ensuring
the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Choline plays a vital role in a number of different ways: by building and
maintaining cell structures; by forming acetylcholine for the transmission
of impulses; by preventing perosis in poultry; by building lecithin; and
by regulating the alkaline-acid balance. It also aids in cleaning body
wastes by helping the liver to function.
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Used as a source of cobalt. Cobalt is required for the production of vitamin
B-12 (Cobalamin). Vitamin B-12 is known as the "wonder" vitamin and is
important in many ways. Vitamin B12 is essential to the body's growth and
development. It helps the body process and burn fats, carbohydrates and
proteins. It also helps the nervous system work properly and aids in growth
and cell development--especially blood cells.
It is also necessary for production of the protective sheath that covers
nerve cells, and helps the body process DNA. Credited with longevity, energy-booster,
helps with a healthy digestive function and preventing fatigue.
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Folic Acid is a water-soluble nutrient belonging to the B-complex family.
Among its various important roles, folic acid is a vital coenzyme required
for the proper synthesis of RNA and DNA, the nucleic acids that maintain
our genetic codes and insure healthy cell division.
Adequate levels of folic acid are essential for energy production and protein
metabolism, for the formulation of red blood cells, and for the proper
functioning of the intestinal tract. It is also used by the body both to
synthesize and break down amino acids.
Folic acid is needed to keep homocysteine (an amino acid) levels in blood
from rising. Excess homocysteine has been linked to an increased risk of
heart disease in most studies. Folic acid may also protect against certain
types of cancer (lung, cervical, colorectal). Folic acid deficiency affects
all cellular functions, but most importantly it reduces the body's ability
to repair damaged tissues and grow new cells.
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Pyrodoxine hydrochloride is known as Vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble
nutrient that cannot be stored in the body, but must be obtained daily.
Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient that supports more vital bodily functions
than any other vitamin. Vitamin B-6 assists in keeping our blood cells,
teeth, gums, and nervous system functioning properly. Another important
role of B-6 is assisting with potassium and sodium balance. This is due
to its role as a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins.
Vitamin B6 is also responsible for the manufacture of hormones, red blood
cells, neurotransmitters, enzymes and prostaglandins. Vitamin B6 is required
for the production of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that controls
our moods, appetite, sleep patterns, and sensitivity to pain.
Among its many benefits, vitamin B6 is recognized for helping to maintain
healthy immune system functions, for protecting the heart from cholesterol
deposits, and for preventing kidney stone formation. B6 is also effective
in the treatment of allergies and arthritis. |
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Minerals |
"Chelate" means, "claw," and chelation is the process of bonding a mineral chemically,
so that they figuratively hang on, like a claw, to amino acids (the building
blocks of protein). This bonding makes it easier to efficiently digest, absorb
and assimilate minerals for proper utilization in the body.
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Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary
for many normal functions of your body, especially bone formation and maintenance.
Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in
their removal from the body. Calcium carbonate is used to prevent and to
treat calcium deficiencies.
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Iodine is an essential trace element. It is the only trace element that
plays a role at the hormonal level. Iodine is an essential component of
the "Thyroxine" hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, which helps fats
and carbohydrates to be utilized properly. It is under this form that it
acts in the organism. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates the basal metabolism.
On top of the cellular respiration, the thyroid hormone influences the
growth of young mammals and birds and the reproduction.
Compare to any of the other products containing iodine, Calcium Iodate
permits to obtain the highest blood level of iodine and to maintain it
during a longer period. Calcium Iodate is absorbed immediately at the intestine
level, thus allowing rapidly high blood levels of iodine. It is used as
a good nutritional source of iodine in animal feeds.
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Kelp Meal is brown seaweed harvested from the cold, nutrient-rich waters
of the north Atlantic Ocean. Kelp meal has been used for centuries as a
rich, non-polluting source of natural organic minerals and nutrients. Kelp
contains over 70 minerals and elements, 21 amino acids, simple and complex
carbohydrates, and several essential growth hormones (auxins, cytokinins,
and gibberellins) that are in a ready-to-use form.
This all-natural supplement contains enzymes that can provide trace minerals
to your pet. This excellent natural source of chelated minerals and plant
hormones is harvested and processed at a low temperature to preserve the
biologically active components. It is then ground to produce a meal.
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Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary
for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your
heart. Potassium chloride is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency.
Along with sodium, potassium regulates the water balance within the body
and its cells. It also helps govern the body's acid balance and the electrical
charge within the cells.
Potassium keeps the heart beating normally, helps the muscles contract,
and feeds the cells by controlling the transfer of nutrients from surrounding
fluids. It helps the kidneys remove waste products from the body, works
with phosphorus to supply oxygen to the brain, and cooperates with calcium
to regulate the nerves.
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Selenium may be the most potent nutrient antioxidant. Selenium is a trace
element that's been shown to be a very potent anti-carcinogen and anti-mutagen,
and has significantly reduced the risk of coronary disease at extremely
low microgram doses.
Selenium is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. When selenium was given
to rheumatoid arthritis patients, there were beneficial clinical effects
in 40-45% of subjects. In addition, various muscular wasting diseases such
as muscular dystrophy and lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis occur more
frequently in persons with selenium deficiencies.
Perhaps the most potent anti-disease effects of selenium are its ability
to prevent and treat cancer. Selenium has prevented and reversed spontaneous,
chemically induced, and transplanted tumors in a wide variety of animal
studies. The addition of very small amounts of selenium to kitchen salt
led to the reduced incidence of several forms of cancer. Selenium is now
being used as an adjuvant to breast cancer therapy and shows promise as
a treatment for immunodeficiency diseases.
Among the beneficial effects of selenium, which may help to explain its
anticarcinogenic effects, is its ability to boost and normalize every component
of the immune system. Recent evidence indicates that selenium significantly
affects the functioning of nonspecific, humoral, and cell-mediated immune
responses.
Selenium may be the most underrated nutrient supplement. It doesn't get
nearly as much attention as high profile nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin
E, and beta-carotene, but its beneficial effects in improving and helping
to maintain the body's antioxidant, antidetoxification, and immune systems
are second to none. |
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Antioxidants |
Vitamin A is essential, either directly or indirectly, for the function
of all the organs in the body and is particularly important for growth
and development.
Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of many body cells including
those of bones, teeth, collagen and cartilage. It is also essential for
a process known as cell differentiation in which unspecialized cells are
modified so that they can perform specific functions. Thus vitamin A plays
a central role in tissue development and maintenance.
Vitamin A is vital for the formation of healthy epithelial cells. These
cells cover the internal and external surfaces of the body and are found
in the skin, lungs, developing teeth, inner ear, cornea of the eye, sex
organs, glands and their ducts, gums, nose, cervix and other areas. Many
epithelial cells produce mucus that is necessary to lubricate body surfaces
and protect against invading microorganisms.
Known as 'the anti-infective vitamin', vitamin A plays an essential role
in protecting your body from infection. Vitamin A stimulates and enhances
many immune functions including antibody response and the activity of various
white blood cells such as T helper cells and phagocytes. This immune-enhancing
function promotes healing of infected tissues and increases resistance
to infection. Laboratory experiments have shown vitamin A to have antiviral
activity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant activity and has a role in protecting
against free radical damage that contributes to many common diseases.
Vitamin A is involved in iron metabolism and storage. Our eyes need vitamin
A to function effectively as vitamin A is involved in the production of
a chemical called visual purple, which helps us to see in dim light.
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Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin C promotes healing and is extremely important to the body's immune
system by helping produce collagen. Collagen is the main supportive protein
of skin, tendon, bone, teeth, cartilage, and connective tissue. Whenever
tissue must grow, develop, or repair itself after injury, collagen is needed
to hold everything together. The majority of tissues in the body depend
on vitamin C for proper growth, development, and maintenance. If vitamin
C is not present in adequate quantities, this process cannot take place.
A prolonged deficiency of vitamin C will deteriorate structures already
present.
Free radicals, which are believed to promote heart disease, cancer, and
other illnesses, are formed as a process of normal cell metabolism and
in response to chemical toxins such as cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Free radicals are also generated as a result of psychological, physical,
emotional, and pathologic stress on the body. Vitamin C is a free radical
scavenger and reducing agent; it protects the body from free radical damage
by binding to and inactivating these troublesome groups of atoms.
In a 1987 study, Machlin and Bendich showed that ascorbic acid plays a
significant role in various functions in the immune system, such as enhancing
white blood cell activity and boosting interferon levels. Recently, researchers
have shown that vitamin C improves nitric oxide activity. Nitric oxide
is needed for the dilation of blood vessels, potentially important in lowering
blood pressure and preventing spasm of arteries in the heart that might
otherwise lead to heart attacks.
Additionally, vitamin C helps to maintain blood vessels, harden bones,
form the dentin of teeth, heal burns and wounds, and form hemoglobin. Vitamin
C also protects other nutrients within the body, and helps fight infection.
It enhances the effects of vitamin E and actually regenerates oxidized
vitamin E. Vitamin C also plays important roles in wound healing and as
a natural antihistamine. The body's ability to store vitamin C is limited,
therefore regular intake is important.
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Tocopherols are the group of compounds that make Vitamin E. Vitamin E functions
as an antioxidant in the cells and tissues of the body. That means it combines
with oxygen to prevent other body substances from doing so. It protects
polyunsaturated fats and other oxygen-sensitive compounds such as vitamin
A from being destroyed by damaging oxidation reactions.
Vitamin E's antioxidant properties are also important to cell membranes.
For example, vitamin E protects lung cells that are in constant contact
with oxygen and white blood cells that help the body fight disease. Evidence
is starting to build that vitamin E can protect against heart disease and
may slow the deterioration associated with aging.
Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant in foods. It helps keep vegetable
oils from being oxidized and turning rancid. This makes vitamin E a useful
food preservative. A deficiency of vitamin E weakens the immune system,
increasing susceptibility to infection.
|
Selenium may be the most potent nutrient antioxidant. Selenium is a trace
element that's been shown to be a very potent anti-carcinogen and anti-mutagen,
and has significantly reduced the risk of coronary disease at extremely
low microgram doses.
Selenium is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. When selenium was given
to rheumatoid arthritis patients, there were beneficial clinical effects
in 40-45% of subjects. In addition, various muscular wasting diseases such
as myotonic dystrophy and lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis occur more
frequently in persons with selenium deficiencies.
Perhaps the most potent anti-disease effects of selenium are its ability
to prevent and treat cancer. Selenium has prevented and reversed spontaneous,
chemically induced, and transplanted tumors in a wide variety of animal
studies. The addition of very small amounts of selenium to kitchen salt
led to the reduced incidence of several forms of cancer. Selenium is now
being used as an adjuvant to breast cancer therapy and shows promise as
a treatment for immunodeficiency diseases.
Among the beneficial effects of selenium, which may help to explain its
anticarcinogenic effects, is its ability to boost and normalize every component
of the immune system. Recent evidence indicates that selenium significantly
affects the functioning of nonspecific, humoral, and cell-mediated immune
responses.
Selenium may be the most underrated nutrient supplement. It doesn't get
nearly as much attention as high profile nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin
E, and beta-carotene, but its beneficial effects in improving and helping
to maintain the body's antioxidant, antidetoxification, and immune systems
are second to none.
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Citric Acid is an antioxidant. It is added to produce a pleasant acid flavor.
Citric acid is a very important metabolite in animals. It is the best-known
acid of the fruit acids. It also helps with the adjustment of correct pH. |
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