Category Archives: Supplements, Vitamins and Nutrients

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

What is EPA? EPA, which stands for eicosapentaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that aids in the production of substances that control blood clotting and other physiological processes of the arteries. It is a substance that people typically obtain from eating coldwater fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, or mackerel. While these fish are…

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Enzymes

What are Enzymes? Enzymes are substances that act as a catalyst for chemical reactions in the body. Typically made of protein, enzymes facilitate reactions that would otherwise require a significant increase in temperature to occur, such as the digestion of carbohydrates requiring a much higher temperature than can be safely sustained in the human body….

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Electrolytes

What are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity outside and inside the cells of the human body to maintain normal function of one’s cells and organs. The most common examples of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. It is important for each of these substances to sustain certain levels for a person’s body…

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DMAE (dimethyl-amino-ethanol)

What is DMAE? DMAE is a naturally occurring chemical, produced by the brain, that functions as an anti-oxidant. As such, it can strengthen the body’s ability to fight environmental stressors such as airborne chemicals. As a dietary supplement, it can enhance brain function, strengthen the immune system, help the body to deal with dietary stressors…

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DHEA

What is DHEA? DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and other parts of the body as a precursor hormone to the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The body produces DHEA in anticipation of needing one of these other hormones for conducting standard bodily functions like maintaining sexual function, energy levels, and…

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Copper

What is Copper? Copper is one of the minerals that the body needs in order to maintain its chemical balance. It is concentrated in the liver, muscle and bone. Many natural foods contain copper, but the richest sources are nuts, seeds, chickpeas, liver and oysters. What are the health benefits of Copper? As an antioxidant…

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Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

What is CLA? Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are antioxidants found in the meat and dairy products of plant-eating animals. What are the health benefits of CLA? CLA is a powerful antioxidant with a wide range of health benefits. CLA is best known as an anti-carcinogen that can help to inhibit the growth of tumors. It…

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Coenzyme Q10

What is Coenzyme Q10? Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that is produced by the human body and assists the body in producing energy. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant and is beneficial on many levels. What are the health benefits of Coenzyme Q10? It is used to reduce blood pressure, increase oxygen supply to…

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Chromium

What is Chromium? Chromium is a trace mineral, meaning the body requires it as a nutrient in small amounts relative to other minerals such as calcium and potassium. Chromium’s primary function in the body is to regulate its use of the hormone insulin, which distributes the proper amount of blood sugar to the body for…

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Chondroitin Sulfate

What is Chondroitin Sulfate? Chondroitin sulfate is a substance most commonly associated with its role as a supplement for treating osteoarthritis. It is typically sold and administered with the amino sugar glucosamine—the two of which form the basis of the osteoarthritis treatment. Chondroitin sulfate is most often the extract of cartilage from cows and pigs,…

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