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| acerola: a rich source of Vitamin C, natural highly bioavailable from acerola berries or berry juice, with a pleasant, fruity taste. Powdered juice can contian up to 25% Vitamin C. |
| antioxidant: inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen
or peroxides. Oxidation reactions are crucial for
life, but they can also be damaging. Plants and
animals employ complex systems of antioxidants to
prevent damage. Low levels of antioxidants in the
body causes oxidative stress [see which] that may
damage or kill cells. |
arabinogalactans: a class of fibers found in many plants. Common sources are Echinacea plants and Larch trees. There are various arabinogalactans of several molecular sizes. Larger molecular weight arabinogalactans serve as significant new pre-biotics (food for probiotic bacteria) and also as valuable immune enhancers. Human studies have demonstrated their ability to increase the population of anaerobic bacteria in the colon by anywhere from 40% to 1000% depending on lifestyle factors. Increased anaerobes in the colon are beneficial because additional fermentation (breakdown of the arabinogalactans) lowers colon pH and increases the production of short chain fatty acids (butyric and propionic.) Lower pH is known to protect against colon cancer and disorders of the bowel. Short chain fatty acids nourish colonocytes and are the major food source for hepatocytes in the liver.
Through their role as pre-biotics, larger molecular weight arabinogalactans increase populations of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria by 47% to 300% in the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, pathogenic bacteria may be reduced by 15.5 to 18.5%.
Smaller molecualr weight arabinogalactans can stimulate natural killer cell cytotoxicity, inhibiting metastases to the liver and generally help build a more responsive immune system. They are 50% to 100% more effective as immune boosters depending on which aspect of the immune response is measured. Arabinogalactans from larch are even more effective than echinacea at stimulating macrophages and natural killer cell activity while also increasing the number of NK cells
While the effectiveness of echinacea decreases as dosages are increased, larch arabinogalactans evidenced no decline in performance as dosages increase, and, in fact, were four times more effective at equal dosages. Arabinogalactans also increase the release of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta. Beta glucans have similar effects at dosages lower than 25 mg.
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| bioavailability: the extent to which a nutrient is able to reach systemic circulation and thus be available for metabolic processes. |
| bioavailable: able to be used by the body for metabolic processes. |
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| dulse: a wonderful source of trace minerals from the sea that match the proper trace mineral balance in the human body. |
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| fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS): food for friendly intestinal bacteria (probiotics). As they feed probiotic colonies, leading to their expansion, colonies of pathogenic bacteria and candida albicans are suppressed. FOS are virtually indigestible in humans, and therefore, do not affect blood sugar levels, but instead provide valuable food for the good bacteria. FOS are widely distributed in vegetables such as Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, soybeans and others. |
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| ginkgo biloba: a unique species of tree with no close living
relatives. Ginkgo has many nootropic properties,
and is mainly used as memory and concentration
enhancer, and anti-vertigo agent. |
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| hydrilla verticillata: a rooted fresh water plant of high nutrient density and bland taste.
The rooted freshwater plant, HYDRILLA VERTICILLATA is EXTREMELY valuable for vegans. This group frequently runs the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency and pernicious anemia as a result. Vegetarians are also often concerned about their calcium intake. The calcium in Hydrilla is complexed within the plant cell matrix, and is, therefore, highly bioavailable.
However, anyone – not just vegetarians – can enjoy improved nutrition from our “Green Calcium” Hydrilla verticillata. The taste is very bland, so the powder can be mixed into a wide range of foods from baked goods, through soups, casseroles, vegetable dishes, salads and beverages. Green Calcium is a concentrated food that can be used extensively throughout one’s diet in the same way as yeast flakes but with less effect on taste.
Move Over, Chlorella
Green Calcium is a new green food -- Hydrilla brings additional, stunning concentrated nutrition to the consumer. Let’s compare a reasonable daily dose of 10.5 grams of Vibrant Health's Green Calcium (Hydrilla verticillata) versus 10.5 grams of Chlorella, a well-known and respected green food. (Higher potencies in bold type)
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Nutrient |
Hydrilla |
Chlorella |
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Beta carotene
(Vitamin A activity) |
19,593 iu |
5,838 iu |
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Vitamin B-1 |
26.25 mg |
0.1575 mg |
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Vitamin B-2 |
0.084 mg |
0.483 mg |
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Vitamin B-3 |
5.25 mg |
2.52 mg |
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Vitamin B-5 |
11.36 mg |
0.147 mg |
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Vitamin B-6 |
35.91 mg |
0.147 mg |
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Vitamin B-12 |
1.05 mg |
0.126 mg |
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Calcium |
1,460.7 mg |
21 mg |
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Magnesium |
76.13 mg |
21 mg |
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Potassium |
244.65 mg |
33.6 mg |
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Phosphorus |
29.74 mg |
70.35 mg |
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Iron |
35.8 mg |
16.8 mg |
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Zinc |
6.3 mg |
6.3 mg |
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Manganese |
24.47 mg |
N/A |
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Copper |
0.22 mg |
N/A |
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Cobalt |
0.43 mg |
N/A |
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Molybdenum |
14.7 mcg |
N/A |
Green Calcium and vegetarians should go together. Vitamin B-12, Iron and Calcium are commonly supplied by animal foods (e.g. milk, cheese, meats) in an omnivorous diet. Among other functions, the three nutrients are responsible for maintaining mental health (cognition, attention span, neuronal life), for delivery of oxygen to cells, and for the maintenance of strong bones and resilient connective tissue. Adequate amounts of B-12, iron and calcium are difficult to obtain in vegan diets. Green Calcium delivers significant potencies of these "animal factor" nutrients from truly vegetable sources. It is, therefore, a strong guardian of optimum health for vegans and omnivores alike. For example, Green Calcium's beta-carotene content delivers more anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-pollution protection than nearly all other foods, and the naturally high content of B-vitamins will fuel and protect neurological tissue and support overall metabolism.
Everyone, vegetarian and non-vegetarian alike, should enjoy the nutritional benefits of Green Calcium. Visit our pages on Vibrant Health's Hydrilla products to view the goodness just a single serving of powder or tablets can contribute to your health. |
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| iodine: the most essential trace nutirent from the sea, found in all seafoods, both plant and animal. Iodine is commonly found in soils along ocean coastlines, and in all seafood. Diets of persons living inland have historically carried the risk of iodine deficiency unless iodized salt was used or unless transported seafood were readily available. Low iodine can compromise the ability of the thyroid gland to synthesize adequate thyroid hormones, which are known to regulate metabolism. Decreased production of those hormones can result in a slowed metabolism that may manifest itself as lethargy, suppressed immune function, mental confusion, and unwanted weight gain through retention of stored body fat. Correct iodine nutrition helps assure a balanced output of thyroid hormones, and efficient metabolism. |
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Krebs Zinc:
- Total amount of zinc in the human body is between 2 and 3 grams.
- Highest concentration of zinc is in the prostate gland, prostatic secretions and spermatozoa, running around 860 mcg. per gram in normal tissue. (That’s about 4 to 80 times more than any other tissue!)
- There is 25 times more zinc in white blood cells than in red, indicating zinc’s importance.
- Serum zinc decreases during pregnancy, implying increased need during that time.
- Serum zinc decreases with estrogen administration, implying an increased need if hormone therapy is employed during menopause and thereafter.
- Zinc is excreted primarily in gastrointestinal and pancreatic secretions.
- Urine contains 0.5 mg. per day independent of dietary intake and urinary volume.
- Body stores of zinc (held in bone, prostate gland and blood cells) are not easily released for use, so we are dependent on regular, dietary supplies, particularly during periods of growth.
- About one-third of zinc from food is retained (i.e., absorbed AND delivered to tissues.) Therefore, highly bioavailable supplements are valuable.
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| lecithin: a concentrated source of phspholipids (phosphorus containing fats). Phospholipids are primary sturctural components of every cell membrane, which are composed a bi layer of phospholipids with protein islands and other essentila strucures afloat in htem. Lecithin also provides precursors (e.g. phospatidyl choline) to essential brain neurotransmitters. As little as 35 mg a day of phosphatidyl choline was shown by brain researcher Dr. Richard Wurtman to enhance mental acuity, for example. Lecithin from soy oil, the major commercial source, is customarily more than 23% phosphatidylcholine, 20% phosphatidylethanolamine, and 1 4% phosphatidylinositol. Lecithin is also renowned as a nutrient to lower blood fats and serum cholesterol, while supporting the integrity of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers. |
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| mannose: a water-soluble molecule with the ability to flush e. coli from the urinary tract. |
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| oxidative stress: considered an important contributing factor in
many human diseases, especially but not limited to
cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disyeases. |
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| pterocarpus marsupium: a medium to large, deciduous tree that can grow up
to 30 metres tall. It is native to India, Nepal,
and Sri Lanka. Parts of the Indian Kino (heart
wood, leaves, flowers) have long been used for
their medicinal properties in Ayurveda. The heart
wood is used as an astringent and in the treatment
of inflammation and diabetes. |
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| raw food: food that has not been altered by any method that
would change its basic chemical structure through
heating at or over 118 degrees Fahrenheit. |
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| silymarin: mixture of flavonolignans extracted from blessed milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Both in vitro and animal research suggest that silibinin has hepatoprotective (antihepatotoxic) properties that protect liver cells against toxins.
Silymarin is used in alternative medicine for the treatment of cancer, varicose veins, menstrual problems, depression, low breast milk production, liver disorders, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and gall bladder problems. A recent study suggested that silymarin may help patients with type II diabetes by assisting in blood sugar control. |
| spirulina: a micro alga grown in protected ponds for commerial harvesting and human consumption. It is 60% protein with known immune enhancing ability, partly due to its content of calcium spirulan, a component of spirulina known to boost immunity. Others key nutrients include the rich, blue pigment, phycocyanin. This polypeptide (protein) stimulates stem cells in bone marrow to produce both red and white blood cells. It is so effective that stem cells damaged by radiation or toxic chemicals can even be made to respond and build healthier blood.
Continuing research on spirulina tells us that this ancient food has anti-viral properties, and is both a chemopreventive and tumor suppressant. This latter effect seems related to the polysaccharide content of spirulina, whereby the polysaccharides stimulate enzymes within cells that correct damage to DNA. Spirulina’s anticancer effects are further supported by its rich content of carotenoids.
Spirulina also helps lower serum cholesterol, and serves as a prebiotic, feeding both lacto and bifido bacteria. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and helps the detoxification process while its highly bioavailable iron content protects against anemia. |
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| tocotrienols: related to tocopherols (vitamin E). Classed as isoprenoids, referring to their isoprene (5-carbon hydrocarbon) structure and their isoprenoid side chain.
“Isoprenoid”: refers to any of a broad group of plant and animal biochemicals constructed of multiples of isoprene units. Isoprene units: Distinctive five-carbon hydrocarbons. They may be arranged end-to-end or in cyclic configurations or various combinations of cyclic-with-side-chain forms. Hydrocarbon: Any molecular structure with the element carbon bound to the element hydrogen. |
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| unsaturated fatty acid (UFA): a fatty acid (UFA) with at least one double bond between carbons. |
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| vascular endothelium: the single cell layer that lines the inner surface of blood vessels. A healthy endothelium resists rupture and penetration from toxic elements (e.g. benzopyrene from tobacco smoke), and provides a slick, smooth surface for the easy and efficient passage of blood through the cardiovascular system. Healthy endothelial function promotes vasodilation and inhibits platelet aggregation and clot formation. |
| vasoconstriction: the tightening and narrowing of a blood vessel. |
| vasodilation: the state of relaxation and opening of a blood vessel. |
| virus: a microorganism which cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell. Rather than having a flexible, dynamic, phospholipid rich membrane enclosing them, viruses are characterized by a protein coat. Viruses invade living cells, seize control of the cell nucleus, and commandeer the synthetic processes of the infected cells to survive and replicate. |
| vitamin: Vitamins are organic (carbon-containing) micro-nutrients necessary for normal physiological function that cannot be synthesized at all in the human body, or whose synthesis is inadequate, and must, therefore, be obtained in the diet. |
| Vitamin D: a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium metabolism and a health skelaton. |
| Vitamin E: the collective name for a set of 8 related
tocopherols and the corresponding four
tocotrienols [see which]. These are fat-soluble
vitamins with antioxidant properties. |
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