 Natural Ingredients Explained Below are definitions of some natural ingredients that are found in TM Jaffa Spring and TM Aquarte products. These definitions and associated benefits are from independent sources, and are not in any way part of the manufacturers' promotional literature. Guarana Other names: Guarana bread, Brazilian cocoa  Description: Guarana is a climbing shrub native to the Amazon region. The guarana plant has large divided compound leaves and clusters of yellow flowers. The guarana plants are well known for their black seeds which are contained in small, pear sized, orange-to-red colored fruits.Parts used: Only the ripe guarana seeds are used. They are dried and ground to a powder, which is used to make caffeine-rich beverages. Phytochemicals: Theophylline, Theobromine, Tannins, Saponins, Caffeine Medicinal Properties: Guarana is traditionally used as a stimulant but it is also used to treat headache, depression, fatigue, and chronic diarrhea. Guarana is a stimulant of the central nervous system, blood circulation and respiration. Studies suggest that guarana improves the cognitive function and helps to reduce weight. Anti-Depressant A study by Otobone et al indicates that extracts form the guarana seeds may produce an anti-depressant effect after long-term administration. Cognitive improvements Studies on humans showed that guarana improved alertness and memory performance. These cognitive improvements cannot only be attributed to high caffeine content and other phytochemicals may be involved. Fat burning effect The fat burning effect of guarana is well known among athletes. Studies show that guarana has some effect on fat metabolism (higher muscle glycogen levels and lower lactate levels). This effect is associated with the methylxanthine content of guarana. Antiaggregation Guarana reduces platelet aggregation thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Several studies show that guarana extract decreases platelet thromboxane synthesis and inhibits platelet aggregation. Antioxidant and anti-cancer action Besides caffeine, guarana contains many phytochemicals with antioxidant activity, which helps to protect our cells. These phytochemicals have anti-cancer effect, reduce the toxicity of some chemicals such as alcohol and carcinogens and help to protect our DNA. Other Facts: The guarana plant is native to the Amazons. It plays an important role in the culture of Brazilian natives. They prepare the guarana by pounding the seeds in a fine powder which is kneaded into bread shaped cylinders. This guarana bread is grated and immersed in hot water. Guarana is now used worldwide in beverages, mainly energy drinks. But it can also be found as ingredient of supplements, chewing gum, chocolate bars and syrups. The caffeine in guarana is also called guarinine. Benefits of Ginseng  Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to improve the overall health of human being. In the first Chinese book of herbs, the Pen Tsao Ching (The Classic of Herbs), written by the famous Emperor Shen Nung, to whom the discovery of tea was attributed, Ginseng was recommended for enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom. Ginseng was taken as a tonic for the whole body, and believed to cure lethargy, arthritis, impotence, senility, and many other conditions.In terms of modern scientific research, ginseng is known to be an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances that assist the body to restore itself to health and work without side effects even if the recommended dose is widely exceeded. Ginseng due to its adaptogens effects is widely used to lower cholesterol, increase energy and endurance, reduce fatique and effects of stress and prevent infections. Ginseng appears to help people with diabetes. A limited study performed in March 2000 at the University of Toronto showed that ginseng could lower blood sugar 20% more than placebo. Ginseng is one of the most effective anti-aging supplements. It can alleviate some major effects of aging, such as degeneration of the blood system, and increase mental and physical capacity. Other important benefits of ginseng is its support in cancer treatment and its effects on sports performance. Echinacea  Echinacea is an excellent blood purifier, antibiotic and immune system booster. It has long been used to prevent and heal the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.Echinacea has been shown to improve the migration and quality of white blood cells which attack foreign micro-organisms and toxins in the bloodstream. It increases the levels of a chemical called properdin in the body which activates part of the immune system responsible for increasing the defence mechanisms against bacteria and viruses. Research even suggests that echinacea's activity in the blood may help to fight tumour cells. Many infectious conditions are helped by echinacea. Studies show echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme that destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and damaging organisms. It is effective in treating infectious conditions including upper respiratory infections and sinusitis. Its antibiotic properties are effective against staph and strep infections. Echinacea aids in the production of interferon, which increases antiviral activity against influenza and other viral infections. By reducing the severity of symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat it can help reduce the duration of illness. Echinacea's antibacterial properties can stimulate wound healing and are of benefit to skin conditions such as burns, insect bites, ulcers, psoriasis, acne and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties can relieve arthritis and lymphatic swelling. It has also been used in homeopathy treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, gastroenteritis and weight loss. Acerola  The Acerola Cherry was, at one time, just another tropical fruit with a variety of health benefits that many were touting as a fruit to improve overall health. And with health benefits such as the ability to fight cancer, reduce headaches, reduce fever, boost the immune system, strengthen the liver, improve the skin, it's no wonder why the status of acerola cherry has come a long way.The acerola cherry originated in the Yucatan, but is also found in the Caribbean, Brazil, Texas and Central America. But far from the days of obscurity in the tropics of the Americas, the acerola cherry is now center stage among super fruits. Acerola cherry, along with being eaten fresh, is used to flavor drinks. Acerola cherry contains high levels of Vitamin A, folate, Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin A improves our vision and removes free radicals from the body. Vitamin C repairs tissue, and helps prevent heart disease and cancer. The potassium found in acerola cherries regulates blood pressure and heart function and can even elevate our mood. Folate is essential for making new cells, protecting against heart disease and for protecting babies against mental retardation and debilitating diseases. Therefore, eating acerola cherries on a regular basis and in large amounts can help you to protect yourself against all these illnesses that acerola cherries fight against. Acerola cherry is traditionally eaten to reduce headaches in folk medicine and recent research done at Michigan State University suggests that the folk medicine practitioners were on to something. Researchers point to the anthocyanins found in acerola cherries as the main reason why they have been used traditionally to relieve headaches. Anthocyanins contains ant-inflammatory properties that have effects much like aspirin, ibuprofen and other pain relievers. Some other health benefits of acerola cherries emerging from folk medicine are that acerola cherries: help in relieve sore throat, fever, constipation, scurvy, diarrhea and liver disorders. |
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