Selecting the Best Reishi Extract

Medicinal mushrooms, hugely popular for thousands of years in the Orient, are coming in vogue today also in the West. On the coattails of their increasing popularity follow issues of quality and ethical representation between competing brands.

All species of medicinal mushrooms appear haunted by this issue. Particularly so, it seems, is red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), the oldest medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please note, however, that the information in this article applies generally to all medicinal mushroom species.

The first and perhaps obvious caution is to stay away from cheap mass-produced brands of medicinal mushrooms that may only contain dried and pulverized mushrooms, in which case the medicinal compounds are still inaccessible behind the mushrooms\’ cell walls.

Then there are the real therapeutic grade red reishi brands, which are produced with much more care. But even here there are big differences between brands. Each claims to be the best, of course, because they want to sell their product. So lets set the facts straight and be independently informed consumers.

There are primarily three ways to extract the medicinal compounds from red reishi. Each method pulls out different compounds, all of which have been proven by scientific research to be therapeutically important.

1. Hot Water Extraction (polysaccharides, etc.)

2. Alcohol/Ethanol Extraction (triterpenoids, etc.)

3. Fermenting (arabinoxylanes, etc.)

Polysaccharides have been shown to possess powerful anti-tumor qualities through enhancing the immune system and by inhibiting blood profusion through tumors. They are also strong antioxidants. [1]

Triterpenoids include a large number of related medicinal compounds whose proven effects include stabilization of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood clotting. But most importantly, the triterpenoids are the anti-inflammatory compounds of reishi. [1] Inflammation is a serious component in asthma, allergies, arthritis and many more conditions.

Finally, by fermenting the red reishi, the original medicinal compounds break down to form new compounds with unique healing properties. These \”secondary metabolites\” have among other things been shown to be immune enhancing and help regulate blood sugar, as well as having unique anti-tumor properties. [2]

This article is not meant to recommend any particular brand so none will be mentioned by name. But the author does know of two reishi companies (Japanese and American) that both claim only hot water extract of reishi is effective and that alcohol extracts are of no use.

Naturally, the reason they say so is because they want to sell their own brand. However, those statements are scientifically untrue. Hot water and alcohol extractions both contain critical compounds.

To find the best red reishi products, look for those brands that use at least the first two extraction methods in combination: Hot Water Extraction and Alcohol Extraction. Better yet would be brands that incorporate all three extraction methods, including Fermentation.

An additional point to keep in mind is the form the reishi comes in. Reishi that dissolves completely in a water-based liquid such as coffee probably only contains reishi from hot water extraction. As a substitute for regular coffee, this would be a superb health-choice. However, it will not contain the water-insoluble triterpenoids so valued for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Surprisingly, though, alcohol tinctures may include both hot water extract and alcohol extract. You will know if the alcohol tincture contains polysaccharides because when the alcohol and hot water extracts are blended, the polysaccharides fall out of solution and the tincture becomes cloudy. (Just shake it before you take it.) A cloudy medicinal mushroom tincture is an indication of high polysaccharide content. Capsules and tablets may be either hot water extract or alcohol extract or both.

[1] Boh B, Berovic M, Zhang J, Zhi-Bin L, 2007. \”Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds.\” Biotechnology Annu Rev 13:265-301.

[2] Tang YJ, Zhang W, Zhong JJ. \”Performance analyses of a pH-shift and DOT-shift integrated fed-batch fermentation process for the production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharides by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum.\” Bioresource Technology 2009 Mar;100(5):1852-9.

Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since the early 90\’s, currently focusing on medicinal mushrooms. He partners with Davida Sara on red reishi extract and cordyceps extract plus the increasingly popular mesima mushroom and more.

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Drink This, Not That!

As people become more concerned about healthy food choices, healthy drinks should be viewed as equally important. The next time you need to quench your thirst, reach for these healthy options:

Water. Drinking plenty of water will fend off fatigue, headaches and muscle spasms caused by dehydration. Water is also essential for great looking skin. When your body is properly hydrated, skin looks youthful and radiant. Also an effective appetite suppressor, drink a glass of water before meals and you will eat less overall. Water is also effective for ridding your body of harmful toxins. Maybe you should have a glass right now!

Cranberry juice. These tart red berries are packed with vitamin C and contain a component that stops bacteria from attaching to bladder walls, which prevents painful urinary tract infections. Choose cranberry juice that is 100% juice with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Cranberry juice also contains a healthy dose of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that help protect you against heart disease and cancer.

Green tea. Well known for its wealth of antioxidants, green tea can also block the over-production of harmful enzymes in your body that act as precursors to cancer. Replace your morning cup of coffee with a steaming cup of antioxidant-rich green tea instead. Natural compounds in green tea have been found to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin activity, promoting glucose metabolism and blocking glucose absorption.

Don\’t be fooled by these sugary, colorful drinks. They may masquerade as healthy and inviting, but in fact, these beverage are loaded with extra sugar and fat.

Fancy coffee drinks. The traditional cup of coffee has had quite a make-over, and not in a healthy way. In addition to the huge dose of caffeine, fancy coffee drinks are laden with fat and calories from extras such as whipped cream, flavored syrups, chocolate sprinkles, even candy pieces.

Summer cocktails. Don\’t be tempted by fancy drinks with a little paper umbrella. It\’s probably the healthiest ingredient in many popular summertime drinks. Sweet summer drinks like margaritas, daiquiris, and pina coladas are packed with calories due to the alcohol and sugar.

Smoothies. Smoothies are often promoted as a popular health food, but many smoothies have added fat and calories that make them a very unwise choice. Stay away from smoothies that feature sugary fruit juices, full-fat dairy products, syrups, and artificial flavorings that can pack on the pounds.

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The Acai Toxin Free, Maximum Weight Loss Diet

The majority of the weight loss pills or supplements on the marketplace these days contain stimulants like ephedra and caffeine in them. These stimulants can cause you to lose sleep, feel hyped up, and experience raised levels of anxiety, and can cause extreme strain and harm to your body.This is when Acai Weight Loss Diet comes to the rescue.

Acai does not harbor any toxins and has in fact been called the healthiest weight loss supplement to date.This fruit is all the rage due to its high antioxidant content which is a dozen times greater than grapes. Apart from that, it also contains great nutritional values such as essential fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9; vitamins A, B, C and E; And dietary fiber among others.The antioxidant potency of this health supplement improves your digestive system by gently removing toxins from your colon and body.

The consumption of antioxidants is essential for repairing the damage done by the free radicals that infiltrate our bodies every day. The antioxidants protect our bodies and boosts our immune system.

The damage inflicted by the introduction of free radicals to the human body can result in the contraction of many chronic diseases and viruses. With out antioxidants we would quickly deteriorate due to the damage done from these free radicals.

The acai offers many other benefits, such as slowing down the aging process and speeding up cell recovery. The increased metabolic rate the acai causes in our body explains the rapid weight loss that most people experience. This reaction is due to the high amounts of antioxidants introduced to the body. It causes fat to break down quicker and gives you more energy. Losing weight can be accomplished faster and easier with no toxins and side effects.

Other benefits reported from the acai supplements are lower blood pressure, better sleep, lowered cholestorol, and gently eliminates chemicals and toxins that are stored in the colon. The high fiber content balances and mends the digestive system, while gently cleaning the colon system.

It would be wise for everyone to add Acai supplements to your diet. Even if you are not on a diet, you can still benefit from the potent antioxidants in this fruit.

It is time for you to take control of the war that is going on in your body. Help your body eliminate the toxins and free radicals with the antioxidant power of the Acai.

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The Acai Toxin Free, Maximum Weight Loss Diet

There are countless varieties of weight loss supplements and pills to found in many stores and pharmacies.The majority of these pills contain harmful stimulant additives, like caffeine and ephedra. The use of these stimulants usually cause a person to feel wired, have higher anxiety levels, lose sleep and they also add toxins into your body.Thes toxins can cause extreme damage to the human body. The all natural alternative is to implement the Acai Weight Loss Diet.

Acai does not harbor any toxins and has in fact been called the healthiest weight loss supplement to date.This fruit is all the rage due to its high antioxidant content which is a dozen times greater than grapes. Apart from that, it also contains great nutritional values such as essential fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9; vitamins A, B, C and E; And dietary fiber among others.The antioxidant potency of this health supplement improves your digestive system by gently removing toxins from your colon and body.

Each day our bodies are experiencing damage caused by the free radicals that invade our bodies. Antioxidants found in the acai berry are known to repair damage caused by the free radicals, and protects our bodies from further damage.

Our bodies are in a constant battle, repairing damage caused by the free radicals,and the antioxidants we consume help speed up the repair and fight off the free radicals.This process boosts your immune system and thus, prevents occurrence of several chronic diseases and viruses, like the swine flu.

The acai offers many other benefits, such as slowing down the aging process and speeding up cell recovery. The increased metabolic rate the acai causes in our body explains the rapid weight loss that most people experience. This reaction is due to the high amounts of antioxidants introduced to the body. It causes fat to break down quicker and gives you more energy. Losing weight can be accomplished faster and easier with no toxins and side effects.

The Acai berry will also give you other benefits such as, lowers bad cholesterol level to stabilize total cholesterol to normal range, helps in lowering blood pressure, enhances good sleep, helps mend the digestive function,helps in eliminating toxic wastes and cleanses your colon due to its high fiber content.

It appears that whether you are on a diet or not, the addition of acai bery juice or supplements to your daily routine would be a wise choice for any one at any age group.

It is time for you to take control of the war that is going on in your body. Help your body eliminate the toxins and free radicals with the antioxidant power of the Acai.

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#1 – Resveratrol Study Review: Weight Loss Scams?

[youtube:R3TGKOQeTrc;[link:Resveratrol] on 60 minutes;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3TGKOQeTrc&feature=related] What exactly this supplement has to offer? It is claimed that resveratrol provides not only anti-aging solution, but also aids in weight loss. Is it just another scam product or does it really work?

Media portrays a perfect picture about this product;but, some people are still mistrustful about this product. It is up to the buyer to review the product and research as much information as possible to make sure that a smart decision made before purchasing anything.

Here are some good news and bad news about this wine extract supplement. The good news are this supplement works well in for weight toning and for maintenance of good health. The terrible news are there are too many products available on the market and too many scam products that claim to have resveratrol as an active ingredient.

It has been claimed that resveratrol acts as anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-lowering and anti-cancer agent. In addition, mice that had resveratrol added to their diet lived 30% longer than the control group. Inherently enough, the overweight mice that took resveratrol did not have any diseases related to obesity.

An observant reader will question whether the same results are true for humans. Studies have been done on mice, due to the fact that their nervous and genetic system are very close to ours. In this case, lets investigate in detail how resveratrol works.

Today the foods are genetically modified, hormone enhanced and chemically processed. It is imperative to avoid adding another artificial chemical to your body by choosing the most natural supplement. Most specialist claim that Resveratrol is safe to take because it is made out of organic ingredients and it offers many health benefits.

With age human and animal metabolic process slows down as well. This means that the body works slower in breaking down the organic matter and works slower in rejuvinating the benficial cells such as protein and nucleic acids.

[I:http://www.weightlossdietinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/AngelaSinclair4.png] While diets work only temporarily, most of people gain weight as soon as they stop dieting. When trying to lose weight one should apply a holistic approach such as healthy food, exercise and resveratrol supplements. The magic trio is a must! The good food will nourish your body, exercise will burn the extra calories and tone the muscles, resveratrol will speed up the metabolism, give you more energy and detoxify the body.

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New Resveratrol Diet – Aha Research Moment or Scam?

[youtube:5Q_uc5igk1U;[link:Resveratrol] on ABC News;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q_uc5igk1U&feature=related] You’ve heard a lot about this product from your friends, family and the media. Now it is time to research Resveratrol and to find out if it really is a way to lose weight!

Media portrays a perfect picture about this product;however, some people are still mistrustful about this product. It is up to the buyer to review the product and research as much information as possible to make sure that a smart decision made before purchasing anything.

The best part of this miracle product is it stimulates overall good health and helps in maintainance of healthy body weight. The not so good part of it is there are too many scam products produced and some manufacturers do not have the potent technology.

It has been claimed that resveratrol acts as anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-lowering and anti-cancer agent. In addition, mice that had resveratrol added to their diet lived 30% longer than the control group. Inherently enough, the overweight mice that took resveratrol did not show any diseases related to obesity.

The fact that “red wine extract” works for mice is a great discovery, but the question is whether it will work the same on humans. Some doctors claim that due to similarities in genetic code and nervous system of examined animals, humans can benefit from resveratrol in similar ways. It is important to look further into how this newly discovered ingredient really works.

Today the foods are genetically modified, hormone enhanced and chemically processed. It is imperative to avoid adding another artificial chemical to your body by choosing the most natural supplement. Most dietitian claim that Resveratrol is safe to take because it is made out of natural ingredients and it offers many health benefits.

With age human and animal metabolic process slows down as well. This means that the body works slower in breaking down the organic matter and works slower in restructuring the vital cells such as protein and nucleic acids. As tested, resveratrol showed a direct link to increase of metabolism and energy levels. Together with proper diet and exercise this supplement could just speed up the process of losing weight.

[I:http://www.weightlossdietinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/AngelaSinclair4.png] As tested that resveratrol directly linked to metabolism and energy increase in humans and animals. This means that together with proper diet and exercise this supplement could just speed up the process of losing weight.

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Age Slower With Antioxidants Promptly

It seems that since the start of time people have been searching for the vague fountain of youth. As we grow old we all want to look and feel younger and retain the childlike verve that we grew up with. Could it be that the fountain of youth has been with us forever and we just didn’t acknowledge it?

Science has established that the cause of the greater part of age-related weakening, most diseases and other disorders are caused by free radicals. A free radical is a very unsound molecule that is created through oxidative processes inside the body. A free radical is actually a molecule that has an unpaired electron. Since as a rule processes in our bodies require oxygen we are repetitively creating free radicals. The oxygen molecules that we take in are frequently compromised due to environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke and even the natural processes of our bodies like digestion. When the oxygen molecule loses an electron it will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from another molecule. This is what creates a free radical.

A free radical or unpaired oxygen molecule is a vastly variable factor. We have need of a few of them for separate functions but when they materialize in excessive quantities they can be very damaging and hurtful to our cells. Free radicals contribute to assorted disorders including life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. They also contribute to aging declines.

Yet, nature has provided the solution to free radical damage. Antioxidants are influential nutrients that are found in the healthiest foods on earth. An antioxidant will come in and throw in the absent electron to the free radical and thereby deactivate it. Antioxidants can also thwart the formation of free radicals in the first place. A diet plentiful in antioxidants can beyond doubt be a fountain of youth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods are loaded with antioxidants. The more you can finish free radical damage the more you will be able to sustain the wholesome joie de vivre of youth.

The impediment of free radical damage by antioxidants is an continuing procedure. Actually even more free radicals are created as the others are being neutralized. Hence antioxidants must be continually replaced inside our bodies. We ought to consume a nourishing diet on a every day basis. It has been proven that the safest and most helpful means to get antioxidants is through diet. Ideally, 8 to 10 fruits and vegetables should be consumed day by day but a minimum of 5 is suggested.

The antioxidant capacity of foods is calculated by what is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC. The ORAC is a figure that corresponds with the antioxidants in that food. The highest ORAC scores belong to foods such as spinach, oranges and most berries, including blueberries, cranberries and the acai berry. The acai berry actually has one of the highest ORAC’s ever found on Earth.

The best way to pick up your antioxidant intake is to consume a diversity of foods. One food or even one solitary nutrient will not give you the same results as many. The power of antioxidants in reality comes through the synergy of the numerous nutrients functioning together. The nutrients counterpart each other and each becomes stronger and more efficient as they work in concert collectively than any would be alone.

Nature has provided us the obscure fountain of youth that we have been looking for. The humorous thing is that we had it all along we just didn’t comprehend it. If you want to stave off the effects of aging make sure that you consume a considerable variety of healthful antioxidants in your diet.

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Resveratrol and Weight Loss: How it works

[youtube:PUnUv5jos68;[link:RESVERATROL!] by Barbara Walters ;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUnUv5jos68&feature=related] While Resveratrol is being broadcasted on several news channels and talk shows, it is up to the consumer to research thoroughly about the benefits and the effects of this miracle product.

Based on animal research conducted in many countries throughout the world, resveratrol is known for providing many benefits to the health of animals with similar genetic structure as humans. Today, several doctors and laboratories are on the way to prove the same results for humans. Many say that resveratrol is a fountain of youth and a new weight loss discovery; others say that the results are yet to be confirmed.

The answer to whether the results are true for humans consists of positive and negative news. In fact, the good part is this supplement works well in aiding with weight loss and stimulating good health. The bad news, there are too many products available on the market and too many scam products that claim to have resveratrol as an active ingredient. Before purchasing this supplement a smart buyer should research in depth the ingredients of pure resveratrol supplement.

Following from clinical examination, mice that were introduced to this element found in red wine demonstrated results that induce many health benefits including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-lowering and other cardiovascular effects when compared to the control group.

The question comes to mind whether the same benefits apply to humans. Mds say it is very possible because the experiments are made on a specific gene that both humans and animals have. For this purpose, lets examine in detail how resveratrol works for weight loss.

At present time the foods are genetically modified, hormone enhanced and chemically processed. It is imperative to avoid adding another artificial chemical to your body by choosing the most natural supplement. Most specialist claim that Resveratrol is safe to take because it is made out of natural ingredients and it offers many health benefits.

Many of us know that as we age the metabolism slows down. Metabolism consists of two main categories where body breaks down the unnecessary matter and where body rejuvinates the crucial cells. The labaratory tests indicate that resveratrol increases the metabolic speed and acts as an energy booster.

[I:http://www.weightlossdietinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ThomasRichards4.png] It has been researched that resveratrol directly linked to metabolism and energy increase in humans and animals. This means that together with proper diet and exercise this supplement could just speed up the process of losing weight.

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Eat Well And Lose Weight

Eat Well And Lose Weight . by fitness on September 30, 2009

The rest is here: 
Eat Well And Lose Weight

Out Performing The Acai Berry With Up To Five Times The Antioxidants.

Packed with more antioxidants than acai, mangosteen, goji, noni or even chocolate, Maqui (Aristotelia Chilensisa), is the ultimate super berry. In fact, according to independent studies (Brunswich labs), this tasty little berry boasts the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of any botanical.

The Medicinal Properties of Maqui Berry Maqui berry seems to have various medicinal properties such as anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cyclooxygenase-2 (anti-cox-2). The active principles of this berry are anthocyanins, which safeguards low density lipoproteins (also known as LDL) from oxidation, abridge inflammation, and keep our cells away from oxidative stress.

Acai berries have amazing health giving properties because they are full of anthocyanins and antioxidants that benefit the consumer in many ways. However the health benefits of the maqui berry outweigh those offered by the acai berry because they contain far more antioxidants and similar amounts of anthocyanins.

You can consume maqui berry in form of juice, which is now utilized as an ingredient in various health drinks available in the market. These berries seem to have the highest level of antioxidant than fruits. The antioxidant level of this berry is more or less three times higher than the antioxidant level of acai berries. These berries are also used to make medicated wine.

One of the most pristine and beautiful places on the planet, Patagonia also is a region of harsh climate conditions. It is here that the Maqui evergreen has evolved, thriving even standing up to sub zero temperatures. Thus we have a true super berry, powered with antioxidant producing phytonutrients.

They play key role in fighting against allergic reactions and meliorating capillary permeability. People believe that these berries seem to improve cardiovascular health by protecting blood vessels and LDL from oxidative damage. In addition, these berries seem to improve eyesight!

In North America this super berry’s power available in various vitamin like supplements, and it provides the base of a whole food liquid supplement (called AVIA) formulated by Dr. Kenneth Kroll, a Harvard M.D board certified in anti-aging. However it is used, the Maqui Berry is an amazing example of the hidden botanical treasures being discovered on our planet.

The original Maqui Berry based liquid supplment, AVIA, provides nutrients and extracts that work in synergy to stimulate the body’s own production of natural antioxidants, allowing for a higher level of effectiveness than ever seen before in a liquid health supplement, according to Brunswick Labs. The organic, whole food liquid supplement also supports cardiovascular health and works as a thermogenic that may reduce swelling and support weight loss. AVIA is the first of a a new generation of health supplements to be offerd by Synaura International.

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