3 articles Found
  • Agil Nature

    Ceylon cinnamon

    Origin and history :  

    The Ceylon cinnamon tree ( Cinnamomum Verum ), also known as the true cinnamon tree, is the source of the cinnamon we are all familiar with and which is particularly present in winter. The tree, which can grow up to 15 m tall, originally comes from Sri Lanka but is now also grown in other tropical countries such as Madagascar , as well as in Indonesia, India and Brazil . The leaves are red at first but become large and green. What is mainly interesting for producing the spice, however, is the brownish bark , the bark of which is the cinnamon we know. The unripe, young fruits, the cloves, are also used as a spice. It is one of the oldest spices and was used in India and China as early as 2000 BC.  

    Characteristics :  

    Ceylon cinnamon is valued for its mild and delicate aroma properties. Although it is used as a medicinal plant, Ceylon cinnamon is no longer really being discussed , as many studies are vague and there are few indications so far. The plant is therefore mainly used as a spice for its pleasant, spicy taste and in aromatherapy, where it is used for skin and respiratory infections due to its antibacterial properties. Traditionally it is also used against asthma, diarrhea, bronchitis and to Wound healing. Cinnamon is also known for its nutritional benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, can regulate blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory effects .  

    Other types of cinnamon  

    “Cassia cinnamon” is often used as a substitute for real cinnamon. “Cassia cinnamon” is a collective term for Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese cinnamon and the cinnamon sticks are clearly different from real cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon sticks consist of several layers and form a closed stick, while “Cassia cinnamon” usually consists of a single layer of bark that rolls up into a stick, but is not completely closed.  

    Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon also differ in their chemical profile. The main difference is the coumarin content: Ceylon cinnamon contains significantly less coumarin than cassia cinnamon. Coumarin, consumed in high doses, can pose potential health risks such as liver damage. This finding underlines the importance of choosing Ceylon cinnamon for health-conscious consumption.  

    Possible side effects  

    Consuming Ceylon cinnamon in larger than usual amounts or over a longer period of time may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.  

    Amounts of Ceylon cinnamon beyond those normally found in foods could be potentially dangerous for pregnant women.  

     

     Which AgilNature ® products contain Ceylon cinnamon powder?  

    product 

    ProteinAgil  

     

    * Nutrient Reference Value = percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011.  

    ** No recommendation available.  

     

    Literature :  

    1. Etheridge CJ, Mason P (2021) A Science Review of Selected Essential Oils and their Botanical Ingredients . Focus on Essential Oils used for Respiratory and Calming Indications . Arch Environ Sci Environ Toxicol 4:133. 

    1. Singh N, Rao AS, Nandal A, Kumar S, Yadav SS, Ganaie SA, Narasimhan B. Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl -a versatile spice used in food and nutrition . Food Chem. 2021 Feb 15;338:127773 . 

    1. Cinnamon . NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon (accessed on February 16, 2024) 

    1. Federal Institute for Risk Assessment: New findings on coumarin in cinnamon – Statement No. 036/2012. 2012 

  • Agil Nature

    Zink

    Zinc is one of the vital (essential) trace elements, which means that the body cannot produce zinc itself. There are around 2 g of zinc in the body. About 70% of it is in bones High and in the hair. Since the body cannot store zinc in large quantities, a continuous intake through the diet important (1).

    Zinc is an important mineral that is necessary for the function of more than 300 enzymes in the metabolism and is therefore involved in almost all life processes. Zinc is particularly important for immune cures to increase the body's defences. Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system at. One optimal zinc supply increases the immune system and thus prevents infections. Studies have shown that increased zinc intake can reduce the duration and severity of a cold (2).

    The mineral zinc also plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis as well as to a normal carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism and thus supports the body in the  fat burning.

    Zinc is also important for

    • the cell division,
    • the growth and
    • the renewal of cells.
      Therefore, zinc also plays an important role in wound healing.

    Zinc can ward off so-called free radicals and is therefore of central importance for the body cell protection. Bei fast allen Stoffwechselprozessen entstehen in unserem Körper aggressive und hochreaktive freie Radikale - dies ist unvermeidbar. Übersteigt die Bildung freier Radikale eine gesunde Konzentration, spricht man von „oxidativem Stress". The more the body is exposed to oxidative stress, the faster the aging process begins. Zinc contributes to cell protection from oxidative damage.

     

     
     

    Dietary supplement: Your daily zinc requirement

     
     
    (Zinkhaltige Paranuss)

    The German Society for Nutrition recommends a daily intake of 7 mg zinc for women. Men should even take 10 mg of zinc per day. Zinc requirements are significantly increased during pregnancy and lactation.

     

    Zinc deficiency - risk groups

    The following groups of people should pay particular attention to an adequate intake of zinc:

    • senior citizens
    • children and young people
    • Pregnant and lactating women
    • vegetarian
    • competitive athlete
    • Patients with gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome or malabsorption syndrome

     
     

    Zinc deficiency symptoms

    The immune system in particular reacts particularly sensitively to an incipient zinc deficiency (3). Therefore, in times of high risk of infection, such as in winter in particular, an adequate zinc supply be respected.

    The most common symptoms of zinc deficiency are:
    • Skin diseases and delayed wound healing
    • Immune deficiency and susceptibility to infection
    • hair loss
    • Weakening of the sense of smell and taste
    • Appetitverlust
     
     

     

    Which AgilNature® products contain zinc?

    Product milligram * NRV
    C + ZinkAgil forte 20 mg per capsule 200%
    FigureAgile active 1 mg per capsule 10%
     
    *Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EG) No. 1169/2011.

     

     
    Literature:
    1. German Society for Nutrition (DGE), reference values for nutrient intake (2001): p. 191
    2. ERNA (2011), The European Responsible Nutrition Alliance: Facts about vitamins, minerals and other food components with health effects, Seiten 48-51
    3. Schuchardt, J.P., Hahn, A: Nutritional importance of zinc, Dt. Lebensmittel-Rundschau 04/2009
  • Agil Nature

    Lemongrass

    Origin and history of lemongrass

    lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is native to India and is an evergreen herbaceous plant. The growth height is 1 to 2 meters. The leaves develop an aromatic scent. Fresh and lemony with a hint of rose scent.

     
    Zitronengras AgilNature
     
     
     
     

    The beneficial properties of lemongrass

    Lemongrass is valued in folk medicine for its antibacterial, invigorating, diuretic and blood-cleansing effects. Lemongrass used in tea can reduce appetite, help relieve stress and fatigue, and contribute to general well-being.

     

     
     

    Which AgileNature® Products contain lemongrass?

     Product
    SlimTee - simply lose weight and feel good

     

    Literature:

    1. Bäumler, Siegfried (2006): Medicinal plants in practice today. Munich: Elsevier, Urban &Fischer.