Origin of Lapacho tea

Lapacho tea consists of the inner bark of the Lapacho tree, which is peeled off and grated once or twice a year. The lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellaneda or Tabebuia impetiiginosa) is found across much of South and Central America. There are dozens of regional subspecies of this plant. It is very adaptable, robust and relatively undemanding.

taste

The infusion from the Lapacho bark is very tasty, pleasantly smoky, reminiscent of vanilla and a little bit of cinnamon.

Lapacho tea and its effects

It has been proven that Lapacho tea contains many vitamins, minerals and plant substances such as calcium, potassium and iron as well as - in addition to the bioactive substance 'lapachol' - also trace elements such as barium, strontium, iodine and boron. Lapacho tea has an antibacterial and diuretic effect , antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

Lapacho tea is used as a medicinal and pleasure tea, especially for many chronic problems.

Which AgilNature® products contain Lapacho?

Literature:

Lübeck, Walter: Healing with Lapacho tea, the healing power of the "divine tree", wind horse.

Origin and History of Rhodiola

The Rhodiola rosea, also Rosenwurz, called golden root or arctic root, is an alpine plant from the thick-leafed family (Crassulaceae). It grows in the arctic regions of Europe and Asia. The conditions of the high-altitude habitat with long winters and barren soils are harsh.

Only thanks to a large number of strengthening and protective ingredients was the robust little plant able to adapt to the harsh climate. These special ingredients of Rhodiola rosea also have many positive and useful properties for humans. Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Russia and Scandinavia, to increase performance and relieve symptoms of fatigue. Rhodiola rosea is one of the most important adaptogens.

What is an adaptogen?

Adaptogens are plants that general resistance of the organism to stress and stressors raise. They help the organism to adapt to stressful situations and can alleviate stress-induced symptoms. Through their harmonizing function, adaptogens can help the organism to maintain its inner balance. A body in balance can deal better with stressful situations in the long term (see Figure 1).

Rhodiola - natural resilience and energy in stressful situations

Studies have found that Rhodiola rosea reduce physical and mental stress can (1). Thanks to its adaptogenic and stimulating properties, Rhodiola rosea increases tolerance to stress while giving more energy (2). Rhodiola rosea reduces the release of stress hormones (2) and has a positive effect on the signal substances (neurotransmitters) of the nerve cells and the activity of the central nervous system (3). In addition, Rhodiola rosea improves the blood flow in the brain. This will make the promote mental performance and concentration. Additionally, Rhodiola rosea has been shown to have antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety properties (2). Rhodiola rosea is recommended for relieving physical and mental symptoms associated with stress and overwork, such as fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, and tension (2). Rosavin is one of the most important bioactive substances in plants.

Your daily need for rhodiola

There is no official recommendation yet. Study results suggest a daily intake of 50 mg Rhodiola extract. It is important to use high quality Rhodiola rosea Extrakte to resort to, which are standardized on the ingredient rosavin.

Origin and History of Stevia

The stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) originally comes from the Amambay highlands in Paraguay and has a long tradition. For centuries will Stevia Used by the Guarani Indians to sweeten food and drinks. That is why it is also called "sweet herb" or "honey herb". In Japan, the special properties of stevia were recognized early on. Stevia has been used there for more than forty years natural sweetener used in drinks and food. Due to its health-promoting properties, stevia was also used by the indigenous people of Paraguay as a traditional remedy for diabetes and high blood pressure estimated.

Stevia - natural sweetness without calories

Of course cuties without the disadvantages of sugar - for a long time that was just a dream in this country. This is actually possible with stevia. The advantages of stevia - especially when it comes to losing weight - have finally been recognized in Europe. The leaves of the South American sweet cabbage are so sweet that they can easily replace conventional sugar. The reason for the incredible sweetening power are the special ingredients in the leaves Steviosidethat even up up to 300 times sweeter than cane sugar are (1).

Which AgilNature® products contain steviol glycosides from stevia?

Literature:

1. Chatsudthipong et al. (2009): Stevioside and related compounds: therapeutic benefits beyond sweetness. Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Jan; 12(1): 41-54.y

Overview

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is probably the best-known vitamin. Vitamin C is mainly found in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits contain a lot of vitamin C when ripe immediately after harvest. When it comes to vegetables, peppers and Brussels sprouts in particular score highly with their high vitamin C content. Since vitamin C is sensitive to oxygen, the content in food can decrease during long transport and storage. In addition, vitamin C is not heat-resistant, so losses can occur depending on the method of preparation. Vitamin C is one of the water-soluble vitamins. The body can excrete too much vitamin C. In contrast to some animals, which can produce vitamin C themselves, humans rely on a constant supply. Since its storage capacity in the body is limited, vitamin C must be consumed regularly through the diet. 

Vitamin C is involved in all vital functions of the body. Connective tissue, cartilage, bones and teeth need vitamin C for growth and regeneration. Vitamin C is also needed to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, vitamin C, like vitamin E, belongs to the group of antioxidants. It intercepts so-called free radicals - aggressive oxygen compounds in our body that attack cells - and thus protects the cells from oxidative stress.  

Vitamin C – The most important tasks in brief  

• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal cartilage function 
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal function of bones, blood vessels, gums, teeth and skin 
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system 
• Vitamin C helps protect cells from oxidative stress 
• Vitamin C helps reduce tiredness and fatigue 
• Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function 
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system 
• Vitamin C contributes to normal energy metabolism 
• Vitamin C increases iron absorption 

Your daily need for vitamin C 

The German Nutrition Society recommends 110 mg of vitamin C per day for men and 95 mg per day for women . The vitamin C requirement is increased in pregnant women (105 mg) and breastfeeding women (125 mg). Smokers also need more vitamin C.
 

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin C? 

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

Literature: 

Overview 

The term vitamin E refers to several fat-soluble compounds. These are also called tocopherols. The best known compound is alpha-tocopherol. In nature, only plants produce tocopherols. Vegetable oils and nuts in particular are good sources of vitamin E. Since animals can also absorb the vitamin through food, it is also found in butter and eggs, for example, although only in small quantities. The body stores the vitamin E it absorbs primarily in fatty tissue and the liver.  

Vitamin E - Protection for cells 

Like vitamin C, vitamin E also belongs to the group of antioxidants and is known as a free radical scavenger. Free radicals are aggressive oxygen compounds that arise from a variety of metabolic processes in the body and attack our cells. A lack of vitamin E can therefore promote cell damage. 

In the food industry, the antioxidant properties of tocopherol are used as an additive to stabilize desserts and oils, for example. 

Vitamin E – the most important task in brief  

• Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress 

Your daily need for vitamin E 

The German Nutrition Society recommends that adults consume 11-15 mg of vitamin E per day, depending on age and gender. 

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin E?

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

Literature:

1. ERNA (2011), The European Responsible Nutrition Alliance: Facts about vitamins, minerals and other food components with health effects, pages 24-2

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.

Dietary supplement: Your daily zinc requirement

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:

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.

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.

Literature:

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

Bamboo is a type of grass and is arguably the fastest growing plant in the world. A growth of 10cm per day is common, some species even grow up to 5cm per hour. The miracle tube not only grows quickly, it is also extremely stretchy and extremely stable and at the same time light as a feather. Thanks to its high flexural strength, it has been popular as a building material in China for thousands of years. In China there are bamboo bridges that have been spanning rivers for 1000 years. Bamboo houses are even considered earthquake-proof due to their high flexibility and elasticity.

People also use the strengthening properties of bamboo for their health. A thousand years ago, monks used bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) to produce a silicon-rich substance called tabashir, which is still used today as a traditional remedy in Eastern medicine.

Bamboo - natural silicon for bone structure

Silicon is an important trace element, of which the human body contains about 1 to 2g.(1) In nature, silicon is never found in its pure form, but always in combination with oxygen as silicon dioxide. In combination with water it is called silicic acid. Bamboo is one of the best sources of natural silicon dioxide. Is is a real silicon accumulator,

because it needs silicon for its extreme strength and flexibility. Our body loses around 10-40mg of silicon every day through excretions, sloughing of the skin and cutting hair and nails. With age, the body's ability to absorb silicon decreases. (1) Therefore, the silicon content in the tissues decreases with increasing age. Appropriate nutritional supplementation can help to normalize silicon levels in the tissues again. (2)

Silicon is important for bone formation, it is characterized by a strengthening function. Primarily, silicon appears to promote the synthesis and stabilization of collagen. If there is a silicon deficiency, less collagen is formed in the bones (3). Collagen is the basic building material for bones and is important for bone formation. Just as steel girders support a building, collagen fibers form the supporting framework in bone. If a house lacks steel beams, it would crumble under even a small load. It's the same with bones: without collagen, they lose elasticity and become brittle.

Your daily need for silicon

So far there is no official recommendation for the daily silicon requirement. As a dietary supplement, an intake of 10-20 mg silicon per day is recommended. The natural silicon from bamboo is particularly well tolerated and can be easily absorbed by the body.

Study Findings: High dietary silicon intake improves bone health

Increased bone density plays a central role in bone formation and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Which AgilNature® products contain bamboo?

Literature:

1. Holzer G, Holzer LA (2011): Silicon and its importance for bone metabolism. Swiss Journal of Nutritional Medicine 1/11: 34-37.
2. Holzer G, Holzer LA (2008): Silicon in the therapy of osteoporosis. J Miner Metabolism. 2008; 15(2)
3. Seaborn CD, Nielsen FH. (2002): Silicon deprivation decreases collagen formation in wounds and bone, and ornithine transaminase enzyme activity in liver. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2002 Dec; 89(3):251-61
4. Jugdaohsingh R et al. (2004): Dietary silicon intake is positively associated with bone mineral density in men and premenopausal women of the Framingham Offspring cohort. J Bone Miner Res. 2004 Feb; 19(2):297-307
5. Jugdaohsingh R. (2007):Silicon and bone health. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007; 11(2): 99–110.

Origin and history of Aronia

It is hardly known and yet it is one of the nutritionally most valuable berries in our culture: the purple-black aronia berry. Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) originally comes from eastern North America. The Native Americans were the first to recognize the healing power of the small berries and use them for themselves. Due to current studies and remarkable research results, the "medicine cabinet" of the Indians has now been rediscovered. In particular, its high antioxidant potential and the ability to protect our cells from oxidative stress make the Aronia a valuable power fruit.

Oxidative stress - what is it?

The human body needs oxygen to live. Important metabolic processes for generating energy are not possible without oxygen. During these complex processes, however, unavoidable ones arise In betweenProducts of oxygen, the highly reactive and are aggressive. They are called free radicals. Stress, cigarette smoke, alcohol, air pollution and UV light can promote the formation of free radicals. But sporting activity can also lead to an increased formation of free radicals. (1) If the formation of free radicals exceeds a healthy concentration, one speaks of "oxidative stress".

Too much free radicals can damage or even destroy body cells. Permanent oxidative stress can promote the development of various diseases.(1) Many diseases in western industrialized nations can be traced back to free radicals. (5) Premature aging, the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's and age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD) are considered possible consequences of permanent oxidative stress. (4).

Antioxidants - Natural protection for the cells

Free radicals in the body can be rendered harmless with the help of so-called antioxidants. Antioxidants bind themselves with the free radicals - that's why they are also called free radical scavengers. It is important that the body is regularly supplied with sufficient antioxidants "from the outside", as the body cannot produce them itself. Vitamins C and E and the trace element zinc are considered effective antioxidants. However, even more effective are the plant substances anthocyanins as a natural cell protection, which are mainly contained in dark berries. (4).

Aronia - power berry for active cell protection

Current research has determined that, compared to other berries, aronia has the highest content of so-called free-radical scavengers, which is why it can have an extremely cell-protecting effect in the organism. It outshines the antioxidant superfruits pomegranate and cranberry (Fig. 1). The dark violet pigments, the so-called anthocyanins, of the berries are responsible for this antioxidant power. Compared to other fruits, aronia has the highest content of anthocyanins and thus the highest content of health-promoting antioxidants for active cell protection, as confirmed by the Cancer Research Institute in Heidelberg and the Institute for Nutritional Physiology.(1)

Anthocyanins have a number of positive preventive effects on health and also have a positive effect on the immune system. They are considered powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective.(6)

A study conducted on rowers showed that aronia protects against oxidative damage during exercise. The aronia juice is said to be able to limit exercise-related oxidative damage to the red blood cells. The authors of this study suspect that aronia anthocyanins support the body's antioxidant defense system (2).

Dark berries protect against infections

US researchers have found that some migratory birds have found a tried and tested way of protecting themselves against infection: before they fly between summer and winter territories, they do a little preventative diet and ingest excessive amounts of dark berries, which are rich in antioxidants and such contribute to strengthening the immune system. The long journey from north to south means enormous physical strain for the birds and not only saps the strength of the birds, but also challenges the body's own protective mechanisms. Because the exertion that the animals have to perform leads to increased oxidative stress, which is triggered by free radicals. This would make migratory birds more susceptible to infection and inflammation(3).

Which AgilNature® products contain Aronia?

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EG) No. 1169/2011.** No recommendation available.

Literature:

1. Mehrwald R. (2007): The high antioxidant potential of the native Aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa). Comed 05/07: 1-4
2. Pilaczynska-Szczesniak L. et al (2005): The influence of chokeberry juice supplementation on the reduction of oxidative stress resulting from an incremental rowing ergometer. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2005 Feb; 15 (1): 48-58
3. http://bigdeal2010.wordpress.com/so-wird-aronia-von-der-natur-genutzt/
4. Kandler-Schmitt B. (2009): Antioxidants - Colorful protection troops. Pharmacy magazine. 1. February 2009, pages 52-53
5. www.aroniabeere.de/aronia/aroniapflanze/gesundheit.php
6. Watzl B. et al (2002): Anthocyane. Nutrition Review 49 (2002) Issue 4