Glyconutrients Defined
Glyconutrients are healthy plant nutrients. They are found at the cellular level of edible plants in the form of polysaccharides or plant sugars. Glyconutrients come from a variety of sources but most notably from the succulent and highly nutritious aloe vera plant. Glyconutrients work naturally to help support many necessary functions in the body.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Proanthocyanidins are a specific class of phytonutrients with numerous health giving properties.
This class of flavonoids earned their primary reputation as being powerful antioxidants or free radical scavengers. Free radicals are damaging unstable oxygen molecules that get into the body as a result of over-exercise, stress, being exposed to dirty air and other environmental pollutants. Proanthocyanidins also help in the stabilization of collagen and elastin. These are two critical fibrous proteins found in the connective tissues that support organs, joints, blood vessels and muscle. Proanthocyanidins can be found in numerous plant and food sources.
Preliminary Study Shows Proanthocyanidins Defend Brain Activity
At Bangalore University's Department of Zoology in India, scientists conducted a study involving rats which showed that proanthocyanidins (PA) consumed in a moderately low quantity provides antioxidant protection of the brain. Researchers concluded that PA may have a potent role in enhancing cognition in older rats. This is possibly exciting news for humans, however, more human research would provide a fuller understanding of a PA/human relationship. For more information go to the Medical Science Monitor, Volume 12, April 2006. Click here for more information.
Proanthocyanidins May Prevent Periodontal Disease
Proanthocyanidins have been reported to possess a wide range of biologic properties against oxidative stress. For this reason a recent study was conducted using proanthocyanidins to see if they hold potential in helping to protect against periodontopathogens. The study, conducted in Canada, demonstrated that proanthocyanidins have potent antioxidant properties and should be considered a potential agent in the prevention of periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are dental diseases involving bone loss, pockets, and recession of the gums. More research is needed to confirm these findings. For more information go to the Journal of Periodontology, Volume 77, August 2006. Click here for more information.
Luo Han Guo Exhibits Anti-Tumor Properties
In an in vitro (test tube) study on Momordica Grosvenori (the latin name for the Luo Han Guo), this fruit exhibited anti-tumor properties. Lo Hun Gao is a sweet fruit cultivated in the mountains of Southern China. For more information, go to the Journal of Agriculture Food Chemistry, November 2002, Volume 50. Source: Journal of Agriculture Food Chemistry, November 2002, Volume 50. Read More.