Gooseberries are one of the 4 wild Ribes species growing in the Northern Hemisphere. The genus Ribes  includes white and red currants, black currants, and gooseberries. The European gooseberry (Ribes grossularia) is native to Caucausus Mountains and North Africa region, while the American gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum) is native to northeastern and north central United States and Canada. European gooseberries typical dimension is approximately 1 inch length. Colors consist of white, yellow, red as well as purple shades. The American gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum), a hybrid species, is 3 to 4 feet high. The tart, rounded berries are slightly smaller than cherries and may be red, green, purple, white, or yellow. Indian gooseberries (Phyllanthus emblica) known as amla in the subcontinent belongs to different family of Euphorbiaceae.

Gooseberry Benefits

Gooseberries (Ribes grossularia) are an important source of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Consumption of berries from  sources including the genus Ribes has been associated with positive health effects. Gooseberries are especially high in vitamin C and the group of antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Have been shown to help decrease the signs of aging, particularly with the high amounts of antioxidants in the darker red and purple varieties.

Vitamin C is critical for many basic processes in the body. Vitamin C is important for bones and connective tissues, Acerolamuscles, immune system and blood vessels. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C have been demonstrated in many experiments in vitro. The role of vitamin C in the functioning of immune cells is well proven. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes.

Anthocyanins may help prevent cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory responses, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Anthocyanins also improve neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular health as well as protect genomic DNA integrity. In recent years, numerous publications have demonstrated that besides their in vitro antioxidant capacity, certain phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins,  proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids, may regulate different signaling pathways involved in cell survival, growth and differentiation.

Other significant component of gooseberries is potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that is necessary to electrical reaction in your body, including heart.  A diet too high in salt and too inadequate in potassium doubles the risk of death from heart disease, according to a “Center for Disease Control” study led by researcher Elena V. Kuklina. Patients hospitalized after a heart attack who had blood potassium rates of between 3.5 and less than 4.5 mEq/L had a lower risk of death than patients with potassium rates that were higher or lower than this range, according to a research in the January edition of “JAMA”.

Ribes grossularia are a important source of soluble fiber. A single serving of fresh gooseberries includes approximately 6.5g of soluble fiber. Fibers helps avoid constipation. Even more important, people with high intakes of dietary fiber appear to be at  reduce risk for developing diabetes, hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, and some gastrointestinal diseases. (The recommended dietary fiber intakes for children and adults are 14 g/1000 kcal. That means a person who eats 2,500 calories each day should get at least 35 grams of fiber daily).

Indian Gooseberries

Phyllanthus emblica  (Indian gooseberries) known as amla in the subcontinent belongs to different family of Euphorbiaceae. According to ayurvedic medicine, Emblica officinalis may be used as a rasayana to promote longevity, and has also been used to increase digestion, developed heart health, helps purify blood and stimulate hair growth.  The effects of Indian gooseberry is attributed to its antioxidant constituents, such as vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids. Includes high levels of Vitamin C Amla helps in increasing the number of red blood cells in body. Lab tests demonstrated that every 100 grams of fresh fruit provides 470 – 680 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant.

Alongside its strong antioxidant activity, the fruit of Amla has been reported to possess immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, antimutagenic, antiproliferative and effects that are useful in the prevention and therapy of cancer. Amla was shown to decrease inflammation in laboratory experiments. Some studies  found that 500 mg of Amla a day for three months lowered  CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Indian gooseberry extracts are powerful antioxidants and help prevent lipid peroxidation, which is a key step in arterial hardening and cardiovascular illness.

The presence of chromium helps to control the blood sugar level which is quite important in type 2 Diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Regular use of Indian gooseberry helps in the secretion of insulin by stimulating the cells and reduces the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Indian gooseberry is a herb used  to alleviate gastric upset, including excess acidity in the stomach.queous and alcoholic extracts of Amla have shown protective and therapeutic activity in induced gastric ulcers in animal experiments.

Carnosine (ß-alanyl-L-histidine) is a protein molecule made up of two amino acids, histidine and beta alanine. Classified as a dipeptide. Carnosine is substantial for many normal body functions including improvement of the muscles, liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs. The muscles contain about 20 µmol/g dry weight. This chemical compound were discovered by Russian chemist V. Gulevich. L-carnosine is naturally occurring in all of our bodies; however, it depletes with age by approximately 10 % per year, after we reach the age of 30.

Carnosine Best Food Sources

Meat is the basic dietary source of carnosine. Other dietary sources of carnosine include, milk, eggs, cheese, fish, poultry and pork products. Absorption of carnosine from food is 30 to 70 % and that of pure L-carnosine greater than 70 percent.

Carnosine Benefits

In lab and animal experiments, researchers have found that carnosine may offer various a positive effects, such as inhibiting the buildup of amyloid beta, preventing diabetes-related nerve damage, and promoting vasodilation.

Antioxidant

L-carnosine is an antioxidant which stabilizes and protects the cell membrane. Found in elevated concentrations in muscles and brain tissue, carnosine is backed by studies to support its capability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, which can lead to free radical damage. Carnosine has been shown to scavenge reactive oxygen species, as well as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes formed from peroxidation of cell membrane fatty acids during oxidative stress.

L-carnosine functions as a broad-spectrum antioxidant and supports the wholesome functioning of enzyme systems. In addition, carnosine is capable of inhibiting cell membrane oxidation due to the action of copper, zinc, iron, hydrogen peroxide, the oxygen radical, and the free peroxide and hydroxylic radicals. As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, carnosine supports DNA synthesis and stops its destruction, which can be the reason of cancer. In a study, mice were injected with solutions of carnosine at various doses for 5 consecutive days. On the fifth day mice were injected with the chemotherapy medication, cyclophosphamide. Bone marrow and blood cells were then analyzed. L-carnosine significantly decreased both damage to bone marrow and blood cells toxicity normally induced by chemotherapy drug. (Cell Biochemistry and Function).

Anti-Aging

L-carnosine is a chemical compound that protects and extends the functional life of the body’s key building blocks-cells, proteins, DNA, and lipids and can be quite called an agent of longevity. In a study conducted; found that adding carnosine to the diet of fruit flies produced a 20 percent increase in the average life span of male flies. (Rejuvenation Research 2010). A experiment on mice later demonstrated that mice given carnosine are  twice as likely to reach their maximum lifespan as untreated mice. 44 percent of the carnosine treated mice had young, glossy coats in old age as opposed to just 5 percent in the untreated mice. Just 9 percent of the untreated mice behave youthfully in old age, versus 58 percent of the carnosine treated mice. The scientists additionally measured biochemical indicators associated with brain aging. Carnosine treated mice had important reduce levels of toxic malondialdehyde in their brain cell membranes. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activity was 44 percent reduce in the carnosine treated mice, indicating maintenance of youthful dopamine metabolism.

Telomere

A telomere is a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at each end of a chromatid, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Telomere regions deter the degradation of genes near the ends of chromosomes by allowing chromosome ends to shorten, which necessarily occurs during chromosome replication. Over time, due to each cell division, the telomere ends become shorter. Telomere shortening is intimately involved in human ailment and mortality. Several studies  have shown associations between shorter telomere length and various types of cardiovascular illness and diabetes. Shorter telomeres have also been associated with dementia, cognitive function, cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Due to the powerful antioxidant effect of L-carnosine, is shown to play a preventive role in  preventing telomere damage while decreasing the rate of telomere shortening during cell division, slowing down the aging process. L-carnosine, has been reported to delay the replicative senescence, and extend the lifespan of cultured human diploid fibroblasts. Telomere shortening is induced by oxidative changes and other protein modifications of precisely the kind that carnosine can prevent. Carnosine can thus block telomere shortening and decrease aging effects in individual tissues. Scientists reported in the journal “Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology” have found that telomere shortening accurately predicts the probability of developing heart illness, a heart attack and early death from all causes.

Anti-Glycation Effect

New researches suggests that the most substantial action of carnosine is its anti-glycation impact. Glycation is a process that involves the denaturation of proteins. It is acceptable to be a important factor in accelerating the whole ageing process, at a physical and cellular level. Glycation can be called as the binding of a protein molecule to a glucose molecule resulting in the formation of damaged, nonfunctioning structures. Glycation alters protein structure and reduces biological activity. Glycated proteins, which accumulate in affected tissue. Several  age-related ailments such as cataract, arterial stiffening and neurological disorder are  partially attributable to glycation. Because of its anti-glycation properties, carnosine may be beneficial in preventing and treating diabetic complications such as neuropathy, cataract, kidney failure and arteriosclerosis. As part of its anti-glycation function, L-carnosine reacts with aldehydes and ketones which accumulate on proteins during aging. Carnosine is an important antioxidant in defense against MDA (malondialdehyde). Malondialdehyde causes protein cross-linking and formation of advanced glycation end products. L-carnosine has been shown to avoid malondialdehyde from inducing protein cross-linking.

High Blood Sugar Levels

Carnosine reduces high blood sugar levels, develops insulin production and sensitivity, and promotes the loss of body fat. L-carnosine is considered to be a substance that, via the H3-receptors in the autonomous nerveous system, controls the levels of blood sugar. An animal-based study demonstrated that carnosine reduces blood glucose levels indirectly through positive effectiveness on the autonomic nervous system. A study reported in the July 1998 edition of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found that carnosine may be beneficial due to its capability to inhibit the  processes that lead to the formation of advanced glycation endproducts which are indicated as the reason of secondary diabetic complications.

Eye Health

Carnosine containing eyedrops have showed effectiveness in treating a different of ophthalmic problems, including corneal diseases, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma and cataracts, and impaired vision from any cause. Explained that researches out of Italy and Russia has shown that, l-carnosine, may be all that’s needed to dissolve cataracts, improve vision, and prevent redundant surgery. A new treatment for cataracts is NAC (N-acetylcarnosine). This therapy was improved by opthalmologist Dr. Babizhayev in Moscow. Many of the researches demonstrating the effectiveness of carnosine in preventing or treating cataracts in humans has been done by Dr. Babizhayev. Application of a 1 percent solution of N-acetylcarnosine to the eyes has dissolved cataracts. This works by preventing and reversing cross linking of the lens proteins that produces opacification and impaired vision. In 6 months, 90 percent of participants had developed vision. In 1994, scientists from the “Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases” linked the antioxidant effects of this compound to the possible for prevention or partially reversing cataract development. Researchers in China explained that carnosine-containing eyedrops used to treat 96 cataract patients over 60 years of age resulted in 100 % healing in primary senile cataract, and 80 %in those with mature senile cataract.

Cardiovascular

Some researches have identified the preventive effects of carnosine as being a powerful neutralising antioxidant in the presence of cardiovascular toxins thereby protecting against atherosclerosis and arterial plaque formation, a risk for or stroke or heart attack. According to new research, carnosine develops myocardial contractility during hypoxia as well as verapamil, a calcium channel blocker ofttimes prescribed for the therapy of heart illness and therefore carnosine opens new interests in therapy of myocardial insufficiency. Also, carnosine reduces platelet aggregation in people with abnormal clotting tendencies and enhances platelet aggregation in patients with low clotting indices.

Stroke

Researchers reported in the Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry showed that carnosine from supplement can help protect against a first stroke, and can significantly reduce the harm caused by stroke. Animal-based studies show that supplement with carnosine protects the brain cells against ischaemia which occurs during and after stroke. L-carnosine has beforehand been shown to provide protection against ischemia in cultured cells and global ischemia in rats. In animal-based study, experimental ischemic injury resulted in 67 percent mortality of the rats. In the group of animals pre-treated with carnosine the mortality was just 30 percent.

Brain Health

L-carnosine works as a neurotransmitter, an anticonvulsant and a chelator. Antioxidant effect, which has been examined with in-vitro and in-vivo models, has been shown to protect against the damage caused to neurons by free radicals, particularly the hydroxyl type. In chronic brain problems, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s  diseases, schizophrenia and, epilepsy, oxidation stress prevails and, also, all the other harmful interrelated reactions occur at a elevated rate. Various lab experiments, have reported high levels of metal ions such as copper, zinc in Alzheimer’s brain. Carnosine has the strong capability to chelate  zinc, copper, and other metals, and to remove them from the body.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

There is some findings that l-carnosine supplements may be useful for children with autistic spectrum disorders.  In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 31 children with autism were given or carnosine (400 mg twice daily dose) or placebo for a period of eight weeks. After 8 weeks, children on carnosine demonstrated statistically important developments on the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale and the Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary test, and developed trends on the other measures used. (Journal of Child Neurology November 2002). Although the mechanism of L-carnosine effect in autism is not well understood, a possible conjecture is that it modulates neurotransmission in frontal lobe function.

Carnosine Dosage

The recommended daily dose is 50-200 mg. In his book (Carnosine and Other Elixirs of Youth), Dr. Marios Kyriazis reported that Russian doctors use 1000 to 3000 mg per day to treat cancer patients.

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit. Large quantities of the guava fruit are produced in Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela. The whole of the guava fruit along with the  rind and the seeds is edible. The fruit, leaves, and juice are used as remedy.

Guava Benefits

It is considered a super fruit, including vitamin C, polyphenols, caratenoids, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, potassium and manganese. Vitamin C contained in the guava is 4 times more than vitamin C contained in oranges. In laboratory experiments, extracts from apple guava leaves or bark are implicated in medicinal effects against bacterial infections, inflammation, pain and cancer.

Diabetes

Guavas help slow down the sugar absorption in the body and are hence helpful to diabetic patients. Researches have shown that a diet that is high in fibre is linked to a reduce risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Compounds in the guava leaf tea inhibit the absorption of 2 types of sugars,  sucrose and maltose, helping to control blood sugar levels after meals. According to a research reported  in 2010 in Nutrition and Metabolisme, of leaf tea inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes.

Antioxidant

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant found in the guava fruit. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C have been demonstrated in many experiments in vitro. The role of vitamin C in the functioning of immune cells is well proven. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes  produce antibodies that work along with phagocytes to fight infection. A study reported in the journal “Cancer Letters”demonstrated that oil derived from the guava inhibited the growth of cancer cell lines.

Beta-Carotene Lutein and Lycopene

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of different vegetables and  fruits. The carotenoids absorb light energy of specific frequencies and transfer it to chlorophyll for use in photosynthesis. Beta carotene has strong antioxidant effects, helps the body scavenge free radicals, therefore limiting the damage to cell membranes, DNA and protein structures in the cell. Lutein are carotenoids found in the human eye. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided the of evidence that lutein supplements, taken in capsule form  6-30 mg per day, can lower the risk of macular degeneration up to 43 percent. Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties and researches indicate that it can help avoid certain cancers, macular degeneration and heart disease. 10 to 30 milligrams per day has been found to be effective in combating free radicals. In addition to preventing oxidative damage to cell membranes, lycopene can avoid oxidation of proteins and DNA.

Potassium

Guava contains high potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that is necessary to electrical reaction in your body, including heart. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Inadequate potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. A diet too high in salt and too inadequate in potassium doubles the risk of death from heart disease, according to a “Center for Disease Control” study led by researcher Elena V. Kuklina. Patients hospitalized after a heart attack who had blood potassium rates of between 3.5 and less than 4.5 mEq/L had a lower risk of death than patients with potassium rates that were higher or lower than this range, according to a research in the January edition of “JAMA“.

High Blood Pressure

Guava it decreases blood pressure.High blood pressure is a risk factor for congestive heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. In clinical trials, the usage of guava fruit for twelve weeks was shown to decrease blood pressure by an approximately 8 points. Also, guava extract was reported to be a strong anticoagulant agent in a study reported in 2007 in Food Chemistry.

Fiber

Guava is rich in dietary fiber. The highly soluble fiber works as a laxative and avoids constipation. The fiber content helps protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure  time to toxins. A medium-sized guava includes approximately 36% of the recommended daily fiber. This fruit is also contain pectin that helps in promoting digestion and improving appetite.

Lecithin is a phospholipid or fat that’s needed in small levels by all cells in body.  Was first isolated in 1846 by the French chemist Theodore Gobley. Lecithin is an important component of every cell. However the highest concentration is found in the vital organs like your brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Almost 30 percent of your brain is composed of lecithin. As a important component of the cell membrane, lecithin acts as an emulsifier, keeping the essential fatty acids apart from other molecules within the cell. Lecithin consists mainly of B vitamins, inositol, choline, and phosphoric acid, with some linoleic acid.

Natural Lecithin Food Sources

Foods rich in lecithin include egg yolks, soybeans, legumes, grains, peanuts, wheat germ and yeast.

Lecithin Benefits

Researches demonstrates that lecithin may have numerous effects, including the maintenance of a wholesome liver, a healthy heart and circulatory system, and healthy pregnancy and child improvement. Choline, (a major component of lecithin), has been shown to support wholesome nervous system function. Also, lecithin helps the body to absorb vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Heart Health

Lecithin acts as a solvent for triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fats. Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps break down fats, so helping to maintain a wholesome heart and blood vessels. Some researches showed that lecithin has important effects on lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol, in the blood. One study by the “Washington University School of Medicine” found that reduce cholesterol levels by regulating fat metabolism in the liver. In 2002 scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine demonstrated that a lack of lecithin could increase atherosclerosis. According to a research reported in the 2009 of  ‘ Cholesterol,’ lecithin reduced total cholesterol by up to 42%, and LDL-cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) by up to 56% in participants with high cholesterol. A new study published in 2010, was  40% to 50 % reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Brain Health

A critical factor in healthy  brain and nerve transmissions is the presence of cellular substance named acetylcholine. Lecithin is used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, helping to keep a limpid mind. Acetylcholine deficiencies are linked with the neurological disorders Friedrich’s ataxia, tardive dyskinesia, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have shown that individuals taking lecithin have noteworthy amelioration in memory test scores and fewer memory lapses than those who took the placebos. Helpful effect on long-term memory has been showed after administration of 35 g lecithin for four to six weeks. In 1975, researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) proved that lecithin choline has a prompt effect on the brain’s capability to make a chemical  important for nerve signal transmission.

Alzheimer’s can be caused by a change in production of acetylcholine. Lecithin produces the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which enables communication and signal-transmission between brain cells. Lecithin is part of the myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers. Autopsies demonstrate that multiple sclerosis (MS) individuals have less lecithin in the brain and myelin sheath than normal persons.

Liver Health

Lecithin includes phosphatidylcholine which is an component of cellular membrane. Phosphatidylcholine has shown to be useful against liver diseases such as liver damage, alcoholic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis. In one double-blind study, it developed the effect of interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In Europe, phosphatidylcholine is  used to treat liver ailments, such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

Gallstone

Bile, made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Cholesterol makes up most types of gallbladder stones. Inadequate levels of lecithin in bile may increase the risk of gallstones. Lecithin is  a natural fat emulsifier, and provides protection against the negative effects of bile salts.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation in part of your digestive tract. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that generally line the colon. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, fatigue and fevers. Long-term ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for colon cancer. Also, among young children, this disease, may delay growth and development. A double-blind, placebo controlled study of 60 participant whose ulcerative colitis was poorly responsive to corticosteroids were randomized to receive either phosphadylcholine (two grams daily dose) or placebo for twelve weeks.  Half of the patients taking phosphadylcholine demonstrated a important development in symptoms versus just 10 percent taking placebo.

Side Effects

Using lecithin supplements is usually considered safe. But, some people taking high dosages experience side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.