The Extendzine Review

Damiana ~

Ginkgo Biloba is known to increase blood flow to the brain and has treated numerous ailments, neurological disorders and circulation problems and have assisted with difficulties like dizziness, memory, mental fatigue and headaches, to name a few.

L-Arginine - Several functions in our body are carried out by L-Arginine that is actually an amino acid. Its major advantage is to help the body get free of the waste product named ammonia. It also helps in the development of compounds such as L-proline, L-glutamate and creatine in the body. If required, it can also be converted into glycogen or glucose. The blood vessels in our body our relaxed by the compound named nitric oxide which is produced by the help of L-arginine. Another great advantage of L-arginine is the formation of protein in our body. Many other uses of L-arginine is found in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, healing of wounds, reducing high blood pressure and many more.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Saw Palmetto , also known as Serenoa repens, which is the only species from the genus Serenoa in the Arecaceae family. Arecaceae are actually all palm trees and Saw Palmetto is no exception. It is a smaller version of a palm tree with heights that do not surpass four meters. It is believed to be native to southeast of the United States, the oldest plants found in Florida with almost 700 years of age. The berry-like fruits are rich in fatty acids and plant sterols and Saw Palmetto extract has been often used for treatment of urinary tract problems, mainly infections. Some other applications related to cholesterol have been evaluated, but no indications were proven. Treatment against benign prostatic hyperplasia is currently under evaluation, whereby initial data was encouraging, but methodological research data contradictory.

Selenium is considered good for health if taken in small amounts. It is a trace mineral which when incorporated into protein, makes selenoproteins that helps stop cellular damage due to free radicals. The major source of selenium is plant foods and its content in the food depends on the selenium content in the soil where it was grown. Also known as selenium acid, selenium sulfide and selenium yeast, this mineral is available in seafood and meat products. The main function of selenium is to work with vitamin E in order to maintain the elasticity and preservation of tissues. It not only helps in improving the supply of oxygen and blood to the muscles in the heart but also slows down the aging process by enhancing endurance.

Tribulus Terrestris refers to an herb used in India and China as traditional medicines for centuries. Tribulus Terrestris contains active compounds known as steroidal saponins, and these are basically found in the leaf. The tribulus consists of furostanol and spirostanol glycosides. People use Tribulus Terrestris for erectile dysfunction as well as low libido. This has gained popularity owing to sports performance improvement. This is available in Russia and Bulgaria as it enhances the testosterone hormone levels, estrogen and DHEA. Tribulus Terrestris supplements taken for four weeks showed no effect on the hormones of the male sex. Preliminary studies heightened the sexual behavior in animals and yet the studies have not confirmed its effect on human beings. However, Tribulus is popular as an aid for sports performance as it shows no effect in exercise performance or body composition. Tribulus do not show any significant change in fat or body weight and this difference can be felt by experiencing strength in the leg press. Conversely, nursing or pregnant women should avoid taking Tribulus.

Yohimbe, which when ingested, the body converts to yohimbine and assimilates it into the bloodstream. Yohimbe comes from the bark of a tree that grows primarily in Africa. Yohimbine, an alkaloid, is the primary active ingredient of yohimbe. Yohimbe is commonly used as an aphrodisiac and antioxidant. Yohimbe is also used as a vasodilator, which means that it increases blood flow to the extremities and appendages, this is one of the main reasons why it is found in many sexual aids.

Zinc is acknowledged as essential to the human organism. It is a trace element found in over a hundred and up to three hundred enzymes. It is the second most important mineral in the body, after iron. Zinc is also defined as an important catalytic agent, which is active in enzymatic reactions such as hydroxilation, which is essential for the protein forming amino acid proline, but also for hypoxia response. Zinc is naturally found in red meat, milk, spinach, nuts, oysters, beans and oats. Low zinc counts can attribute to a weakened immune system, interfere with muscle building, cause diarrhea and all kind of other deficiencies. In body building circles, Zinc is an important supplement, valued for the indirect increment of testosterone and the muscle building role.