Beta Carotene
What it is: It is an organic pigment with intense red-orange color. It belongs to the carotenoid family, and is a precursor (inactive form) of vitamin Α. It is mainly found in fruit and vegetables, such as carrot, pumpkin and sweet potato.How it works: Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and helps the immune system as well as the avoidance of the development of chronic diseases.In which products you can find it:
Biotin
What it is: It is a vitamin that belongs to the B-complex vitamins and is an important component of metabolism enzymes.How it works: : Biotin plays an important role in energy production and, furthermore, helps strengthen hair, nails and skin.In which products you can find it:
Boron
What it is: : It is a chemical element with the symbol B. Boron is classified in metalloids. Boron is not found free in nature. How it works: Boron seems to be involved in different biochemical pathways and is essential to the normal growth and health of the body. In the USA, the Department of Agriculture conducted relevant studies during which it administered 3 mg of boron per day to menopausal women. Studies have shown that extra boron reduced the loss of bone calcium by 44% and activated estrogens and vitamin D.In which products you can find it:
Calcium
What it is: It is a divalent metal with the symbol Ca. It comprises 1.5% of the body weight. 99% of calcium is found in the bones in the form of a complex, and 1% is found in teeth, skin and blood plasma. Dairy products and some vegetables, such as broccoli, are considered to be rich sources of calcium. How it works: : Its main action is the prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Moreover, it is necessary for hormone production and activation of enzymes of the body.In which products you can find it:
Cayenne Fruit
What it is: : Cayenne pepper is a variety of the species Capsicum annuum, related to sweet peppers, hot jalapeño peppers and paprika. The genus Capsicum is a member of Solanaceae family. How it works: Cayenne fruit is commonly used as a tonic to maintain the good health of the circulatory system. It is also commonly used to facilitate nutrient distribution in the body.In which products you can find it:
Choline
What it is: It is a compound similar to that of the B-complex vitamins, that is produced in small quantities by the human bodyHow it works: Choline is used by the liver to support its normal functioning, and that of the gall bladder. At the same time, it seems to play a key role in the normal functioning of the nervous system.In which products you can find it:
Chromium
What it is: It is an essential metal element, and its chemical symbol is Cr. Its name originates from the Greek word “χρῶμα” (color, pronounced “chroma”), because it has many brightly colored compounds. How it works: Chromium is involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and affects the insulin and serotonin function. It seems to be able to contribute to improving insulin resistance and glycemic control.In which products you can find it:
Citrus Bioflavonoids
What it is: Bioflavonoids are plant substances that come from citrus fruits, such as the orangeHow it works: Bioflavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, increase the absorption of vitamin C, strengthen blood vessels and help people with allergies.In which products you can find it:
Coenzyme Q-10
What it is: : Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, a molecule also produced from the body and found in the cell membranes and mitochondria. How it works: : Coenzyme Q10 contributes to energy production while, at the same time, it participates in the antioxidant system of the body. In which products you can find it:
Copper
What it is: It is a metal, and its chemical symbol is Cu. Copper is a basic trace element involved in a variety of processes in the human bodyHow it works: The main function of copper is to catalyze reactions that are responsible for the function of many enzymes. It has antioxidant activity and boosts the immune system and the function of the central nervous system.In which products you can find it:
Cordyceps Full Spectrum
What it is: Cordyceps mushroom is a genus of ascomycetes; its name comes from the Greek word “κορδύλη” (pronounced “cordyli”), which means bat, and the Latin “-ceps”, which means “head”How it works: Cordyceps mushrooms have been used since ancient times for their adaptogenic properties. More recent studies have shown that they have activity against free radicals, with significant effect in boosting the immune system, as well as anti-aging effect. At the same time, it seems to enhance the aerobic performance of the body, through testosterone production in both sexes. Finally, it has significant anti-inflammatory activity. Studies show that it contributes to the reduction of asthma symptoms. In which products you can find it:
Folate
What it is: It is an organic compound that belongs to the B-complex of water-soluble vitamins, Β9 in particularHow it works: : It is involved in various metabolic processes of the body, but mainly in what concerns the body growth. In which products you can find it:
Gentian Root
What it is: : Gentian (Gentiana lutea), or wild pepper, is a perennial plant that can be found in the mountains of Northern and Central Europe. Its root contains the most bitter substances (gentiopicrin, amarogentin, suitamarin) that can be found in nature. How it works: The strong bitter compounds that Gentian root contains are related to its use as a tonic for stomach function, and the digestive system in general, as well as to the maintenance of the good flow of bile..In which products you can find it:
Ginger Rhizome
What it is: Ginger is the root of the plant Zingiber officinale, which is used both in medicine and as a spice in food or as an exotic delicacy. It is a root which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. How it works: Ginger is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties. It seems that it can improve the symptoms of nausea, and in general of gastrointestinal disorders, symptoms such as colic, gas and indigestion. Moreover, it has been found to help with the symptoms of cold, such as paleness of the skin, cold hands and weak pulse. It soothes symptoms of the respiratory system such as cough. It stimulates blood circulation, healing chilblains and bad circulation of limbs. It lowers blood pressure and high fever and has antiseptic properties, making it important for gastrointestinal infections, including some types of food poisoning.In which products you can find it:
Inositol
What it is: It is a small molecule, commonly known as myo-isonitol. It is found naturally in plants and animals and its chemical structure is similar to that of glucose. It is a carbohydrate with sweet taste (in a smaller proportion than sugar). How it works: Inositol is involved in cell communication. Studies have shown that it can contribute to the normal function of the hormones that are related to stress and mood. Moreover, studies have shown that it contributes to more effective insulin regulation, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In which products you can find it:
Iodine
What it is: It is a non-metal chemical element with the symbol I. It is a basic trace element of the human body, which normally contains 14 mg of this element.How it works: Iodine is mainly concentrated in the thyroid gland, which is responsible for the secretion of hormones that contain iodine, thyroxine being the most important of them. Thyroxine plays a key role in maintaining a normal metabolism for all cells of the body. Iodine deficiency may lead to goiter.In which products you can find it:
Iron
What it is: It is a chemical element with symbol Fe. In foods, iron is found in two forms, heme (ferrous) iron, which is well absorbed and non-heme (ferric), with low absorbance capacity. Heme iron is found in foods of animal origin and non-heme iron is in foods of vegetable origin and needs vitamin C to be absorbedHow it works: Iron belongs to metals and it is a necessary element for the body as it plays a significant role in the metabolism and the function of many enzymes. It is a necessary prosthetic group for thousands of enzymes and proteins, such as oxygen-transport proteins. In significant iron deficiency, anemia manifests in the body.In which products you can find it:
Lycopene (from Tomato)
What it is: It is the red pigment that belongs to the group of carotenoids. It is contained in large quantity in tomato and other red fruits and vegetables, as well as in asparagus and parsley. It is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon and insoluble in water. How it works: Lycopene has strong antioxidant action, and its main role is to protect the cardiovascular system. It has been found that it lowers cholesterol levels in blood, and has been related to reduced risk of cerebral attack (stroke) and other cardiovascular diseases.In which products you can find it:
Magnesium
What it is: Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg. It is a key element for the good function of the whole body. The biological activity of magnesium is due to its capacity to make chelatesHow it works: : Magnesium is considered to be the natural calcium antagonist and helps in its absorption. In general, magnesium plays an essential role in body energy regulation, the function of the nervous and muscular systems as well as in bone health.In which products you can find it:
Manganese
What it is: : It is a chemical element with symbol Mn.How it works: Manganese ions act as co-factors for a wide variety of enzymes with many functions. Moreover, it is a neurotoxin in larger quantities.In which products you can find it:
Niacin
What it is: It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as niacin or vitamin B3, that belongs to the B-complex vitamins. It is mostly found in meat, fish, nuts, dairy products and whole-wheat products.How it works: It contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system as well as the metabolism, psychology and reduction of tiredness and fatigue. In which products you can find it:
Pantothenic Acid
What it is: It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, that belongs to B-complex vitamins. It is mostly found in nuts, dried fruits, avocado and liverHow it works: Pantothenic acid is used for the formation of coenzyme CoQ10, the normal function of metabolic processes for energy production and the composition and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters. Moreover, it helps the reduction of fatigue and mental function.In which products you can find it:
Reishi Full Spectrum
What it is: : Ganoderma lucidum is a white basidiomycete (basidiomycete macrofungus), that belongs to the fungus family Polyporacea. It -has been widely used as the “mushroom of immortality”. How it works: It has many nutrients with main active ingredients being triterpenoids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, proteins and trace elements. Its antioxidant activity helps reduce oxidative stress and might also act against cancer.In which products you can find it:
Selenium
What it is: : It is a chemical element with symbol Se. it belongs to the non-metals and it is one of the most important trace elements of the body. Rich sources of selenium in foods are nuts and mushrooms.How it works: In the body it is essential for the action of antioxidant enzymes and it contributes to the good functioning of the immune system and the thyroid gland. In which products you can find it:
Siberian Ginseng Root
What it is: It is a shrub that belongs to the Araliaceae family that originates from the Far East, China, Japan and Korea. Its root is the part of the plant that is usedHow it works: Siberian ginseng is one of the most important adaptogenic plants with stimulating activity in the central nervous system. It helps treat stress and offers overall well-being; it acts as stimulant or sedative, immunostimulator, anti-inflammatory, against edemas (water retention) and affects the action of steroids.In which products you can find it:
Spirulina
What it is: It is a cyanobacterium that belongs to the genus Arthrospira. It consists of many cells that form colonies in the form of threads which, most times, are spiral, which it is named after. It lives and grows in water rich in carbonates and bicarbonates with alkaline pH (up to 11). How it works: Spirulina is one of the richest sources of nature of plant pigments (such as chlorophyll, carotenoids and phycocyanins) and a highly digestible protein (usually over 55%), while it provides vitamins and minerals, fatty acids and other compounds of vital importance for the body. It has antioxidant, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties.In which products you can find it:
Stabilized Rice Bran
What it is: Rice bran is the outer covering of the rice grain and is often removed during processing. How it works: Rice bran is quite high in B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin and Β6, all of which play a vital role in energy production, cardiovascular health and avoiding depression. Moreover, it contains over 100 known antioxidants, among which are tocotrienols, tocopherols, alpha-lipoic acid (which also recycles antioxidants, such as those of vitamins C and Ε when depleted), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and many carotenoids. It is also known to contain the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase and catalase.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin A
What it is: : It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is formed in the body from carotenoids (provitamins). The richest sources of vitamin Α are red, orange and green fruits, as well as fish, liver and egg yolk.How it works: Vitamin A contributes to the normal metabolism of iron, the maintenance of normal mucosa, the maintenance of skin health, the maintenance of normal vision, and the smooth functioning of the immune system.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin B1
What it is: It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as thiamine, that belongs to the B-complex vitamins. It is mostly found in the sprouts of cereals, in yeast, red meat, liver, nuts, wholegrain cereal and legumes.How it works: Vitamin B1 is very important for the normal functioning of the nervous system, psychology and heart function, while lack of it may result in fatigue, weakness, concentration difficulty and beriberi disease. In which products you can find it:
Vitamin B12
What it is: It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin, that belongs to the B-complex vitamins. It is mostly found in dairy products, meat, seafood and soyHow it works: Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal energy metabolism in the body and homocysteine, the normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems, normal psychological function and the normal formation of red blood cells, while it is important for the process of cell division.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin B2
What it is: It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as riboflavin, that belongs to the B-complex vitamins. It is mostly found in liver, beer yeast, royal jelly, dairy products and cerealHow it works: Vitamin B2 contributes to the normal energy and iron metabolism in the body, the normal functioning of the nervous system and vision, the maintenance of normal mucosa, and red blood cells, the maintenance of skin health, the protection of cells from oxidative stress and the reduction of fatigue.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin B6
What it is: It is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as pyridoxine, that belongs to the B-complex vitamins. It is mostly found in wheat, fruit, carrots, meat, legumes, fatty fish, spinach, chicken and pea. How it works: Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It contributes to the normal energy metabolism in the body, the normal functioning of the nervous system, the normal formation of red blood cells and the regulation of hormonal function.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin C
What it is: : Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. The body cannot compose it; that’s why it is necessary to be taken by foods. Its main sources are fruit and vegetables. How it works: Vitamin C has multiple benefits for the body, mostly due to its antioxidant activity. It is widely used to boost the immune system and to protect the cells from oxidative stress.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin D3
What it is: Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is the active form of vitamin D in the body. Also known as “the vitamin of sun”, apart from its intake from foods it is also composed in our body through the effect of solar radiationHow it works: The main action of vitamin D3 is strengthening the bones, via the regulation of the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Moreover, vitamin D facilitates the functioning of the immune system.In which products you can find it:
Vitamin E
What it is: It belongs to fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin E can be found in seed oils, nuts, avocado and sweet potato.How it works: Vitamin E mainly acts as an antioxidant, protecting the cell membranes from the action of free radicals. In which products you can find it:
Vitamin K2 (MenaQ7)
What it is: Κ2, or menaquinone, is a very well absorbed form of vitamin Κ. ΜΚ-7 seems to be the most stable and active menaquinone. A basic source of menaquinones in human diet is natto, a product of soybean fermentation, yellow cheese, and less, egg yolk and butter.How it works: Its activity in the body is found in blood coagulation and in osteoporosis prevention, through strengthening the bones and the arteries and soft tissue from excessive calcification.In which products you can find it:
Zinc
What it is: It is a chemical element with symbol Zn, also known as tin. It is mainly found in shellfish and to a much smaller extent in animal proteins, legume, beans, nuts (especially pecans and walnuts), wholegrain cereal, pepitas, sunflower seeds and sesame.How it works: Zinc is a necessary element for the maintenance of any form of life. It is an important mineral for the body, as it is contained in hundreds of thousands of proteins of the body, as well as in brain cells, salivary glands, prostate, intestine and the immune system.In which products you can find it: