Pycnogenol.. Amazing Food High In Antioxidant
Pycnogenol (pronounced pic-no-jen-all) is a pine tree bark and contains potent antioxidant properties in the
form of bioflavinoids.
In fact it is so powerful that it wipes out more types of
free radicals
than any other antioxidant. Quite a feat.
Definately a food high in antioxidant.
But first a little bit of background.
Pyc-nogenol comes from the bark of maritime pines which are grown in the wild area of the south-western coastal region of France.
The Europeans became interseted in pine bark way back in the 15th century after native North American Indians showed them how to make tea from the pinebark and needles.
Amazingly, within a few weeks, people suffering from scurvy began to recover. Later researchers realised that the vitamin C contained in pine bark was the reason that the scurvy had been cured.
So, how can you benefit from this pine bark?
In many ways apparently.
It contains bioflavinoids, which can reduce blood pressure and strengthen the vascular system.
Studies at the University of Texas USA found it to lower levels of bad cholestrol and raise levels of good cholestrol.
Is your eyesight bad? Well it is also believed to enhance eyesight and could possibly benefit people suffering from eye problems associated with diabetes.
Pyc-nogenol is also recognised to be anti-inflammatory too.
This wonder antioxidant contains fruit acids and they are believed to help reduce the constriction of blood vessels, aiding circulation and helping to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Yet another benefit is that reduction in blood stickiness and clotting has been recognised too and this can be a prevention in strokes and/or heart attacks.
Hay Fever sufferer? It is thought to act as a natural anti-histamine against allergic hay-fever reactions, helping to ease puffy eyes and runny nose associated with hay-fever.
Your liver (a very important organ) can be helped too, the fruit acids contained in it are thought to aid detoxification and improve liver function.
Tired Skin? Benefits can be experienced due to pycnogenol's high antioxidant properties imporving levels of collegen
and keeping aging at bay.
Pycnogenol Supplements
A study carried out in California USA in 1999 suggested that a supplement of pyc-nogenol could possibly increase endurance and stamina, some studies have even shown possible support of the breakdown of fat, thus helping those trying to lose weight.
It comes in capsule form and here is a tip. It is more effective if you split the dose in half. Don't take all in one go. Half a dose in the morning and the other half in the evening.
No side effects are normally associated with taking supplements of pycnogenol but people taking anticoagulant drugs or women who are breast feeeding or pregnant should consult their doctor before self medicating with this or any other supplement.
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