Health Plus Inc.

To help answer any questions you may have about our product terminology and ingredients, we have provided this glossary of terms for your convenience and quick reference.

Adrenaline

An adrenal hormone that the body produces which speeds up the metabolism rate in order to handle stress properly. Once the stress is over, the process quiets down and the adrenals function normally again.

Amino Acids

There are a vast amount of amino acids that serve as building blocks of the human anatomy. In human nutrition, there are amino acids classified as nonessential amino acids which can be produced by the body, and essential amino acids which have to be extracted from foods or supplements.

List of nonessential amino acids: asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine, arginine, and histidine.

List of essential amino acids: leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Antioxidants

Protect our body from the formation of free radicals caused by chemical additives and preservatives in food, UV sunlight, junk foods, overexposure to pollutants, radiation and rancid oils. Vitamin A (from Beta Carotene), C, E and the trace mineral selenium are examples of strong antioxidants.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin has been claimed to be ten times more effective than beta carotene and 100 times more effective than vitamin E in preventing lipid peroxidation. Astaxanthin protects the cellular and mitochondrial membranes and the ocular tissues against the photo-oxidative damage to DNA, involved in AMD pathogenesis. Carotenoids can help protect the retina from oxidative damage. The free radical scavenging activity of astaxanthin protects lipids from peroxidation and reduces oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol (thereby reducing arterial plaque formation), cells, cell membranes, mitochondrial membranes. Astaxanthin increases strength and endurance. Astaxanthin is one of those important carotenoids and might be beneficial for nerve damage associated with age-related macular degeneration. Astaxanthin may easily cross the blood brain barrier and could have antioxidant effects in the brain. Astaxanthin might exert beneficial effects in protection against hypertension and stroke, and could improve memory in vascular dementia. Astaxanthin has a peculiar chemical structure. Astaxanthin enhances the cellular membranes stability as it locates crosswise inside them.

Bile

Secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is used to digest food.

Binders

 Compounds that keep the ingredients in a product together.

Brewer's Yeast

Is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, amino acids and minerals

Bulking Agent

Helps to absorb toxins in the colon* by creating a spongy, gelatinous mass in the bowels. By swelling and absorbing water, it breaks down and moves toxic waste matter stuck in the folds and crevices of the bowel. It helps control harmful bacteria from surviving on human waste.

Burdock

Burdock has been used for centuries to treat a host of ailments. It has been traditionally used as a "blood purifier" to clear the bloodstream of toxins, as a diuretic (helping rid the body of excess water by increasing urine output), and as a topical remedy for skin problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is often used with other herbs for sore throat and colds. Extracts of burdock root are found in a variety of herbal preparations as well as homeopathic remedies.

CFU

CFU stands for "colony-forming unit." It is used to identify how many viable bacterial cells there are in any given sample.

Carminatives

Herbs and spices that warm the body, promote digestion and traditionally have been used as an intestinal tonic.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, although the primary sources of lycopene are tomato and tomato products, along with watermelon. Lycopene is thought to be potentially helpful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Egg yolk is a source of lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin may be protective in eye disease because they absorb damaging blue light that enters the eye.  Carrots are a great source for beta-carotene. Carotenoids from vegetable juices are able to enhance the immune system in those who normally have a low intake of carotenoids.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll has been found to provide health benefits to those who take it. It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Here are some of the known chlorophyll benefits:
• It has been seen to help in the growth and repair of tissues.
• Chlorophyll helps in neutralizing the pollution that we breathe in and intake everyday - a good supplement for smokers.
• It efficiently delivers magnesium and helps the blood in carrying the much needed oxygen to all cells and tissues.
• It is also found to be useful in assimilating and chelating calcium and other heavy minerals.
• It has been seen to have a good potential in stimulating red blood cells to improve oxygen supply.
• Along with other vitamins such as A, C and E, chlorophyll has been seen to help neutralize free radicals that do damage to healthy cells.
• Chlorophyll is also an effective deodorizer to reduce bad breath, urine, fecal waste, and body odor.
• It may reduce the ability of carcinogens to bind with the DNA in different major organs in the body.
• Chlorophyll may be useful in treating calcium oxalate stone ailments
• It possesses some anti-atherogenic activity.
• It can be used to treat infected wounds naturally.
• These are only a few of the multitude benefits that chlorophyll can do to the body.
• It has antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties so that it may be helpful in protecting your body against toxins and in reducing drug side effects.

Choline

Choline serves various functions in our bodies – in the structure of cell membranes, protecting our livers from accumulating fat, as the precursor molecule for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and more. Because of rapid development in fetuses and infants, we have a great need for choline in our early lives. Human milk has high levels of choline.

Circadian Rhythm

Is the body's internal clock that signals the release of various hormones at different times of the day.

Dandelion Root

Today, dandelion roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and for liver and gallbladder function. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to stimulate the excretion of urine.

Detoxification

The process by which the body eliminates toxins.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes that break down food into smaller pieces

Echinacea Root

Echinacea is the most popular native American therapeutic herb. It is best known for boosting immune function. It seems to work by helping white blood cells and lymphocytes to protect the body against invading organisms. Unlike antibiotics, which are directly lethal to bacteria, echinacea makes immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells. Unlike a shot which is active only against a specific problem, Echinacea stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection. More than 500 studies have been conducted using the herb.

Many people use Echinacea to fight colds, flu and minor infections. Echinacea can be used daily for up to six weeks, and that a two week break be taken before resuming use.

Fiber

Fibers are normally plant cells which the body cannot digest or break down. There are two classifications of fiber: dietary fiber and soluble fiber. Dietary fiber remains its shape and is not affected by water when traveling in the intestine and also maintains pH levels in the colon. Soluble fiber absorbs water in the intestine/colon and swells creating bulk as it travels through the intestine. Fiber is needed in the diet and doctors recommended to have at least 25g a day to maintain heart health.

Fillers

Compounds added to tablets and capsules for shaping and processing purposes.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays an important role in DNA and RNA synthesis, production of red blood cells and maintenance of the nervous system. Fruits and veggies are the best dietary source (think folic – "foliage"), with dark leafy greens, oranges and orange juice, beans and peas leading the way. Brewer’s yeast is also a good source of folic acid and other B vitamins. Studies have confirmed that dietary supplement folic acid is absorbed better than food sources of Folate.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that accumulate and can do considerable damage to cells.

Glucosamine

Is a naturally occurring substance in the body. A component of the muccopolysaccharides and glycoproteins in synovial fluid present in joints, it is necessary for both joint function and repair.*

Lipotropics

Methionine, Choline, Inositol and Betaine are examples of lipotropics. The primary function of lipotropics in the body is to prevent the build up of excess fat in the liver. Lipotropics increase the liver's production of lecithin. Lecithin breaks up cholesterol and moves it through the bloodstream without clogging the arteries. Methionine and choline are also responsible for detoxifying the metabolic waste generated by the breakdown of proteins in the body.*

Lymphatic Vessels

The blood and lymph carry toxic substances taken in by food and the natural wastes of the body. Lymphatic vessels drain waste products
from tissues.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals in the brain that assist in the transmission of nerve impulses. Neurotransmitters are responsible for various functioning mechanisms of the body.

Peristalsis

The rhythmic muscular contractions in the bowel that are responsible for the natural evacuation process. The intestines require an adequate amount of bulk in order for peristalsis to occur.

Phosphorous

Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods, such as milk, cheese, dried beans, peas, colas, nuts, and peanut butter. Phosphate is the most common form of phosphorus. In the body, phosphate is the most abundant intracellular anion. It is critical for energy storage and metabolism, for the utilization of many B-complex vitamins, to buffer body fluids, for kidney excretion of hydrogen ions, for proper muscle and nerve function, and for maintaining calcium balance.

Pineal Gland

The pineal gland is a pea-sized gland located by the base of the brain. It regulates the hypothalamus gland which monitors blood sugar levels by sending messages to the pancreas to release insulin. The pineal gland influences the functioning of the thyroid, thymus and adrenal glands. It regulates sleep patterns.

Polyphenols

Form pigments of the deep red and blue in various fruits and wines. Studies have shown these polyphenols to help promote cardiovascular health.*

Polysaccharides

Chemical compounds that are responsible for the immune-enhancing activity.

Prebiotics

increases the cfu of probiotics

Probiotics

Good bacteria

Red Clover

Red Clover is considered by herbalists to be a phytoestrogenic herb which is useful in restoring estrogen balance in women. The chemical formononetin, found in Red Clover, acts on the body in a similar way to estrogen. Primary chemical constituents of Red Clover include phenolic glycosides (salicylic acid), essential oil (methyl salicylate), sitosterol, genistiene, flavonoids, salicylates, coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides, silica, choline, and lecithin. Red Clover also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex, calcium, chromium, iron, and magnesium. Red Clover is a perennial which belongs to the family of Leguminosae. Red Clover is thought to "purify" the blood by promoting urine and mucous production, improving circulation, and stimulating the secretion of bile. Recently, specific chemicals in Red Clover -- known as isoflavones -- have been isolated and tested for their effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.

Synergistic

A balanced blend of herbs and spices that work more effectively combined.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Play a key role in the proper functioning of human cell tissue. The body requires essential fatty acids and cannot make them from other substances, therefore we must get them from foods (beneficial oils) and/or in supplement form.These fats are liquid at room temperature and can be extracted from plant and fish sources.

Urea

Is a breakdown waste product of protein metabolism which should be excreted. When urea builds up and is not eliminated properly, it can result in kidney problems.

Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important water-soluble vitamin. In contrast to other water-soluble vitamins, it is not excreted quickly in the urine, but rather accumulates and is stored in the liver, kidney and other body tissues. As a result, a vitamin B12 deficiency may not manifest itself until after 5 or 6 years of a diet supplying inadequate amounts. Vitamin B12 functions as a methyl donor and works with folic acid in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells and is vitally important in maintaining the health of the insulation sheath (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve cells. The classical vitamin B12 deficiency disease is pernicious anaemia, a serious disease characterized by large, immature red blood cells. It is now clear though that a vitamin B12 deficiency can have serious consequences long before anaemia is evident. The normal blood level of vitamin B12 ranges between 200 and 600 picogram/milliliter (148-443 picomol/liter). Although deficiency is far more common than excess when it comes to vitamin B12, status cases have been reported where blood levels exceeded 3000 picograms/milliliter.