SCIENCE

{ Calendula officinalis extract }

Carotenoids are pigments produced by plants that give fruits and vegetables certain coloring. Because they’re found in concentrated amounts in the macula – the functional center of the retina – they’re known as macular pigments. Lutein & Zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the human eye and play a vital role in protecting us against eye fatigue.

FOUND IN: green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli, peas, and lettuce),  egg yolk

Glutathione is sometimes called the “master antioxidant” due to its critical role in the antioxidant defense. As a tripeptide comprised of three amino acids (cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine) present in every single cell of the human body, Glutathione is very important for cell growth and its viability.

FOUND IN: meat and dairy products, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), sulfur-rich foods, like garlic or onion, potatoes, peppers, carrots, avocados, spinach, and melons.

A powerful antioxidant from the Maqui shrub, a type of small evergreen tree. A USDA Report shows Maqui Berry to have the highest ORAC value in fruit (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) that is 5x stronger than blueberries.

FOUND IN: The relatively undisturbed Patagonia Region of Chile and Argentina.

{ Retinol }

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin (= the body can store it within the fat cells, holding onto it for when its needed). The active form from animal sources, and inactive from plant-based sources (the difference is your body has to process the latter to convert it into Vitamin A).

Active Vitamin A FOUND IN:

beef liver and liver products, oily fish (mackerel, salmon, cod)

Inactive Vitamin A FOUND IN:

dark leafy greens (such as kale and spinach), carrots, sweet potatoes

Vitamin E is a nutrient that performs as a potent antioxidant in the body. It’s stored in the liver and fatty tissue and is used when needed.

FOUND IN: cooking oils, seeds and nuts

Each type of Vitamin B serves a slightly different purpose, but the main benefits are to support your nervous system and to help the body convert food into fuel (carbohydrates into glucose), which is used to produce energy and thus reduce your tiredness and fatigue.

DID YOU KNOW? In gamers, the nervous system is very heavily loaded by hours in front of the monitor, so taking vitamin B supplements can help you a lot.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in only a few foods – they do not contain a significant enough amount to meet daily vitamin D needs (like fatty fish and mushrooms). Up to 95% of our intake comes from the UV rays of the sun, which also plays a role in regulating its conversion to prevent toxicity.

Vitamin K is also a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in coagulation, better known as blood clotting. Clotting is a process that helps prevent excessive bleeding both inside and outside the body. Vitamin K is a cofactor for some proteins involved in bone mineralization, so it helps to maintain bones strong and healthy.

Zinc plays key roles in the human body function as a “supermineral”. Almost all cells in our body contain zinc. The highest concentrations are found in muscles and bones. It has a key role as a catalyst in a wide range of reactions and is, in fact, a catalyst for about 100 enzymes.

FOUND IN: meats, shellfish, legumes, mushrooms, whole grains

Selenium is an essential component of various enzymes and proteins, called selenoproteins, and in form of L-selenomethionine has been shown to have superior absorption.

FOUND IN: brazil nuts, seafoods, and organ meats (the richest food sources of selenium). Other sources include muscle meats, cereals and other grains, and dairy products.

{ cuprum }

Copper is a mineral found throughout your body. It’s a nutrient that your body needs in small (trace) amounts to function properly. It is most well known for being a vital component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, that protects cells against harmful effect of free radicals.

FOUND IN: oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, cocoa, organ meats (kidneys, liver)

Methionine is an essential amino acid that can convert into several sulfur-containing molecules with important functions, such as glutathione, taurine, SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) and creatine. These molecules are critical for the normal functions of the cells in your body. It is also involved in starting protein production in your cells.

FOUND IN HIGH AMOUNTS: fish, meat and eggs

{ Silybum marianum extract }

Known sometimes as “The King of Liver Protection”, its usage appears to have extended to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, where it was recommended for natural detoxification. Many scientific studies have indicated that Milk Thistle with high amount of its active constituent Silymarin may help to support healthy liver function. Silymarin is found in highest concentrations in the seeds of the plant but smaller amounts within its leaves.

DID YOU KNOW? The common name, Milk thistle, is derived from the “milky white” veins on the leaves, which, when broken open, yield a milky sap.

{ Pinus pinaster }

Pine Bark is a good source of numerous phytochemicals,natural plant compounds that support better health. The most interesting are proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidant compounds (maybe more potent than Vitamin C and E) that provide a wealth of added health benefits.

FOUND IN: Most commonly North America, variations also in Mediterranean region

Carnosine is naturally produced by the body in the liver from amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. It’s also a protein building block found in muscles, and it is also found in the heart, brain, and many other parts of the body.

FOUND IN: meats, such as turkey, chicken, beef, or pork

{ Trigonella foenum Graecum }

Fenugreek is an herb historically used in alternative medicine. It’s a common ingredient in Indian dishes and often taken as a supplement. The seeds are rich in saponins — chemicals that have been associated with many health benefits, such managing blood sugar and lipids levels.

DID YOU KNOW? Fenugreek leaves and seeds are aromatic and have a complex taste described as nutty, sweet, and slightly bitter.

{ Tribulus terrestris }

A herb frequently recommended for male health including virility and vitality, and specifically more catered towards cardiovascular and urogenital health. It is a common supplement for its libido enhancing properties and supposed testosterone boosting properties. Its fruits have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. It is a well‑patronized medicinal herb also by modern herbalists.

FOUND IN: Mediterranean, subtropical, and desert climate regions around the world (India, China, southern USA, Mexico, Spain, and Bulgaria).

{ Asorbic Acid }

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, so it’s almost impossible to overload your system. If you do happen to consume too much of the vitamin at once, you will just excrete it by urination. This also means that you can’t take this vitamin once a week and expect for it to have a residual effect. You have to take it every day to cover the daily body needs.

FOUND IN: citrus fruit, such as oranges and orange juice, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli

DID YOU KNOW? Neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) contain some of the highest ascorbic acid concentrations of mammalian tissues.

L-citrulline and L-cystine are non-essential amino acids that are the structural components of the proteins that make up the tissues and organs of your body. l-citrulline can convert into Nitric oxide which is then involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, e.g. contributes vasodilatation – it relaxes the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen and increase circulation.

FOUND IN: poultry, eggs, dairy, red peppers, garlic and onions