Other Supplement Ingreedients
Which
Start With The Letter
"B"
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Beta Carotene
- A carotenoid
Beta Carotene is the pigment responsible for giving yellow vegetables
like carrots and sweet potatoes their coloring. It is one of the
major carotenoids and one the most biologically active of approximately
800 carotenes and more than 1,000 carotenoids in food. Beta Carotene
is one of the most important naturally occurring antioxidants.
Beta Carotene may be referred to as provitamin A in some literature
because it is easily converted by the liver into Vitamin A (retinol).
While excessive amounts of vitamin A may be toxic, the body will
only convert as much Beta Carotene as needed, making it a safe source
for Vitamin A.
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Beta Glucan
- A polysaccharide
Article From
Beta Glucan is found in several forms
from a variety of natural sources. All are polysaccharides, or sugar
molecules. Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan is derived from Baker’s yeast,
or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and mushrooms like the Maitake mushroom.
This insoluble fiber has been studied for more than 30 years and
repeatedly found to benefit immune system function.
Beta Glucan works differently than most other agents designed to
stimulate the immune system. These agents can actually over-stimulate
the immune system. Overstimulation can be particularly detrimental
to people with autoimmune diseases, allergies, or yeast infections.
Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan works to cause the immune system to function
better without causing it to become overactive.
Research studies have documented that Beta Glucan works by stimulating
the activity of macrophages. Macrophages
are large cells that ingest and destroy foreign matter in the body
like microorganisms or debris. This includes organisms like bacteria,
fungi, viruses, and parasites.
This activity offers the potential to support good health in a number
of ways. Increased macrophage activity can significantly impact
infections. In repeated studies infections were prevented or cleared
up more quickly. In a related area, Beta Glucan was found to help
wound healing. Beta Glucan reduced infections around wound sites
and led to better scar tissue.
Beta Glucan may also help some allergy sufferers. In arthritis patients
Beta Glucan appeared to lead to a reduction in oxidative tissue
damage during the progression of arthritic disease. Beta Glucan
is also being examined for its potential benefit in reducing LDL
cholesterol and improving blood glucose levels.
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Beta
sitosterol
Research attaches many benefits to beta sitosterol including lowering
cholesterol and reducing such discomforts of benign prostatic hypertrophy
(BPH) as frequent and painful urination. This
chemical is found in Pygeum
africanum
Beta sitosterol has long been used by Europeans for prostate problems
and now its popularity is growing among American men. Promising
results from research are published regularly. A Lancet study found
that men with BPH who were given beta sitosterol daily for six months
showed significant improvement in urinary difficulties. Those given
a placebo reported no relief. A 1999 review of four clinical trials
involving 519 men with mild to moderate BPH found that beta sitosterol
provided notable relief from urinary problems. It also increased
urine flow and caused few side effects. Interestingly, benefits
matched those commonly found with prescription BPH drugs.
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