Blueberry is a favorite fruit in many parts of the United States, to which it is indigenous. Early settlers in America used Blueberry widely, both as a food product and as a medicine. Modern research shows that the settlers of old were wise to incorporate Blueberry into their diets and their medicine cabinets. Blueberry has been shown to be among the most powerful antioxidants in all of nature. This is in part due to the flavonoid, anthocyanin, which gives Blueberries their blue color. Blueberry contains anthocyanin, which has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to improve the strength of the capillaries in the eyes, and to improve cardiovascular health. Anthocyanin has been extensively studied for its known ability to improve eyesight and reduce eyestrain. Studies have also shown that Blueberry may reduce bad cholesterol levels, thus leading to a healthier cardiovascular system and a possible reduction in the likelihood of stroke. Blueberry also seems to reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections. As a nutritional supplement, Blueberry is a good source of potassium, calcium, Vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, and fiber. |
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Red Yeast Rice is composed of rice upon which red yeast (Monascus purpureus or Monascus ruber) has been grown. This product has been used in China as a food product and a medicine for over a thousand years. Red Yeast Rice has been used as a flavoring, as a flavor and color preservative for fish and meat, and to make rice wine. In Chinese medicine, Red Yeast Rice was prescribed for circulatory problems, problems of the spleen, colic, hangovers, and as a digestive aid. Recently, Red Yeast Rice has been studied extensively for its role in cholesterol reduction. It contains many beneficial constituents including protein, fiber, fatty acids, sterols, and several forms of monacolin, including monacolin K. Monacolin K has been shown to halt a key enzyme manufactured in the liver that is responsible for cholesterol production much in the same way as popular prescription drugs. Researchers believe that other as yet undiscovered components of Red Yeast Rice work synergistically with monacolin K to reduce LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising levels of HDL-cholesterol.
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