For generations mums all over the world have been encouraging their children to "eat their greens". And for good reason too, vegetables are important in every diet as they provide us with many of the essential vitamins and minerals we need for all round good health.

However it appears one vegetable may be more important than previously thought.

In recent clinical studies, sulforaphane - a chemical normally found in broccoli, has shown to actively seek out and destroy cancer stem cells, normally responsible for fueling the growth of tumours.

The results of the studies undertaken by a leading Comprehensive Cancer Centre showed that mice that were treated with broccoli extract were unable to generate new tumours. The surprising effect was that normal cells were left unharmed, something which conventional cancer treatments are yet to offer.

However, it is not just mice who have been the subject of the study. Researchers have also tested broccoli extract on human breast cancer cells, where they noted similar results and a similar fall in cancer stem cells.

Broccoli extract has also shown to speed up the repair of damaged DNA in cells and help keep arteries healthy.

Where to buy Broccoli extract

While there are further tests planned and efforts to produce synthetic versions of Sulforaphane, for the moment those wanting the benefits of broccoli will need to simply consume more as part of their regular diet.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid eating masses of cooked broccoli, broccoli extract containing high amounts of sulforaphane can be purchased from echemist for under £20 for a 1-2 month supply.

Buy 500mg Broccoli extract from echemist

Tags: broccoli extract, buy broccoli extract uk

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient and unique species of tree that has been the focus of study and experimentation for almost a century. It has no close living relatives and is the only tree in the scientific division Ginkgophyta.

Occurring naturally in the wild in China, Ginkgo Biloba is a highly sought after tree because of the valuable and potent extracts that are cultivated from its leaves. These natural extracts have been used by Chinese Monks for hundreds of years to treat and alleviate a wide variety of ailments.

The main benefits of Ginkgo Biloba are touted to be: memory enhancement, increased concentration, and improved blood flow. More specific and targeted uses include the treatment of tinnitus and vertigo.

Does Ginkgo Biloba work?

The efficacy of any drug always has to be questioned. Does Ginkgo Biloba really work? As with nearly any product, there are studies both supporting and denouncing the positive effects of Ginkgo Biloba use. Fortunately, there are some clear conclusions to be drawn.

Scientific studies done conclusively support the use of Ginkgo Biloba for increased concentration, memory enhancement, and improved blood flow. On the other hand, treatment of tinnitus and vertigo with Ginkgo Biloba is unclear: it seems that there are no concrete studies done that support these claims.

What does this mean?

It means that there are substantial benefits to adding Ginkgo Biloba to your supplement regimen. Ginkgo Biloba users often find the primary benefits leading to secondary benefits as well. For example, the increased concentration leads to boosted productivity at work and at home.

In addition to that,  the improved blood flow provided by Ginkgo Biloba has also been studied in the sexual field and there is positive research saying that it can provide effects similar to popular blood flow medications (for example, Viagra). Finally, memory enhancement helps with almost all cognitive tasks and has been reported to be a great boost in developing a stronger short and long-term memory.

What you need to know

You should add 40-200mg of Ginkgo Biloba to your daily supplement regime for optimum results. Ginkgo Biloba should not be taken if you are currently taking certain types of anti-depressants (mono-aminee oxidase inhibitors or selective serotoninre-uptakee inhibitors).

Ginkgo Biloba side effects may rarely include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. Due to the increased concentration and blood flow, some users have reported feeling restless. This quickly passes as the user adjusts to the supplement. Overall, Ginkgo Biloba is a fantastic natural supplement.

With several proven benefits and a great history of positive use stretching back almost a century, Ginkgo Biloba is a premium supplement that every health-conscious person should consider.

Where to buy Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is available to buy online from Health Spark

The price is around £8.99 with free delivery for a bottle of 90 6000mg tablets.

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Tags: ginkgo biloba uses, ginkgo biloba benefits

What are Krill?

Krill are very small crustaceans which live mainly in the north Atlantic and are similar in appearance to shrimp.

Krill oil benefits

Over the last decade there have been numerous studies which show Krill oil is a superior source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is estimated that Krill oil is up to 48x more potent than traditional fish oil, which is more commonly produced from fish such as cod.

Omegea-3 which contains docosahexanoic (DHA) and eicosapentatonoic (EPA) essential fatty acids, is known to both lower bad LDL cholesterol and boost levels of good HDL cholesterol. Additionally, omega-3 works to lower blood sugar, provide lubrication for joints, and prevent cardiac disease.

Krill oil and Vitamin D

However, Krill oil is not only known for its high concentration of fatty acids. Krill oil also features significant amounts of vitamin D which scientists believe is essential for a healthy immune system.

Recent research has shown that people who have low levels of vitamin D are more at risk from certain types of cancers.

The UK Daily Express published data revealing that people with adequate levels of vitamin D can cut the risk of bowel cancer by a staggering 40%.

Krill oil and anti-oxidants

Krill oil also features two powerful anti-oxidants, cathaxanthin and astaxanthin. These mop up free radical cells in our body which are thought to be responsible for premature aging, and many common diseases.

Krill Oil and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Krill oil has also been credited with helping sufferers of ADHD. One particular study has shown that supplementation can provide a 60% improvement in concentration and working capacity in the Barkley's Executive Function scores.

Krill Oil dangers and side effects

Krill oil should not cause any adverse reactions and is safe to take as directed. However it is not suitable for those who suffer from shellfish allergies, or on blood thinning medication.

Krill oil Conclusion

Krill oil really has deserved its superfood status, safeguarding the body from premature aging, skin damage, heart disease, arthritis and even some cancers.

New research is being undertaken each year which reveal even more positive benefits of supplementation. Some of the most recent studies show that Krill oil can even improve short term memory and alleviate symptoms of PMS.

Where to buy Krill oil

Our top choice for a quality Krill oil supplement would the health and wellbeing company Healthspark, who offer 60x500mg tablets for around £15 with free delivery.

Buy Krill Oil from Healthspark

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Tags: Krill oil review, Krill oil benefits

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean areas of Europe and North Africa, and is recognised as part of the daisy family.

Milk thistle Benefits

The benefits of consuming milk thistle are varied, and it is commonly used to treat a wide range of health conditions, from reducing cholesterol to slowing the growth of certain types of cancer. However it is most commonly known for its positive role in repairing and detoxifying the liver.

The liver is a hugely important organ in our body, and works to break down nutrients and remove toxins from the body. Milk thistle has been shown to help repair damaged liver cells which have resulted from the consumption of toxic chemicals, medications (steroids in particular), and alcohol.

Milk thistle stimulates protein synthesis and encourages liver cell growth, reducing liver inflammation.

Milk Thistle is also used for -

Post steroid cycle therapy for body builders
Reducing cholesterol levels
Lowering insulin resistance in those with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
Protecting the body against free radical damage, Milk thistle is a potent antioxidant

Why is Milk thistle unique?

The natural compound found in Milk thistle - Silymarin has no pharmaceutical drug equivalent. In 1986 Milk thistle was approved by medical governing bodies as an effective treatment against liver damage.

What you should look out for

Studies have revealed that low dosages of milk thistle are fairly ineffective. This is often due to the low percentage of silymarin found in extract.

The general advice is to buy Milk Thistle extract which has been standardized to contain at least 70% silymarin. Capsule weight should be at least 150mg.

Where can I buy standardized Milk thistle?

Health Spark online offer 90 x 163mg capsules of 80% standardized Milk Thistle extract for only £8.99. As each capsule is equivalent to 5700mg of pure Milk Thistle, it is outstanding value for money.

To buy Milk Thistle visit the Health Spark website