The 7-DFBX Review

Alfalfa Leaf belongs to the Fabaceae pea family and is a flowering plant grown as a forage crop. This is a perennial of the cool season that exists from three to twelve years. The survival of Alfalfa depends on the climate and variety. This is grown widely as forage for cattle and is also harvested as hay. These can also be made into grazed, silage or can be fed. It is the crop that is less used as pasture and is widely used as hay crops enjoying highest feeding value. If the crop is well adapted, it yields well. Alfalfa is the important legume employed in agriculture and the United States is the biggest producer. The other areas are Argentina, South Africa, Australia and Middle East. In Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore district this is grown well. The basic use of Alfalfa is dairy cattle feed and is given as it is high in proteins and has digestible fiber. This is also given to horses, beef cattle, goats and sheep. The alfalfa sprouts are eaten by humans in sandwiches and salads. It is available commercially in various forms such as powders, tablets and tea.

Aloe represents four hundred species of succulent plant and the common and popular is the aloe or Aloe Vera. This is a genus and is commonly found in South Africa. This is as well found in the adjacent areas such as the Arabian Peninsula, islands of Africa and Madagascar. This belongs to the Aloceae and the lily family. Members of allied genera such as Haworthia, Gasteria and Kniphofia exhibit identical growth and are known as aloes. The aloe species have thick, large and fleshy leaves. These leaves have a sharp apex in association with a spiny margin. Aloe is cultivated in gardens as well as in pots. It is considered to be ornamental plants and also has medicinal effects. Aloe Vera is used to treat wounds by the Romans and reeks. The processed aloe is used as a laxative as it contains aloin, while the aloe vera juice that is processed does not have aloin and is hence useful for digestive healing.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a vinegar type made by fermenting apple cider. In this process the sugar present in the apple cider gets broken by the yeast and bacteria into alcohol and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid as well as citric, lactic and malic acids. Apple cider vinegar is yellow brown in color and is sold unfiltered. This unfiltered apple cider vinegar is available in the health food stores and also in grocery stores. The other vinegar types are white vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar. They are used in cooking as well as are good for health purposes. Apple cider vinegar was believed to have been used by Hippocrates as health tonic and the American soldiers also made use of the same to combat indigestion ad pneumonia. The intriguing aspect of this vinegar is that it has abundant health benefits. It can decrease the blood glucose levels. It is effective for people suffering from diabetes and weight loss.

Apple Pectin is a soluble fiber fuses with bile acids and promotes their removal.

Burdock Root is found in Asia and Europe. Burdock root has medicinal qualities and is in use for herbal remedies. This root is tasty as it is sweet and has gummy consistency. Budrock is used as remedy for arthritis, measles, throat pain, colds and diuretic. Budrock root is employed in oncology and is useful in treating various health problems. Budrock root is used for purifying blood and is useful in removing toxins. It is used orally and also topically for skin disorders. Budrock root soothes aching joints as well. Chinese healers combine with other plants to cure cold, measles, tonsillitis and throat pain. Burdock root is well-known in Japan and is a good source of nutrients and vitamins. Budrock root is supposed to be tested systematically. Budrock root is effective in bloodstream cleansing, treating gout, relieving pain from arthritis, ulcers, eczema, rheumatism and psoriasis. It has properties in curing cancer and is found effective in treating impotence and barrenness.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that temporarily wards off drowsiness and boosts alertness and energy.

Cayenne, which contains Capsaicin, a thermogenic substance. A thermogenic raises your core temperature, which allows you to burn more calories from food, particularly when eating a high fat meal.

Chromium Polynicotinate, which is a form of chromium, an essential trace mineral that is needed for the body's production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that stabilizes the body's blood sugar level.

Dandelion is a group of flowering plants which are found in Europe, Asia and North America. Two of the dandelion variants are worldwide spread weeds and can be seen flowering almost throughout the year. Seeds of the dandelion plant are produced without pollination, creating offspring with identical genetic material. Luteolin, a flavonoid, is a powerful antioxidant, is a secondary metabolite of dandelion and is believed to possess strong properties as an anti-inflammation agent, modulator of the immune system and promoter of the carbohydrate related metabolism. Furthermore it is thought to have significant anti-carcinogenic properties. Dandelion has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver detox, but in recent times there is evidence that dandelion may also be able to normalize sugar levels in blood.

Fennel Seed is a carminative and stomachic, helps ease stomach discomfort and disperses gas.

Flax seed is rich in alpha linolenic acids that offer numerous health benefits to mankind. In fact, flax seed has actually become our modern miracle food considering the fact that it helps in lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in the body and also helps us reduce blood triglyceride and blood pressure. Given the amount of stress associated with urban living, people have become susceptible to a wide range of health problems that include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, flax seed plays a major role in minimizing the risk of heart attack, since it keeps the platelets from becoming sticky. Flax seeds also have a high content of lignan, a type of phytoestrogen (antioxidant) that helps in cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer.

Garlic- In modern times, people are sticking to the adage - a clove of garlic a day keeps cancer away!! Due to its therapeutic properties, garlic has garnered the reputation of being a 'wonder' drug that fights virtually all possible illness ranging from common cold and flue to cancer and plague. Garlic not just keeps cancer at bay but also helps you manage high cholesterol levels. While most people prefer to use organically grown garlic for its high sulphur content, many choose to take garlic supplements in the form of pills and capsules. It is believed that raw garlic is quite effective for treating acne symptoms as well. Moderation is the key here, as consuming garlic in large quantities can cause irritation of the digestive tract and may even damage it.

Ginger Root- Ginger is a spice which originated in Asia, where it is grown primarily in India and the Southeast of Asia. Currently it is used all over the world for culinary purposes. Several other uses, besides that of a spice, have been encountered, like in Ginger Ale, ginger tea, but also ginger beer. Gingerbread is perhaps the most popular example of ginger use, but historically it has been labeled as a stimulant and a carminative. Indonesia traditionally uses herbal preparations with ginger, which is supposed to reduce fatigue and help control all kind of digestive problems. Ginger is also known to help with morning sickness and is an ingredient in motion sickness remedies. Nausea in many forms, including chemotherapy, is treated with ginger as well.

Glucomannan, also called propolene, not to be confused with propylene, is a polysaccharide and mainly a straight chain polymer. It is widely used as a food additive, E number E425, with thickening and emulsifying characteristics. Glucomannan comprises almost half of the corm of the amorphophallus konjac plant, the so called “devil’s tongue” plant, native to warmer subtropical to tropical eastern Asia. Some studies have shown that this dietary fiber may hold multiple health benefits. It has been and currently is in clinical trials for treatment of constipation, obesity, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. For weight control purposes, it has been observed that glucomannan promotes satiety when ingested, significantly reducing food cravings. It was also observed that when used with chitosan, glucomannan seemed to decrease serum cholesterol.

Grapefruit Extract, also known as citrus seed extract is a liquid that is derived from the seeds, pulp as well as the white membranes of grapefruit. Some scientists claim that grapefruit extract possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties while others recommend it for the treatment of earache, throat infections etc. There are two ways in which grapefruit extract is prepared. One is the natural, self-made grapefruit extract which is made by grinding the seed and pulp and then mixing them with glycerine. The second method is the commercial way in which the seed, pulp, glycerine and synthetic preservatives are all blended together. Grapefruit extract is believed to have a lot of scope in the health food industry. However one has to be careful as grapefruit can have several interactions with certain drugs like warfarin.

Hawthorne Berry, also called White Thorn, Haw, May Blossom, Hay Berry and May Day Flower. Hawthorne Berry is red in color and comes from a spiny tree called the hawthorne shrub. Hawthorne Berry is believed to be good for the heart and is commonly used to expell excess salt from the body to reduce water retention. Hawthorn Berries contain vitamins C and B complex, crataegin, carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

Irish Moss aides in many respiratory conditions.

Oat Bran refers to the external oat grain husk. This is usually discarded in the milling process. This is regrettable as it contains the best of the dietary fiber and also has good amounts of minerals. The grains are normally marketed as whole grain, but oat bran is sold separately. Nowadays, oat bran is available in the markets easily. The cereal grains have three parts namely, the bran, endosperm and the germ. The endosperm is used in making white flour. The germ is nutrient rich and is usually extracted in association with the bran. The bran is highly rich in fiber and also protects the grain thereby offering nutrition and fiber to the plant. Oat bran is used as additive in baked goods such as muffins as it has a rich and distinctive texture with a nutty flavor. Oat bran is added to breads owing to its fiber content. It also is supplemented to breakfast cereals. Cooks also supplement oat bran to scones, cookies and pancakes. The fiber content is truly very beneficial in decreasing the levels of cholesterol and is a preventative for various cancer forms. It is integrated to make a healthy diet.

Peppermint - All of us are aware of the flavor of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) through gum, chocolates, tea, and toothpastes. It facilitates digestion and is great to soothe an upset stomach. It is also used to treat headaches and depression-related anxiety due to its calming effect. The calming and numbing effect of peppermint has also made it a popular ingredient for treating health problems such as nausea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, colds and flu, and skin irritations. Peppermint has made its way into chest rubs too to treat symptoms associated with common cold. Peppermint is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties too. It has been found very effective in breaking down gallstones too though doctor's supervision is a must, as it can make certain types of gallstone worse by stimulating the production of bile.

Psyllium Husk thrives in the Middle East. Psyllium husk refers to the covering of seeds and this is recognized as one of the best ways of acquiring high dietary fiber count. Certainly, Oat bran is also an excellent fiber source. Subsequently, Psyllium husk offers heavy dose of dietary fiber and is the main ingredient for dietary fiber powders and supplements such as Metamucil. Psyllium husk passes through the digestive tract by absorbing water and hence is of immense use to people suffering from diarrhea or constipation. The intake of dietary fiber assists in improving the condition such that it results in making the stool bulkier and softer. Taking Psyllium Husk with plenty of water is very important. Drinking even six to seven glasses of water is recommended. Similarly, taking high fiber cereals such as Heartwise and Bran Buds also should be taken with lots of water. Psyllium Husk is also useful in reducing blood cholesterol. However, care should be taken while taking Psyllium Husk as some people may be allergic to this fiber.

Red Clover Leaf is native to Asia and the eastern Mediterranean regions. It is found on roadsides and also in lawns. Red clover leaf grows to a height of 16 inches. The leaves are oval in shape with a V mark known as chevron in the center. The red clover flowers are purple in color and are in egg shape. They come as three part leaves. Trifolium is the genus name indicating three leaves. Red clover leaf belongs to the leguminosae family or the pea family. The other members as well include peanuts and beans besides peas. These plants take nitrogen from the environment ad biologically help other plants in growth and fixation. Red clover leaf is used as a mild sedative, expectorant and blood purifier. The tea prepared with this leaf is useful for bronchitis, asthma and respiratory spasms. Red clover leaf is useful for sores, skin ulcers, burns and athlete’s foot. Red clover flowers are useful in wine and in treating menstrual problems.

Red Raspberry Leaf is the best pal of gardeners. This is because though it has small prickles, it gives luscious berries in abundance. This plant is now found in gardens in the North America temperate regions. This plant is indigenous to Asia and Europe as well. They are common fruits used in fruit salads, fruit juices, preserves, jams, breakfast bars, fruit syrups, tarts and many other foods. Ted raspberry leaves have health promoting characteristics. They are filled with vitamin C and phenolic antioxidants namely tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanin pigments. The red raspberry leaf has bitter and harsh flavor, but is excellent with medicinal power. Tea prepared from red raspberry leaf is useful to cure wounds, upper respiratory disorders, colic pain and childbirth difficulties. The leaf tea is good for diarrhea treatment. The tea prepared using red raspberry leaf can be taken five to six times in a day. it has the ability to cure diarrhea as it is rich with tannins and they reduce intestinal inflammation. The raspberry leaf is also an effective mouthwash.

Sage Leaf Extract.

Uva Ursi is a woody shrub of evergreen leaves featuring a red berry fruit. This and some related species are being referred to as bearberries. At home on the Northern Hemisphere, it has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. The active ingredient is arbutin, a glycoside with antimicrobial and mild diuretic properties. The leaves were often used for medicinal tea, where, besides arbutin, other active ingredients exist, like tannic acid, gallic acid, ursolic acid, resin, hydroquinones, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic glycosides. The uva ursi extract is said to help, among other uses, as a mild stimulant, sedative, disinfectant, tonic and urinary antiseptic. Its use included fighting kidney stones and infections, nephritis, pancreatitis, vaginal diseases, diabetes, where it removes excess sugar from blood, and obesity.