Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Celebrities Diet LLC is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Warning: You should not take this product if you have the genetic disorder PKU (Phenylketonuria), diagnosed at birth; if you are currently taking prescribed drugs containing non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors; or you have been mentally diagnosed as a schizophrenic.

Nopal:

Family: Cactaceae (cactus)
Other common names: Opuntia, Prickly Pear, Smooth Prickly Pear, Tuna Blanca, Nochtli, Indian Fig
Nopal is often used to relieve the symptoms of overindulgence in alcohol, including dry mouth and nausea. It is also thought to lower fats and cholesterol in the blood, and is becoming increasingly popular as a means to decrease blood sugar levels and control diabetes.
History:
Nopal is a large cactus with a woody trunk and large top, many oblong joints, small, yellow barbed spines, bright yellow flowers and red fruit with a juicy, white, sweet flesh and numerous black seeds. It is said to be a native of Mexico, where it is considered the symbol of identity of the Mexican people and even included on the Mexican flag. About twenty thousand years ago, Opuntia (or Nopal) began to develop as a food, and the plant's development was said to enable human settlement and cultural development in many parts of the arid lands, where it was considered the lifeblood of those ancient cultures, particularly in times of drought. About 5,000 to 7,000 B. C., prehistoric indigenous groups began the cultivation of a series of native plants, including beans, opuntia, peppers and agave, etc., and in Pre-Columbian times, Nopal was considered an important staple food (for both humans and livestock), a beverage, a medicine, a source of dye and was included in religious and magical rites. During the Spanish Colonial Period, Nopal gained further importance as forage when cattle was introduced to the semiarid areas and there was a consequent depletion of grasslands. Its beneficial uses as a medicine and beverage were also gaining in reputation. In the De la Cruz-Badiano Codex of 1552, it was noted that Nopal treated several ailments and was used to cure burns and soothe wounds, and Friar Motolinia said, "these Indians, from a land so sterile that they lack water, drink the juice of these leaves of nopal." Nopal received its botanical name, Opuntia, from Tournefot, who thought the plant was similar to a thorny plant that grew in the town of Opus, in Greece. After the Spanish conquest, Nopal spread from Mexico to practically all the Americas (from Canada to Patagonia, Argentina) and may now be found in tropical and arid regions throughout the world, including the southwestern United States. Some of the constituents in Nopal include water, fat, mucopolysaccharide soluble fibers, carbohydrate, protein, saponins, glycosides, a flavonoid (quercetin), minerals and large amounts of B1, B6, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.
Beneficial Uses:
Nopal is said to be beneficial in diabetes control, because it contains a high percentage of carbohydrate fibers known as mucilage which does not dissolve in water, but it does absorb water, so it swells up to form a bulky paste when exposed to fluids. The fiber component is thought to produce hypoglycemic activity by affecting the intestinal uptake of glucose. In double-blind tests, insulin concentrations were favorably affected with the administration of Nopal, and the herb is thought to reach maximum effect about three to four hours after eating a meal.
The pectin component in Nopal does dissolve in water and becomes a thick, syrupy liquid, which is thought to coat and protect the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, thereby helping to relieve digestive problems, relieve stomachache and irritable bowel syndrome. This coating effect created by the pectin in Nopal may help hyperlipidemia and to lower cholesterol in the blood. The pectin seems to attach to substances in the stomach or intestines and appears to inhibit the absorption of fats from food. Consequently, excess levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood may be lowered. Animal research has indicated that the pectin component may also alter hepatic (liver) cholesterol metabolism. Nopal is believed to be effective for hangover relief from overindulgence in alcohol. In tests, the greatest improvements were seen in symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite and dry mouth. Some researchers have hypothesized that hangovers are caused by inflammation, and Nopal may work to improve hangover by reducing inflammation. Nopal has been used to treat eye inflammation, rabies, pimples, dysentery and diarrhea. The action is not clearly understood, but the pectin content is believed to bind to bacteria and cause them to be eliminated from the body and is therefore helpful in treating diarrhea and other conditions associated with bacterial infection. Used externally, Nopal joints are split open and applied as a healing pad for rheumatic and asthmatic symptoms. Applied to the skin in a salve, it is also used to provide topical relief for sun/windburn, wounds, rash, minor burns, hemorrhoids, insect bites and abrasions, and the pulp is used in shampoo.

PHENYLALANINE:

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid (not synthesized in the body ) that is needed for normal functioning of the central nervous system and is involved in a number of biochemical processes related to brain synthesis of various neurotransmitters. It has been used successfully to help control symptoms of depression and chronic pain, as well as other diseases linked to a malfunctioning central nervous system.

Phenylalanine is especially effective for treating brain disorders because it is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective barrier formed by the red blood cells and the glia of the brain that protects the brain from any toxins, bacteria, and viruses, etc. that are circulating through the bloodstream. To cross this barrier the product can directly affect brain function.

The body needs phenylalanine to make epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine, three neurotransmitters that basically control the way you perceive and interact with your environment. Phenylalanine supplementation may help you feel happier, less hungry and more alert; it has also to treat chronic pain and improve memory and concentration. Recent research indicates that phenylalanine, which aids in melatonin production, may be effective for treatment of vitiligo, a condition that causes white patches on the skin. Subjects treated by these researchers took 50 to 100 milligrams oral L-phenylalanine and applied topical 10 percent phenylalanine gel each day and reported an average improvement rate of 83 percent.

There are three different kinds of phenylalanine: L-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine, and DL-phenylalanine. Each type of phenylalanine is used to treat different symptoms. L-phenylalanine is more effective for regulating mood, appetite, and mental alertness.

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means it must be obtained from dietary sources. Anyone with a serious health condition should not take any form of supplementation without first consulting their physician about proper dosage and possible side effects.

Garcinia Cambogia:

Athletes and dieters are always looking for a natural way to decrease their appetite and help change their metabolic pathways towards burning more carbohydrates rather than storing them. Current research indicates that Garcinia, and it's naturally occurring hydroxycitric acid compounds, may indeed be a possible answer.

Garcinia is a medium to large evergreen tree. Garcinia has been used safely as a food for centuries in many areas of tropical Asia. The fruit may resemble a small yellow or reddish pumpkin, or it may have a unique purple color. The fruit of Garcinia cambogia has been traditionally used in food preparation and cooking, having a distinctive sweet acid taste. When fully ripe, it is too acid to eat fresh by itself. In Ayurveda, it is said that sour flavors such as those from Garcinia activate digestion. HCA, or hydroxycitric acid, is a natural substance that is extracted from the rind of the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia tree, and has been extensively studied for over thirty years and found to be effective in inhibiting lipogenesis, lowers the production of cholesterol & fatty acids, increases the production of glycogen in the liver, suppresses appetite, increases the body's production of heat by activating the process of thermogenesis, and encourages weight-loss in laboratory animals. This acid is a natural compound that is similar to citric acid found in other citrus fruits. A decoction of the fruit rind is often given in support of rheumatism and bowel complaints. There have been numerous studies lately that determined possible uses of HCA for dieters or athletes. Research with animals has found that HCA enhances weight loss by curbing the animal's appetites naturally, and by modifying their metabolism so that they have less of a tendency to convert carbohydrates to fat. Other studies have found that HCA supplementation may decrease appetite and also inhibit the actions of a specific enzyme in the liver called ATP Cytrate Lyase. This enzyme is specifically responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. Research suggests that this natural extract may also inhibit the conversion of excess calories to body fat. Additionally, appetite is also suppressed by promoting synthesis of glycogen. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose, one of the body's primary sources of energy. Increased glycogen production and storage is the body's normal way of signaling the brain's satiety centre that enough food has been eaten. This has made Garcinia a very effective herbal medicine for controlling obesity and cholesterol. It is a well established fat burning agent all over the world and is currently becoming a rage in America, Japan, Europe and many other western nations.

Standardized Citrus Aurantum (Synephrine):

Bitter Orange, also known as Seville Orange, Orange Bitters, Neroli, Citrus Amara, Citrus Bergamia, Citrus Bigaradia, and Citrus Vulgaris, is a plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. Bitter Orange is an aromatic variety of citrus that produces highly bitter, acidic fruits. The parts of this plant used medicinally include the flower, leaf, peel, and fruit. Its earliest uses can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine. As a dietary supplement, this herb as been used to stimulate appetite, treat ringworm-type infections (i.e. athletes foot & jock itch), relieve stomach upset (including spasms), and aid insomnia. Both the fruit and peel of this herb are typically included in over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestants and weight loss products. The dried peel of green, immature Bitter Orange fruits has been used in applications such as indigestion, nausea, and constipation. The British Pharmacopoeia indicates that the dried peel is a bitter tonic. Additional empirical evidence suggests that Bitter Orange is carmative. Topical applications have also evolved in support of easing inflammations due to skin bruising and muscle pains. This herb should not be used by children under the age of 16 due to its chemical constituents of synephrine and N-methyltyramine. This herb does have documented positive inotropic effects, showing improvements to blood circulation through the heart and cerebral tissues because of its amine content.

Standardized Green Tea Extract (EGCG):

Fields of Green Tea Growing--Camelia Sinensis

There are two ways to lose weight -- either reduce energy intake, or increase energy expenditure. Because hypothyroidism -- even after treatment -- may reduce energy expenditure in some people, patients naturally are looking for options that can help safely help raise the metabolism.

In a study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a measure of metabolism), plus also had a significant effect on fat oxidation. While some of the effects were originally theorized to be due to the caffeine content of green tea, the researchers discovered that the tea actually has properties that go beyond those that would be explained by the caffeine. The same amount of caffeine as was in the green tea, administered alone, failed to change energy expenditure in other studies. This led researchers to believe that there is some interaction going on with the active ingredients of green tea that promotes increased metabolism and fat oxidation.

The researchers indicated that their findings have substantial implications for weight control. A 4% overall increase in 24-hour energy expenditure was attributed to the green tea extract; however, the research found that the extra expenditure took place during the daytime. This led them to conclude that, since thermogenesis (the body's own rate of burning calories) contributes 8-10% of daily energy expenditure in a typical subject, that this 4% overall increase in energy expenditure due to the green tea actually translated to a 35-43% increase in daytime thermogenesis. Of critical importance to thyroid patients is the fact that none of the research subjects reported any side effects, and no significant differences in heart rates were noticed. In this respect, green tea extract is different from some of the prescription drugs for obesity, and herbal products like ephedra, which can raise heart rates and blood pressure, and are not recommended for many individuals, in particular, those with thyroid disease who may be particularly sensitive to stimulants.

Standardized Guarana Extract:

What is Guarana?

Other Names: Paullinia cupana, Brazilian cocoa

Guarana (pronounced gwa-ra-NAH) is a creeping shrub native to Venezuela and northern Brazil in the Amazon rain forest. The fruit are small, bright-red, and contains black seeds.

Guarana seeds are rich in caffeine and contain up to 4-8% caffeine, more than coffee beans, which contain approximately 1-2.5% caffeine. The seeds are also rich in tannins and xanthine alkaloids theophylline and theobromine.

Why do people use Guarana?

Guaraná is reputed to be a stimulant and increase mental alertness, fight fatigue, and increase stamina and physical endurance.

Guarana drinks and sodas are very popular in Brazil (where Guarana is considered to be a health tonic), almost as popular as cola-based sodas. Sweet, carbonated Guarana drinks include the popular brands Guaraná Antarctica, Guaraná Brahma, and Kuat (from Coca-Cola Company).

In North America, Guarana has recently become a popular ingredient in energy drinks and teas. Guarana is one of the richest sources of caffeine, containing up to three times the amount of caffeine as coffee. Unlike coffee, the amount of caffeine doesn't have to be listed on Guarana drinks. In addition to its stimulant properties, Guarana is also a popular ingredient in herbal weight loss pills. Some evidence indicates that Guarana may suppress appetite and increase fat-burning.

What research has been done on Guarana?

An animal study examined the effect of 14 days of Guarana supplementation on fat metabolism in sedentary and trained rats and found that the Guarana's fat-burning effect is due to the caffeine content. Decaffeinated Guarana extracts had no effect on lipid metabolism.

A Journal of Psychopharmacology study found that Guarana improved memory, mood and alertness at low (37.5 mg, 75 mg) vs. higher (150 mg, 300 mg) doses. However, another study examined the long-term use of Guarana, caffeine, or placebo on the cognition of 45 older individuals. There were no significant effects of Guarana on cognition.

Theobromine:

Cocoa Extract/Theobromine is an ingredient almost everyone is familiar with regardless of whether they know it or not. Cocoa Extract from which Theobromine is derived is a major ingredient found in chocolate. It is most often found in dark chocolate, which has been in news as of late for its antioxidant content. Theobromine in Greek actually means "Food of the gods". It is derived from the Cacao Tree, which is a small evergreen tree found in tropical Mexico. It has been used in many different types of products including cosmetics.

This ingredient is a primary alkaloid, which is most often found in both chocolate, as mentioned above, and Coca. It is responsible for the often talked about mood elevating effects of chocolate. However, it should not be confused with caffeine; although it often is because it is believed to have some stimulant like effects. However, it does work very differently in the body than caffeine.

Cocoa Extract/Theobromine is thought to be able to gently stimulate the body and perhaps boost mood. It lacks the intensity and immediacy of caffeine. It is believed also to be a vasodilator, diuretic and a myocardial stimulant.

Grapefruit Seed Extract:

The grapefruit is a sub-tropical citrus tree grown for its fruit which was originally named the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados. The fruit was first documented in 1750 by Rev. Griffith Hughes describing specimens from Barbados. All parts of the fruit have uses. The fruit is mainly consumed for a tangy juice. The peel is expressed into an aromatherapy oil. The seed and pulp as a by-product of the juice industry is sold as poultry feed and is manufactured for use to make an extract. GSE was originally developed by Dr. Jacob Harich, a nuclear physicist. In 1963, he journeyed to Florida, the heart of grapefruit country, and began research and later marketing of GSE.

There is good evidence that the extract of citrus grapefruit seed has low levels of antioxidant properties.[14][15]

Analysis research revealed the constituents of the seed extract and pulp are made up of flavonoids,[16][17] absorbic acid, tocopherols, citric acid,[14] limonoids,[18][19][20] sterols, and minerals.[21] A study suggests the consumption of the bioactive compounds found in grapefruit seed and pulp may help suppress the development colon cancer.[22] Another study showed the flavonoid naringin is an excellent plasma lipid lowering and plasma antioxidant active elevating flavonone.[23]

14 Armando, C., Maythe, S., Beatriz, N. P. Antioxidant activity of grapefruit seed extract on vegetable oils. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 1998, 77:463-467.

15 Giamperi L, Fraternale D, Bucchini A, Ricci D. Antioxidant activity of Citrus paradisi seeds glyceric extract. Fitoterapia. 2004 Mar; 75(2):221-4.

16 A. Drewnowski and C. Gomez-Carneors, Bitter taste, phytonutrients, and consumer: a review, Am. J. Clin. Ntr. 72(2000) 1424-1435.

17 B. Tirillini, Grapefruit: the last decade acquisitions, Fitoterapia 71(2000) 29-37.

18 R. D. Bennett, S. Hasegava and Z. Herman, Glucosides of acidic limonoids in citrus, Phytochemistry 28(1989) 2777-2781

19 H. Ohta, C. H. Fong, M. Berhow and Hesegawa, Thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses of limonoids and limonoid glucosides in citrus seeds, J. Chromatogr. 639(1993) 295-302

20 R. J. Braddock and C. R. Bryan, Extraction parameters and capillary electrophorisis analysis of limonin glucoside and phlorin in citrus products, J. Agric. Food Chem. 49(2001) 5982-5988.

21 L. Sh. Tushiswili, S. V. Durmishidze and K. V. Sulaberidze. Sterols of grapefruit, orange, mandarin pulps (Citrus paradisi, Citrus sinensis, Citrus unshiu), Chem. Nat. Comp. 18(1983) 445-447

22 Vanamala J, Leonardi T, Patil BS, Taddeo SS, Murphy ME, Pike LM, Chapkin RS, Lupton JR, Turner ND. Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by bioactive compounds in grapefruit. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Jun; 27(6):1257-65. Epub 2005 Dec 29.

23 Gorinstein S, Leontowicz H, Leontowicz M, Krzeminski R, Gralak M, Delgado-Licon E, Martinez Ayala AL, Katrich E, Trakhtenberg S. Changes in plasma lipid and antioxidant activity in rats as a result of naringin and red grapefruit supplementation. Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Apr 20; 53(8):3223-8.

White Willow Bark:

The white willow was introduced into the United States form Europe and can be found next to rivers and streams throughout the country. The bark is the part of the willow used, and is easily removed in the spring when the sap begins to flow.

Willows have been used for centuries for pain relief and reduction of fever. Hippocrates, a Greek physician for whom the Hippocratic Oath is named, wrote in the 5th century BC about a bitter powder extracted from willow bark that could ease aches and pains and reduce fevers. This remedy is also mentioned in texts from ancient Egypt, Sumer, and Assyria. Native American Indians used it for headaches, fever, sore muscles, rheumatism, and chills. The Reverend Edward Stone, a vicar from Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire England, noted in 1763 that the bark of the willow was effective in reducing a fever.

The active extract of the bark, called salicin, after the Latin name for the White Willow (Salix alba), was isolated to its crystalline form in 1828 by Henri Leroux, a French pharmacist, and Raffaele Piria, an Italian chemist, who then succeeded in separating out the acid in its pure state. Salicin, like aspirin, is a chemical derivative of salicylic acid.

The leaves can be chewed, and contain salicylic acid. This compound has been synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin.

Note: Natural salicylic acid is nearly as potent as aspirin, however, the compound salicin from willow does not cause gastric or intestinal upset or bleeding as aspirin can. This is because willow does not block prostaglandins in the stomach or intestines.

Chromium Polynicotinate:

Chromium plays a role in the metabolism of glucose, and is necessary for energy production. Since this mineral assists in the production of insulin, it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and can be beneficial both for people with hypoglycemia and diabetes. It is also critical to the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and proteins.

Chromium polynicotinate is more effective than any other type of chromium, as it binds the elemental chromium to niacin (vitamin B-3). This provides a biologically active form of chromium, which is more absorbable in the body.

Safety issues concerning the use of the picolinate form of chromium have been in question for the past few years. Aside from genetic damage evidenced in the recent study, the picolinate form of chromium is known to "break off" from its chromium-bond and cause adverse effects.

Since many vitamin, mineral, and multi-vitamin products currently contain chromium picolinate, it is strongly advised that consumers check labels and ingredients panels of the supplements they are taking to ascertain if they contain chromium picolinate.

Consumers are urged to switch to a nontoxic form of chromium, such as niacin-bound chromium, also known as chromium polynicotinate. Niacin-bound chromium is the safest and most bioavailable form of chromium.

Vitamin B-12: Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 is the largest and most complex of all the vitamins. It is unique among vitamins in that it contains a metal ion, cobalt. For this reason cobalamin is the term used to refer to compounds having B12 activity. Methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosyl cobalamin are the forms of vitamin B12 used in the human body. The form of cobalamin used in most supplements, cyanocobalamin, is readily converted to 5-deoxyadenosyl and methylcobalamin.

We hope that this historical product and ingredient information has been useful to you. This is a very powerful and complimentary product for your system; it does no harm, has no effect on diabetic blood sugar levels, and used within the instructions provided and in combination with the Meal Replacement Shakes, and our instructions, is an exceptionally effective tool for weight loss and body balancing..