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, which has been said to contain up to ninety different healthy substances such as carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, ethyl acetates and more. Apple Cider Vinegar also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well as acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, enzymes and amino acids.

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- The bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid caffeine is found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolates, pain relievers, and a variety of over the counter medications. It is a psychoactive stimulant drug that causes increased alertness by stimulating the central nervous system. For the same reason, many people feel more energetic after consuming it. It even elevates the mood but these effects do not last for long. The effects of caffeine usually last for about five to six hours, though caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person. It has been found that people who consume lot of caffeine on a daily basis soon develop less sensitivity and may need to increase their intake to enjoy the same effect. Being a diuretic, a person consuming caffeine may have to urinate more often.

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 is a nutritional supplement designed primarily as nutritional support for certain conditions that are typical for sufferers from diabetes mellitus type 2 or age related diabetes. Recent studies have revealed that supplemented chromium can reduce high blood glucose levels, lowering or eliminating nonenzymatic glycation. Further studies reveal that supplementing chromium polynicotinate can help with depression symptoms as well as reduce systolic blood pressure elevation caused by sucrose. People with chromium deficiencies have trouble maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Chromium polynicotinate can assist in regulating the levels of blood sugar, but it also helps with the control of cholesterol, promote the fat removal process and encourage buildup of lean muscles. For these characteristics it is a popular supplement for body building and any muscle building sports enthusiasts.

Dandelion is the most common weed flowering plant found worldwide. The two most common species are Taraxacum officinale and Taraxacum erythrospermum, also known as the dandelion flower and the dandelion parachute ball. A flower head of such a dandelion flower is structured out of hundreds of smaller florets. These biennial or perennial herbaceous plants are native to Europe, the Northern Hemisphere. It has been found out that the flowers of dandelion contain a strong antioxidant, luteolin, which is a flavonoid with diverse properties, such as inflammation inhibitor, immune system modulator and a carbohydrate metabolism promoter. Chinese medicine has used this plant for centuries for medicinal purposes, usually in form of a tea concoction, applied as a liver detoxifying method. Other uses were listed as inflammation reduction and as a diuretic.

Fennel Seed , which helps remove mucus and fat from the intestinal tract and is also a natural appetite suppressant.

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 is known to help fight off constipation, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cholesterol and other lipids.

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 helps the body with its digestion process particularly that of meat and fatty acids. It is also reported to stimulate some of the body’s enzymes.

Irish Moss- The North Atlantic seaweed Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) has made its way in health care, cosmetics, and food industry due to its versatile therapeutic properties. Also called as Pearl Moss, this edible seaweed was used extensively by the Irish in the nineteenth century during famine. It acts as a skin softener nourishing and turning dry, rough, patchy skin into smooth, silky, skin thus protecting it from environmental elements. The efficiency of Irish Moss in treating duodenal and peptic cancers, cancer and radiation poisoning, obesity and cholesterol build up is being studied. Irish Moss causes an anticoagulant effect on the blood and is believed to clear up bladder complaints. The sea weed is also a good source of calcium, sodium, iodine, and magnesium that are vital for normal thyroid function.

Oat Bran is a water-soluble fiber, water-soluble fiber binds with bile and water which increases bulk. Soluble fibers have been shown to help balance blood-lipid levels because they can collect with bile and promote excretion.

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 diuretic (water reducer) that causes weight loss by causing the body to expel excess water. Uva Ursi is also used to treat urinary tract infections.