The Animal Cuts Review

Alpha Lipoic Acid, one of the most potent and active antioxidants since it is both a water soluble and fat soluble antioxidant. Alpha Lipoic Acid affects cellular metabolism and may speed up cellular energy production to help cells to heal faster.

Betaine HCL, or betaine hydrochloride, is not an essential nutrient, but it helps in absorption of proteins, vitamin B12, iron and calcium and helps in the digestive tract with the protein and fat breaking up abilities. It is a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid, with a low pH level. Besides the obvious use against indigestion and heartburn, other uses have been proclaimed for betaine HCL, such as lowering the homocysteine level, helping with thyroid conditions and others. With progressing age, hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes may decrease, with a poor digestion as a result. With betaine HCL, when taken at the beginning of a meal, proper digestion can be accomplished. Betaine HCL is most commonly provided with the addition of pepsin, a digestive enzyme.

Choline- Grouped with the Vitamin B complex, choline is deemed an essential nutrient. It is a natural amine and an organic compound, which serves several physiological purposes. Choline improves the structural integrity of cell membranes and provides signaling roles, assisting with the system of communication, which controls basic cellular activities and manages cell actions. Deemed a nootropic drug, choline as a dietary supplement is supposed to increase the cognitive behaviour and alertness. As a building block of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, choline certainly seems to be nootropic, but recently the application of choline as a nutritional supplement helping to reduce body fat because of the activity in the lipid metabolism was observed. Infant formulas that are not derived from cow’s milk are ordered by the FDA to supplement choline.

Chromium Picolinate increases the optimum levels of insulin while aiding in weight loss.

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.

Citrilene (Hydroxycitric acid)- Hydroxycitric acid is a chemical found in several tropical plants including Garcinia cambogia and Hibiscus subdariffa. Itr is a derivative of citric acid and can be extracted from the dried rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit. For centuries hydroxycitric acid has been used in Southeast Asia as a food condiment. However recently a lot of research and animal studies have been carried out using hydroxycitric acid. The studies suggest that hydroxycitric acid have a potential for modulating lipid metabolism by supporting healthy serotonin levels and is thus effective in promoting weight loss. Hydroxycitric acid also moves the body’s preference for energy source from carbohydrates to fat. Animal studies also reveal that hydroxycitric acid prevents ‘rebound’ weight gain. Due to these reasons, hydroxycitric acid is becoming a popular ingredient in commercially available weight-loss products.

Dandelion is a valuable herb possessing culinary as well as medicinal uses. Dandelion is a variable perennial growing to nearly 12 inches. They are spatula like leaves and are toothy, shiny and hairless. The stems of dandelion have bright yellow flowers. These flowers are light sensitive and opens only in the morning. Dandelion is opulent with vitamins A, B, C and D. it also has minerals like potassium, iron and zinc. The leaves of dandelion enhance the flavor to sandwiches, salads and teas. The flowers of dandelion are used in making wines and the roots are found as coffee substitutes. Dandelion leaves and roots as per traditional medicines were used in curing liver problems. The dandelion decoctions were used by the Native Americans to treat skin problems, kidney disease, heartburn, stomach upset and swelling. The Chinese practitioners used dandelion to cure appendicitis, digestive disorders and breast problems. Dandelion roots are used as digestive aid, appetite stimulant and for gallbladder and liver function.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which is also known under the name epigallocatechin 3-gallate, is the ester of catechin, gallic acid and epigallocatechin. It is found in tea and is believed to be one of the most important antioxidants today. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate is currently investigated for the inhibitory effects on the life cycle of HIV-1 virus, the human immunodeficiency virus type 1, which causes AIDS. Although EGCG has shown significant benefits in laboratory studies, the clinical trials on humans have not been conducted yet. The antioxidant qualities of EGCG and the associated reduction of free radicals have made epigallocatechin 3-gallate a very popular supplement, especially with the body building and athletic communities. It is furthermore suggested that EGCG has therapeutic potential with several forms of cancer and in setting of liver fibrosis.

Ginger Root refers to the rhizome of a plant called zingiber officinale that grows in moist and fertile tropical soil. Ginger is an underground stem extending to 12 inches above the ground. The ginger root has pungent phenol compounds and volatile oils. This is widely used as a medicine in Indian, Asian and Arabic herbal traditions. Ginger, in China is used to cure stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea since ancient times. Ginger is of great use to cure arthritis, diarrhea, Colic and heart conditions. Besides the medicinal value, Ginger is one of the indispensable ingredients as cooking spice and is also recommended to cure headaches, common cold, symptoms like flu and also painful menstrual periods. Ginger is widely used as medicine as it treats nausea, vomiting related to travel sickness, cancer chemotherapy and pregnancy. Though, there are effective medicines today, ginger root retain its position for its medicinal properties. It is also beneficial for heart disease as it reduces cholesterol and averts blood clotting. The ginger products are manufactured using dried or fresh ginger root and these are obtainable in extracts, capsules, tinctures and oils. Ginger is used in tea and in various drinks and foods.

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.

Guarana is a South American climbing plant belonging to the genus of trees and shrubs called Maple. This plant is common around the Amazon and very present in Brazil. The fruit of the guarana plant is being used in that country to produce a diversity of soft drinks and beverages, having the double caffeine content of the coffee bean. Other nutrients that are contained in the seed besides caffeine are protein, fat and starch, but also adenine, choline, guanine, resin, tannin and xanthine, just to name a few. The cognitive effects of guarana are well documented, but the appetite suppressant qualities of guarana are relatively new. A study has proven that a combination of yerba mate, guarana and damiana leads to a tenfold weight loss quantity when compared with a placebo.

Guggulsterone- Commiphora wightii, or the so called Guggul tree is a flowering shrub or rather a small tree which can grow up to a size of 4 meters. Once very common in India, it is now there listed as endangered, but not in northern Africa or elsewhere in central Asia. It was very popular in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine, but also currently in the western medicine for treating of heart problems. The hydrocarbon secretion of Guggul contains a plant sterol, guggulsterone, which in the human body seems to act as an antagonist to the farnesoid X receptor. Furthermore, guggulsterone is active in increasing the natural thyroid production. This in turn stimulates the metabolism and may raise the body temperature, burning stored excess fat.

Inositol Monophosphate is a carbocyclic polyol and secondary messenger in eukaryotic cells, where it is crucial for several of the cellular functions, including cell growth, migration, endocytosis and cell differentiation. Myo-inositol used to be classified as the Vitamin B8, belonging to the Vitamin B complex, but further scientific studies have found that it could be synthesized by the body, therewith disqualifying it as a vitamin. Of all the functions that inositol has been associated with, mostly biological processes, like nerve guidance, serotonin activity modulation, gene expression and intracellular calcium concentration control; for the body building and athletic community the breakdown of fats and reduction of blood cholesterol seem to be most significant, besides the cell membrane potential maintenance.

L-Carnitine is produced from amino acids present in the body. It burns fat for the release of energy for the body to function and is therefore, one of the more well known agents of weight loss. L-Carnitine is also believed to have an effect in the delay of Alzheimer’s disease. Conditions, such as angina, cause insufficient production of L-Carnitine. It is commonly found in breast milk, red meat and dairy products. Low levels of L Carnitine can cause cramps in the muscles, low blood sugar and tiredness. When using supplements of L-Carnitine, a person must use suitable amounts of Vitamins C and B, along with iron supplements. Proteins from animals and other foods, rich in nutrition will assist in meeting the required levels of nutrition.

L-Theanine is very commonly found in tea and is an amino acid, biochemically related to glutamine. The psychoactive properties of theanine are derived from the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. It has been proven that theanine can reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve alertness and mood when imbibed together with caffeine, a natural combination found in any tea, especially green tea. Gamma-aminobutyric acid levels are increased, when theanine is ingested or imbibed, as are serotonin and dopamine levels. It is believed that l-theanine is aiding the immune system by strengthening the capacity of delta T cells. Laboratory tests have proven that blood pressure reduction and lowering of 5-hydroxyindoles in the brain are promoted by theanine.

Niacin is an essential B vitamin, in cellular energy used for the promotion of healthy cardiovascular function, nervous system function, and immune function. Niacin nutritionally manages cholesterol levels already within the normal range. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is one of a complex of B vitamins that are essential for good health. Niacin is so-called nicotinic acid, known also as nicotinamide. It helps regulate blood sugar and also works at cellular level protecting the skin and enhances the digestive system. And being an originator of the amino acid tryptophan, it can be made by tryptophan in the body. It’s also a coenzyme playing an important role in body metabolism. Supplements of vitamin B3 are also known to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood.

Octopamine, which is a trace amine, recently believed to be a lipotropic for fat loss. Octopamine has low oral bioavailability and is readily broken down by MAOI, as well as metabolized by the gut wall, which may mean it would not work well when taken orally, but more research is needed to prove its positive or negative effects.

PEA (Phenylethylamine), which is also known as Beta-Phenylethylamine, is a supplement, which favors aggression and is supposed to raise mental alertness, focus, and ability to concentrate. It is believed to also promote energy. In clinical trials it has been observed that infusion of Beta-Phenylethylamine raises the extracellular dopamine count, furthermore inhibiting the dopamine transmitter DA neuron firings. An additional activity is seen through the Beta-Phenylethylamine modulation of noradrenergic transmissions. It is viewed as a stimulant, but the lack or disturbed amounts of PEA have been observed in people with attention deficit and the hyperactivity disorders, people suffering from depression, schizophrenia, migraine and phenylketonuria. The obvious antidepressant qualities are paired with the increased wakefulness, which may lead to difficulty falling asleep, but improve motivation when exercising or training.

Phenylalanine, which may aid in weight loss through the feeling of satiety or fullness by taking phenylalanine with a glass of water 20 minutes before a meal.

Soy Isoflavones are antioxidants and organic compounds that are related to the flavonoids, which are secondary metabolites in plants. Derived from soybeans, isoflavones genistein and daidzein are won. These two isoflavones are able to interact with estrogen receptors, causing similar effects. Genistein, although an antioxidant, on the other hand stimulates oxidation in nitrate synthesis. This chemical substance, mainly found in plants, belongs to the group of polyphenols, together with gallic acid esters of glucose and other sugars, lignins and condensed tannins. For a short time they were classified as Vitamin P, where the health benefits are believed to be mainly with the reduction of risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Genistein is also believed to act inhibitory on certain substances that promote growth factors.