Alphabetizing our way through dozens of the natural remedies and their components that contribute to human health have brought us to letter C. This is the third time that we have done this A-to-Z journey through the world of supplements and herbs, which seems a convenient way to touch on a lot of products and substances you’ve never heard about. Or if you have, here is your chance to renew your acquaintance.
It is also worth noting that none of the four ‘C’ supplements discussed in this blog are repeats from either of our two previous A-to-Z series featuring our servings of ‘alphabet soup’ of supplementation.
On to our latest foursome of ‘C’ supplements, in alphabetical order (of course):
Chlorophyll Concentrate. You probably already knew that it is chlorophyll pigment that gives green plants, such as grass, their color. But perhaps you didn’t know that chlorophyll also plays an important role in the process known as photosynthesis, giving plants the ability to take in, or absorb, energy provided by sunlight. This is to create nutrients indispensable to life in general, including us humans. When it comes to human health and health benefits, chlorophyll is not a cure-all, but it is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This in part helps explain why chlorophyll is known to boost your energy and bolster your immune system, facets that come in handy especially during cold and flu season – like now. Other potential benefits of chlorophyll include acting as an anti-aging remedy for photoaged skin; helping reduce and even perhaps eliminate unsightly acne from your body; and treating hemoglobin deficiency issues such as anemia.
Coenzyme Q10. More commonly known by its abbreviated name, CoQ10, this antioxidant is naturally manufactured by your body, its nature being to help protect your cells from damage. Some people are afflicted with deficient CoQ10 from time to time, a condition linked to heart disease and unhealthy levels of cholesterol, particularly “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Research has shown some evidence that CoQ10 might alleviate symptoms linked to congestive heart failure and can apparently help patients recover from heart-related surgeries when ingested in combination with other nutrients. There are indications that this enzyme might also reduce the occurrences of migraines or at least lessen their symptoms. Among its other possible health benefits are supporting the health of your liver, assisting healthy blood circulation throughout your body; and fending off general fatigue.
Collagen Powder. Collagen is a protein whose main function is to support healthy joints and help maintain your skin’s elasticity. Produced naturally by your body merging amino acids together, it can be found in your bones, muscles, and blood. It comprises approximately 75 percent of your skin and a third of the protein scattered throughout your body. As your body ages, however – and this is particularly true for women who have passed through menopause – collagen can start breaking down; it then needs outside help (you, that is) for replenishment. A collagen powder supplement can help. Other health benefits possibly available from collagen supplementation include thwarting bone loss (such as that related to osteoporosis), bolstering muscle mass, and enhancing gut health.
Colostrum. Colostrum is a complex biological fluid; it’s the milk produced by mammals – including women – for the first several days during the postpartum period. It sets itself apart from regular mature milk with its various essential nutrients and other bioactive, anti-microbial factors that expressly benefit newborn infants. It also carries an abundance of antibodies and antioxidants that go to work immediately for the baby’s benefit. For supplement purposes, bovine-(cow)-produced colostrum has been used by many cultures over the years, the belief being that bovine colostrum is particularly valued as an important component of the development of healthy children as well as infirmed adults. What makes colostrum a natural for this role is that it is rich in protein (double that of Mom’s regular breast milk) while low in fat and sugar, making it easier to digest.
That completes the rundown of ‘C’ supplements for this go-round. As always, be sure to discuss the use of any of these or other natural remedies with your physician before using them to make sure they are suitable for your particular health needs and conditions.