Thursday, January 27, 2011

7 Canadian Power Plants

In the heart of flu season, protecting yourself from illness is very important. In the January/February edition of Canadian Running from the SIRC Collection, there is an article on 7 power plants to help boost your immune system. The 7 plants that are about can be grown right here in Canada. Whether you decide to use the plant as food, herb, or extract is up to you. If you want a little extract help for the immune system, an extract is the easy way to go. If you are looking for one-time boost go for the food options.
  • Echinacea – a prairie coneflower, has chemicals in the leaves and roots are thought to increase white blood cell production and antiviral protein messengers. It is best used in on-and-off cycles to help prevent getting sick, and in immediate use when you already sick.
  • Ginseng – Its root has shown that it can increase physical stamina and deter colds. Best used as a pre-emptive boost to the immune system, it should also be used in on-and-off cycles and no longer than 3 continuous months without consulting a health care provider
  • Grapes – The seeds are good for you! In grape seeds and skin is found a nutrient, Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a great antioxidant which strengthens white blood cell membranes. Eating whole grapes can create a stronger immune system.
  • Garlic – The bad breath cannot be hidden, but is another super-food that helps strengthen the immune system. It can be taken as an extract, fresh food, or the less effective odour-free option.
  • Cranberry – They are a natural source of antioxidants that help counter the oxidative stress running. The easiest source is through consuming 100% juice. If it’s too tart to drink, dilute it with water.
  • Goldenseal – It enhances the effect of other herbs. When used with Echinacea, it increases the production of antibodies and speeds recovery from the common cold. Take caution when using, it is a powerful force. So follow the directions with care.
  • Elderberry – A producer of cold and flu antibodies, it has been used for a long time to help treat congestion of the lung and sinuses. Use of store bought extracts or juice are effective in treating, and preventing infection.
Reference from the SIRC Collection:
Lister, Patience. (2011). Power Plants. Canadian Running, 4(Jan/Feb 2011), 62-63.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hope this helps you like it helped me. Try Oraltech Labs as it worked for me, although I will say it's not just do this and "bam your breath is cured" as they make you change your entire mouth cleaning habits. So you end up doing it all their way. But in the end it becomes a daily routine. It covers Post Nasal Drip and Tonsil Stones as well thankfully. When you have bad breath it messes up your whole life. And I suppose the best thing is they don't make you go out buying "special" products for the rest of your life. So try Oraltech Labs. Just don't get it and then think you'll do what it says “now and then” because it's either all or nothing, and trust me getting rid of my room clearing faecal breath meant I was all in. Alex’s, J. USA.