Natural food supplements include a wide variety of products. Almost all health food stores carry them, and a number of drugstores and supermarkets stock them on their shelves as well. In general, natural food supplements are composed of, derived from, or by-products of foods that provide health benefits. In some cases, health benefit claims made by manufacturers are based upon a supplement’s use in traditional healing; in other cases, they are based on modern scientific research.
Food supplements can be high in certain nutrients, contain active ingredients that aid digestive or metabolic processes, or provide a combination of nutrients and active ingredients. It is important to point out that some unscrupulous manufacturers make false promises. It is there-fore vital to be an informed consumer. It is also necessary to be aware that many conservative “watchdog” organizations point to these few unsubstantiated products and label the whole industry as unreliable. This occurs in spite of the fact that many natural food supplements have been known to work for years; these products are medically endorsed only when they are “discovered” by researchers deemed acceptable by these groups. Such recent discoveries include garlic, aloe vera, fiber, and fish oils substances that have been used for centuries in many parts of the world.
Food supplements come in many shapes and forms tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, jellies, creams, biscuits, wafers, granules, and more. Product packaging depends entirely on the nature of the food supplement’s composition.
The potency of these products varies. Because they are made up of perishable foods, food derivatives, or food byproducts, their potency may be affected by the length of time they sit on a shelf or by the temperature at which they are kept. If you don’t understand how a product is to be used, ask questions or read the available literature on the particular supplement.
If you have never used a natural food supplement, you may be uncomfortable about buying and using one for the first time. This is normal. Keep in mind that once you become familiar with its use and benefits, you won’t give the idea of using it a second thought.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a compound that serves as the immediate source of energy for the body’s cells, notably muscle cells. It increases energy and stamina, builds muscular density, increases muscular strength, buffers lactic-acid buildup (the reason for sore, achy muscles after physical activity), delays fatigue, and preserves muscle fibers. ATP is produced naturally in the body from adenine, a nitrogen containing compound; ribose, a type of sugar; and phosphate units, each containing one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms. ATP from Integrated Health is a good source of supplemental ATP.
Alfalfa
One of the most mineral-rich foods known, alfalfa has roots that grow as much as 130 feet into the earth. Alfalfa is available in liquid extract form and is good to use while fasting because of its chlorophyll and nutrient content. It contains digestive-aiding enzymes, amino acids, and carbohydrates. It also …
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross is the health care company the people of California has trusted for several decades to protect their health at affordable rates. In fact, Anthem Blue Cross covers 8.3 million Californians – more than any other carrier in the state – and has today become a household name in California.
Anthem Blue Cross is a dynamic company constantly striving to create innovative health coverage solutions that are accessible as well as affordable to all Californians. Anthem Blue Cross provides customers a multiplicity of choice and flexibility in meeting their individual health care needs.
Unique offerings are available in the individual, small and large group, senior and similar segments and they include a full range of integrated medical and specialty products, such as dental, vision, life and disability coverage.
It has to be noted that Anthem Blue Cross has won many recognitions they can be proud of. Anthem Blue Cross HMO/POS has earned an Excellent Accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Anthem Blue Cross PPO is the first and continues to be the only PPO in California to have earned a Full Accreditation from the NCQA5.
Two years back, they launched the Zagat Survey online tool, which will allow consumers to share their medical experiences with one another. The survey and results will be available free of charge to members via their health plan’s web site.
They go beyond covering health care needs and take extraordinary pain to educate people how to prevent illness and lead healthy lives. To accomplish this goal, they provide members with health-related resources and information. They recommend preventive care by asking members to take precautionary screening, undergo immunizations and participate in counseling programs for preventing major illnesses.
Blue Shield of California
To those who may not be aware, Blue Shield Ca is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association and more than that, they are a not-for-profit health care organization committed to providing Californians access to high-quality health care at an affordable price.
As a not-for-profit health care institution, Blue Shield is guided by certain ethical values, which enables them to be a catalyst for innovation and constant improvement.
Blue Shield of California supports and celebrates the different life paths of their clients. Their service helps many people in the Golden State of California live robust, healthy lives free from serious illnesses.
Blue Shield has a long enviable history of providing access to quality health care for millions of Californians with diverse lifestyles, different health conditions and different medical care needs. As a not-for-profit organization, their endeavor is more about preserving the health of their members than about dollars.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield must stay competitive especially with their continuing changes in the health care system. By offering better coverage, they can still compete not only with each other but also with what the government will be offering. There are also controversial issues like abortion and …