It is commonly accepted that many medications have a wide list of side effects, while herbal therapy is effective, safe, and free from dangerous side effects. And while this is often true, there are some plant extracts whose use can have the opposite effect to what is intended! Do you want to know where danger lurks for you? Keep reading!
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The dark side of ashwagandha
Indian ginseng, Withania somnifera, ashwagandha, winter cherry. So many names, yet one plant. It is commonly said that this adaptogen helps reduce tissue damage after training, improves sleep, and increases tolerance to mental and physical stress, but there’s no rose without thorns. Although the active compounds present in this plant – mainly withanolides and vitaferin A – affect many aspects related to the body’s functioning, there is also a dark side to this plant. Indian ginseng is classified as a nightshade plant – such as tomato, bell pepper, or potato – which can negatively affect people suffering from Hashimoto’s disease. Moreover, research is not unequivocal regarding the stimulation of Th1/Th2 immune responses, so increased caution should be exercised when choosing this adaptogen. Ashwagandha is also often recommended as a wonderful sleep aid. And while many people testify that after an evening dose of the extract, they indeed slept like a log, many others say they suffered from the worst, exaggerated dreams and nightmares ever.
Turmeric is not equal to curcumin
The effect of curcumin on inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells can be read in many scientific studies and articles published in popular science journals. It also has an impact on reducing inflammation, improves lipid and glucose metabolism, and affects epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression control, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. Many cool things. There’s just a small problem, because we are talking about the extracted active substance, which is CURCUMIN, not the powdered spice, which is TURMERIC, or *Curcuma longa*. The latter contains many bitter substances which, with long-term use – or a concentrated dose – can adversely affect liver function, and medicine knows of cases of hospitalization for this reason.
What’s the deal with cinnamon
Who among us doesn’t indulge in sweet and aromatic memories of a cinnamon bun? Indeed, it must be admitted that this spice perfectly suits autumn tea, coffee, and apple pie. It is commonly believed that adding cinnamon to sweets improves carbohydrate metabolism, and this is indeed the case. Recently published studies have even shown that it improves the glucose-to-insulin ratio in people with overweight and insulin resistance. This effect is thanks to cinnamon extract from CinnulinPF®, containing A-type polymers. Generally, it is difficult to overdose on cinnamon, although if it is the Chinese version, not Ceylonese, the coumarin content can damage the liver.
As can be seen, Paracelsus was right in saying that it is not the substance but the dose that makes the poison. One can also often realize that not the entire plant is beneficial for us to use, but only a part of the active compounds present in it.
Are there, however, plant ingredients that are worth recommending to everyone due to the troubles we encounter every day in the busy life accompanying the 21st century? Definitely yes!
Health-promoting polyphenols
Polyphenols include bioactive plant compounds that give plants a somewhat tart taste, but are associated with a range of health benefits for the body. Polyphenols are antioxidants, thanks to which they exert many health-improving effects on the body: anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and blood pressure-lowering effects. Probably for this reason, they are also called phytamins. It is therefore worth reaching for products that contain polyphenols to enjoy health for as long as possible. Studies also prove that polyphenols play a huge role in stimulating the immune system and even enter the so-called immunity triangle – probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols. The content of ingredients such as resveratrol, proanthocyanidins also supports the skin’s condition, rejuvenates it, and gives a better appearance to a tan, so it is worth using them even in summer.
The soothing effect of green tea leaves
The revitalization of body and mind after a cup of green tea is due to the catechins it contains. However, there is a hidden treasure that relatively few people know about. We are talking about L-theanine obtained from green tea leaves. This compound has an excellent toning effect on the nervous system by increasing alpha brain wave activity, which provides an effect beautifully described in English as “wakeful relaxation”. This means that after L-theanine, we achieve peace of mind, but without the effect of sedation or drowsiness. At the same time, thinking becomes clear, and we experience an improvement in mood and a reduction in perceived stress. The toning effect of L-theanine can also be used after drinking too strong coffee, with effects noticeable within 30 minutes.
As you can see, it is not without reason that polyphenols and L-theanine were included in the BestOne formula. The functioning of the immune system must be assessed holistically, not through a keyhole. At BestLab, we know how important it is to limit the impact of stress on the human body. We also know that when we feel good, we function well. Our goal is to improve your health, well-being, and productivity.
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