They found that the ginseng supplements sold at Walgreens contained only powdered garlic and rice. Walmart's memory enhancing herbal product, ginkgo biloba, actually contained powdered radish, houseplants, and wheat. Target's St. John's wort and Valerian root products all tested negative for the herbs listed on the labels. So how do we know what we are getting in the supplements we buy?
Dr. David Friedman to look for a product that is certified as cGMP, which means it has passed Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, a certification given by a private organization called the National Products Association (NPA). The certification ensures that a stringent series of tests have been passed and that proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities have been evaluated. Also look for the USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) or BPO (British Pharmacopoeia) designation on the label. This means that the vitamin isolates are the highest quality you can buy, and are the most easily dissolved in the digestive process. These non-governmental organizations set the official standards for health-care products.
Hopefully getting caught will cause the offenders to change their products. Be careful and do your research. Don't get the bad stuff if you can help it.
Chews4Health ingredient # next: ACAI
Acai berries (pronounced ah-SAH-ee) are produced by a palm tree common in floodplain areas of the Amazon River. These dark purple berries contain a thin layer of edible pulp surrounding a large seed. One of the main plant chemicals getting a lot of attention in acai is a group of flavonoids called anthocyanin. A very well known antioxidant, anthocyanin-rich fruits have been shown to have anti-aging properties, help increase energy and aid in many skin conditions. Acai contains naturally occurring, plant-based vitamin B, vitamin E, minerals such as iron and calcium, fiber and protein. Acai berries contain naturally occurring amino acids, essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, and 9), and have an extremely high amount of antioxidants compared to other fruits. Acai even has more antioxidants than raw spinach, and 10 to 30 times more anthocyanins than red wine. Acai berries contain phytosterols which are natural plant-based chemicals that have been shown to offer immune system benefits.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
