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OPCs and Inflammation
By Jayna Locke
Many diseases are based in inflammation. Why? A July 2006 article in MIT News that describes new research into the link between inflammation and disease states fairly simply: “When an infection occurs, immune cells flock to the area and secrete large amounts of highly reactive chemicals to combat the invader.”
This would seem to be a beneficial natural defense mechanism of the human body. But, the article goes on to say, “these inflammatory chemicals also attack normal tissue surrounding the infection and damage critical components of cells, including DNA. During chronic inflammation, that damage may lead to mutations or cell death and even to cancer and other diseases.”
While researchers are working diligently on grappling with the causes of disease, there is still so much that modern science has yet to understand about this complex process. But the fact that inflammation itself can lead to cell mutations and to disease is a fundamental notion that the average person should simply understand. Moreover, since just about everyone experiences inflammation of one kind or another, and for some of us it is severe and chronic, we need to know what we can do about it.
OPCs, which are a collection of natural compounds, offer one non-pharmaceutical approach to inflammation. OPC stands for Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, and while you may not be able to pronounce it, you’ll recognize the seemingly mundane components, which include grape seed, red wine, and pine bark extracts. These components contain bioflavanoids that assist in the strengthening of blood vessel walls, and provide powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits. For this reason, people with inflammation based health issues, including arthritis, joint pain, fibromyalgia, and other inflammatory diseases tend to see significant results.
Isotonix® OPC-3™, in particular, contains Pycnogenol®, a patented form of pine bark extract that is grown without pesticides or toxic solvents and is processed using a validated manufacturing process. OPC-3 also contains citrus bioflavanoids and bilberry extract, which have positive effects on vision and histamine release. Thus, it offers broad-based health benefits while providing a preventative measure against disease.
The compounds in OPCs are nothing new, and the research on these flavanoids has been going on since the 1930’s when Nobel Prize winning researcher Albert Szent-Györgyi made some key discoveries concerning the roles of certain organic compounds, especially vitamin C, in cell oxidation. Just as fascinating is the origin of his interest in this area of research: the 1534 expedition of French explorer Jacques Cartier on the
OPCs have been tested time and time again for safety by conventional, scientific methods at leading research centers worldwide including the Pasteur Institute. OPCs have been found to be non-toxic, non-antigenic, non-teratogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic.
While OPCs are exceptionally safe, you should consult with your doctor before taking OPC if you are pregnant, are currently taking any medications, or have serious health concerns. Although side effects are extremely rare, OPCs are known to assist in the thinning of blood. And while this is beneficial to most people, those who are already on a blood thinner should have their doctor evaluate the safety of OPC for them.
Ordering
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Getting Your Questions Answered
If you have any questions about OPC-3, heart health, weight management, or supplementation for improved health, please send me an email. I will find the answer for you.
Thank you for reading. All comments are welcome. I look forward to providing you with more health tips in the future.
To your health,
Jayna Locke
