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While black cherry is a well known ingredient in foods such as jams, pies and drinks, less is known about the many health benefits of this tasty little fruit.

What is Black Cherry?

Black cherry, also known as wild black cherry, is found indigenous to eastern North America. Its Latin name is Prunus serotina and this sun loving tree can be found throughout southern Quebec and Ontario. Both the bark and the cherries have medicinal properties and have unique applications.

Health Benefits of Black Cherry

The bark of this tree is a cough suppressant and is excellent for treating colds, coughs and bronchitis. Its astringent properties also make it useful in treating diarrhea and digestive upset. The bark is also believed to have sedative properties and can be used for insomnia.

The cherries (the fruit of the tree) are used to treat gout, which is a build up of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing pain and inflammation. Uric acid crystals build up as a result of eating high amounts of meat, sugar, coffee and alcohol. Black cherry cleanses uric acid crystals from the joints and helps relieve pain associated with inflammation. One study found that consuming this fruit caused reduced blood levels of uric acid and increased uric acid levels in the urine, meaning that the black cherries helped the kidneys excrete excess uric acid.

One small study showed that drinking this fruit juice reduced muscle damage after exercise. More research is needed to confirm this benefit, but the initial research is promising.

Medicinal Properties of Black Cherry

Like other medicinal plants, this fruit has a number of active constituents that contribute to its affects on the body. The bark has cyanogenic glycosides that act to reduce the cough mechanism. The bark also has astringent properties that dry up secretions, which makes it useful in colds and diarrhea.

Black cherries contain anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect cells from damage. This makes it potentially beneficial for healthy cell growth and one study showed that they prevented unhealthy colorectal cell growth; however, more research is needed.

How To Take These Supplements

Since there are two different components of this plant with different uses, you must pay attention to the form you purchase. Black cherry bark is often used in herbal combination remedies for coughs and colds, and is not usually found on its own. This fruit can be found in juice form or as an extract in soft gels or capsules.

Chicken eggs are a rich source of protein and several other nutrients. Egg protein supplements may consist of a powdered concentrate of the whole egg, or just the albumen (egg white). In addition to being a source of complete protein, eggs are a rich source of other nutrients as well.

Key Nutrients Found In Egg Protein

There are a vast number of nutrients available in eggs. The yolk contains half of the protein in the egg, as well as the cholesterol, fat and most of the other nutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamins A, D, E, K and essential minerals.

The egg white is an excellent source of complete protein, without the added fat. This means that it supplies all of the essential amino acids required by humans.

How Bioavailable Are The Nutrients in Egg Protein?

On the scientific scale measuring the bioavailability of the protein known as BV (biological value), whole eggs rate 100, while egg white (albumen) rate 88. Whole egg is the second most bioavailable protein source available in supplement form, with whey protein topping the list at number one.

Drawbacks of Egg Protein

Egg Allergies

Unfortunately, eggs are a common food sensitivity and egg is the second most common food allergy in children, second only to cow’s milk. Food allergies tend to first manifest in skin reactions and often progress to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Some people are not allergic but are instead sensitive to eggs. This means that although they do not have anaphylaxis, they cannot tolerate eating eggs. Some symptoms of food sensitivity include gas, bloating, fatigue, irritability, and skin rashes. Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to eggs should seek an alternate protein source for supplementation.

Salmonella Risks

Because freshly laid eggs can be exposed to the fecal matter of the chicken, there is some risk of the growth of Salmonella bacteria on the shell. Salmonella contamination can cause severe food poisoning. It is important to wash eggs well before use if they will not be cooked before eating. Usually, commercial eggs are washed and sterilized before being sold in stores, but it may be a good idea to wash all eggs with soap and water before using them raw.

Shopping For Quality Supplements

Some people choose to supplement with egg protein directly by ingesting raw eggs or adding raw eggs to their shakes. See above about washing eggs before use in this way. If buying eggs all the time seems cost-prohibitive or too time-consuming, there are many different supplements available. Whole egg or egg white supplement powders are available. 

Dosing depends on your body’s protein requirements, which vary with activity level and muscle mass. In general, people need between 1 and 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Some protein supplements far exceed this requirement. If you wish to dose at higher levels, follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label.

It seems like Epsom salt has many health benefits. Many people enjoy a soothing Epsom salt bath that can feel relaxing especially if you're stressed, have nervous tension and have overworked muscles. It's an easy home remedy that may be overlooked if you're always on the go. Slow down. Have an Epsom salt bath and start to feel better.

What are Epsom Salts?

Epsom salts are not salt. It is a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. It's called “Epsom salt” because it is named after a saline spring in Epsom, England, which provides a natural source of magnesium sulfate.

How Do Epsom Salts Improve Health?

The benefits of Epsom salt are largely related to its magnesium content. Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in your body and it plays a significant role in over 300 enzyme reactions in your body. Epsom salts are a source of magnesium sulfate and when taken internally, Epsom salts work as a very strong laxative. Topically, Epsom salts work to reduce inflammation and when you soak in Epsom salts mixed with water, the magnesium sulfate is absorbed through your skin. It works to relax muscles because magnesium is required for muscles to stop contracting. Magnesium is also very relaxing to the nervous system. This means it helps to reduce stress, calms the nerves and relieves insomnia. Stress drains the body of magnesium. Stress creates biochemical reactions in the body that use up magnesium quickly. This is why replenishing magnesium is important to relax the body and mind.

Today, magnesium deficiency is increasingly more common and the Journal of the American College of Nutrition says that at least 68% of the population is magnesium deficient. This can be attributed to several different causes such as industrial agriculture depleting the soil of magnesium, taking too much calcium without enough magnesium and maintaining a stressful lifestyle and poor diet choices, which can deplete magnesium.

Key Benefits & Uses of Epsom Salt

Epsom salts have numerous uses. They can be used for health, beauty and around your home. Epsom salt baths are the most popular way to use Epsom salts and their benefits include, relieving muscle stiffness and soreness, joint pain, stress, and insomnia, and they encourage your body to detoxify.

Using Epsom Salt To Benefit Your Health

• Epsom salt bath – Soak in 2 cups of Epsom salts for a minimum of 12 minutes and your body will start to absorb the magnesium and sulfate. The magnesium will relieve tired, sore, achy muscles and the sulfate will help relieve joint pain and flush toxins from the body. Epsom salt baths are an excellent way to support your detoxification program. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes to relieve stress and insomnia. Having quiet time to yourself is essential to let go of the stresses of the day and magnesium will help produce serotonin so you will feel happier and have a better sleep.
• Epsom salt foot/hand soak – Make a hand or foot soak by adding ½ – 1 cup of Epsom salts to a foot/hand bath. Soak the affected area for 15-20mins. This can relieve gout or other joint pain in the feet or hands, it can reduce swelling, inflammation, foot odour and toe fungus. You can also use an Epsom salt soak to help draw out splinters.
• Epsom salt compress – Make an Epsom salt compress by mixing 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts with one cup of water and then soak a cotton washcloth in the solution. Apply the cloth to the affected area for 10-20mins. This will relieve the pain and inflammation associated with bug bites, bee stings, poison ivy and freshly removed splinters.

Beauty Benefits of Epsom Salts

• Exfoliating dead skin – Mix a handful of Epsom salts with a tablespoon of olive oil or bath oil and rub over wet skin. Pay attention to rougher areas like elbows, knees and feet. You can use Epsom salts to exfoliate dry lips too. Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts with a teaspoon of Vaseline apply the mixture to your lips and gently rub it in. This helps to remove dead or dry skin from the lips, making them feel softer and fuller.
• Exfoliating cleanser – Make your own gentle exfoliating cleaner by mixing ½ -1 tsp of Epsom salts with one of your regular facial or body cleansers.
• Homemade bath crystals – Fill beautiful jars with Epsom salts and add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to make your own scented bath crystals. These make great gifts too.
• Hair volumizer – Adding Epsom salts to your conditioner helps remove excess oil so your hair is not weighed down. Mix equal parts of Epsom salts and your favourite conditioner, apply to your hair and leave in for 20 minutes before you rinse. You can do this treatment weekly.
• Sunburn relief – Epsom salts help reduce inflammation and are a great alternative to applying aloe to sunburns. Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts with one cup of water in a spray bottle and spray on the affected area.

Using Epsom Salt As A Home Cleaner

• Clean bathroom tiles – Mix equal parts of Epsom salts with liquid dish detergent for an easy and effective bathroom tile scrub.
• Fertilize house plants – Most plants need magnesium in their soil to thrive. It's critical for germination and the production of chlorophyll for most plants. Tomatoes, peppers and roses need magnesium the most. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to one gallon of water and use it to water your plants at least once a month. Use this mixture on your grass too!
• Keep raccoons away – If raccoons are looking for a tasty treat in your garbage cans, sprinkling the cans and the area around the cans with Epsom salts will make them look elsewhere.

Shopping For Quality Epsom Salts

You can buy Epsom salts in most pharmacies, grocery stores or even bulk food stores. Look for reputable brands that only use pure Epsom salts or if scented, use the aroma of pure essential oils.

Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid because it is a component of protein that can be manufactured by the body from another amino acid, arginine. Just because it is non-essential does not mean that the body cannot benefit from its supplementation. Ornithine plays an important role in the metabolism of protein and nitrogen-containing compounds. Thus it has an important role in muscle building and regaining muscle after periods of illness or inactivity.

Key Benefits of Ornithine

Ornithine is involved in the production of polyamines (growth hormone) and other compounds that promote the growth of all body tissues including muscle. Ornithine can be used for wounds and other conditions that require repair of tissue. By stimulating growth hormones, ornithine promotes the metabolism of body fat. Thus ornithine has become a popular supplement for individuals who wish to lose weight. Ornithine enhances the activity of the thymus; the gland that produces T cells for the immune system.

Ornithine can be used for many health conditions in addition to the ones mentioned above. They include:

• High Cholesterol
• Liver Detoxification
• Aging and Skin Damage 

Ornithine, arginine and carnitine are used by those who wish to increase their athletic performance.

Ornithine Supplement Varieties

The biologically active form of ornithine is L-ornithine. It is commonly found as a powder or in capsules. It is often combined with arginine and carnitine to increase the production of growth hormones and metabolizing fats. All amino acids are best taken on an empty stomach. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, take it with an amino acid complex to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

Cautions & Considerations

Pregnant or nursing women and children should not use ornithine. Do not use ornithine if you have schizophrenia.