BETAINE

 

Betaine HCL (Hydrochloride) is a naturally occurring amino acid compound also known as trimethylglycine or TMG. It is a nonessential nutrient found in numerous food sources. Betaine was originally discovered in beets, which is where the name betaine comes from. Betaine is composed of the amino acid glycine which is attached to three methyl groups. Betaine has two major functions in the body, it acts as a methyl donor and as an osmolyte. Betaine is rich in methyl groups, which is a special kind of hydrogen and carbon molecule that can be transferred around the body via process known as methylation. This process is a critical component of numerous physiological processes, including protein function and genetic activities. Betaine is known as a “methyl donor” because it has so many of these methyl groups to distribute around the body. Betaine is also an osmolyte, an osmolyte is a compound that affects the process of osmosis by creating fluid level balance outside and inside of cells. If there’s an imbalance of fluid levels there can be cellular rupture or cellular shrinkage, dependent upon whether there’s excess fluid on the inside or outside of the cell. Severe imbalance can ultimately cause the cell to die.

 The health benefits of Betaine are many. Evidence is showing us that betaine is a critical nutrient in protecting and enhancing the function of internal organs and improving vascular risk metrics. It may also aid with:

 Digestive Function– in order to digest food your stomach must have adequate acid levels. Without sufficient acid levels, the food you eat cannot be entirely broken down and the nutrients provided by your food will not be properly absorbed. The acid that carries the biggest workload is hydrochloric acid (HCL). Without enough HCL in your stomach you will suffer from digestive dysfunction especially if you’re over 50 years of age. Taking a Betaine HCL supplement may help with digestive issues.

 Heart health-the most extensively researched health benefit of betaine is its cardiovascular affect. Betaine reduces the levels of the amino acid homocysteine within the bloodstream. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood (known as Homocystinuria) can clog and harden arteries by creating arterial plaque which can contribute to cardiovascular health issues.

 Liver function & detoxification-It is difficult for your liver to function properly when you have too much fat in the liver cells. A liver burdened with too much fat can result in scarring of the liver, fluid retention, muscle waste, cardiovascular issues and abdominal pain. Betaine can help break down fatty acids in the liver and has also been shown to aid people in recovering from damage to the liver.

 Fat Loss & Muscle Mass Improvement-Betaine is also a popular newcomer to the physical fitness and exercise supplements category. It has a critical role in fat reduction and the metabolizing of protein. Through protein synthesis, betaine is able to increase the growth of muscle. More research is under way in this area.

Betaine is found in-Numerous foods including sugar beets, wheat bran, rye grain, bulgar grain, spinach, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, turkey breast, beef, veal, and some seafood like shrimp.

 

 

 Scents You Should Know…

EO #72 Tarragon

 

The Tarragon leaf is commonly used as a domestic herb, especially used with chicken and fish. It is also used to make tarragon vinegar. Doesn’t the name sounds close to a Dragon? Yeah! You are right and the common name and the botanical name of tarragon means “Little Dragon”. By the way, its botanical name is Artemisia Dracunculus, wherein Dracunculus means “Little Dragon”. The exact reason behind this name is not known.

Tarragon can found in many places including North America, Asia, India, and Europe. Tarragon may grow up to three feet tall and have long slender branches with long slender green leaves. It may also have yellow flowers. The tarragon leaf is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves. It is a pale yellow liquid that may turn more yellow with age. Tarragon may also blend well with oils such as lavender, oak moss, vanilla, basil, and pine.

Tarragon is used medicinally for many things. It is an anti-rheumatic by helping the body with circulation and ridding itself of uric acid. It is good for the digestive system because it helps speed up digestion by stimulating secretion of digestive juices and by stimulating the peristaltic motion of the intestines. It can be used as a deodorant. The spicy smell of tarragon is used to keep body odor away. It also inhibits growth of microbes on the skin thereby further reducing the body odor. It also may ease menstruation problems, regulates periods, and relieve problems like abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, annoyance etc.  It stimulates brain, nervous system, digestive system, circulatory system and the endocrinal system. This in turn stimulates the whole metabolic system and as a result, growth and immunity are stimulated. The toxicity of this oil kills the worms in the body. These include the round worms and tape worms found in the intestines, hook worms which can abode any part of the body and even maggots on the wounds. It is okay if it is used externally, but care should be taken when taking it orally because it is toxic.  It may increase appetite and treats anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, gas, infections in the urinary system .

Specific Safety Information: Because of the high methyl chavicol content, Tarragon essential oil is not recommended for use in aromatherapy as it is potentially hepatotoxic and carcinogenic. The oil is mildly toxic. Avoid during pregnancy.