BENEFITS OF PINE BARK EXTRACT

ANTI-OXIDANT - Oxygen based molecules called free radicals are formed in our bodies as a by-product of metabolism and aging. Other than aging, stress, pollutants, cigarette smoke and alcohol can also create free radicals. These highly reactive molecules cause damage to the cells they come in contact with and are linked not only to degenerative diseases including cancer and arthritis, but the aging process itself. The body makes antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, but this alone does not adequately solve the free radical problem -- we need dietary antioxidants. Pine Bark Extract is one of the most powerful plant extract antioxidants available and is particularly effective against the types of free radicals we cannot avoid -- those produced by metabolism.

CIRCULATION - An efficient flow of blood around the body is one of the cornerstones of good health. It means that nutrients are effectively carried to the body's cells and waste materials taken away so as not to become toxic. Pine Bark Extract works in a number of ways to improve the circulation of blood around the body and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. When blood platelets become sticky -- as they can if you smoke, are under stress or if you are diabetic -- they are more likely to clump together and may form blockages in the arteries. Stress and smoking can also cause blood vessels to become constricted (reduced in diameter). Combine smaller blood vessels with sticky blood platelets and the result can be a stroke or heart attack. Pine Bark Extract can prevent platelets from sticking together and thereby helps to keep the arteries clear, as well as relaxing contracted blood vessels so that they return to their natural size. A clinical trial conducted at the University of Arizona Medical School in the U.S. showed that the extract successfully reduced platelet aggregation caused by smoking, and was preferred in this role to aspirin. Also, the extract strengthens and restores flexibility to the walls of the capillaries (tiny blood vessels), preventing leakage into the tissues and reducing the appearance of bruising and burst blood vessels (spider veins).

VARICOSE VEINS - The very first application of Pine Bark Extract was in the treatment of ailments involving the veins, such as venous insufficiency (reduced blood flow), thrombosis (an obstruction), hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Blood flows more slowly through veins than capillaries and veins are more susceptible to swelling causing pain, cramping, tension, heaviness, bleeding and fluid retention. By improving circulation in general, Pine Bark Extract helps to keep blood flowing through the veins at a steady rate. It also strengthens the walls of the veins and as a strong antioxidant, protects the veins and blood platelets from free radical attack. Damaged blood platelets stick together more easily and damaged veins 'catch' platelet clumps, paving the way for a blockage.

SKIN - The smooth, supple appearance of the skin is supported by the presence of two proteins called collagen and elastin. With their cross-linking fibers they hold skin together and give it elasticity. As we age the cross-linking can become less tightly woven while free radicals also attack the skin proteins, and this is what causes wrinkles. Pine Bark Extract works to reduce wrinkling by binding to collagen fibers, reinforcing them. Also, the powerful antioxidant action protects the skin against damage from free radicals, the production of which is dramatically increased after sun exposure.

SUN EXPOSURE - As well as neutralizing free radicals created by sun exposure, Pine Bark Extract can protect the skin cells against damage from sunlight (particularly UVB rays).

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