Nutrients...

Garlic Supplements
Garlic can fight arterial plaque, improve the elasticity of arteries, and reduce blood clotting and slightly lower cholesterol, triglycerides and high blood pressure. Side effects include allergic reaction, upset stomach and increased blood-clotting time. Taking with aspirin or coumadin might increase chances of prolonged bleeding. Avoid garlic for at least one week pre-surgery. Recommended doses: Garlic powder (standardized): 200mg to 300mg, three times daily. AGE (aged garlic extract): 300mg to 800mg, three times a day. The most tested brands are Kwai, Kyolic.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is said to improve short-term memory and cognitive functioning in older people and those with dementia and early Alzheimers disease, and to relieve leg pain due to poor circulation. Ginkgo improved memory and concentration in healthy adults in some studies, but not others, so the benefits are unclear. Adverse effects are rare and usually mild, such as gastrointestinal upset. Theoretically, ginkgo might interact with anticoagulants, such as aspirin and coumadin, to promote bleeding. To be safe, consult a doctor before mixing ginkgo and anticoagulants, and avoid ginkgo if you are allergic to it, have a bleeding disorder or will undergo surgery within a week. The usual daily amount is 120mg to 240mg, divided into two or three doses for memory loss and dementia. For leg pain, 120mg to 160mg is recommended. The most tested brands available are Ginkgold, Ginkoba, Ginkai.

Glycogen
What it's good for: As the storage form of glucose, it's used by the body for energy when needed. It's stored in the liver and muscle.
Where you get it: Carbohydrates. Natural sugars (fruit, vegetables, milk) and complex carbohydrates (grains, cereals, pasta) are the best choices.
DRI or RDA: None.

Grape Seed Extract a Superior Antioxidant
The grape seed extract supplement is bioavailable and performs well in providing antioxidant capacity to the blood relative to many other natural antioxidants such as grapes, grape juice and wine. After three weeks of supplementing with grape seed extract, the normal cholesterol patients experienced a 9-percent reduction in the bad cholesterol (LDL) and the high cholesterol patients showed a 12-percent decrease in total cholesterol. The antioxidant activity of the grape seed extract supplement was found to be equal to or greater than all other samples tested. Studies indicate that a minimum of 300 mg of grape seed extract supplement is needed to have a sustained level of antioxidant capacity in the blood for up to 6 hours.
In combination with Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract facilitates wound healing as well.
The usual recommended dose is 50 to 100mg daily.

Hemp
Hemp is one of the most controversial crops around, mostly because it is a less potent relative of another spiky-leaved plant (you know which one!). These days however, hemp is everywhere - maybe even in your lunch! HempNut Butter is a mix of organic peanut butter and ground hempseed (free of any, um, active ingredient). Why eat hemp? Shelled hempseed tastes like sunflower seeds but boasts an amazing 36 percent omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, plus 31 percent complete protein - even higher than beef. Also available from parent company HempNut: Hempeh Burgers, a "cheese alternative" and shelled hempseed to sprinkle on salads.

Horse Chestnut
If your legs feel heavy and achy at day's end, your problem could be chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Caused by sluggish circulation and weak vein walls that leak fluid into surrounding tissues, CVI can lead to varicose veins and spider veins. You can get relief with horse chestnut (aesculus hippocastanum). This proven remedy works by strengthening blood vessel walls, which reduces leakage and improves blood flow to the heart.
Other Benefits: Prevents foot and ankle swelling after a long period of sitting, such as on a long flight. Horse chestnut is also known to be an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.

Iodine
What it's good for: Making thyroid hormones that control metabolism.
Where you get it: Lobster, shrimp, bread, milk and iodized salt.
RDA: 150mcg for adults.

Iron
What it's good for: Making hemoglobin in blood and myoglobin in muscle, which supply oxygen to cells.
Where you get it: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, whole and enriched grains, and green leafy vegetables.
RDA: Between 10 to 12mg for men and 12 to 15mg for women. Watch out: Iron supplements even in small amounts can be toxic to young children. Keep iron and multivitamins with iron out of reach.

Inositol
IMPORTANCE: Necessary for the formation of lecithin; aids in the breakdown of fats; helps reduce blood cholesterol; helps prevent thinning hair.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in high blood cholesterol, constipation, eczema, hair loss.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K is actually three different compounds, all of which are fat soluble. It is absorbed from the upper small intestine with the help of bile (or bile salts) and pancreatic secretions, and then carried to the liver.
Vitamin K also may help regulate blood calcium levels. Calcium, in addition to keeping bones strong, is also necessary for blood clotting. Accumulating evidence supports an active role for Vitamin K in bone health.
Deficiency of Vitamin K is rare. Deficiency is more common in sprue, celiac disease, and colitis or after bowel surgery.
Food Sources of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is found in varied foods including green leafy vegetables, meat and dairy products, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Little Vitamin K is lost from foods with ordinary cooking.
RDA: Between 60 to 65mcg for women and 70 to 80mcg for men.

L-Carnitine
A "free amino acid" which has been found to improve fat metabolism in the heart and other organs and tissues, reduces Triglyceride and cholesterol levels, improves heart muscle tolerance, prevents irregular heartbeat and angina, provides more energy for the heart and helps lower blood pressure.

Leuzea
Leuzea is an herb used by Russian athletes to enhance performance. Leuzea is another adaptogenic herb; it also increases stamina, reflexes and concentration. What's more, it contains a unique compound called beta-ecdysone, which may promote muscle tissue growth. Leuzea is sold by Pinnacle as EcDyBol, or call (800) 797-8828.

Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is a member of the omega-6 family of fats, vegetable oils - soybean, corn, safflower and sunflower - among them. Omega-6 fats can reduce blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL's.

Lutein
Lutein (LOO-teen) is a nutrient found in vegetables, particularly in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. It is also present in corn and egg yolks. Lutein contains carotenoids, which have shown beneficial effects in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and eye disease, and in enhancing the body's immune response. Lutein is the carotenoid found most abundantly in the eye and 58-percent of eye doctors surveyed believe that lutein is the nutrient that best supports long-term eye health. Because the body is unable to naturally manufacture lutein, humans rely on their consumption of lutein-rich foods or lutein supplements to maintain optimal levels of lutein.