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03-10-2018

6 powerful, nutritional synergies to incorporate into your daily life

In South America, shamans use a natural drink to reduce spiritual pain and change people’s perception of reality. It’s a drink that’s been consumed for at least 5000 years, usually as part of a traditional ceremony, and consists primarily of the plant chacruna, the leaves of which contain an alkaloid with powerful psychedelic effects (dimethyltryptamine or DMT).


Le breuvage chamanique hallucinatoire

Normally, this alkaloid has absolutely no effect on the human body: it is dissolved by an enzyme in the digestive system called monoamine oxidase before it reaches the bloodstream. But this shamanic concoction is ingenious. When the chacruna leaves are combined with crushed ayahuasca vine and cooked for several hours, the DMT becomes active and has a direct effect on the brain. This is due to the presence of harmine and harmaline in the ayahuasca vine, two alkaloids which inhibit monoamine oxidase and thus enable the DMT to remain active in the body. Taken separately, ayahuasca vine and chacruna leaves have no effect on the body but when they’re combined, something extraordinary happens. It’s a typical example of nutritional synergy, a phenomenon in which the beneficial effects of compounds taken simultaneously are greater than the effects of those same compounds taken separately.

How did these ancient populations stumble upon this fantastic synergy when we know there are 80,000 species of higher plants growing in the Amazon rainforest (giving them a 1 in 6 billion probability of finding the winning combination)? It was probably just by chance that over the thousands of years they’ve inhabited this part of the world, they discovered this synergistic pairing … The secret would then have been passed on from one generation to the next, just as is happening with the many dietary synergies being rediscovered today.

Turmeric, piperine and bromelain: anti-inflammatory synergy


Le curcuma et le poivre noir

The curcumin in turmeric is probably one of the most fascinating micronutrients in the plant kingdom. Numerous studies have demonstrated its role in preventing cancer (particularly of the digestive system) while its powerful anti-inflammatory properties have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years.

There’s just one slight problem: curcumin does not easily cross the intestinal barrier. Therefore, in order to facilitate its passage and increase its bioavailability, synergistic combinations are used. ‘Partner’ substances include bromelain, an enzyme found in fresh pineapple, and in particular, piperine, an alkaloid found in black pepper. These two compounds increase the activity of a gut protein involved in the transport of curcumin and restrict its elimination in urine (1-2). In a human study, piperine was thus shown to increase curcumin’s bioavailability by more than 2000%, optimising the latter’s potential (3).

What are the benefits of this this synergy?

  • It helps prevent cancer (particularly of the intestinal tract) and supports cancer treatment (4-5).
  • It treats or relieves inflammatory and digestive problems.
  • It improves hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia (both of which are seen in type 2 diabetes) (6).

Ready in 10 minutes:

  • Turmeric drink. Mix the following ingredients in a blender with some ice: 3cm of fresh turmeric, 1cm of ginger, 1 ripe banana, a pinch of black pepper, half a glass of coconut milk, and half a pineapple.
  • Turmeric infusion. Steep 1-1.5g of turmeric root in 150ml of boiling water for 10 minutes, then add 1tbsp of coconut oil and a pinch of freshly-ground black pepper.

For a more powerful effect: take Super Curcuma + Bioperine

Lycopene and fatty acids: anti-ageing synergy

Lycopene and fatty acids

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment which gives certain vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes their red to orange colour. It’s the most abundant carotenoid in the human body and probably the one with the most powerful antioxidant activity. It is one of the rare micronutrients which is enhanced by heat: the lycopene in a tomato becomes more bioavailable when it’s cooked.

Another way of increasing its bioavailability is to consume it with some fat. By increasing the stimulation of bile acids and the ability to form micelles, the fat makes the lycopene more soluble. Researchers have thus shown lycopene absorption to be higher when consumed with 20g of fat rather than with 3 to 8g (7).

What are the benefits of this synergy?

  • It helps prevent cancer (particularly of the prostate) (8).
  • It fights oxidative stress and the effects of ageing.
  • It helps prevent coronary heart disease (9).

Ready in 10 minutes: Finely chop a clove of garlic and an onion and fry together in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil, then slice some tomatoes. Boil them in 1 litre of water for 15 minutes, then add the garlic, onion and oil and mix together.

For a more powerful effect: take Lyc-O-Mato at the same time as eating a meal prepared using vegetable oil.

Soya isoflavones and fructo-oligosaccharides: synergy for symptoms of the menopause


Isoflavones de soja et fructo-oligo-saccharides

Isoflavones are incredible natural substances. Once ingested, they mimic the action of certain hormones (oestrogens) in those who are deficient, or conversely, combat their negative effects in those with excessively-high levels.

Soya mainly contains genistein, daidzein and glycitein. These three compounds are used for reducing hot flushes and for lowering the risk of breast and prostate cancer (at a dose of 20mg a day). However, these effects are greater still when the daidzein is converted in the body into equol, an even more active molecule. Researchers have discovered that this conversion takes place in the digestive tract and primarily depends on gut flora composition. When prebiotics (indigestible compounds such as fructo-oligosaccharides) are administered to a person consuming soya isoflavones, the conversion into equol increases and the effects are maximised.

What are the benefits of this synergy?

  • It reduces hot flushes (10-11).
  • It protects against osteoporosis.
  • It helps prevent breast and prostate cancer (12).

Ready in 5 minutes: a spoonful of Fructo-Oligosaccharides combined with a soya product (seeds, tofu, soya yogurt).

Vitamin C and flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols): synergy for cognitive function


Vitamin C and flavonoids

Flavonoids are plant compounds with remarkable antioxidant properties. Found in wine, chocolate, citrus fruit and brightly-coloured berries such as blackcurrants and strawberries, they have the particular feature of being able to increase the bioavailability of vitamin C which plays a role in preventing cognitive problems (13) and which, in return, increases flavonoid stability. Flavonoids affect two cognitive processes, synaptic plasticity (which enables neuronal structures to be formed and maintained) and cerebral microcirculation (by strengthening the walls of the smallest blood vessels) (14).

This synergy is almost certainly the reason why the total antioxidant activity exerted by a mix of oranges, apples, grapes and blueberries is far greater than that of each of these fruits consumed individually. Similarly, powerful antioxidant synergy has been observed from a combination of chocolate and strawberries.

What are the benefits of this synergy?

  • It improves cognitive activity (concentration, motivation, memory).
  • It combats cognitive decline.
  • It improves blood flow.

Ready in 5 minutes: Fry some peppers (a source of vitamin C) in a pan with a little oil and lovage, then add some capers (a rich source of quercetin) at the end of cooking.

Ready in 5 minutes: mix together chopped apple, strawberries, blueberries and oranges with pieces of chocolate containing a minimum 80% cocoa (flavonols).

For a more powerful effect: take Triple C (3 synergistic forms of vitamins and flavonoids) + Ginkgo Biloba (kaempferol, quercetol, luteolin).

Magnesium, vitamin D and calcium: synergy for bone health

Magnesium, vitamin D and calcium

A study published in 2018 (5) has shown that the body needs a certain amount of magnesium in order to properly metabolise vitamin D. Activating the vitamin D molecules produced by the effects of the sun, or those provided by the diet, requires the presence of magnesium. Without it, the vitamin D circulating in the body remains largely under-used. Yet, for over half the population in the West with a magnesium intake well below the recommended daily amounts of 420mg for men and 320mg for women, this is precisely what happens.

The synergy between magnesium and vitamin D affects many of the body’s processes such as the regulation of calcium, the maintenance of healthy bones, the mineralisation of bones, and the prevention of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease … Magnesium activates more than 600 different enzymes and has a significant effect on levels of circulating calcium.

What are the benefits of this synergy?

  • It decreases pain and muscle weakness.
  • It increases bone mineral density (and lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis)
  • It reduces the symptoms of vascular dysfunction (particularly the loss of ability of the arteries to dilate properly).

Ready in 20 minutes: prepare a meal based on oven-baked halibut (vitamin D), with steamed spinach and a nut sauce (magnesium).

For a more powerful effect: take Vitamin D + Magnesium Orotate

Polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids: synergy for heart health

Polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids

The Mediterranean diet provided evidence of the synergy that exists between omega-3 fatty acids (recognised for preventing cardiovascular problems) and polyphenols (a type of antioxidant). The two compounds acts as a shield against free radicals, as well as modulating the transcription of numerous genes. Adding polyphenols during digestion of omega-3 also protects them from oxidation and encourages intact molecules that are more functional to pass into the bloodstream (16).

What are the benefits of this synergy?

  • It helps maintain a healthy heart.
  • It improves blood flow.
  • It reduces triglyceride levels and hypertension.

Ready in 5 minutes: mix together diced apple, grapes, walnut pieces, chia seeds and ground linseeds.

For a more powerful effect: take Super DHA + Double Pomegranate (a concentrate of pomegranate polyphenols).


References

  1. Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, Klotz U, Gupta SK, Fromm MF. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2002 Aug;302(2):645-50.
  2. Singh J, Dubey RK, Atal CK. Piperine-mediated inhibition of glucuronidation activity in isolated epithelial cells of the guinea-pig small intestine: evidence that piperine lowers the endogeneous UDP-glucuronic acid content. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1986 Feb;236(2):488-93.
  3. Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):353-6.
  4. Sourav Banerjee, Chenggong Ji, Joshua E. Mayfield, Apollina Goel, JunyuXiao, Jack E. Dixon, Xing Guo. Ancient drug curcumin impedes 26S proteasome activity by direct inhibition of dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 2, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Jul 2018, 201806797; DOI:10.1073/pnas.1806797115
  5. López-Lázaro M. Anticancer and carcinogenic properties of curcumin: considerations for its clinical development as a cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent. Nutr Food Res. 2008 Jun;52 Suppl 1:S103-27. Review
  6. Chuengsamarn, S., Rattanamongkolgul, S., Luechapudiporn, R., Phisalaphong, C., and Jirawatnotai, S. Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2012;35(11):2121-2127. View Abstract
  7. Moran NE, Rogers RB et al. Biosynthesis of highly enriched 13C-lycopene for human metabolic studies using repeated batch tomato cell culturing with 13C-glucose. Food Chem. 2013 Aug 15;139(1-4):631-9. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.01.016. Epub 2013 Jan 23.
  8. Haseen F, Cantwell MM, et al. Is there a benefit from lycopene supplementation in men with prostate cancer? A systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2009;12(4):325-32. Epub 2009 Sep 1. Review.
  9. Rao AV. Lycopene, tomatoes, and the prevention of coronary heart disease. Exp Biol Med(Maywood). 2002 Nov;227(10):908-13. Review.
  10. D'Anna R, Cannata ML, et al. Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on hot flushes, endometrium, and vaginal epithelium in postmenopausal women: a 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Menopause. 2007 Jul-Aug;14(4):648-55.
  11. Williamson-Hughes PS, Flickinger BD, et al. Isoflavone supplements containing predominantly genistein reduce hot flash symptoms: a critical review of published studies. Menopause. 2006 Sep-Oct;13(5):831-9. Review.
  12. Wu AH, Yu MC, et al. Epidemiology of soy exposures and breast cancer risk. Br J Cancer. 2008 Jan 15;98(1):9-14. Epub 2008 Jan 8. Review.
  13. Harrison, F. E. A critical review of vitamin C for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers.Dis. 2012;29(4):711-726. View abstract.
  14. Chen CY, Milbury PE, Lapsley K, Blumberg JB. Flavonoids from almond skins are bioavailable and act synergistically with vitamins C and E to enhance hamster and human LDL resistance to oxidation. J Nutr 2005;135:1366–73
  15. Anne Marie Uwitonze, Mohammed S. Razzaque. Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Activation and Function. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 2018; 118 (3): 181 DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.2018.037
  16. Scoditti E, et al, Vascular effects of the Mediterranean diet—Part II: Role of omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil polyphenols, Vascul. Pharmacol. (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2014.07.001
Order the nutrients mentioned in this article
Super Curcuma

New patented curcuma extract, 29 times more bioavailable!

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Bioperine®

Proven ability to improve nutrient bio-availability

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Lycopene

Potent and economical delivery of this essential nutrient.

www.supersmart.com
Fructo-Oligosaccharides

Bifido-active fibre. Improves intestinal health and boosts the body's own natural defences

www.supersmart.com
Triple C

Ascorbic acid + calcium ascorbate + ascorbic palmitate

www.supersmart.com
Ginkgo Biloba

Standardized extract (50:1): contains 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides

www.supersmart.com
Magnesium Orotate

Highly-bioavailable form of magnesium

www.supersmart.com
Vitamin D3 1000 UI

Healthy individuals now require a minimum dose of 1000 IU a day.

www.supersmart.com
Double Pomegranate

Antioxidant phytonutrient with multiple health benefits. Enriched, more complete formula.

www.supersmart.com
Super DHA

310 mg of DHA and 43 mg of EPA

www.supersmart.com
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