[Latin Name] Hypericum perforatum

[Plant Source] From China

[Appearance] Brown fine powder

[Specifications] 0.3% Hypericin

[Particle size] 80 Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Pesticide residue] EC396-2005, USP 34, EP 8.0, FDA

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[What is St. John's wort]

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. St. John’s wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John’s wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States.

In recent years, St. John’s wort has been studied extensively as a treatment for depression. Most studies show that St. John’s wort may help treat mild-to-moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other prescription antidepressants.

[Functions]

1. Anti-depressive and sedative properties;

2. Effective remedy for the nervous system, relaxing tension, and anxiety and lifting the spirits;

3. Anti-inflammatory

4. Improve capillary circulation

Hypertension or high blood pressure is considered as a “silent killer” disease. In its first stage, hypertension may not present any symptom. A person may start having symptoms when there is already a complication that can lead to different serious health conditions. Nevertheless this critical health status can be prevented in numerous ways. Adjustment in diet and compliance with medication regimen are just some of the important activities in minimizing the dangerous outcome for people with hypertension. Notwithstanding antihypertensive medications can treat hypertension, just like any other medication, these can cause several side effects such as difficulty of breathing, insomnia, feelings of depression, hypotension and a decrease in sexual desire. According to the Food and Drug Administration, severe side effects associated with antihypertensive medications which require immediate medical attention include irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain and rash. Allergic reactions to antihypertensive medications are potentially fatal if not immediately treated (Goldsworthy, 2011).

These are some of the reasons why some people often seek for natural alternatives with preventive and curative effects, not devastating effects. It is the aspiration of the researcher to commence the wonders of the natural yields highlighting grapes and grape-seed extract as alternative medications in lowering blood pressure.

Grape seed extract is a natural plant substance that has a concentrated source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). These anti-oxidants help protect cells from free radical damage and also promotes healthy circulation. Grape Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols, a compound that’s high in antioxidants. Studies have shown OPC to be more powerful antioxidants than vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.

Before Grape seed extract was discovered, the best sources of antioxidants came from vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene; however, these sources were not powerful enough to fight the free radicals and are also excreted by the body within a short time of ingestion. Grape seed extract, on the other hand, has been shown to remain in the body for as long as 3 full days, and is 20 times more potent than vitamin C, and 50 times more stronger than Vitamin E.

The research done on Grape Seed Extract first came about in late 20th century from the “french paradox”, where the French had very low rates of heart disease, while some of their diet and other factors would contribute to higher incidence of heart diseases. Scientists believed the secret was in their red wine, and further research demonstrated that OPC present in their red wine promotes cardiovascular health, and now, grape seed extract has been found to contain the richest sources of OPCs. It can be said that grape seed extract is one of the most powerful antioxidants available.

Grape Seed Extract Benefits

There are countless studies that demonstrates the many health benefits of grape seed extract. It has been extensively research across the globe. In the research of Dr. Jacques Masquelier et al., the Pasteur & Huntington Institutes and 7 other leading Universities in Europe, Grape Seed Extract has been shown exceptionally effective fighting against free radicals in the body.

Many research publications have reported on the health benefits of grape seed extracts including antioxidant activity, improving cardiovascular health, and gastric health. There are also extensive research done on ActiVin grape seed extract (ActiVin is a well known brand of grape seed extract).

Below are some health benefits of grape seed extract:

Grape seed extract is one of the most powerful antioxidants that fights free radicals

Grape seed extract is 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E

Grape seed extract helps improve cardiovascular health

It also helps promote brain, skin and eye health

Grape seed extract is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory

Grape seed extract is one of the few antioxidants that can penetrate the blood brain barrier to help protect the brain and nerve tissue

Some studies have also shown grape seed extract to prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries

It can also improve mental alertness and help prevent senility.

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Watch more Party Appetizers & Snack Foods videos: https://www.howcast.com/videos/353402-How-to-Bake-Pumpkin-Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are delicious and nutritious. Follow this recipe to bake your own pumpkin seeds and create a sweet, spicy, or salty treat at home.

Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove and dry seeds
Remove the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin, wash them, and pat them dry with paper towels. Spread evenly on the baking sheet, and bake for one hour at 250 degrees to dry them.

Step 3: Combine seeds, oil, and salt
Combine the pumpkin seeds with the canola oil and salt in a large mixing bowl. Use more or less salt to achieve the taste you desire.

Step 4: Add spices
Increase the oven heat to 350 degrees. Add spices to create your own flavor combinations. Toss the seeds, oil, and spices until the pumpkin seeds are evenly coated.

Tip
Use any spices in your pantry to create a personalized flavor combination. Use chili powder for spicy pumpkin seeds or combine sugar, cinnamon, cumin, and ginger for a sweet flavor.

Step 5: Bake seeds
Spread the pumpkin seeds evenly on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for four minutes.

Step 6: Redistribute
Mix the pumpkin seeds on the baking sheet, and redistribute them evenly. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for four to five minutes more.

Step 7: Cool and store
Remove the baked pumpkin seeds from the oven and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container — if you can manage not to eat them all immediately.

Did You Know?
Pumpkin seeds may help with a variety of health issues. Studies have suggested that they can help relieve arthritis pain, protect bones, and lower cholesterol.