[Latin Name]  Pinus pinaster.

[Specification] OPC ≥ 95%

[Appearance] Red brown fine powder

Plant Part Used: Bark

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

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

[Shelf life] 24 Months

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

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Pine bark?]

Pine bark, botanical name Pinus pinaster, is a maritime pine native to southwest France that also grows in countries along the western Mediterranean.  Pine bark contains a number of beneficial compounds that are extracted from the bark in a way that doesn’t destroy or damage the tree.

[How does it work?]

What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that it’s loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds, OPCs for short. The same ingredient can be found in grape seeds, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. But what makes this miracle ingredient so amazing?

While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to poor circulation, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, diabetes, ADHD, female reproductive issues, skin, erectile dysfunction, eye disease and sports stamina.

Seems like it must be pretty amazing, but let’s look closer. The list goes on a bit further, as the OPCs in this extract may “inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems,” which basically means it may be a natural treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease.

[Function]

1. Lowers Glucose Levels, Improving Diabetic Symptoms
2. Helps Prevent Hearing Loss and Balance
3. Staves Off Infections
4. Protects the Skin from Ultraviolet Exposure
5. Decreases Erectile Dysfunction
6. Reduces Inflammation
7.  Helps Increase Athletic Performance

Research showing the effectiveness of Pycnogenol and Vitamin C for allergies and hey fever. Enhanced by the Isotonix delivery system.

In this video I discuss what are complex carbohydrates, and some foods that contain them. I also discuss what is starch food, and I cover some starchy foods. I also look at what are polysaccharides, and what are oligosaccharides, and how some oligosaccharides are prebiotic foods.

Transcript (partial with notes).

What are complex carbohydrates?

Complex carbohydrates are made up of monosaccharides, or simple sugar molecules, not the table sugar that might come to mind, and these molecules are joined together to form long chains. There are mainly two classifications of complex carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Oligosaccharides consist of 3 to 10 simple sugars joined together such as fructo-oligosaccharides which consist of a short chain of fructose molecules. Most oligosaccharides are not digested in the body because we lack an enzyme to break them down, meaning that some of them are a form of fiber.

Some forms of oligosaccharides act as a prebiotic, which means they promote the growth of good gut bacteria. Foods that contain oligosaccharides include chicory root, artichokes, onions, garlic and asparagus.

Polysaccharides consist of more than 10 simple sugars joined together. Starch and cellulose are 2 of the main polysaccharides. Starch consists of many glucose molecules joined together, and the body can break them down and use the glucose for energy. Starchy foods include potatoes, rice, wheat, and corn.

Cellulose also consists of many bonded glucose units, however their bond are different that starches, and the body cannot break them down. So, cellulose is a form of fiber.

Cellulose fiber helps remove waste from the body and it can also bind to excess cholesterol and sugar in the intestines and remove them in solid waste. Foods high in cellulose include fruits, veggies, grains and nuts.

Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple carbs, as it takes the body longer to break them down, and their fiber content naturally slows digestion, making you feel fuller.