[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

This video is presented by the Healthy Teaching Kitchen of the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. This low-calorie/high-fiber recipe is great for the autumn and winter seasons! I would describe the flavor as savory with a hint of curry. For more information and recipes, please visit our Healthy Teaching Kitchen website: https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Healthy_Teaching_Kitchen.asp or the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center website: https://vaww.westpalmbeach.va.gov/

Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 (2 lb) butternut squash
• 2 medium pears, chopped (skin on)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp minced fresh ginger root
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 4 cups reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Directions:
1. Preheat an oven to 375°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membrane. Place squash halves, cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven until very soft, about 25 minutes. Add in onion and garlic by tossing in olive oil and roast for an additional 20 minutes. Scoop the pulp from the peel, and reserve.
3. In a large soup pot bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, and simmer until the pears are very soft, about 30 minutes.
4. Puree soup using an immersion blender; Or pour the soup into a traditional blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Puree in batches until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and reheat.

Nutrition Facts
Servings per recipe: 6
Calories: 159 kcal
Total fat: 8 g
Saturated fat: 1.2 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Carbohydrate: 21 g
Sugar: 9 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 2 g