Optimal Nutrients

DESCRIPTION

Rhodiola Rosea is a fragrant plant from the high altitude climates of Siberia that has been used in Russian traditional herbalism for centuries. * It has been long known as an "adaptogen", a substance that helps people adapt to stress.* Today this use has been confirmed clinically, and our knowledge has expanded to understand its role in balancing the stress-related hormones, thus preventing stress-related eating binges, and in releasing fat that is deposited in our bodies.* It has also been confirmed in cell cultures, animals and human studies to support our energy levels, balance stress, increase our normal ability to utilize oxygen, be an antioxidant, and to support sexual and immune health.*

Numerous clinical studies have shown that Rhodiola can increase our capacity for mental and physical work, and reduce the amount of time that it takes for our bodies to recover between athletic events.* Rhodiola works differently than normal central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, like caffeine and many of the high energy drinks and supplements on the market.* Usually, after use of a CNS stimulant, there is a period of greater work capacity that is followed by a period of significantly reduced work capacity.* On the contrary, after the use of Rhodiola and other adaptogens, there is a period of greater work or physical capacity that is followed by another period of greater (but not as high as the first period) work capacity.* Instead of depleting the system, adaptogens help the system by lessening the negative effects of our own body's normal internal stress mechanisms.*
In line with this, Rhodiola has been shown to balance the release of stress-related hormones.* Rhodiola has been shown to increase beta-endorphins in animals which in turn protect their systems from producing excess endorphins when exposed to stress.* Additionally, many stressors cause serotonin to be reduced, therefore, Rhodiola's ability to increase serotonin may be one of the ways in which it helps us adapt to stress better.

Rhodiola's Effect on Cortisol and Free Fatty Acids*

Cortisol has been called the "Master Stress Hormone".* Under short "flight or fight" periods of stress, cortisol helps us by increasing our mental ability and stimulating our immune system.* However, if cortisol production stays high - like it does to all of us who are living hectic lifestyles, exposed to repeated stress, are dieting, or sleep for less than eight hours a night - it may cause normal metabolic changes which include: weight gain, appetite increase, reduced sex drive, and fatigue.* Rhodiola has been shown to reduce the secretion of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) under stress states, thus reducing cortisol production.*
The breakdown of fats in the digestive system is dependent significantly on one enzyme called pancreatic triglyceride lipase, however to mobilize fat that is already stored in fat deposits in the body, another type of lipase enzyme is needed, a hormone- sensitive adipose lipase.* Rhodiola has clinically been shown to help reduce the amount of fat that has already been stored in the body by activating the special hormone-sensitive lipase.* Therefore, Rhodiola not only helps us to adapt to stress, which can increase our body weight, but it may also help to reduce the fat stores in our body by increasing the fatty acid release from fat deposits.*

Sexual Healthy*

One of the normal effects of chronic stress mentioned above is the decrease in sex drive. It is not surprising then, that if Rhodiola can help us adapt to our stress better, it can also support our sexual performance.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.