The System-Six Review

5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, an amino acid that is the link between tryptophan and the brain chemical serotonin. The 5-HTP used in System-Six is used to reduce cravings for food and promote feelings of well being.

Betaine HCL, or betaine hydrochloride, is not an essential nutrient, but it helps in absorption of proteins, vitamin B12, iron and calcium and helps in the digestive tract with the protein and fat breaking up abilities. It is a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid, with a low pH level. Besides the obvious use against indigestion and heartburn, other uses have been proclaimed for betaine HCL, such as lowering the homocysteine level, helping with thyroid conditions and others. With progressing age, hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes may decrease, with a poor digestion as a result. With betaine HCL, when taken at the beginning of a meal, proper digestion can be accomplished. Betaine HCL is most commonly provided with the addition of pepsin, a digestive enzyme.

Cayenne peppers are rich in vitamin A and C, calcium and other nutrients. They cure fever, colds and sore throats. They improve the digestive process. They protect the heart by strengthening arteries and regulating blood flow thus preventing heart attacks. External use reduces discomfort and swelling due to frostbite and joint pains by increasing blood flow to the area. Cayenne oil reduces toothaches effectively. Cayenne powder keeps hands and feet warm by improving blood circulation, when sprinkled into gloves or shoes. It is also known to reduce itching. A water-cayenne mixture helps to stop external bleeding. It reduces internal bleeding by even distribution of blood in the body. It also increases vigor and stamina. You must consult a physician before using cayenne for medicinal purposes.

Choline is a water soluble essential nutrient of every human cell which belongs to the Vitamin B family. It helps in the transfer of fat-based nutrients and waste from the cells. It plays a vital role in maintaining mental health and is used in treating brain disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. It assists the transfer of messages to and from the nerves and reduces inflammation. A choline deficiency results in insomnia, problems with memory, fatigue, nerve-muscle problems, inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine properly, accumulation of fats in the body, cardio vascular and liver problems. Wheat germ, soy products, cauliflower, peanuts, oats, potatoes, lentils, flax and sesame seeds are rich in choline. It is also found in egg yolks, veal, chicken, beef and turkey livers.

Chromium Picolinate is a combination of chromium and picolinate acid. Combined with exercise, it is commonly used to lose weight through reducing appetite, increasing metabolism rate and melting fats. This, however, has not been proved clinically. It is also believed to increase energy, life span, prevent acne and improve a person’s mood. Being considered a natural alternative to steroids, it is recommended to athletes. Chromium is found in fish, poultry, whole-grains, cheese and meat. It helps in the proper working of cells by improving the efficiency of insulin. Picolinate acid helps in the proper absorption of chromium. A combination of chromium picolinate and other supplements may be risky, hence professional advice should be sought before using it. Pregnant or nursing women should also be careful.

Citrus Aurantium, More commonly called "bitter orange", which is taken from unripe oranges. Research shows that citrus aurantium can increase the metabolic rate without affecting heart rate or blood pressure, breaks down fat, burns calories and may act as an appetite suppressant.

Garcinia Cambogia, native to Southeast Asia, is a tropical fruit which belongs to the citrus family. This Indian and African fruit is extremely popular for its extract hydroxycitric acid. Without suppressing your appetite or stimulating the brain, this acid acts as an effective weight loss supplement. It not only provides the required energy but also improves the signaling system of the body. When the signaling system gets better, the brain is informed by the body that it is full. This system is not very active in obese people, which is why they eat a lot. Garnicia Cambogia extract of hydroxycitric acid is more effectual when used with chromium. The intake of chromium in western countries is very low, due to which people become diabetic or obese.

Ginger Root- Zingiber officinale is the actual plant that grows an underground stem, commonly called ginger root and is a very popular spice, which also has medicinal properties. Main components of the ginger root are a mixture of volatile oils, zingerone, shogaols and gingerols, which have been found to display analgesic, antipyretic, antibacterial and sedative properties. Ginger also contains a fragrant essential oil, essentially consisting of sesquiterpenoids. As a spice, it is an important part of the Indian and Chinese cuisine, in the Western World it is known as the main ingredient in cookies, such as the gingerbread man, but also in the popular beverage ginger ale. Traditionally used as a treatment for nausea, diarrhea, motion sickness, general stomach settler, but also as a cold remedy, just recently properties for treatment of osteoarthritis and diabetes have been discovered.

Gota Kola, also known as hydrocotyle, centella asiatica or indian pennywort. Gota Kola is commonly used for wound healing, and improved mental function. The most active constituents are the triterpene saponins, which include asiaticoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, brahmaic acid and madecassoside.

Green Tea Extract- For thousands of years, Green Tea has been used for the purpose of medicine in countries such as China and India. The leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant are allowed to dry after being lightly steamed. The leaves are steamed as the properties of the plant are retained through this procedure. The extract has a number of varying health benefits, inclusive of properties that assist the body in fighting cancer and body protecting antioxidant effects. Green tea also offers protection against digestive and respiratory infections. It reduces health affecting LDL cholesterol, increases the levels of HDL cholesterol that is good for the body. Along with keeping control of the content of blood sugar in the body, it also helps burn fat in the body by boosting the metabolic rates.

Guarana- The active constituent of guarana is caffeine, which means that it should not be used alongside ephedrine as either a dietary aid or in order to stimulate performance. The American Food and Drug Administration has not tested its effectiveness or its purity as they do not class it as a drug. Guarana has many other names including Brazilian cocoa and may be a constituent of non alcoholic drinks imported from South America. Because of possible adverse reactions it is not recommended for anyone with a heart condition or who has kidney disease, high blood pressure or who suffers from anxiety.

Inositol named as “myo inositol” is a nutrient that is considered to occur naturally and considered as “carbocyclic polyol”. One of the major advantage that inositol has is the prevention of fat formation around the liver. It is also good to promote healthy, thick hair growth. It improves the body metabolism by better conversion of nutrients into energy. Insufficient amount of inositol in the body can be dangerous leading to vision problems, constipation, hair loss and high cholesterol. Much has been talked about inositol being beneficial for the human body however; there is no good evidence that proves any noticeable difference by extra addition of inositol in ones diet. Some good sources of inositol include read beans, kidney beans, cantaloupes, organs and many more.

L-Carnitine allows our bodies the opportunity to utilize fat as our main source of energy instead of simply for storage.

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is nonessential. It is synthesized from the body from phenylalanine which is also an amino acid. L-Tyrosine has the power to have an effect on the neurotransmitters and this affects various health conditions including depression, mood disorders and Parkinson’s disease. Many such studies have proved that L-Tyrosine helps people having depression. It acts as a precursor and eases the effects of psychosocial, environmental and physical stress. L-Tyrosine turns into melanin by the skin cells and the dark pigment prevents the ultraviolet light from affecting. The thyroid hormones playing a significant role in the process of the body also contain tyrosine. L-Tyrosine is commonly found in all the dairy products, fish, oats, wheat, meat and also in all other protein containing foods. This is also found to be beneficial for people trying to withdraw alcohol. L-Tyrosine has not exhibited severe side effects, yet taking it should be recommended by doctors.

Niacin is an essential B vitamin, in cellular energy used for the promotion of healthy cardiovascular function, nervous system function, and immune function. Niacin nutritionally manages cholesterol levels already within the normal range. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is one of a complex of B vitamins that are essential for good health. Niacin is so-called nicotinic acid, known also as nicotinamide. It helps regulate blood sugar and also works at cellular level protecting the skin and enhances the digestive system. And being an originator of the amino acid tryptophan, it can be made by tryptophan in the body. It’s also a coenzyme playing an important role in body metabolism. Supplements of vitamin B3 are also known to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood.

Pantothenic Acid, commonly called vitamin B5, is water soluble and is needed by every cell in the body to maintain good health. It helps in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins to provide the body with energy. It assists in the production of red blood cells and hormones and ensures a healthy pregnancy. It is also known to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. It helps in reducing stress and treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pantothenic acid is found in small quantities in almost all foods but abundantly in meats, fish, poultry, avocados, peas, broccoli and whole grains. A deficiency which is rare, leads to leg cramps, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, insomnia, depression, a burning sensation in the limbs and a weakened immune system.

Riboflavin, also called Vitamin B2, is naturally manufactured by the body. Riboflavin is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Riboflavin is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Riboflavin is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Selenium is considered good for health if taken in small amounts. It is a trace mineral which when incorporated into protein, makes selenoproteins that helps stop cellular damage due to free radicals. The major source of selenium is plant foods and its content in the food depends on the selenium content in the soil where it was grown. Also known as selenium acid, selenium sulfide and selenium yeast, this mineral is available in seafood and meat products. The main function of selenium is to work with vitamin E in order to maintain the elasticity and preservation of tissues. It not only helps in improving the supply of oxygen and blood to the muscles in the heart but also slows down the aging process by enhancing endurance.

Spirulina, unicellular blue - green algae, is one of the earliest photosynthetic life forms on earth. This micro-organism is rich in vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids, phytochemicals and essential amino acids. Since it is very easily digestible and provides a balance of necessary nutrients, it has become a potential source of probiotic, whole food. For instance, the blue colored pigments called phycocyanin are known to combat cancer. For these reasons, Spirulina is also considered to be a beneficial biochemical and medical resource. Through ages, the alga has been widely used for its nutritional properties by the indigenous people of North Africa and Mexico. But now, Spirulina is used in dietary supplements also. Commercial preparations of Spirulina are available in the form of powder, capsules, and tablets.