NAHS Therapy launches plant-based food fortification powder for bone health
Swiss researchers from the University of Bern discovered that several plants and fungi fed to rats were effective in significantly inhibiting their bone resorption, a natural process that causes bone loss when it outpaces bone formation.
Their first study, published in the journal Bone in 2003, found that the monoterpenes and essential oils of herbs commonly consumed by humans—among them rosemary and sage—were successful in inhibiting bone resorption. A second study, published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2003, found that farmed and wild mushrooms, as well as the freeze-dried residue from red wine, "significantly inhibited bone resorption."
Nutritional physician Dr. Cass Ingram cited these studies in an article where he supports the case for spices as a natural way to reverse osteoporosis. Next week at Expo West, he will present his research findings in a session sponsored by North American Herb & Spice, which recently rebranded to NAHS Therapy, and recently released the food fortification powder BoneComplete, made out of the ingredients used in the Swiss studies.
From yogurt to soup to sauces
A spokesperson from NAHS Therapy told NutraIngredients-USA that the powders, which come in Savory and Sweet & Sour varieties, were designed to easily be added to all types of food and beverages.
The product comes in two flavors. “It can be added to veggie juice, in the case of Savory, and fruit juice or smoothies, in the case of the Sweet & Sour,” the spokesperson said.
According to their press release, BoneComplete is part of the line BoneActive, which includes topical rubs and capsules made out of herbs and spices grown on wild on rock, not soil. They argued that this method of growing enriches the plants with calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, though no study was cited for this phenomenon.
Selling for a suggested retail price of $43.99 in a 6.5 oz tub, the company recommends users to take two tablespoons daily in their foods and soups for best results.
At their booth at Expo West, NAHS Therapy will also give a preview of its new family of products called Hempanol, which contains compound beta caryophyllene, NAHS Therapy said that beta caryophyllene acts as an activator for “[CB2 receptors that] aid the body in a vast number of ways, modulating inflammation, boosting immune function, enhancing circulation, stimulating digestion, and improving neurological function.”
