GLOSSARY
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. Their name comes from the way they inhibit the oxidation reactions that produce free radicals. Low antioxidant levels leads to oxidative stress, which has been linked to cell damage and destruction. Lots of foods have antioxidants, but some are more potent than others. USDA studies indicate that the most antioxidant-rich foods are berries (especially dark berries like black currants and blueberries) and beans. Functional Juice beverages are all loaded with antioxidant-rich ingredients like black currant juice and vitamin C.
Branched-chain amino acids
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by humans and therefore must be included as part of one’s diet. There are three BCAAs – leucine, isoleucine and valine – that together make up about one-third of all skeletal muscle in the body. BCAAs are metabolized by B-group vitamins (such as vitamin B6 which is found in M13 Assistance) and play an important role in protein synthesis. Because of this, BCAAs are used medically to assist in the recovery of burn injuries and in the fitness world as strength supplements.
Free radicals
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. Because they are missing an electron, free radicals look to steal electrons from other molecules. Free radicals are natural byproducts of metabolism (so you produce more when you exercise) and can also come from external sources like alcohol, smoking, air pollution, drugs and fried foods. They are highly reactive and can trigger chain reactions in the molecules around them, leading to cell damage and even destruction. Antioxidants, heroic little scavengers they are, swoop in and bind with free radicals, halting their destructive potential.
Herbalism (or Herbology)
Chinese herbalism is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves combining herbs for medicinal effect. A herbal prescription from a TCM practitioner typically involves a herb cocktail that targets the patient’s illness as well as his or her yin/yang balance. An experienced Chinese herbologist, like M13 formulist Dr. Sunny Lee, has an intimate understanding of the interactive relationship between medicinal herbs. All of the ingredients in M13 Functional Juice – even the non-TCM ones – interact in a synergistic, cooperative manner, for effective results.
Oxidation
When a bike fender rusts, or a freshly cut apple turns brown, or a copper roof turns green, the process is called oxidation. In an oxidation reaction, a molecule loses electron to another molecule (like oxygen). In your body, oxidation is what happens when normal cells lose an electron to a thieving free radical. Antioxidants are molecules that latch on to free radicals and prevent the oxidation reaction from occurring. That’s why they’re called antioxidants. Sensible, huh?
Pasteurization
Pasteurization is the process of heating liquids to destroy potentially harmful critters like bacteria, molds and yeasts. It was named after its inventor, the French scientist Louis Pasteur, who completed the first test in 1862. M13 Functional Juice is “flash” pasteurized, meaning it’s quickly heated then quickly cooled, ensuring that nutrients and flavor don’t get lost in the process.
Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a compilation of medical practices that includes herbalism, acupuncture and massage. Developed over several thousand years, Chinese medicine is rooted in Taoist philosophical principles. It was given the English name “TCM” by the Chinese government in the 1950s for the purpose of exporting the practice to other countries. Which has been largely successful – as knowledge of TCM benefits continues to spread westward, more and more people in the West are turning to TCM methods for better health. Increasingly, contact between TCM and western medicine is resulting in cooperation and synergy between the two fields. Thanks to the work of Dr. Sunny Lee, M13 Functional Juice makes full use of principles from both TCM and western nutritional science.
Xanthines
Xanthines are alkaloids that include theophylline, theobromine and caffeine. You will find xanthines in coffee, tea, chocolate and, of course, yerba maté. Some yerba maté products are marketed as caffeine-free, based on the belief that maté contains not caffeine but “mateine”. The most current research indicates that this isn’t the case. Chemically speaking, mateine is the same compound as caffeine, but yerba maté’s unique mix of xanthines has a smooth, balanced stimulant effect without the anxiety or jitteriness sometimes associated with caffeine on its own. The combination of xanthines provides a sustained, longer lasting lift that also involves an elevation of mood.