[Latin Name] Glycine max(L.) Mere

[Specification] 90%; 95%

[Appearance] White powder

[Melting point] 134-142℃

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤2.0%

[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 Phytosterol?]

Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that resemble cholesterol. The National Institutes of Heath report that there are over 200 different phytosterols, and the highest concentrations of phytosterols are found naturally in vegetable oils, beans and nuts. Their benefits are so recognized that foods are being fortified with phytosterols. At the supermarket, you may see orange juice or margarine advertising phytosterol contents. After reviewing the health benefits, you may want to add phytosterol-rich foods to your diet.

[Benefits]

Cholesterol-Lowering Benefits

The most well-known, and scientifically proven, benefit of phytosterols is their ability to help lower cholesterol. A phytosterol is a plant compound that is similar to cholesterol. A study in the 2002 issue of “Annual Review of Nutrition” explains that phytosterols actually compete for absorption with cholesterol in the digestive tract. While they prevent the absorption of regular dietary cholesterol, they themselves are not easily absorbed, which leads to a total lower cholesterol level. The cholesterol-lowering benefit does not end with a good number on your blood work report. Having lower cholesterol leads to other benefits, such as a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attacks.

Cancer Protection Benefits

Phytosterols have also been found to help protect against the development of cancer. The July 2009 issue of the” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” offers encouraging news in the fight against cancer. Researchers at the University of Manitoba in Canada report that there is evidence that phytosterols help prevent ovarian, breast, stomach and lung cancer. Phytosterols do this by preventing the production of cancer cells, stopping the growth and spread of cells that are already in existence and actually encouraging the death of cancer cells. Their high anti-oxidant levels are believed to be one way phytosterols help fight cancer. An anti-oxidant is a compound that fights free radical damage, which is negative effects on the body produced by cells that are unhealthy.

Skin Protection Benefits

A lesser known benefit of phytosterols involves skin care. One of the contributing factors in the aging of the skin is the breakdown and loss of collagen — the main component in connective skin tissue — and sun exposure is a major contributor to the problem. As the body ages, it is not able to produce collagen as it once did. The German medical journal “Der Hautarzt” reports a study in which various topical preparations were tested on skin for 10 days. The topical treatment that showed anti-aging benefits to the skin was the one that contained phytosterols and other natural fats. It is reported that phytosterols not only stopped the slow-down of collagen production that can be caused by the sun, it actually encouraged new collagen production.

This traditional Christmas fruitcake is irresistibly tasty. Please kids and grown ups.
Ingredients:
1. 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, chopped
2. 1 cup (220g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
3. 100g (3.5 oz) dark eating chocolate, chopped
4. 1/3 cup (80ml) brandy or orange juice
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6. 1 1/2 cups (255g) raisins
7. 1 2/3 cups (250g) currants
8. 2/3 cup (100g) dried sweetened cranberries
9. 1/2 cup (110g) red glace cherries
10. 2/3 cup (110g) dried mixed peel
11. 1 1/3 cups (200g) self-raising flour
12. 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa
13. 1 teaspoon mixed spice
14. 100g (3.5 oz) almond meal
15. 3 eggs, lightly beaten
For decoration:
1. 12 seedless red grapes (or any other berries of your choice)
2. 1 egg white, whisked until frothy
3. 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar
4. 250g (9 oz) packet marzipan
5. 1/4 cup (80g) apricot or raspberry jam, warmed and sieved
6. 500g (17.6) powdered icing sugar, sifted
7. Fresh sage leaves, bay leaves, cherry leaves or blackcurrant leaves
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 150C (300F). Grease and double-line a 20cm (8 inch) square cake pan with baking paper overlapping sides of square baking pan about 5-6cm (2 – 2 1/2 inch).
2. Place butter, sugar, chocolate, brandy and vanilla in a saucepan on medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until butter and chocolate are melted and sugar dissolved. Add raisins, currants, cranberries, cherries and mixed peel. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, until combined and well coated. Remove from heat. Cool slightly.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa and mixed spice. Stir in almond meal. Add eggs to chocolate mixture and mix well. Add flour mixture and combine using a spatula. Spoon into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 hours, until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Wrap in clean tea towel or in foil and invert onto a flat surface. Cool completely or cool overnight.
4. To frost grapes, dip one at a time in egg white, then roll in caster sugar. If you like repeat 2-3 times, until well coated. Place on baking paper until set.
5. Roll out marzipan on a surface dusted with icing sugar until slightly larger than top of cake. Brush top of cake with jam. Lay marzipan over cake. Trim edges so marzipan covers top only.
6. To make icing, gradually add enough water to icing sugar to form a smooth, stiff paste. Spoon onto center of marzipan. Using a metal spatula, spread to edges of cake, so that it runs down sides a little. Place sage or other leaves on top in a wreath shape or shape preferring by you. Arrange frosted grapes on wreath. Makes 30 serves.
Notes: 1. Always double-line the pan (base and sides) to prevent overcooking.
2. Before preheating oven, position oven rack so that the top of the cake pan will sit in the center of the oven.
3. Cool cake completely before icing. If you can, make it 1-2 days ahead.
4. To store, wrap un-iced cake in greaseproof paper. Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 6 weeks, or freeze for up to 1 year.

Dr. Fred Pescatore explains Pycnogenol’s versatile health benefits in regards to its 4 basic properties 1) antioxidant 2) anti-inflammatory 3) binds to collagen and elastin 4) supports production of nitric oxide; and how they work synergistically in the body for overall health and wellness.