1) What is DIM?
DIM stands for
Diindolylmethane, one of the key phytonutrients in ActivaMune. DIM is a
plant indole found in Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts. Diindolylmethane is formed within the stomach
after Brassica vegetables have been chewed and swallowed. It supports
breast, prostate and immune health.
2)
Berkeley Broccoli Sprout Extract
(Myrosinated Sulforaphane)?
Broccoli Sprouts are a rich source of Sulforaphane
Glucosinolate, the precursor compound to Sulforaphane. In order for
bioactive Sulforaphane to be released, it needs to react with a plant enzyme
called myrosinase. We process our broccoli sprouts in a way that assures
that this happens leading to a three-fold increase in the bioavailability of
Sulforaphane relative to other supplement manufacturers.
Sulforaphane was discovered at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
and has been clinically shown to activate Phase II Detoxification
Enzymes within the body that help to eliminate harmful chemicals from
the body. Additionally, sulforphane has been shown to synergize with
Selenium in its anti-oxidative activities.
3) Selenium?
Selenium is a
mineral found throughout various foods. It is found in high concentrations
within Brassica vegetables. Selenium is a potent anti-oxidant compound that
helps to eliminate oxidating compounds in the body that cause disease and
premature aging. Selenium has been widely studied for its positive effects
on immune, breast, prostate, cardiovascular and vision health. Among
the various types of Selenium available in the supplement market,
Methylselenocysteine (the form used by ActivaMune) is the most expensive and
potent as it is the organic and most bioavailable form of this compound
which is naturally found in broccoli.
Selenium and Sulforaphane have been shown to synergize in their
anti-oxidative activities.
4)
Berkeley Lutein?
Lutein is a
carotenoid phytonutrient found in spinach. Clinical studies have shown that
consuming at least 6 milligrams of lutein per day can support vision health. Recent
studies have also indicated that it supports prostate health. Most
multi-vitamins claiming to have lutein do not provide clinically relevant
concentrations of this important carotenoid.
Berkeley Lutein
is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Lutein.
5)
Berkeley Lycopene?
Lycopene is a
red carotenoid phytochemical found in tomatoes and other vegetables. It is a
potent antioxidant that has been widely studied for its support of
cardiovascular, breast and prostate health. Most multi-vitamins claiming to
contain lycopene do not provide clinically relevant concentrations of this
important phytochemical. Berkeley Lycopene
is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Lycopene.
6)
Berkeley Zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is
another carotenoid phytochemical found in spinach that also improves vision
health. Berkeley Zeaxanthin
is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Zeaxanthin.
7)
ActivaMune DIM?
ActivaMune DIM
is a proprietary diindolylmethane complex that enhances the
bioavailability of DIM.
8) Are the
ingredients in ActivaMune natural?
Yes.
ActivaMune is a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with natural
ingredients found in vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes and
spinach.
9) Do broccoli powder supplements have
similar nutrients?
No. Most broccoli powder / extract
supplements on the market do not have any Diindolylmethane or Sulforphane in
them.
The production of these phytonutrients requires a reaction with an enzyme
called Myrosinase within Brassica vegetables and this enzyme is destroyed
during the manufacturing process of broccoli powders / extracts. ActivaMune
provides an especially formulated bioavailable DIM, a more readily
absorbable DIM complex. Additionally, our Berkeley Broccoli
Sprout Extract
is manufactured
in a way that assures myrosination of Sulforaphane Glucosinolate, an
innovative and proprietary method not employed by other supplement
manufacturers that increases the bioavailability of Sulforaphane by
three-fold.
Broccoli powder supplements also do not have Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin and the other
ingredients that ActivaMune provides.
10) Can I take ActivaMune on an empty stomach?
We suggest
taking ActivaMune with a meal for ease of absorption for individuals with
sensitive stomachs. Many people have, however, taken ActivaMune without food
and have not reported any problems.
11) Can I take ActivaMune with my other
vitamins?
Yes. ActivaMune is
formulated so that you can comfortably take it with most vitamin
supplements.
12) What is
the Monthly Convenience Program?
This is a
program for individuals who wish to receive ActivaMune on a monthly basis
and make it a part of their long-term wellness program.
13) What is the best way to prepare and
consume Brassica vegetables as food?
The best way to consume Brassica
vegetables is to eat them raw along with some plant-based oil, such as olive
oil. Some lime or lemon juice can make them taste better and the acidity can
assist in the formation of DIM in the stomach. Cooking Brassica vegetables
in any way denatures the enzyme Myrosinase which is endogenous to these
vegetables and is responsible for the production of both DIM and
Sulforaphane.
14) Can I still eat fruits and vegetables
along with ActivaMune?
Yes. You can consume any food with ActivaMune. We recommend eating five or more (preferably more) servings of
fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Replacing saturated fat and processed
carbohydrates with fresh fruits and vegetables in one's diet can go a long
way in enhancing one's health and well-being.
15) When I eat Brassica vegetables I find
that I have a lot of gas. Is this the case with ActivaMune?
No. Although raw Brassica vegetables may cause
gas for some people, ActivaMune does not cause gas because the chemicals in
these vegetables that cause gas are not existent in this formula.
16) Why does DIM exist in Brassica vegetables?
Good question. This has been a mystery for
years in the scientific community. Researchers at UC Berkeley believe that DIM is
likely a part of broccoli's internal defense
system against disease and pests that preyed on it throughout
evolution and that the molecule maintains its defensive biological
properties within mammalian systems and cells.
