A very long list of benefits, is it just too good to be true?

When you see a supplement label or promotional leaflet that lists a variety of functions or benefits for a single herb or substance, you might wonder if this is more marketing hype than facts. In many countries, labels are checked for accuracy of ingredients and claims made on labels must comply with the government regulations in each country. As you read the entries in this blog, you'll see that some supplements do have multiple effects that are well documented.

Consider a herb such as green tea. According to many studies, its benefits may include helping to control several cancers, including colon and pancreatic cancer; protecting against heart dis­ease; inhibiting the action of bacteria; combating tooth decay; and acting as an antioxidant to bol­ster the immune system. All these benefits aren't so surprising, given that researchers have identi­fied various active components in green tea.

You should be aware that many common medications were initially developed for one purpose. As more people take the drugs and their effects are studied, new uses come to light. Imagine a drug that can cure headaches, relieve arthritis, help to prevent heart disease, ease the pain of athletic injuries and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Its aspirin, of course - and its pre­cursor came from a herbal source, the bark of the white willow tree.