Velvet antler is a natural food supplement that has
been found to have many health benefits. Check out the following:
Historical
uses of Velvet Antler
The medicinal value of velvet has a long history that extends around
the world. Traditional Chinese Medicine has utilized velvet antler for
over 2000 years in its holistic view of health revolving around the promotion
of health and prevention of illness in the entire body. The medicinal value
of antler was even recorded in the history of the Roman Empire. Later,
central Europeans used velvet antler for its health benefits. Russia noted
its health benefits for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, increasing
physical endurance and reducing recovery time between strenuous physical
activity.
In Oriental medicine deer or elk velvet antler is used to cure sores and carbuncles, reinforce vital energy, strengthen memory, cure problems associated with menstruation and menopause, treat fevers and gastro-intestinal disorders, lower blood pressure and eliminate anemia. It is used to promote rapid healing by aiding the regeneration of damaged tissue, and strengthening of weak bones. It is also used in the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis, and is regarded as being a particular benefit to older people subject to calcium deficiency.
As knowledge of supplements used in other cultures to enhance energy and well-being spreads across North America, the consumption of velvet antler climbs. The fact that the use of velvet antler as a food supplement has been sustained world-wide for over two centuries is evidence of its effectiveness and value.
People who take velvet antler report significant reduction or elimination
of symptoms associated with arthritis, joint fatigue or injury. These include
decreased swelling and pain of joints, increased mobility, decreased morning
stiffness and a lessening of pain. These results are supported by scientific
studies, which find significant anti-inflammatory effects of velvet antler.
Components of velvet antler include glycosaminoglycan, prostaglandin
and chondroitin, all of which are anti-inflammatory agents.
Many studies have shown that the carbohydrate portion of velvet antler is primarily glycosaminoglycan, of which chondroitin sulfate is the predominate constituent. This substance has been shown to provide significant relief from symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. Velvet antler is consumed regularly by the people of Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong to treat chronic joint pain. Scientific studies in Canada, US and New Zealand are now verifying the health benefits of this important food supplement.
On January 8, 1999, in Platte City, MO, the first health care claim of velvet antler to be substantiated by scientific evidence, in compliance with US Food and Drug Administration regulations, was announced as follows: "There is a reasonable basis to claim that velvet antler helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis". However, since a disease claim may not be used for a dietary supplement in the US, the acceptable statement would be "Velvet antler provides nutritional support for join structure and function." This determination was made by two of the leading dietary supplement firms in the world, Nutrinfo of Watertown, Massachusetts and Tradeworks Group Inc., of Brattleboro, Vermont.
Velvet antler has a positive effect on cardiovascular function in experimental and medical studies. Studies reported that people taking velvet antler had increased physical functioning with respect to amount of work load and recovery time between exercises. Patients with higher and lower than normal blood pressure showed a change in blood pressure toward normal. Studies reported an increase in heart strength and volume of blood pumped with the administration of velvet antler.
In a biochemical study, polysaccharides have been identified in the
velvet antler (Zhao, 1992). Polysaccharides tend to reduce the blood's
tendency to clot, and help to thin the blood. This finding indicates that
antler would contribute to improved circulation, decreased stroke risk
and general cardiovascular health.
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Health benefits reported from the use of velvet antler include decreased
cholesterol levels in the blood in humans using velvet antler as a food
supplement. B.H. Ahn, a Korean researcher did a study on the blood cholesterol
levels of the rat in which velvet antler was used as a dietary supplement.
The blood cholesterol level of rats fed velvet antler was significantly
reduced in the course of the study. This study shows that velvet can reduce
cholesterol levels, and so supports the reported benefits of taking velvet
antler by humans.
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Antidepressant Activity and Mood Regulation
Studies report an inhibitory effect of velvet antler on monoamine oxidase activity in the liver and brain tissues of aged mice (Chen, 1992). Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors prevent the enzymatic breakdown of the monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters in the brain are associated with mood. The inhibition of the breakdown of these neurotransmitters allows them to be available longer to the brain structures, which results in an enhanced mood. Therefore, people respond to increased monoamine oxidase inhibition with a more positive mood and activity level. These effects are important to treat depression.
Testosterone
Dr Brian Fisher, Ph.D., faculty member at the University of Alberta,
Edmonton, has conducted a study on the effects of consumption of elk velvet
antler by healthy young male athletes. Following a nine week supplementation
of elk velvet antler, blood plasma levels of testosterone were found
to have significant increases when compared to the placebo supplement group.
Testosterone may be the most important health factor in the male body
(it is also found naturally in the female body, but in smaller amounts)
When naturally abundant, testosterone is at the core of energy, stamina
and sexuality. When it is deficient it is at the core of fatigue, aging
and disease. The power of testosterone has been well documented by European
physicians. Recently, physicians in the US specializing in sports performance
and anti-aging medicine have also embraced its use.
Without adequate testosterone you may experience:
Elevated testosterone levels could be beneficial for many people - testosterone levels often drop in older men (40 years +) and at this time onslaught of disease processes begin: heart disease (with its' associated risk of heart attack, stroke and clogging of the arteries), osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, prostrate problems and sexual dysfunction.
As men age, their bodies commonly undergo various changes. Their muscles weaken and become less massive, and they tend to gain weight in the form of fat. They lose sexual drive and sexual performance diminishes. Bones become less dense and more prone to fracture. There are many other signs of aging that occur, from hair loss to poor memory. Naturally, aging men experience these losses at widely varying rates. Some become old in their fifties, while a few remain vigorous into their nineties.
Several factors are known to contribute to the process of aging. One major component is the lowered production of hormones by various glands. Testosterone is a key hormone in the process.
Eugene R Shippen, MD, a specialist in hormone replacement therapy from Reading, PA, USA writes in his book The Testosterone Syndrome:
"Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, indeed, most of the major risk factors for dying - are all intimately related to hormonal changes. To a surprising degree many of these dreadful conditions reverse themselves when a proper balancing of the hormones in the body is combined with sensible diet. Hormone balancing can be achieved either by various natural boosting techniques or by actual hormone replacement.
"Testosterone is far more than just a sex hormone. Testosterone travels to every part of the human body. There are receptors for it from your brain to your toes. Testosterone is vitally involved in the making of protein, which in turn forms muscle. Testosterone is a key player in the manufacture of bone.
"Few women realize what a strong association the male hormone testosterone has with their bone health. One recent study showed that the lower a postmenopausal woman's testosterone levels were, the greater her loss of height - the height loss being a direct result of vertebral fractures of the spine.
"Testosterone improves oxygen uptake throughout the body, vitalizing all tissues. Testosterone helps control blood sugar, helps regulate cholesterol, helps maintain a powerful immune system. Testosterone appears to help in mental concentration and improves mood. Testosterone is most likely one of the key components in protecting your brain against Alzheimer's Disease.
"The male hormone is dynamite. Don't leave home without it." (1998)
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Many people choose to take herbals and other natural food supplements such as elk antler because they find them effective and more gentle than western medicines. Elk antler is used by people for various ailments from which they report finding relief. Elk velvet antler is also taken on a daily basis as a nutritional supplement to prevent illness. The high nutrient content of elk antler may play a role in promoting good health. Asians consider elk antler a good tonic to protecting the body from stress. Elk antler is not a wonder cure-all. The fact is that many illnesses occur because of a common cause - imbalances within the body. Supplements such as elk antler could be used to help correct these imbalances before serious illnesses develop.
Each person must decide whether taking elk velvet capsules is appropriate for him or herself. As Dr Yoon, from Seoul, Korea states: "The best you can do in the West is to try velvet for a time and see if you benefit from it. It won't cause you any harm."
We are well advised to take our good health seriously, and we must take
charge of our lives to promote this good health. We are responsible for
our own bodies. We must become proactive in taking care of ourselves, and
offering support to our body's weaker areas to ensure a long and healthy
life. How important is your good health to you? Why not give elk velvet
antler a try, and experience the benefits yourself!
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Elk velvet also has value for pets and high performance animals. Studies are now ongoing to assess the value of giving elk velvet to racing and rodeo horses, and other animals that perform strenuous exercise. Benefits for these type of animals include faster recovery rate from sore muscles due to vigorous activity and also faster recovery time from injuries. Elk velvet also has great value for older animals, which suffer from the effects of aging, including general lack of energy and from slowing down due to sore muscles and joints caused by arthritis like conditions. Read what one pet owner has to say:
"My husband and I have a 13 year old purebred Golden Retriever, who is the light of our lives. Unfortunately, she has been suffering from arthritis for the past year. A friend and I were discussing my pet's condition and she told me about Elk Velvet capsules. We agreed to try the capsules, as our aim was to make our dog's last years with us, as comfortable as possible. We started her on the capsules, and three weeks later we noticed a remarkable improvement in her motor ability. She was actually running short distances in the yard and going up and down the stairs did not appear to be causing her as much difficulty. Her quality of life has improved immensely, and she is happier and more energetic. When she goes for her nightly walk, she tugs on the leash as if to say 'Hey, what's the hold-up? Let's get going!'
"We are always skeptical about 'things' we are not familiar with, but my husband, myself and our loving companion animal can attest to the value of Elk Velvet. We hope that anyone who has an aging pet suffering from arthritis will seriously consider this testimonial and give your pet the very best you can, during their last years. We know in our hearts that we have made her as comfortable as we possibly can, and that is what everyone wants for those we love." (February, 1999)
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