Knowledge

Pycnogenol®, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, is described as the “gold standard in naturopathy,” a “phenomenon,” and a “natural all-rounder” (1, 2). Clinical studies have shown that Pycnogenol® supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function, respiratory health, as well as eye health, skin care, women’s health, and various other bodily functions (3–10). But how can a single ingredient offer such a wide range of benefits for various applications? Let’s take a closer look at the holistic nature and effectiveness of Pycnogenol®.

Highly processed foods, also known as ultra-processed foods (UPF), make everyday life much easier for many people. These products have a long shelf life, are ready to eat, and are often very tasty. But there’s also a downside: they’re often packed with fat, sugar, salt, and additives. Studies show that eating a lot of UPF increases the risk of certain diseases. We’ll provide guidance on how to approach highly processed foods—including simple shopping tips for everyday life.

Bitter compounds have long been known for their health-promoting effects. As far back as ancient times, bitter compounds were used to treat a wide variety of health problems (1). For a long time, bitter substances were not held in high regard, but in recent years, bitter compounds have regained great popularity due to their health-promoting properties.

Astaxanthin is considered the most powerful natural antioxidant known in the world. Antioxidants are essential substances that protect the body from harmful influences. Thanks to its cell-protective properties, astaxanthin can have positive effects on the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the eyes, the skin, brain function, and cellular aging.

In Switzerland (1), four out of five people between the ages of 16 and 74 wear glasses or contact lenses (as of 2021)—and the trend is on the rise. One reason is demographic change: vision tends to decline with age. But intensive media use at a young age can also affect eye health. There is evidence that blue light from smartphones and other devices may contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration. Certain nutrients can help maintain good vision for as long as possible. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly important.

What's the truth behind the myths: "Protein is only important for athletes," "Protein builds muscle," and "Isn't all protein the same?" This blog post aims to get to the bottom of these and many other fascinating facts about protein, an essential nutrient.

When your knee hurts, your back aches, or your shoulder hurts with every movement, your quality of life suffers greatly. Many people ask themselves: What’s the best way to address joint problems? In addition to a balanced, healthy diet, certain dietary supplements can provide targeted support for the health of cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two important ones: glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.

Everyone is talking about them, and they’re important for the brain, the nervous system, and the heart. And yet, getting enough of them through your diet isn’t always a given. Omega-3 fatty acids are among the body’s essential nutrients. What exactly are omega-3s? Where can you find them, and how much do we need?

Vision changes over the course of a person’s life. Some people notice the first signs of vision loss as early as their youth. Around the age of 40, natural presbyopia begins to set in. However, it is not always the cause of declining vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision problems in older adults. There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition. We’ll explain what these are and how everyone can take steps to prevent it. We’ll also explain how (too much) blue light exposure at a young age can affect eye health.