The Nopal cactus contains a group of anti-oxidants called betalains. The Nopal cactus, as I mentioned earlier, is part of a small group of special plants that contain betalains. In fact, it leads the group by containing the highest amounts. Betalains have been proven to reduce the risk of blood clots, to reduce bad cholesterol, protect the liver, boost the immune system, and aids in detoxification.

The brand that I drink is called Nopalea. I drink about 1 to 3 ounces a day. This stuff tastes really good. It is sweetened with a little agave (low glycemic sweetener). You can throw it into a smoothie if you want. I just drink mine straight because it tastes good. I have been drinking it for about 6 months now. I did sign up with the company because it is just easier (I get a monthly auto-ship). If you would like to learn more and to order you can go to www.givingwellness.com You can get a free bottle if you want to try it first. If you decide to order I would appreciate if you did so through the link above. It helps to fund my research and all the great data you get for free!

DIM is not a plant estrogen, which mimics estrogen in the body, rather it helps to regulate and balance estrogen metabolites. Metabolites are products of metabolism. Metabolism is simply the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life. Estrogen is broken down in the body into estrogen metabolites. Some of these metabolites are not so good. Women with breast cancer have very high level of certain metabolites. However, some of the metabolites are very beneficial and can help to protect you against certain cancers. DIM helps to convert estrogen into these good metabolites. Most people are estrogen dominant (including men) so that is why you do not necessarily want to ingest things that mimic estrogen (including a lot of plant estrogens). An example of a plant estrogen would be soy.

Why are we so estrogen dominant? There are numerous contributing factors including hormones in meat and dairy products, the use of plastics including storing and microwaving food in plastic containers and drinking bottled water. Plastic contains Bisphenol-A which mimics estrogen. Dry cleaning and pesticides also have chemicals that have estrogen like properties. Estrogen imbalances in men cause weight gain, hair loss and prostate enlargement. Breast cancer in men is also on the rise. Both men and women produce estrogen, progesterone and testosterone just in different amounts. DIM helps to balance and regulate all three either directly or indirectly. Hormone imbalances are linked to all sorts of health problems to everything from weight gain to cancer.

The DIM supplement that I take is from a company called BioResponse. You can order it at www.bioresponse.com  They have several products but I just take the plain DIM. This is also the brand that the National Cancer Institute uses in their studies. Unless you can eat about 3 lbs of cruciferous vegetables a day then you might want to consider a DIM supplement. Even if you could eat that much broccoli the people around you might not be able to tolerate the effects it has on your digestive system!