Overview
Red
clover is native to Europe and Asia, and has been naturalized to
North America. Often used as cattle feed, it also has a
long tradition of medicinal use in herbal practice. Red clover
has a proven effectiveness in treating respiratory problems, in
particular bronchitis and whooping cough. It has also been
used to treat acne and other skin problems.
Because
the isoflavones present in red clover flowers are antioxidants,
researchers believe it may help prevent certain types of cancer.
What
Red Clover Does:
Among
the healthful compounds found in red clover are calcium,
magnesium, chromium, vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, potassium and
phosphorus. Each of those minerals and vitamins are
essential to the body’s functioning, from building new bone
cells to helping increase the bioavailability of other essential
nutrients.
In
addition, red clover is one of the richest sources of a
particular class of isoflavones known as phytoestrogens.
Because phytoestrogens seem to behave in the same way as
estrogen in the body, red clover may be helpful to menopausal
and post-menopausal women.
There
are also more recent reports that red clover and red clover
extract with enhanced isoflavones may be important in treating
and controlling prostate problems in men.
Health
Benefits of Red Clover:
In
several studies, red clover has been reported to increase HDL
(good cholesterol) and improve ‘arterial compliance’ a measure
of heart strength. While there is more research required, the
preliminary results are promising for menopausal women.
In one
small study, 30 female participants reported significant
decreases in hot flashes while their diets were supplemented
with red clover isoflavones.
Some
studies suggest that isoflavones found in red clover helps
maintain bone mineral density, and may even improve it.
Bone loss is the leading cause of broken bones and other
skeletal problems in menopausal and post menopausal women.
Red
clover has a long tradition as a cancer fighter in herbal and
traditional medicine. Scientists are studying the connection
closely, and believe that the isoflavones in red clover may have
some anti-tumor properties. Studies in laboratory and
animals have suggested that red clover isoflavones may slow or
stop the growth of breast cancer cells.
Finally,
in a 2003 report published in the Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicines, Dr. Aaron E. Katz (Columbia University,
NY) stated that “Isoflavone, particularly
red clover extract, supplements are likely to be important
therapies for promoting prostate health during the
watchful-waiting period in patients with BPH.”
Possible
Side Effects of Red Clover:
Red
clover has a safety rating of 1 – very safe at normally
recommended levels. There are no reported harmful side effects
of fresh or dried red clover. However, fermented red
clover is to be avoided as it may be toxic.
Summary
There’s
a growing body of evidence that the isoflavones in red clover
may help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and
increase bone density in menopausal women. The latest
reports that red clover seems to help protect against benign
prostatistic hyperplasia are encouraging for men whose other
choices are surgery or medication with harsh side effects.
As in so
many other things, red clover seems to increase the
effectiveness of other nutrients in the body. Because the
synergistic effects of red clover isoflavones may increase the
effectiveness of other medications, it should be taken as part
of a balanced, complete health supplement like Total Balance,
made by Xtend-Life Natural Products of New Zealand. Xtend-Life’s
Total Balance formula contains a full complement of essential
nutrients in a formulation that is carefully balanced to get the
most benefit from each individual vitamin, mineral and enzyme.
