Mediterranean Forte, Douglas Labs Mediterranean Forte™, supplied by Douglas Laboratories, is a novel, food-based supplement that provides a unique mixture of nutrients based on the Mediterranean diet. These liquid filled two piece capsules are made from fish based gelatin, making this product suitable for those wishing to avoid bovine products. FUNCTIONS The Mediterranean diet is typically defined as a diet consumed by those living in countries near the Mediterranean Sea(Greece, Italy, etc) and is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and low in red meat and dairy products. Unlike the typical Western diet, the Mediterranean diet contains high amounts of monounsaturated fats (from olives) and is low in saturated fats. It is believed that saturated fat consumption can be associated with reduced cardiovascular health and as such, a diet emphasizing low saturated fat intake may be of benefit for optimal cardiovascular function. The Mediterranean diet and its cultural emphasis on physical activity may be why people consuming this type of traditional diet may enjoy greater cardiovascular benefits and remain healthy and active throughout the normal aging process. Mediterranean Forte was specially designed to provide ingredients commonly found in the Mediterranean diet. Ultra Pure Fish Oil Concentrate Fish is a common source of protein for those eating a traditional Mediterranean diet. Fish contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA is the direct precursor for the prostaglandins E1 and E3, which play important roles in supporting the body’s normal inflammatory processes. DHA is important for the structural integrity of neuronal membranes, essential for brain and visual development and is vital throughout pregnancy to support fetal brain growth and formation of the retina and visual cortex. Studies have shown that DHA, along with EPA may play an important role in cardiovascular health. Olive oil and Juice Olives are an ancient and traditional food of those living in the Mediterranean region, with some trees purported to live over 1,000 years old. Olive oil is well regarded for its taste and superior cooking characteristics as well as its roles in supporting optimal cardiovascular function. Olives contain a major class of polyphenols, the secoiridoides. These polyphenols, including oleuropein and derivatives, may play a key role in providing the health benefits attributed to olive consumption. Hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol found primarily in olive juice, is also considered to have excellent antioxidant capabilities. Mediterranean Forte contains certified organic, cold pressed Tunisian olive oil as well as a standardized olive juice extract. Muscadine Grape Grapes have been consumed since ancient times as both food and drink. Polyphenols, part of a broad class of bioflavonoids, are commonly found in grape seeds and skin. Polyphenols are highly regarded for their strong antioxidant properties, and for their functions in supporting the body’s connective tissues and capillary blood vessel system. Resveratrol is a non alcoholic polyphenolic constituent of red wine that has been studied extensively for its health benefits, including supporting the body’s normal regulation of inflammatory processes. Muscadine grapes are a traditional food consumed in the southeastern United States and have shown to have some of the highest levels of resveratrol among grape plants. Pomegranate Pomegranate features prominently in the diets and history of those living in the Mediterranean region. Recent science has been focusing on the antioxidant and cardioprotective aspects of pomegranate. These brightly colored fruits contains numerous compounds known for their antioxidant capabilities, including anthocyanidins, catechins, proanthocyanidins, ellagitannins, gallotannins and ellagic, and gallic acids. While many pomegranate extracts are standardized simply to ellagic acid, increasing research indicates that some of the most beneficial constituents of the pomegranate may in fact be the ellagitannins (also known as hydrolyzable tannins). These ellagitannins can be found in relatively abundant quantities in pomegranate juice. One family of ellagitannins, known as punicalagins, has been shown to be especially important for supporting healthy cell growth and immune function.* Broccoli concentrate Broccoli, a common cruciferous vegetable, is highly regarded for its link in supporting immune and antioxidant health. Broccoli seeds are a rich source of glucoraphanin, a precursor to sulforaphane. Glucoraphanin is easily converted to sulphoraphane in the gut and is considered to be a stable, efficient way to boost sulphoraphane levels in the body. Sulforaphane has been studied for its use in supporting normal detoxification processes and helping to maintain antioxidant protection of the body. Recent evidence indicates that sulforaphane can also play important roles in gastrointestinal health as well as helping to support normal cell growth and division. Lycopene Tomatoes are a mainstay in the diet in several cultures that reside in the Mediterranean region. Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, a nutritionally important carotenoid and antioxidant nutrient. As an antioxidant, lycopene can play important roles in protecting healthy cells from oxidative and free radical damage. The form of lycopene that is used in Mediterranean Forte may also be important for supporting optimal health. Lyc-O-Mato® provides natural lycopene from tomatoes as well as other important carotenoids and nutrients including beta-carotene, phytoene and phytofluene. Avocado Oil Rich in monounsaturated fats, avocados are prized for their creamy texture and slightly sweet taste. A diet that is high in monounsaturated fats and low in saturated fats may support healthy cardiovascular function. INDICATIONS Mediterranean Forte may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals wishing to consume nutrients typically found in a Mediterranean Diet. SUGGESTED USE Adults take 2 Capliques™ daily or as directed by health care professional.  Supplement Facts   Container Size 60 Capliques   Serving Size 2 Caps   Amount Per 2 Caps Content %DV     Organic cold pressed extra virgin Tunisian Olive Oil 500 mg   Ultra Pure Fish Oil concentrate Providing 95 mg of EPA and 50 mg DHA 250 mg   Avocado Oil 250 mg   Olive juice extract (HIDROX®, fruit, standardized to 6% polyphenols and 2.5% hydroxytyrosol) 200 mg   Muscadine grape powder (seed and skin) 100 mg   Pomegranate extract (fruit, standardized to 40% punicosides) 25 mg   Broccoli concentrate (seed, standardized to 10% glucoraphanin) 15 mg   Lycopene (from LYC-O-Mato®) 2 mg   % Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. * Daily Value (DV) not established. Product: Mediterranean Forte Manufacturer: Douglas Labs Item #: 99908-60X Content: 60 Capliques