EVA and Your Health
Diet alone is not enough—it is virtually impossible to structure your diet to include all the nutrients necessary to help your body remain healthy and meet the demands of today’s hectic pace.
A vast body of research is now revealing an impressive array of reported abilities of EVA to reduce inflammation, influence body metabolism, support immune function, protect damaged tissues and more. Laboratory analyses now show that EVA contains an amazingly comprehensive nutritional profile including collagen, amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, trace minerals, and other functional proteins, all vital components for human metabolic function. The variety of nutrients in EVA work together to be absorbed more easily into your body’s system to reach the living tissues in your joints. These tissues contribute to the lubrication and cushioning of the joint’s structural support system.
The fact that EVA is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions does not mean it is a wonder cure. However, because many illnesses are the result of nutritional deficiencies, it appears that the wide spectrum of nutritional components in velvet positively address these imbalances in a safe, gentle manner, with no side effects.
Benefits For You
EVA (elk velvet antler) may help to:
- increase physical stamina
- boost energy levels
- strengthen bones, ligaments and tendons
- reduce fatigue
- lubricate joints
- speed healing of damaged tissues
- reduce inflammation
- assist blood flow
- improve mental sharpness and alertness
- strengthen the immune system after high exertion
- increase oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
- promote general good health and prevent injury
EVA Naturally Contains
Minerals/Trace Elements
- Calcium (Ca)
- Provides structure for bones and teeth, and is essential for nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
- Copper (Cu)
- Necessary for red blood cell development, bones and nerves.
- Iron (Fe)
- Essential for blood cells transporting oxygen throughout the body.
- Manganese (Mn)
- Needed for development of bones and connective tissue, and for normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Needed in metabolic reactions and storing and releasing energy in cells.
- Phosphorus (P)
- Provides structure for bones and teeth and is a component of nearly all metabolic reactions.
- Potassium (K)
- Needed for nerve and muscle function.
- Selenium (Se)
- Powerful antioxidant.
- Sulfur (S)
- Component of various amino acids and insulin.
- Zinc (Zn)
- Part of the enzymes involved in digestion and respiration, and is necessary for normal wound healing and skin health.
Proteins/Collagen/Lipids
- Proteins (including all essential amino acids)
- The structural materials in cells that aid in growth and repair of tissues.
- Collagen Type II
- Major structural component of bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
- Lipids (all essential fatty acids including omega 3 and 6)
- Build cell parts and boost energy for cellular activities.
Growth Hormones & Growth Factors
- Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1)
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
Growth hormones and factors have an effect on growth and maintenance of bones, promoting protein and fat metabolism, stimulating cartilage growth, and thickening and lengthening bones in children. They also have growth promoting actions on skin. IGF-1 is well known as a natural anti-aging factor. IGF-1 encourages the absorption of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate—two important ingredients in the treatment of joint pain. IGF-1 levels decline in humans as we age, with detrimental effects on muscle tissue.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s)
- Hyaluronic Acid
- The cement material on connective tissue and a component of synovial fluid that cushions the joint.
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- An extremely potent anti-inflammatory agent.
- Glucosamine Sulfate
- An amino sugar that occurs naturally in the body. Its glue-like qualities help to hold tissues together. It is also a major component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and serves as a shock absorber for the joints.
- Erythropoetin
- A hormone produced naturally in the kidneys and released into the bloodstream in response to low oxygen levels, thus helping to increase oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Prostaglandins
- A chemical messenger produced in virtually all tissues causing a broad range of positive effects on many of the body’s defense systems.
- Phospohlipids
- Effective structural materials in cell membranes that help to facilitate the passage of fat in and out of cells and blood.
- Glycosphingolipids
- Involved in cell metabolism and growth.
- Pantocrine
- Adaptogen with strong healing properties.
Research & References
There is extensive information available on EVA from a wide variety of sources.
- J.S. Sim, H.H. Sunwoo, R.J. Hudson, B.T. Joen. Antler Science and Product Technology. Edmonton: ASPTRC, 2001. Print.
- B. Kamen and P. Kamen. The Remarkable Healing Power of Velvet Antler. Novato: Nutrition Encounter, 1999. Print.
- Cindy Ewashkiw and Dr. Marion Allen. Velvet Antler: a Gift from Nature. 2nd ed. Edmonton: Style-Craft Printing Limited, 2001. Print.
- EVA. Alberta Elk Commission, n.d. Web. <http://www.evaalberta.com>.