Alberta Wapiti Products Co-op
#208, 5904 - 50 Street
Leduc, Alberta T9E 0R6
Phone: 780-980-7589
Elk Velvet Antler and Your Health!
Elk Velvet Antler is a powerful and potent health supplement!
Our Velvet Antler comes from natural, ranch raised elk.
The following is an excerpt from the book “Velvet Antler, a Gift from Nature” written by Cindy Ewashkiw D.T. and Dr. Marion Allen Ph.D. R.N.
Elk Velvet Antler is a nutritional health food supplement made from the inner core of an elk’s antler in the velvet stage of growth. In North America, elk velvet antler is considered a food supplement and, in Asia, it is a medicinal ingredient fundamental to the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dating back to before Christ, velvet antler has been used as a tonic by people in China and Korea to maintain good health and strengthen a weakened body.
Active ingredients found in Elk velvet antler include: minerals and trace elements; growth hormones and growth factors; protein, collagen, and lipids; and glycosaminoglycans.
Minerals and 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.
- Sulphur (S): is a 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.
Growth Hormones and Growth Factors
- Growth hormones affect growth and maintenance of bones, promoting protein and fat metabolism, stimulating cartilage growth, and thickening and lengthening bones in children.
- Growth factors or somatomedins are small proteins produced naturally in the human body by the liver through stimulation of growth hormones. It has been theorized that most of the growth effects of growth hormone can be attributed to its effect of stimulating production of IGF-1, rather than direct effects of growth hormone itself. 7, 8
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1). IGF-1 or Somatomedin C is the most important of the four (possibly more) growth factors in the body. Pygmies of Africa and Levi-Lorthian dwarfs are born with the inability to produce enough IGF-1, even though their growth hormone production seems normal, therefore apparently accounting for their small size. 7
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). EGF has growth-promoting actions on the skin. It is thought that at least some of the effects of normal aging — wrinkling and loss of elasticity in the skin — are due to the normal aging decline of growth hormone secretion and, therefore, decreased stimulation of production of EGF in the body. 7
Protein, Collagen, and Lipids
- Protein (including all essential amino acids): are the structural materials in cells and aid in growth and repair of tissues.
- Collagen: a 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.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
- Hyaluronic acid: The cement material of connective tissue and acomponent of synovial fluid that cushions the joint.
- Chondroitin sulphate: extremely potent anti-inflammatory agent.
- Glucosamine sulphate: 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.
- Erythropoeitin: a hormone produced 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 defence systems.
- Phospholipids : effective structural materials in cell membranes. They help to facilitate the passage of fat in and out of cells and blood.
- Glycosphingolipids: involved in cell metabolism and growth.
PEOPLE
Elk Velvet Antler contains many nutrients or raw materials needed for the body to obtain/maintain good health. Depending upon individual needs, consuming the combination of nutrients available in velvet antler will result in different effects for different people.
Reports suggest that velvet antler stimulates the body’s metabolism and protects and restores damaged organ tissues by accelerating healing. By increasing phagocytic functions, velvet antler is also thought to help the body battle invaders that produce inflammation. Phagocytic cells, such as white blood cells, surround, eat, and digest cell waste and microorganisms. There is also some suggestion that blood pressure is lowered with velvet antler consumption and thyroid function is enhanced.
People taking velvet antler also report increased energy and stamina, mental alertness, sex drive, and a decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Other common reports include a stronger immune system and accelerated healing
Elk Velvet Antler has gonadotrophic functions, which means it enhances the hormone that causes the testes and ovaries to do their work. Historical accounts from Korea refer to velvet antler being used for infertility, miscarriage prevention, and helping pregnant women have an easier delivery.
PETS
In today’s society, pets have become an integral part of the family structure. Because of the importance of pets, owners have become very conscientious about the health and quality of life of those pets. With the average person far outliving their pets, the want for health and longevity of the family pet is certainly understandable.
In North America, millions of pets suffer from chronic arthritis and other aging diseases. One such scientific study measuring the effects of Elk Velvet Antler on dogs afflicted with osteoarthrosis showed very favourable results. The researchers conducting the study concluded that Elk Velvet Antler was effective in alleviating the arthritic condition in dogs. They also observed that elk velvet antler consumption resulted in significant reduction of muscle atrophy (wasting).
In addition, velvet antler also has a positive effect on the immune system. This boost often creates a feeling of well-being, which affects the appetite and attitude of animals under treatment.
Some more positive effects of velvet antler in animals are:
- Improved hair coat.
- Improved kidney function.
- Increased reproductive performance.
- Accelerated wound healing.
Work has been done to study effectiveness of velvet antler in young animals of breeds that have a high incidence of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease of the hip and elbow joints. The joints begin deteriorating early in life, leading to severe pain and loss of function. Some breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Labrador, have a greater risk than smaller breeds. Velvet antler appears to slow the progression of the disease and increases the animal’s quality of life.
There is also some indication that velvet antler’s use in puppies promotes bone and muscle growth. With athletic animals, velvet antler is useful in speeding up muscle recovery and preventing soreness after hard workouts.