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Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is DIM?
DIM stands for Diindolylmethane, one of the key phytonutrients in the Berkeley Immune Support Formula. DIM is a plant indole found in Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts. Diindolylmethane is formed within the stomach after Brassica vegetables have been chewed and swallowed. It supports breast, prostate and immune health.
2) Berkeley Broccoli Sprout ™ (Myrosinated Sulforaphane)?
Broccoli Sprouts are a rich source of Sulforaphane Glucosinolate, the precursor compound to Sulforaphane. In order for bioactive Sulforaphane to be released, it needs to react with a plant enzyme called myrosinase. We process our broccoli sprouts in a way that assures that this happens leading to a significant increase in the bioavailability of Sulforaphane relative to other supplement manufacturers. Sulforaphane was discovered at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and has been clinically shown to activate Phase II Detoxification Enzymes within the body that help to eliminate harmful chemicals from the body. Additionally, sulforphane has been shown to synergize with Selenium in its anti-oxidative activities.
3) Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral found throughout various foods. It is found in high concentrations within Brassica vegetables. Selenium is a potent anti-oxidant compound that helps to eliminate oxidating compounds in the body that cause disease and premature aging. Selenium has been widely studied for its positive effects on immune, breast, prostate, cardiovascular and vision health. Among the various types of Selenium available in the supplement market, Methylselenocysteine (the form used by the Berkeley Immune Support Formula) is the most expensive and potent as it is the organic and most bioavailable form of this mineral which is naturally found in broccoli and garlic. Selenium and Sulforaphane have been shown to synergize in their anti-oxidative activities.
4) Berkeley Lutein™?
Lutein is a carotenoid phytonutrient found in spinach and other vegetables. Clinical studies have shown that consuming at least 6 milligrams of lutein per day can support vision health. Recent studies have also indicated that it supports prostate health. Most multi-vitamins claiming to have lutein do not provide clinically relevant concentrations of this important carotenoid. Berkeley Lutein™ is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Lutein.
5) Berkeley Lycopene™?
Lycopene is a red carotenoid phytochemical found in tomatoes and other vegetables. It is a potent antioxidant that has been widely studied for its support of cardiovascular, breast and prostate health. Most multi-vitamins claiming to contain lycopene do not provide clinically relevant concentrations of this important phytochemical. Berkeley Lycopene™ is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Lycopene.
6) Berkeley Zeaxanthin™?
Zeaxanthin is another carotenoid phytochemical found in spinach and other vegetables that also improves vision health. Berkeley Zeaxanthin™ is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Zeaxanthin.
7) Berkeley DIM Immune Complex™?
Berkeley DIM Immune Complex™ is a proprietary diindolylmethane immune enhancing complex that enhances the bioavailability and bioactivity of DIM.
8) Berkeley Citrus Bioflavonoinds™?
Berkeley Citrus Bioflavonoids™ are proprietary high potentcy bioflavonoids derived from whole citrus fruits and citrus peel. Citrus bioflavonoids support immune and cardiovascular health.
9) Why is the color of the supplement orange?
The orange color of the supplement comes primarily from the Lutein and Zeaxanthin within it along with Lycopene. Lutein and Zeaxanthin have a deep yellowish-orange color which when mixed with Lycopene that has a deep red color causes the supplement to have a pleasant orange color. Our Lutein and Zeaxanthin are derived from marigold extract, which also naturally has a deep yellowish-orange color. Most of the other nutrients within the product are either off-white or white in color so they don’t impact the supplement’s color very much.
10) Do broccoli powder supplements have similar nutrients?
No. Most broccoli powder / extract supplements on the market do not have any Diindolylmethane or Sulforaphane in them. The production of these phytonutrients requires the activity of an enzyme called Myrosinase within Brassica vegetables and this enzyme is destroyed during the manufacturing process of broccoli powders / extracts. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula provides an especially formulated bioavailable DIM, a more readily absorbable DIM complex. Additionally, our Berkeley Broccoli Sprout Extract™ is manufactured in a way that assures myrosination of Sulforaphane Glucosinolate, an innovative and proprietary method not employed by other supplement manufacturers that increases the bioavailability of Sulforaphane by three-fold. Broccoli powder supplements also do not have Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin and the other nutrients that the Berkeley Immune Support Formula provides.
11) Can I take the Berkeley Immune Support Formula on an empty stomach?
We suggest taking the Berkeley Immune Support Formula with a meal for ease of absorption for individuals with sensitive stomachs. Many people have, however, taken the Berkeley Immune Support Formula without food and have not reported any problems.
12) Can I take this product with my other vitamins?
Yes. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula is formulated so that you can comfortably take it with most vitamin supplements.
13) What is the Monthly Convenience Program?
This is a program for individuals who wish to receive the Berkeley Immune Support Formula on a monthly basis and make it a part of their long-term wellness program.
14) What is the best way to prepare Brassica vegetables as food?
The best way to consume Brassica vegetables is to eat them raw along with some plant-based oil, such as olive oil. Some lime or lemon juice can make them taste better and the acidity can assist in the formation of DIM in the stomach. Cooking Brassica vegetables in any way denatures the enzyme Myrosinase which is endogenous to these vegetables and is responsible for the production of both DIM and Sulforaphane.
15) Can I still eat fruits and vegetables with this product?
Yes. You can consume any food with the Berkeley Immune Support Formula. We recommend eating five or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Replacing saturated fat and processed carbohydrates with fresh fruits and vegetables in one’s diet can go a long way in enhancing one’s health and well-being.
16) Does this product cause a lot of gas?
No. Although raw Brassica vegetables may cause gas for some people, the Berkeley Immune Support Formula does not cause gas because the chemicals in these vegetables that cause gas are not existent in this formula.
17) Why does DIM exist in Brassica vegetables?
Good question. This has been a mystery for years in the scientific community. Researchers at UC Berkeley believe that DIM is likely a part of broccoli’s internal defense system against pests that preyed upon it throughout evolution and as such it is designed to only be released and produced when broccoli’s cell walls are broken. Coincidentally, and fascinatingly, the molecule maintains its defensive biological properties within mammalian systems and cells.
18) Intense sports activity lowers the immune system?
This may seem counter-intuitive as most people think that sports in general are good for the body and therefore also the immune system. While moderate exercise is outstanding for maintaining a healthy body, including a healthy immune system, studies have shown that intense endurance sports such as cycling, marathons, triathlons and rigorous competitive matches often cause a significant temporary dip in the immune system making athletes more prone to catching colds and suffering from other physiological issues that result from a compromised immune system. This is why proper rest and nutrition prior to and after an intense exercise session are important for maintaining optimal health.
19) Do you recommend juicing fruits and vegetables?
For a number of years, a lot of Americans really got into juicing fruits and vegetables, however, whenever you juice fruits and vegetables you leave behind a lot of valuable nutrients and fiber. Those nutrients and especially the fiber found in fruits and vegetables are very important for your digestive health. We therefore recommend that you eat your fruits and vegetables as often as possible as opposed to juicing them. Fruit juices also generally have a high glycemic index, that is, they spike sugar levels in the bloodstream very quickly. Eating fruits, however, provides a low glycemic alternative and better nutrition, so we recommend eating whole fruits and vegetables rather than juicing them.
20) How important is sleep for a healthy immune system?
Sleep is absolutely key for the immune system to function properly. People who are chronically sleep deprived suffer from a significantly compromised immune system. Try to get at least 8 hours per day and to make sure 2 of those hours are before midnight for the best rest.
Broccoli Hummus Canapes with Edible Flowers
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is DIM?
DIM stands for Diindolylmethane, one of the key phytonutrients in the Berkeley Immune Support Formula. DIM is a plant indole found in Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts. Diindolylmethane is formed within the stomach after Brassica vegetables have been chewed and swallowed. It supports breast, prostate and immune health.
2) Berkeley Broccoli Sprout ™ (Myrosinated Sulforaphane)?
Broccoli Sprouts are a rich source of Sulforaphane Glucosinolate, the precursor compound to Sulforaphane. In order for bioactive Sulforaphane to be released, it needs to react with a plant enzyme called myrosinase. We process our broccoli sprouts in a way that assures that this happens leading to a significant increase in the bioavailability of Sulforaphane relative to other supplement manufacturers. Sulforaphane was discovered at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and has been clinically shown to activate Phase II Detoxification Enzymes within the body that help to eliminate harmful chemicals from the body. Additionally, sulforphane has been shown to synergize with Selenium in its anti-oxidative activities.
3) Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral found throughout various foods. It is found in high concentrations within Brassica vegetables. Selenium is a potent anti-oxidant compound that helps to eliminate oxidating compounds in the body that cause disease and premature aging. Selenium has been widely studied for its positive effects on immune, breast, prostate, cardiovascular and vision health. Among the various types of Selenium available in the supplement market, Methylselenocysteine (the form used by the Berkeley Immune Support Formula) is the most expensive and potent as it is the organic and most bioavailable form of this mineral which is naturally found in broccoli and garlic. Selenium and Sulforaphane have been shown to synergize in their anti-oxidative activities.
4) Berkeley Lutein™?
Lutein is a carotenoid phytonutrient found in spinach and other vegetables. Clinical studies have shown that consuming at least 6 milligrams of lutein per day can support vision health. Recent studies have also indicated that it supports prostate health. Most multi-vitamins claiming to have lutein do not provide clinically relevant concentrations of this important carotenoid. Berkeley Lutein™ is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Lutein.
5) Berkeley Lycopene™?
Lycopene is a red carotenoid phytochemical found in tomatoes and other vegetables. It is a potent antioxidant that has been widely studied for its support of cardiovascular, breast and prostate health. Most multi-vitamins claiming to contain Lycopene do not provide clinically relevant concentrations of this important phytochemical. Berkeley Lycopene™ is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Lycopene.
6) Berkeley Zeaxanthin™?
Zeaxanthin is another carotenoid phytochemical found in spinach and other vegetables that also improves vision health. Berkeley Zeaxanthin™ is a proprietary enhanced absorption formulation of Zeaxanthin.
7) Berkeley DIM Immune Complex™?
Berkeley DIM Immune Complex™ is a proprietary diindolylmethane immune enhancing complex that enhances the bioavailability and bioactivity of DIM.
8) Berkeley Citrus Bioflavonoinds™?
Berkeley Citrus Bioflavonoids™ are proprietary high potentcy bioflavonoids derived from whole citrus fruits and citrus peel. Citrus bioflavonoids support immune and cardiovascular health.
9) Why is the color of the supplement orange?
The orange color of the supplement comes primarily from the Lutein and Zeaxanthin within it along with Lycopene. Lutein and Zeaxanthin have a deep yellowish-orange color which when mixed with lycopene that has a deep red color causes the supplement to have a pleasant orange color. Our Lutein and Zeaxanthin are derived from marigold extract, which also naturally has a deep yellowish-orange color. Most of the other nutrients within the product are either off-white or white in color so they don’t impact the supplement’s color very much.
10) Do broccoli powder supplements have similar nutrients?
No. Most broccoli powder / extract supplements on the market do not have any Diindolylmethane or Sulforaphane in them. The production of these phytonutrients requires the activity of an enzyme called Myrosinase within Brassica vegetables and this enzyme is destroyed during the manufacturing process of broccoli powders / extracts. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula provides an especially formulated bioavailable DIM, a more readily absorbable DIM complex. Additionally, our Berkeley Broccoli Sprout Extract™ is manufactured in a way that assures myrosination of Sulforaphane Glucosinolate, an innovative and proprietary method not employed by other supplement manufacturers that increases the bioavailability of Sulforaphane by three-fold. Broccoli powder supplements also do not have Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin and the other nutrients that the Berkeley Immune Support Formula provides.
11) Can I take the Berkeley Formula on an empty stomach?
We suggest taking the Berkeley Immune Support Formula with a meal for ease of absorption for individuals with sensitive stomachs. Many people have, however, taken the Berkeley Immune Support Formula without food and have not reported any problems.
12) Can I take this product with my other vitamins?
Yes. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula is formulated so that you can comfortably take it with most vitamin supplements.
13) What is the Monthly Convenience Program?
This is a program for individuals who wish to receive the Berkeley Immune Support Formula on a monthly basis and make it a part of their long-term wellness program.
14) What is the best way to prepare Brassica vegetables as food?
The best way to consume Brassica vegetables is to eat them raw along with some plant-based oil, such as olive oil. Some lime or lemon juice can make them taste better and the acidity can assist in the formation of DIM in the stomach. Cooking Brassica vegetables in any way denatures the enzyme Myrosinase which is endogenous to these vegetables and is responsible for the production of both DIM and Sulforaphane.
15) Can I still eat fruits and vegetables with this product?
Yes. You can consume any food with the Berkeley Immune Support Formula. We recommend eating five or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Replacing saturated fat and processed carbohydrates with fresh fruits and vegetables in one’s diet can go a long way in enhancing one’s health and well-being.
16) Does this product cause a lot of gas?
No. Although raw Brassica vegetables may cause gas for some people, the Berkeley Immune Support Formula does not cause gas because the chemicals in these vegetables that cause gas are not existent in this formula.
17) Why does DIM exist in Brassica vegetables?
Good question. This has been a mystery for years in the scientific community. Researchers at UC Berkeley believe that DIM is likely a part of broccoli’s internal defense system against pests that preyed upon it throughout evolution and as such it is designed to only be released and produced when broccoli’s cell walls are broken. Coincidentally, and fascinatingly, the molecule maintains its defensive biological properties within mammalian systems and cells.
18) Intense sports activity lowers the immune system?
This may seem counter-intuitive as most people think that sports in general are good for the body and therefore also the immune system. While moderate exercise is outstanding for maintaining a healthy body, including a healthy immune system, studies have shown that intense endurance sports such as cycling, marathons, triathlons and rigorous competitive matches often cause a significant temporary dip in the immune system making athletes more prone to catching colds and suffering from other physiological issues that result from a compromised immune system. This is why proper rest and nutrition prior to and after an intense exercise session are important for maintaining optimal health.
19) Do you recommend juicing fruits and vegetables?
For a number of years, a lot of Americans really got into juicing fruits and vegetables, however, whenever you juice fruits and vegetables you leave behind a lot of valuable nutrients and fiber. Those nutrients and especially the fiber found in fruits and vegetables are very important for your digestive health. We therefore recommend that you eat your fruits and vegetables as often as possible as opposed to juicing them. Fruit juices also generally have a high glycemic index, that is, they spike sugar levels in the bloodstream very quickly. Eating fruits, however, provides a low glycemic alternative and better nutrition, so we recommend eating whole fruits and vegetables rather than juicing them.
20) How important is sleep for a healthy immune system?
Sleep is absolutely key for the immune system to function properly. People who are chronically sleep deprived suffer from a significantly compromised immune system. Try to get at least 8 hours per day and to make sure 2 of those hours are before midnight for the best rest.
Broccoli Hummus Canapes with Edible Flowers
Alex Amini, M.D.
Infectious Disease Specialist
Kaiser Permanente
Spinach:
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Citrus Fruits:
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Tomato:
Lycopene
Lycopene
Broccoli:
Diindolylmethane
Sulforaphane
Selenium
Diindolylmethane
Sulforaphane
Selenium
Diindolylmethane
Sulforaphane
Selenium