|
|
The Benefits of EVA
Traditional Chinese medicine has long used EVA to address a variety
of human performance issues. It works to support the body’s
natural balance (what the Chinese call Yin and Yang) and allow natural
healing processes to take effect. Western research has substantiated
some of the EVA performance benefits traditionally claimed by the
Chinese:
• Its ability to increase muscular
strength and endurance.
• Its ability to fight inflammation.
• The growth stimulating properties it provides.
• The prevention or repair of muscle damage following exercise.
Centuries of Chinese practice and experience, combined with
modern scientific research and anecdotal evidence, suggest that
EVA has a positive effect on athletic performance.Most important, it’s 100 per cent natural!
What is EVA?
EVA is made from elk antler. Most commonly, it’s processed
into a fine powder contained in capsules, although traditional practice
also uses antler slices for teas and soups.
EVA is composed of proteins, amino acids, minerals, lipids and water.
Specific key compounds contained in EVA include collagen, glucosamine
sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, erythropoietin and growth hormones.
These natural compounds work to stimulate red blood cell production
and cartilage cell regeneration and development.
How to use EVA
General experience derived from both Asian and Western practice
suggests that one or two 250-350 mg capsules of EVA per day are
sufficient to maintain health and alleviate minor fatigue. Higher
doses are used for healing or performance enhancement.
Like most natural health supplements, the effects of EVA tend to
be cumulative. Typically, significant benefits are seen after eight
to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Some minor side effects (headaches and nose bleeds) have been observed
at excessively high dose levels. General caution suggests that people
who take anticoagulant or blood pressure medications, and men with
an enlarged prostate gland, should seek advice before using EVA.
EVA should only be used as part of an overall health plan and should
not replace prescription medication or proper nutrition. As is the
case with all dietary supplements, you should consult your physician
before using EVA.
Production and Quality Assurance
In order to produce EVA, antler is harvested annually. In partnership
with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Alberta’s
elk producers are all certified to remove antler. They also must
follow Alberta government regulations designed to ensure a humane,
low-stress process that protects the animal from injury.
Efficient, humane handling methods ensure the producer a quality
harvest for many consecutive years from each bull elk. Upon removal,
every antler is tagged and logged into an Alberta government database
so it can be traced to the farm and animal of origin.
Antler is processed into powder and packaged in capsules in plants
that are rigorously monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
and Health Canada. There are
approximately a dozen EVA processing plants in North America. The
largest one, processing more EVA than all the others combined, is
located right here in Alberta near Sangudo in the west central region
of the province.
The elk that produce the antler are reared on free-range elk ranches
by producer-members of the Alberta Elk Commission. They are raised
naturally, without growth stimulants, hormones, steroids or anti-biotics.
|
