Mega Veggie By Indiana Botanic Gardens Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Alfalfa, also known as Lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean region, but it is now grown in many parts of the world, mainly as a forage crop for livestock. Alfalfa is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, and manganese. It also contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen. It has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions, such as arthritis and high cholesterol. It may also help treat gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), asthma, menstrual irregularities, as well as bladder, kidney, and prostate issues.

Asparagus officinalis, commonly known as asparagus, is a perennial plant native to central and southern Europe, the Middle East, western Siberia, and northern Africa. It grows to heights of 30-150 cm and is widely cultivated as a vegetable. Asparagus has been part of the human diet for over 2000 years and possibly much longer. Its shoots or "spears," rhizome, root, and juice are used for food and medicine. Asparagus is a good source of fiber, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, as well as minerals like copper, iron, zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. It contains flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, oligosaccharides, amino acids, carotenoids, sulfur compounds, steroidal saponins, sterols, and fructans. After ingestion, asparagus produces a distinctive odor in urine due to volatile organic components like asparagusic acid. Asparagus extracts have shown various effects in studies, including anti-allergy, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, diuretic, hepatic, hypotensive, immunostimulatory, and weight-modifying effects. However, some of its constituents, particularly saponins, can irritate mucous membranes and be cytotoxic.

Beetroot is a type of root vegetable belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is commonly consumed as a food and utilized as a dietary supplement. Beetroot supplements are purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, improving exercise performance, and reducing inflammation. Dietary supplements containing beetroot are generally in powdered form, and are sometimes standardized by their nitrate content.

Cabbage is a leafy, green vegetable that belongs to the Cruciferae family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. There are several different varieties of cabbage, including green, red, and Napa (Chinese) cabbage, which vary in size, shape, and color. Cabbage is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants. It is consumed as a low-calorie health food. It has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory effects and for certain conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders and breast engorgement.

Celery is a type of plant whose stem is commonly consumed as a vegetable. It is a good source of nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as calcium, manganese potassium, and folate. It is also a good source of antioxidants. In traditional medicine, celery has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, and insomnia. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may help to lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention. When celery is utilized for dietary supplements, generally a celery seed extract, or celery seed oil, is used.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a popular culinary herb native to central Asia, but is now widely cultivated. It is a member of the onion family and is known for its pungent smell and flavor. In addition to its culinary use, it has been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infections.

Onion, a common vegetable, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants, such as quercetin, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to treat respiratory conditions, such as colds and flu, due to its expectorant and decongestant effects. It is also believed to be helpful in relieving symptoms of asthma and bronchitis and is thought to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful for treating infections and wounds. Additionally, onion is believed to help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve blood sugar control. Most dietary supplements containing onion are an extract that contains allicin.

Parsley is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its leaves, which are used as a spice in cooking. In traditional medicine, parsley is believed to have a number of health benefits and is often used as a natural diuretic, increasing urine production. This property may make parsley useful in the treatment of certain conditions, such as bloating and water retention. It is also commonly used for gastrointestinal problems.