Pearl (margarita), an ancient superfood revered for centuries, offers a myriad of health benefits that have captivated cultures worldwide. With a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, civilizations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, Mayans, and Ayurvedic practitioners have embraced Pearls for their remarkable properties.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pearl is recognized as a potent heart and liver tonic, known to calm the nervous system, alleviate stress, induce relaxation, and improve sleep quality. It is believed to release stagnant energy and cool “toxic heat” in the liver, resulting in clearer skin, brighter eyes, and improved circulation.
Pearl’s reputation as a beauty secret dates back to ancient times when it was sought after by emperors and empresses. While widely known for its ornamental value, Pearl is also regarded as a nutritive food. Traditionally, Pearl powder was used both internally and topically to nourish the skin, fortify bones and organs, promote tranquillity, enhance longevity, and even boost intelligence. Scientific research has validated many of these benefits, highlighting Pearl’s bioavailable nutrition as a potent force in renewing and restoring human health.
Pearl, the luminous gem of the sea, not only captivates the eye but also offers a remarkable nutritional profile that contributes to its revered status as a superfood.
Proteins and Amino Acids:
Pearl powder contains all eight essential amino acids, including phenylalanine, leucine, lysine, methionine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, and isoleucine. These amino acids are crucial for various physiological processes in the body, such as protein synthesis, muscle repair, and neurotransmitter production.
But the amino acid profile of Pearl powder goes beyond the essentials. It also boasts an array of non-essential amino acids, each with its own benefits. These include aspartic acid, serine, alanine, arginine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, tyrosine, cysteine, histidine, and soothing and calming taurine. These amino acids play vital roles in supporting overall health and well-being.
Aspartic acid aids in energy production, while serine is involved in the synthesis of proteins and neurotransmitters. Alanine supports glucose metabolism, and arginine is crucial for immune function and wound healing. Glutamic acid is an important neurotransmitter, and glycine contributes to collagen production and helps improve sleep quality. Proline assists in the formation of collagen and connective tissues, while tyrosine is involved in the production of important brain chemicals. Cysteine is a precursor to antioxidants, histidine supports digestive health, and taurine promotes relaxation and cardiovascular health.
Minerals:
One of the most notable nutritional aspects of Pearl is its mineral content. It is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting proper muscle function and nerve transmission. Pearl also contains trace minerals such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron, which are vital for numerous bodily functions, including energy production, immune support, and antioxidant defence.
Polysaccharides and Polypeptides:
Pearl is known to contain bioactive polysaccharides and polypeptides, which are associated with various health benefits. Polysaccharides are known for their immunomodulatory properties, supporting a healthy immune system response. Polypeptides, on the other hand, may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Antioxidants:
Pearl possesses natural antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, crucial for overall health, wellness, and longevity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), encoded in our DNA, stands as a pivotal catalyst, shielding our bodies from the damaging effects of superoxide free radicals – the more SOD, the healthier we become!
Experts hail SOD as a paramount antioxidant for longevity, working alongside glutathione and catalase. What makes Pearl extraordinary is its ability not only to stimulate SOD production but also to combat peroxidation – a significant ageing process within. A captivating study showcased Pearl powder’s exceptional impact, as it significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, total thiols, glutathione content, and enzymic antioxidant activity while remarkably reducing lipid peroxidation products.
In trials with mice, fruit flies, and silkworms, Pearl powder supplementation extended their lifespans by an impressive 57%! Moreover, scientific exploration of Pearl nacre on mice exhibited heightened SOD activity and reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) after 30 days of consuming a Pearl nacre solution.
LPO poses a threat, causing rapid damage and degradation to tissues and cells by free radicals. The more peroxided lipids, the unhealthier you feel. Bolstering your system with antioxidants like SOD is vital to thwart peroxidation, slow skin ageing, fortify vital organs, and preserve youthful vigour.
Teeth and Bone health: Calcium carbonate is the primary mineral component of Pearl. It provides a bioavailable form of calcium that is easily absorbed by the body. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission, and it also contributes to blood clotting and hormone regulation.
A clinical trial comparing the bioavailability of calcium from Pearl powder to conventional calcium carbonate supplements revealed that Pearl powder exhibited twice the efficiency and higher absorption rate. The study concluded that “pearl powder is a beneficial source of calcium for adults.”
Research demonstrates that Pearl possesses a highly aligned crystalline structure, rich in essential trace minerals and natural calcium that harmonizes with the human body. This exceptional characteristic makes it an ideal catalyst for stimulating new bone growth, fortifying mineralization, and enhancing bone density. A study conducted in Paris, France in 1992 unveiled that Pearl nacre, the exact material constituting Pearl, possessed osteogenic properties, stimulating the regeneration of osteoblasts—cells responsible for new bone formation and growth. In a subsequent study by the same group of scientists in 2003, fragments of Pearl nacre placed in experimental cavities in sheep resulted in the production of newly formed bone and heightened mineralization of the surrounding bone.
Fascinatingly, ancient human teeth discovered within Mayan ruins dating back 2,000 years were found to have Pearl fillings. Remarkably, the Pearl filling melded and fused seamlessly with the human teeth, forming a flawless and cavity-free tooth structure. These intriguing findings suggest that Pearl not only serves as an ideal tooth filler but also as a remarkable bone builder and substitute.
Glowing skin:
Pearl powder has captivated cultures worldwide for centuries as a revered beauty secret, celebrated for its ability to bestow healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin. Renowned figures such as Empress Wu Ze Tian and Empress Ci Xi of ancient China turned to pearl powder to preserve their timeless beauty.
According to the ancient Chinese text “Ben Can Gang Mu” by Shizhen Li, pearl powder possesses remarkable properties that stimulate new skin growth, hasten healing processes, and enhance detoxification. This can be attributed to the presence of amino acids in pearl powder, crucial for collagen synthesis. Collagen, the primary structural protein in our skin cells, imparts elasticity and firmness. Fibroblasts, responsible for constructing connective fibres that uphold the skin, contribute to its tautness, radiance, and youthful appearance. Unfortunately, collagen production diminishes by 1.5% per year from the age of 25, and by the age of 40, collagen synthesis ceases altogether.
Pearl powder has demonstrated the ability to enhance the wound-healing capacity of fibroblasts, thereby rekindling collagen production. Regular use of pearl powder can effectively reverse the ageing process, yielding younger-looking skin. Furthermore, pearl powder aids in inhibiting melanin production, the culprit behind freckles and dark patches. By stimulating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and supplying essential nutrients, pearl powder safeguards the skin against premature ageing, wrinkles, and sagging.
Pearl powder is an exceptional exfoliator, surpassing harsh chemical microdermabrasion creams that often leave the skin dry, irritated, and susceptible to sun damage with prolonged use. Instead, pearl powder offers a natural means to gently eliminate dead skin cells, unveiling a rejuvenated complexion. Its regular application ensures that the skin ages gracefully, resilient against the passage of time and harsh environmental elements.
Topical use of pearl powder aids in purifying the skin, addressing blemishes, pigmented spots, pimples, cysts, boils, age spots, sun spots, acne, and scars. It also nurtures skin hydration, imbuing a profound moisturizing effect.
Calming mind, better sleep and ultimate SHEN (spiritual) tonic:
Traditional Chinese Medicine has revered pearl powder for its profound effects on sleep, anxiety relief, and spiritual well-being, making it a treasured ally in the quest for inner peace.
Functioning as an adaptogen, pearl powder harmonizes the body’s energy, imparting vitality throughout the day and facilitating deep relaxation during the night. Scientific investigations involving rabbits have showcased the pain-relieving properties of pearl powder, as well as its capacity to stabilize the nervous system and enhance the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
While the calming influence of pearl powder has often been attributed to its abundant bioavailable calcium, recent research has unveiled additional mechanisms at play. Pearl powder has been shown to reduce the expression of 5-HT, a serotonin blocker, while simultaneously boosting the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter known for its calming effects. GABA inhibits nerve cell impulses and plays a pivotal role in alleviating anxiety, mood disorders, chronic stress, and pain. Elevated GABA levels have been associated with improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced sleep quality.
Pearl powder also exhibits remarkable efficacy in combating insomnia. Its “cooling” properties help alleviate excess “liver heat,” which contributes to sleep disturbances. By fostering deep and restorative sleep, pearl powder facilitates the natural beauty rejuvenation processes that occur during slumber, offering a holistic approach to both mental and physical well-being.
Beyond its sleep-enhancing qualities, pearl powder transcends its role as a beauty enhancer to become a revered Shen tonic in Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shen, the spiritual essence or higher consciousness, represents our most profound nature and shapes how we present ourselves to the world. Pearl powder, along with revered treasures like Reishi mushroom and Schizandra berry, embodies the Shen aspect of Taoist wisdom.
Regular use of pearl powder can unlock the calming and balancing energy of Shen, fostering emotional stability, balanced energy, and a profound sense of calm. Over time, it can even nurture inner peace and tranquillity, elevating one’s spiritual journey. Pearl powder has been treasured by Taoist monks, sages, and spiritual seekers for centuries, empowering them to cultivate greater awareness, elevate their meditation practice, and embrace enlightenment.
Longevity:
For centuries, the pearl has been hailed by the Chinese for its remarkable anti-ageing properties and its ability to promote longevity. This cherished superfood is renowned for its capacity to support and enhance the function of vital organs, extend lifespan, and elevate the overall quality of life.
As we journey through life, our cells gradually lose their regenerative capabilities, leading to degeneration and permanent damage. The cumulative effects of daily life take their toll, resulting in diminished cellular function and eventual cell death.
Exciting research has revealed that pearl powder holds immense potential in combating the ageing process. Key to this is the presence of unique compounds known as Pearl signal proteins, including conchioline, nacrein, mucoperlin, lustrin, and perlucin. These powerful signalling proteins work harmoniously to trigger the creation of fresh, new cells throughout the body.
By stimulating new cell growth, Pearl signal proteins play a pivotal role in renewing and regenerating the skin, muscles, organs, and bones. Moreover, pearl contains other components that assist in DNA and RNA metabolic activities, accelerating the process of cellular healing and renewal.
Beyond its regenerative properties, pearl boasts an impressive nutrient profile that enhances cellular communication throughout the body. This is of utmost importance for facilitating efficient self-repair, combating inflammation, preventing cellular mutations, and defying the effects of ageing and disease. By optimizing cellular communication, Pearl enables the body to operate at its peak, promoting a longer and healthier life.
Cardiovascular health:
Residing within the Heart meridian, pearl powder possesses the remarkable ability to calm and soothe the nervous system, bringing tranquillity to the uneasiness of the heart. The ancient wisdom surrounding pearl powder’s cardiovascular benefits finds validation in modern scientific research.
A study conducted by Shanghai Medical University unveiled that pearl powder can enhance the heart’s contraction while maintaining a steady heartbeat frequency. This means that with each beat, a greater volume of oxygen-rich blood is propelled through the circulatory system, optimizing cardiovascular efficiency. Essentially, the heart operates smarter and more effectively, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen without exerting excessive effort.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial conducted by Zhejiang Medical School demonstrated that pearl powder has the potential to lower lipid peroxide and cholesterol levels in individuals with coronary disease. By incorporating pearl powder into their internal regimen, patients may inhibit the formation of atherosclerosis, a condition that obstructs arteries and burdens the cardiovascular system.
The efficacy of pearl powder extends to the realm of high blood pressure, as revealed by multiple human clinical trials conducted in China. In one study, 90 patients consumed 500 milligrams of pearl powder twice daily for a span of 30 days. The results were striking, showing a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, with a remarkable decrease of 15% and 13%, respectively.
How our pearl is different
We choose to use “levigated” pearl in our products because it undergoes a meticulous process that ensures optimal bio-availability. Our levigated pearl powder is sourced from sustainable freshwater farms, and it undergoes a technique known as levigation, which involves grinding high-grade pearl in water using a circular motion. This grinding process results in a fine powder that becomes suspended in water.
Once the water is removed, the suspended powder is separated from the non-suspended heavier particles. Additional water is added, and this process is repeated until all the pearl is fully extracted and suspended in the water. The levigated pearl powder is then dried, resulting in a powder that is nearly nano-sized.
The benefit of this levigation process is that the pearl powder becomes highly bio-available, meaning it is easily absorbed by the human body. The nano-sized particles allow for efficient absorption and utilization of the beneficial compounds present in pearl. This ensures that our products provide the maximum benefits of pearl powder to support overall health and well-being.