The answer is yes, the northwestern Larch tree can boost the immune system. The fiber that has this amazing immune boosting property is found in the wood of the larch tree and its called arabinogalactan (AG). Researchers recently discovered that AG can boost the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, these cells kill off microbes and cancer cells as soon as it detected in the body. In laboratory tests, AG has shown to prevent cancer cells from spreading to the liver and organs prone to secondary tumor development. Researchers speculate that AG will become part of a supplement list shown to fight cancer in the near future.
A study done by the University of Minnesota and Southwest College discovered that AG boosts white blood cell count in health individuals and combined with Echinacea, AG increased the chemical properdin in the blood which helps the immune system fight foreign substances.
AG is also known as a prebiotic which feeds friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract and help bring balance to your colon. Friendly bacteria or flora is important to help fight bacteria and microbes that enter the body through the intestinal tract and also help in the digestion and absorption of the foods we eat.
AG is a fiber and can help get things moving in the colon, in America the average fiber consumption is 15 grams per day, this is 50% less than the recommended 30 grams of fiber needed for optimal colon health. Some don’t even get 15 grams a day these individuals may suffer from chronic constipation from lack of fiber. Consuming the proper amounts of fiber each day helps with regularity and can help reduce cholesterol levels.
So to sum it up arabinogalactan (AG) helps support a healthy digestive tract by increasing regularity, by feeding friendly flora and can boost (stimulate) production of natural killer (NK) cells a primary immune system defense against cancer and bacteria.
The statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease please consult your health care physician before discontinuing medication or introducing herbs into your diet.