You've probably heard that taking natural, herbal supplements can help reduce anxiety, promote weight loss, or even aid depression--but what if it turns out that those herbal supplements don't actually contain any herbs?
Women's Health Magazine reports that, "According to a press release from the New York Attorney General's Office, scientists found that just 21 percent of the supplements tested actually had DNA from the plants they were supposed to contain. That means 79 percent didn't contain any of the herbs they said they featured."
That's not all. Turns out that only about 35 percent of the products scientists tested contained plants such as rice, wheat, beans, and pine that weren't listed on the labels--which can be detrimental to people with allergies.
"The DNA test results seem to confirm long-standing questions about the herbal supplement industry." says New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in a press release. "Mislabeling, contamination, and false advertising are illegal. They also pose unacceptable risks."
Keep in mind that scientists have not tested all herbal supplements in every single drug store, but the tentative list is still troubling.
From GNC:
Herbal Plus brand Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ginseng, Garlic, Echinacea, and Saw Palmetto
From Target:
Up & Up brand Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root, Garlic, Echinacea, and Saw Palmetto.
From Walgreens:
Finest Nutrition brand Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ginseng, Garlic, Echinacea, and Saw Palmetto.
Walmart:
Spring Valley brand Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ginseng, Garlic, Echinacea, and Saw Palmetto
What do you think about all this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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