Natural Remedies and Vitamins in Vegetables

[P.J.]

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Nine foods you should never eat again

Nine foods you should never eat again





by Jonathan Benson, staff writer
​

(NaturalNews) With so much misinformation out there about food and how it affects human health, making healthy food choices for you and your family can be difficult and confusing. There are a number of specific foods; however, that you will want to avoid in almost every circumstance because they provide virtually no health benefits while posing plenty of health risks. Here are nine foods you should never eat again if you care about preserving your long-term health:


1) White bread, refined flours. By definition, white bread and refined flours in general are toxic for your body because they have been stripped of virtually all vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients. Because of this, the body does not know how to properly digest and assimilate these so-called foods, which can lead to health problems. Refined white flour has also been bleached with chlorine and brominated with bromide, two poisonous chemicals that have been linked to causing thyroid and organ damage. (by Lawrence Wilson, MD)


2) Conventional frozen meals. Most conventionally-prepared frozen meals are loaded with preservatives, processed salt, hydrogenated oils and other artificial ingredients, not to mention the fact that most frozen meals have been heavily pre-cooked, rendering their nutrient content minimal at best (especially after getting microwaved again at home). With the exception of a few truly healthy frozen meal brands such as Amy’s and Organic Bistro, most frozen meals are little more than disease in a box, so avoid them in favor of fresh foods.

(http://www.4us2be.com)


3) White rice. Like white bread, white rice has been stripped of most of its nutrients, and separated from the bran and germ, two natural components that make up rice in its brown form. Even so-called “fortified” white rice is nutritionally deficient, as the body still processes this refined food much differently than brown rice, which is absorbed more slowly and does not cause the same spike in blood sugar that white rice does. (http://globalnaturopath.com)

​

4) Microwaveable popcorn. This processed food is a favorite among moviegoers and regular snackers alike, but it is one of the unhealthiest foods you can eat. Practically every component of microwaveable popcorn, from the genetically-modified (GM) corn kernels to the processed salt and preservative chemicals used to enhance its flavor, is unhealthy and disease-promoting. On top of this, microwaveable popcorn contains a chemical known as diacetyl that can actually destroy your lungs. If you love popcorn, stick with organic kernels that you can pop yourself in a kettle and douse with healthy ingredients like coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and Himalayan pink salt. (http://www.naturalnews.com)


5) Cured meat products with nitrates, nitrites. Deli meats, summer sausage, hot dogs, bacon, and many other meats sold at the grocery store are often loaded with sodium nitrite and other chemical preservatives that have been linked to causing heart disease and cancer. If you eat meat, stick with uncured, nitrite and nitrate-free varieties, and preferably those that come from organic, grass-fed animals. (Processed meat raises risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer - NaturalNews.com)


6) Most conventional protein, energy bars. By the way they are often marketed, it might seem as though protein and energy bars are a strong addition to a healthy diet. But more often than not, these meal replacements contain processed soy protein, refined sugar, hydrogenated fat, and other harmful additives that contribute to chronic illness. Not all protein and energy bars are bad, of course — Thunderbird Energetica, Organic Food Bar, Boku Superfood, Vega Sport, PROBAR, and Zing all make healthy protein and energy bars. Just be sure to read the ingredient labels and know what you are buying.


7) Margarine. Hidden in all sorts of processed foods, margarine, a hydrogenated trans-fat oil, is something you will want to avoid at all costs for your health. Contrary to popular belief, butter and saturated fats in general are not unhealthy, especially when they are derived from pastured animals that feed on grass rather than corn and soy. And if animal-based fats are not for you, stick with extra-virgin coconut oil or olive oil rather than margarine. (Get Saturated: Four Reasons Saturated Fat is Healthy - NaturalNews.com)


8) Soy milk and soy-based meat substitutes. One of the biggest health frauds of modern times, the soy craze is a fad that you will want to skip. Besides the fact that nearly all non-organic soy ingredients are of GM origin, most soy additives are processed using a toxic chemical known as hexane, which is linked to causing birth defects, reproductive problems, and cancer. Soy that has not been fermented is also highly estrogenic, which can throw your natural hormone balance out of whack. (Soy Protein Used in "Natural" Foods Bathed in Toxic Solvent Hexane - NaturalNews.com)


9) “Diet” anything. Many so-called “diet” products on the market today contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame (Equal) and sucralose (Splenda), both of which are linked to causing neurological damage, gastrointestinal problems, and endocrine disruption. Many diet products also contain added chemical flavoring agents to take the place of fat and other natural components that have been removed to artificially reduce calorie content. Instead, stick with whole foods that are as close to nature as possible, including high-fat foods grown the way nature intended, and your body will respond surprisingly well. (http://www.naturalnews.com)



Nine foods you should never eat again | TruthTheory

 

[P.J.]

Source: Ayurveda

 

[P.J.]

Lower Your High Blood Pressure Naturally Using Towel

Lower Your High Blood Pressure Naturally Using Towel

Another simple and clinically proven technique for lowering blood pressure without drugs is called "hand grip isometrics." Isometrics are when a muscle is tensed but without moving. For example, if you make a fist with your hand and squeeze – that’s an example of an isometric exercise.


In the late 60’s, the US Air Force commissioned studies to find ways to combat the “tunnel vision” and “blackout” experienced by pilots during high G-force maneuvers. One technique researched was the use of isometric hand-grips. When the test subjects squeezed a control stick, their blood pressure would spike, thereby increasing blood flow to the brain and preventing loss of vision and consciousness.


One of the researchers, Dr. Ronald Wiley, a cardiopulmonary physiologist at Miami University (Oxford, OH), made a very unexpected observation when looking over the data after the study: While blood pressure spiked during the isometric exercises themselves – overall resting blood pressure went down.


In research published in the American College of Sports Medicine, people that did hand-grip isometrics had average blood pressure reductions of 12.5 systolic and 14.9 diastolic.


Science aside, isometric hand-grip exercises are also really relaxing – and so easy to do. One trick is to take a face cloth or hand towel and roll it into a “jelly roll.” Make two of them, one for each hand.


Next, squeeze hard on them for a second and get a feel for your “100% squeeze pressure.” Now, try squeezing at about 30% of that 100% pressure - that's the "sweet spot" for best results - 30% of your "max squeeze pressure." The goal here is to allow your forearm muscles to work – but not to overdo it to the degree that your blood pressure spikes.


Now, you simply alternate squeezing (always at no more than 30% of your full strength) and relaxing, squeezing and relaxing. There are many variations on how long to “squeeze” and how long to “relax.” In the study cited above, the participants would: squeeze for 2 minutes; rest for 3 minutes; and repeat this four times, for a total of 20 minutes per session; 3 days a week.


In most people, it takes a few weeks to get the deepest benefits from isometrics. Also, when you quit doing them, your overall blood pressure will tend to creep back up to where you were before - you have to stick with it for it to work.


Another powerful technique is to mix Guided Breathing with these isometric exercises. For example, you can slowly squeeze as you inhale, hold the squeeze while you hold your breath, and then slowly release your grip during your exhale.


You can get free Guided Breathing audio samples to try this right now at: www.LowerBloodPressureDrugFree.com.
Beyond lowering blood pressure permanently in the majority of people, this technique is also great for cutting stress, migraines, and more. I can't resist the chance for a pun here: The secret to natural blood pressure control is... in the palm of your hands.


As always, check with your physician before doing this or any other form of exercise – especially if you have any cardiovascular issues.

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure with a Towel

 

[P.J.]

How to Breathe Better

How to Breathe Better

Just 10 minutes a day can boost energy, melt away tension, even relieve stubborn health problems.

When heart specialist John M. Kennedy, M.D., of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, stands at the scrub sink before an operation, he breathes deeply with seven-count exhales, visualizing how he wants the procedure to go. "Athletes use these techniques to perform under pressure, but we can all call on them in our regular lives," Dr. Kennedy says. It starts with knowing what kind of breathing works best for the challenge you're facing. Here's what the latest research shows.

REV UP



If you're feeling sluggish, try a few rounds of "bellows," a type of rapid belly breathing. Regular practice of bellows can also lead to a lowering of heart rate and blood pressure. In an Indian study, 50 beginners slowed their resting heart rates 13 beats per minute and lowered their systolic blood pressure four points within three months of doing just three rounds of bellows each day. This is nearly the same payoff you'd get from regular exercise or even from taking medication. (If your pressure is already high, however, don't practice bellows, cautions lead author Shashikala Veerabhadrappa, M.D.)

CALM YOURSELF



You can't always avoid stressful situations that trigger the fight-or-flight response - being stuck in traffic, for example. But you can use your breath to create the opposite effect - the so-called "rest-and-digest response" - to ease the impact stress can have on your heart. In a study at San Francisco State University, 20 participants tried two kinds of breathing - paced and alternate-nostril - at a slow and steady five breaths per minute. Both techniques worked: When tested after half an hour, the study subjects had lower heart rates and showed other signs their fight-or-flight response had been turned off (though the positive impact began to kick in at 10 minutes). If five breaths per minute seems too slow, a faster pace works well, too, says study head Matthew Lee, Ph.D. "But aim for 10 or fewer breaths per minute," he advises.









Beyond reducing the physical impact of stress, paced breathing can make you feel less jangled. In one session at the Mayo Clinic, a group of 17 women learned a routine of alternating a few minutes of paced breathing with several minutes of meditation. After they practiced the technique for a total of 15 minutes once or twice a day for four weeks, their stress scores dropped by about a third.

FIND RELIEF FROM MEDICAL TREATMENT


At the University of California, San Francisco, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy learned four breathing exercises, which they then practiced twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes. The simple techniques: observing your natural breath; deep inhales with extended exhales; gentle inhales followed by a brief pause and forceful exhales; and alternate-nostril breathing. During therapy, these patients were less anxious, slept better, and had fewer chemo symptoms than a control group. And the more time they spent focusing on breathing, the greater their relief. "A yoga teacher can help you learn the techniques and individualize them to your condition," says oncologist Anand Dhruva, M.D.


Read more here:How to Breathe Better

 

[P.J.]

9 Healthy Food Scraps You Shouldn't Be Throwing Away

9 Healthy Food Scraps You Shouldn't Be Throwing Away

We waste a third of the world's food supply every year along with all the energy and water needed to produce it. However, we may be chucking away food scraps that are not scraps at all. Many fruit and vegetables have skins and leaves which we commonly discard that are more colourful and higher in nutritious phytochemicals like carotenoids and flavonoids than the flesh. These deliver a greater variety of antioxidants if we learn how to utilize them.

It's important to note that if you do start consuming the skins, or outer shells of fruits and vegetables to ensure you buy organic since a higher percentage of pesticides are retained in the skins and shells than on the inner flesh.

Processing of fruits produces and vegetables produces two types of waste - a solid waste of peel/skin, seeds and a liquid waste of juice and washwaters. These waste by-products could be utilized as a good source of affordable antioxidants for advancing human health and preventing some chronic diseases

1. POTATO AND CARROT SKINS

Most of the nutrients in potatoes and carrots, like vitamin C and potassium, are preserved when eaten with the skin on. The skins also contain significant fiber. Nearly every recipe that calls for a peeled potato or carrot can be made with a peel-on potato or peel-on-carrot, so experiment and leave those skins alone.

2. BROCCOLI STALKS AND LEAVES

The stalks and leaves of the superfood broccoli are just as packed with antioxidants, fiber, and taste as the florets, yet they often end up going to waste. The leaves are generally not even available in most supermarkets but they will grow in your garden. Broccoli stalks and leaves are an excellent source of carotenoids and vitamins A & C. You can consume them raw in a salad and don’t forget that the stems contain a good dose of fibre, and sliced are great for a crunchy snack.
3. MELON RIND

Almost all melon rinds are rich in citrulline, an amino acid which can help to improve blood circulation. Blend the rind with the flesh to add an antioxidant boost to your super fresh smoothie.


4. ACORN SQUASH

If you're eating just the flesh of this superfood, you're missing out on vital antioxidants: Acorn squash skin provides an array of phytonutrient benefits plus fiber. You can roast halves with their skin and eat the skin with the flesh. It adds texture, color, and overall meal appeal. Adding a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt makes this meal divine.

5. ONION SKIN

Onion skin is rich in quercetin - which may reduce blood pressure and prevent clogged arteries. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits, restraining both the production and release of histamine and other allergic and inflammatory sources, meaning that it may be useful for hay fever sufferers. Always remove the tough onion outermost skin layer before eating, but just beneath that lies an abundance of nutrients that may even protect you from other foods cooked under high heat.


6. PINEAPPLE CORE

The core of the pineapple is a little harder and obviously not as appealing as the fleshy part of the fruit. But it’s in your interest to eat a little bit of the harder core of this healthy fruit. The cores too are high in nutrients. It is just a little harder and less sweet than the rest, but eating it raw is the best way to obtain all the nutrients. It's excellent in a smoothie.

7. ORANGE AND LEMON PEELS

The peels of these citrus fruits are powerhouses of fibre, flavonoids and vitamins. Anecdotal evidence shows that an active chemical in the peels of lemons and oranges (d-limonene) helps relieve heartburn and indigestion. The good concentration of vitamin C helps boost the immune system and could help prevent respiratory infections. Peel extract can also be used as an antibacterial cleanser, made into an insect repellent and even a grease-busting kitchen cleaner. It has also been used to naturally whiten stained teeth. Pectin and other fibre found in the white layer beneath the skin of the oranges and lemons and can help curb appetite and suppress hunger for up to 4 hours.


8. CELERY LEAVES

Containing five times more magnesium and calcium than the stalks, celery leaves also contain vitamin C and phenolics - powerful antioxidants which may help combat cancer, heart disease and even aging. Use them as you would celery- add to soups, salads, sauces, relishes etc.


9. CHARD STEMS

Packed with glutamine, antioxidants and phenolic compounds the stems are as edible as the leaves. Steam the stems whole just as you would asparagus.


Mae Chan holds degrees in both physiology and nutritional sciences. She is also blogger and and technology enthusiast with a passion for disseminating information about health.


9 Healthy Food Scraps You Shouldn't Be Throwing Away

 

[P.J.]

Vitamin D: Does Less Sun Mean More Disease?

Vitamin D: Does Less Sun Mean More Disease?

Vitamin D: Does Less Sun Mean More Disease? - YouTube

 

[P.J.]

Benefits of Eating Raw Onions




Benefits of Eating Raw Onions

Well, it is surprising to know that these vegetables that we use to add flavour and aroma to the dish have many health benefits. If eaten raw, onion and garlic can be really good for the body. Raw onions have sulphur compounds and essential vitamins that can be best consumed raw. If cooked, the essential nutrients and vitamins get lost. So, if you love onion salad, here are few good reasons to have it regularly.


Health benefits of eating raw onions:

Cures constipation:
The fibre in raw onions help flush out toxins and hard food particles that get stuck in the intestines. If you are suffering from constipation, have raw onions.

An Ayurveda medicine for sore throat:
If you are suffering from cold, cough and a sore throat, have fresh onion juice. Add jaggery or honey to the onion juice.

Remedy for bleeding problems:
Have a bleeding nose or suffer from piles? Have raw onions. It is one simple and effective home remedy to cure piles naturally. To cure a bleeding nose, cut a raw onion and smell it for some time. The white onions can help cure bleeding problems.

Controls diabetes:
This is one of the health benefits of eating raw onions. If consumed raw, onions increase the production of insulin. So, if you are diabetic, you have a good reason to munch crisp raw onion salad regularly.

Protects the heart:
Regular consumption of raw onion protects the heart from coronary diseases. It control high blood pressure and also opens blocked arteries. This is one of the known health benefits of eating raw onions.

Controls cholesterol levels:
The small herbaceous plant vegetable has a very good health benefit for obese people and heart patients. Raw onions control cholesterol by reducing the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. It has methylallyl sulphide as well as the sulphur-containing amino-acids that lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Prevents growth of cancer cells:
Onion is rich in sulphur compounds. Sulphur protects the body from stomach, colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer and prevents the growth of cancer cells. It also helps cure urinary tract disorders.

Treats anaemia:



We often see tears flowing from the eyes while chopping onions. The sulphur-containing oils and organic sulphides lead to tears once it enters the nostrils. These oils help treat anaemia. Note that the oils and the effect of organic sulphides reduce when the onions are cooked. So, to treat anaemia, have raw onions.

These are few health benefits of eating raw onions. You can have raw onions in sandwiches, mix with your vegetable salad or use as toppings for hamburgers and chaats. To prevent the strong and pungent mouth odour of raw onions, brush your teeth and have some mouth fresheners like cardamom or clove.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/sies-1969/dIhHAMO4U6Y

 

[P.J.]

Coconut Oil for Digestive Disorders

Coconut Oil for Digestive Disorders


Excerpts from: Shilhavy, Brian & Marianity Jader, "Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, and Virgin Coconut Oil" in Virgin Coconut Oil, West Bend, Wisconsin USA, West Bend, Wisconsin, Tropical Traditions, Inc., 2005, p. 62.


If you saw a newspaper headline which stated "Crohn's Disease Patients Find Relief by Eating Cookies" you may think the editor was a little kooky. Dr. L.A. Cohen of the Naylor Dana Institute for Disease Prevention in Valhalla New York wouldn't think so, not if the cookies were made with coconut.


Dr. Cohen notes the ease with which medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in coconut oil are digested and absorbed and says they "have found use in the clinic as a means to provide high energy lipid to patients with disorders of lipid digestion (pancreatitis) lipid absorption (Crohn's disease), and lipid transport (chylomicron deficiency)."
Eating coconut cookies has made an impact on Gerald Brinkley, a Crohn's disease sufferer for 30 years. "When I read that eating coconut macaroons could ease symptoms," Brinkley says, "I decided to try them myself. Coincidence or not, my symptoms have improved since I began eating two cookies a day."


Crohn's disease is an inflammatory intestinal disease characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding ulcers, bloody stools, anemia, and weight loss. Ulcerations can occur anywhere along the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum.


Ulcerative colitis is a similar disease that affects the colon—the lower part of the intestinal tract. At times these chronic conditions can become debilitating. The ability of the intestines to absorb food is hampered which may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Sufferers find that certain foods aggravate symptoms and are, therefore, constantly challenged to find foods that they can tolerate.


Reports suggest that coconut may offer relief from symptoms and prevent digestive distress. Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. co-author of The People's Pharmacy Guide to Herbal and Home Remedies says during the research for her book she heard enough testimonials about the benefit of using coconut for Crohn's disease that she was convinced that this is one home remedy that may have important medical significance and believes strongly that more research should be pursued in this area.


I have also heard similar stories. For example, one occurred in Hawaii and involved a small child that suffered from an intestinal problem so severe that most any food, including milk, aggravated symptoms. The child was wasting away because he couldn't tolerate most of the foods he was given. A native Hawaiian told the mother to feed the child the "jelly" inside an immature coconut.


She took the woman's advice and the child thrived eating a diet consisting primarily of coconut jelly. Knowing what we do scientifically about the digestibility of coconut oil, it makes sense that it would be of benefit to those with digestive problems.


Interestingly enough researchers have demonstrated the benefits of coconut oil on patients with digestive problems, including, Crohn's disease, at least since the 1980s. The anti-inflammatory and healing effects of coconut oil apparently play a role in soothing inflammation and healing injury in the digestive tract which are characteristic of Crohn's disease.


Its antimicrobial properties also affects intestinal health by killing troublesome microorganisms that may cause chronic inflammation.


While the cause of Crohn's disease is still unknown, many doctors feel it is the result of a bacterial or viral infection. Stomach ulcers, for example, are caused primarily by the bacterium H. pyloris.


The bacteria bore into the stomach wall causing ulcerations and discomfort characteristic of the condition. It's possible that this bacterium or a similar one could also infect other areas of the digestive tract.


Several studies have shown that the measles and mumps viruses might be involved. A persistent low-grade measles infection in the intestine is common in many Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients. The infection is localized in the digestive tract so it does not cause a full-scale case of the measles.


Those who have had measles or mumps in the past and now suffer from some type of inflammatory bowel disease (1BD) such as Crohn's disease of ulcerative colitis are likely to harbor a low-grade intestinal infection that the body has not been able to overcome. The evidence for measles infection as a cause or at least a contributing factor in IBD is very convincing.


In one study, for example, 36 Crohn's disease patients, 22 ulcerative colitis patients, and 89 people free of IBD symptoms (controls) were tested. Twenty-eight of the 36 Crohn's disease patients (78%) and 13 of 22 ulcerative colitis patients (59%) tested positive to the measles virus as compared to only 3 of 89 (3.3%) controls.
H. pylori bacteria and the measles virus are both killed by the MCFA in coconut oil. If the symptoms characteristic in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are also caused by these or some other microorganism then coconut oil may be beneficial in treating these conditions.


Eating macaroons to ease symptoms of Crohn's disease, as strange as it may sound, does have some scientific backing. For those who have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, or other digestive problems you don't have to eat coconut cookies to get relief. Eating foods rich in Virgin Coconut Oil, which is high in MCFAs, would work just as well if not better.


Digestion and Nutrient Absorption of Coconut Oil

For at least five decades researchers have recognized that the medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil were digested differently than other fats. This difference has had important applications in the treatment of many digestive and metabolic health conditions and since that time MCFA have been routinely used in hospital and baby formulas.


The digestive health advantages of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) over long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) are due to the differences in the way our bodies metabolize these fats. Because the MCFA molecules are smaller, they require less energy and fewer enzymes to break them down for digestion. They are digested and absorbed quickly and with minimal effort.


MCFA are broken down almost immediately by enzymes in the saliva and gastric juices so that pancreatic fat-digesting enzymes are not even essential.Therefore, there is less strain on the pancreas and digestive system. This has important implications for patients who suffer from digestive and metabolic problems.
Premature and ill infants especially whose digestive organs are underdeveloped, are able to absorb MCFA with relative ease, while other fats pass through their systems pretty much undigested. People who suffer from malabsorption problems such as cystic fibrosis, and have difficulty digesting or absorbing fats and fat soluble vitamins, benefit greatly from MCFA.


They can also be of importance for people suffering from diabetes, obesity, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and some forms of cancer.
As we get older our bodies don't function as well as they did in earlier years. Our pancreas doesn't make as many digestive enzymes, our intestines don't absorb nutrients as well, the whole process of digestion and elimination moves at a lower rate of efficiency.


As a result, older people often suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Because MCFA are easy to digest and improve vitamin and mineral absorption they should be included in the meals of older people. This is easy to do if the meals are prepared with coconut oil.


Unlike other fatty acids, MCFA are absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein and sent straight to the liver where they are, for the most part, burned as fuel.


Other fats require pancreatic enzymes to break them into smaller units. They are then absorbed into the intestinal wall and packaged into bundles of fat (lipid) and protein called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are carried by the lymphatic system, bypassing the liver, and then dumped into the bloodstream, where they are circulated throughout the body.


As they circulate in the blood, their fatty components are distributed to all the tissues of the body. The lipoproteins get smaller and smaller, until there is little left of them. At this time they are picked up by the liver, broken apart, and used to produce energy or, if needed, repackaged into other lipoproteins and sent back into the bloodstream to be distributed throughout the body.


Cholesterol, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat are all packaged together into lipoproteins and carried throughout the body in this way. In contrast, MCFA are not packaged into lipoproteins but go to the liver where they are converted into energy. Ordinarily they are not stored to any significant degree as body fat. MCFA produce energy. Other dietary fats produce body fat.


Inside each of our cells is an organ called the mitochondria. The energy needed by the cell to carry on its functions is generated by the mitochondria. Mitochondria are encased in two membranous sacs which normally require special enzymes to transport nutrients through them.


MCFA are unique in that they can easily permeate both membranes of the mitochondria without the need of enzymes and thus provide the cell with a quick and efficient source of energy. Longer chain fatty acids demand special enzymes to pull them through the double membrane, and the energy production process is much slower and taxing on enzyme reserves.


Because of the above advantages, coconut oil has been a lifesaver for many people, particularly the very young and the very old. It is used medicinally in special food preparations for those who suffer digestive disorders and have trouble digesting fats. For the same reason, it is also used in infant formula for the treatment of malnutrition.


Since it is rapidly absorbed, it can deliver quick nourishment without putting excessive strain on the digestive and enzyme systems and help conserve the body's energy that would normally be expended in digesting other fats. Medium-chain fatty acids comprise a major ingredient in most infant formulas commonly used today.



Coconut Oil for Digestive Disorders

 

[P.J.]

Bitter gourd is a functional vegetable with beneficial effects on health

by Dr. Sandra Habicht

Bitter gourd is a functional vegetable with beneficial effects on health

Bitter gourd is a popular vegetable in some Asian countries, where the health benefits of the plant are well-known—particularly, its ability to lower blood glucose in diabetics. Bitter gourd has been used to treat diabetes in traditional medicine and is now commercially available as tea (from fruits or leaves), juice, extracts, and pills. Although these products promise health benefits, most of the manufacturers do not offer scientifically proven data on the effectiveness of bitter gourd or their products. However, in recent years researchers worldwide have started to focus on the antidiabetic effects of bitter gourd. The goal is to provide safe and clear preparation and dosage recommendations so that consumers will realize the greatest benefit from consuming fresh bitter gourd or bitter gourd products.


It is scientifically proven: bitter gourd lowers blood glucose levels!

Bitter gourd treatments of cell cultures or feeding trials with laboratory animals such as mice or rats show bitter gourd does have blood glucose lowering properties. Bitter gourd is not like most medicinal drugs, which are effective only in one target organ or tissue; rather, it influences glucose metabolism all over the body.

Bitter gourd lowers dietary carbohydrate digestion

The glucose metabolism starts in the gut. Carbohydrates and sugars are metabolized to glucose (one type of sugar) before glucose is transported from the gut to the blood. Bitter gourd reduces the amount of glucose that is released into the blood by inhibiting the enzymes that break down disaccharides to two monosaccharides (e.g. glucose) (Oishi et al. 2007, Kumar Shetty et al. 2005). Bitter gourd can influence the transport channels for glucose, which also reduces glucose transport into the blood (Singh et al. 2004). This effect is important for the treatment of both Type I and Type II diabetic patients and helps to prevent high blood sugar levels after meals.

Bitter gourd plant insulin discovered

The pancreas reacts to increasing blood sugar levels by secreting insulin into the blood. Insulin helps to transport the sugar from the blood to the skeletal muscle and the fat tissue where it is used to produce energy. Insulin will also stop the liver to produce sugar from glycogen storages and to release the sugar into the blood. Thus, insulin is necessary to lower high blood sugar levels. In Type I diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, the pancreas does not produce or secrete enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels low. Bitter gourd has been shown to be effective in treating Type I diabetes in rats or mice by increasing pancreatic insulin secretion Yibchok-Anun et al. 2006, Fernandes et al. 2007). Additionally, scientists found an insulin-like molecule in bitter gourd (Khanna et al. 1981). Although bitter gourd may reduce the number of insulin injections required to manage Type 1 diabetes, it cannot replace insulin treatment completely or heal this form of the disease.

Bitter gourd reverses insulin resistance

Bitter gourd can play a role in the prevention and treatment of Type II diabetes, which is also called insulin-independent diabetes or adult onset diabetes. This form of the disease usually occurs in people who are overweight and inactive. In Type II diabetes, the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat tissues do not respond adequately to insulin—they are “insulin resistant.” Feeding trials with insulin resistant or Type II diabetic rats and mice have shown that bitter gourd helps to prevent or reverse insulin resistance (Nerurkar et al. 2008, Klomann et al. 2010). People with insulin resistance or those with a high risk of developing Type II diabetes have a good chance to prevent and treat the disease without drugs by increasing their physical activity and changing their diet.

Bitter gourd prevents diabetic complications

Chronically high sugar concentrations from Type I and Type II diabetes increase the risk of inflammation and oxidation in the whole body, leading to blindness, diabetic feet, kidney disease, stroke, or heart attack. Consuming bitter gourd can help prevent these complications, as it not only decreases blood sugar levels, but also has some antioxidative properties (Sathishsekar und Subramanian 2005, Klomann et al. 2010).


Bitter gourd can protect the body from other non-communicable diseases

Being overweight is one of the most important risk factors for diabetes and other diseases, and Type II diabetes is often accompanied by hypertension, high plasma cholesterol, or high plasma lipids. Together, these conditions increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. For overweight Type II diabetic patients, bitter gourd can help to improve health. In mice and rats, bitter gourd has been shown to reduce hypertension (Singh et al. 2004), plasma cholesterol (Nerurkar et al. 2008), and plasma lipids (Nerurkar et al. 2008). Apart from this, bitter gourd helps weight loss. There is also evidence that bitter gourd might be effective in cancer treatment.


More bitter gourd does not help more. Please be careful!

Exclusive consumption of bitter gourd, bitter gourd juice, or other bitter gourd products can lead to dangerous hypoglycemia when consumed by diabetic patients under oral drug treatment, in too high dosages, by children, or on a hungry stomach. Pregnant or breastfeeding woman should not consume bitter gourd or bitter gourd products. Although bitter gourd can help prevent insulin resistance or severe diabetic complications, it is important to consider situations in which bitter gourd may be harmful to your health.


Bitter Gourd Project :: Health Benefits

 

[vignesh2014]

Lot of information, even a doctor can't give with so much clarity

 

[vignesh2014]

If there is pain in the foot means is it related to sugar...just when walking bare foot pain in kudi kal (what is it called in english i don't know?)..that is lower part of foot

 

[vignesh2014]

what to do for bronchitis problem ..only tulsi leaves or any other simple remedy...when running it pains very much in the chest..sometimes as though i'm going to die

 

[vignesh2014]

intermittent cough i.e., irrresistible frequent coughs for sometime and general tiredness after sleep especially in the morning before doing yoga or exercise ..sometimes mood irritations

 

[renuka]

If there is pain in the foot means is it related to sugar...just when walking bare foot pain in kudi kal (what is it called in english i don't know?)..that is lower part of foot

get your uric acid levels checked.

 

[P.J.]

Thanks Sri vganesh Sir

 

[P.J.]

Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

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[TD] Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth


We all love seeing white, pearly smiles, and would love for our teeth to shine. However, our coffee, nicotine and other habits make this extremely difficult, and we end up with either stained or yellow teeth, that make us feel we are not getting our money's worth out of our smile! Although there are many whitening products, they don't all work and some have nasty side-effects.

Here are 10 natural solutions that will whiten your teeth without subjecting your to other problems.
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1. Carbon powder


Carbon is an absorbing material, which is capable of absorbing toxins, chemicals and acidic stains, leading them out of the body through the excretion system. Since it doesn't absorb into the body but only passes the digestion system, it is considered an effective solution to clean toxins. The same effect applies in the mouth cavity. Not only does the carbon help prevent gum disease and kills bacteria in the mouth, it can also whiten our teeth by absorbing the stains that accumulate on the tooth.



Dip a clean wet tooth brush in carbon powder and clean your teeth with little circular motions for 2 minutes. Then carefully and thoroughly rinse your mouth until all the powder is gone. Don't worry, it comes right off!


2. Aloe


The aloe plant has a long history as a healing agent, and although it is most known as skin medicine, recent research indicates it might be great for our teeth and gums. In 2009, the Academy for general dentisty in the US, found that smearing some aloe gel on the teeth may purify and calm down inflammation, as well as operate against bacteria. In addition, it was found that it can be used as a natural tooth whitener.


The best way to do so is use an extract of the center of the leaf. It's popularity as a tooth whitener has risen in recent years.


Please Note: Do not swallow the aloe gel as it may cause stomach cramps. Also, it is not recommend for use by pregnant women.




3. Banana

Another natural solution to whitening our teeth is found in the form of the banana peel. Research has found that the minerals inside the peel, such as Potassium and bromine, help whiten the teeth naturally without doing damage.


Cut the peel to little pieces, then rub the internal side of the banana on your teeth and do nothing for 15 minutes. Then rinse your mouth well. Some say the same can be achieved with an orange peel, and the same procedure applies.




4. Drinking Soda


One of the most common natural whitening solutions is drinking soda. Some mix it with regular toothpaste until a lumpy texture is achieved while some mix it with 3% Hydrogen peroxide, which serve as an anti-bacterial agent and keep the teeth and gum safe from bacteria.




5. Hydrogen Peroxide


Hydrogen peroxide can be used as its own whitening agent, if used as mouth wash. use a mix of 1:1 water and hydrogen peroxide and gurgle for about a minute. This will also neutralize bad odors and cleanse the mouth from bacteria.


6. Strawberries

One of the most popular solutions is the strawberry. The secret to this method is the malic acid found in the strawberry and which removes stains from the tooth coating, even hard stains like wine, cigarette and coffee stains. The method is to crush the strawberries to a pulp and then mix with drinking soda to get a thick and homogenous mixture.


Use a soft toothbrush to spread the mixture on the teeth. Leave for 5 minutes and then brush throughly with regular toothpaste to remove the rest of the mixture. If needed, use dental floss to get rid of any strawberry seeds.


However, don't over-use this method, as over time it can damage your tooth coating.


7. Fibers


Many believe that eating foods rich in fiber, like: Apples, pears, carrots, celery, broccoli and lettuce - can be used as a peeling technique for the teeth. The vitamins and minerals in these foods clean the tooth without damaging its coating.


8. Dairy Products


Recent research supports the recommendation to eat a small amount of cheese after a meal, as the calcium and phosphorus increase the tooth mineral coating, creating more white teeth. Milk and yogurt help keep the mouth cavity clean and shiny, and also strenghten the teeth.


9. Olive Oil

Many will testify to the usefullness of olive oil in whitening the teeth. THere are 2 ways to use it before brushing our teeth.


One: Add a few drops to your tooth brush.
Two: Drip a few drops of olive oil on a clean hand towel and smear on the teeth.





10. Apple Vinegar


Apple vinegar can get insistent stains out, especially affective against coffee and nicotine stains. The result is not immediate, but with time (and after rinsing to make sure the acidity doesn't damage the teeth), you will see some nice results. After using it, though, brush and rinse throughly.
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BabaMail -The Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth!

 

[P.J.]

Grape Seed Extract Outperforms Chemo in Killing Advanced Cancer Cells


Grape Seed Extract Outperforms Chemo in Killing Advanced Cancer Cells

Patients with colorectal cancer may benefit from the cancer-growth-inhibiting power of grape seed extract. Researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center report that the more aggressive the cancer cells are, the more effective the grape extract works at targeting and stopping the growth. Grape seed extract is amazing in that it attacks the cancer cells but leaves the healthy cells untouched. This is a departure from conventional cancer treatments that destroy all of the cells in an attempt to stop the spread of cancer.

Actually, the power of grape seed extract seems quite remarkable in this research, which was published in the journal Cancer Letters. Molly Derry, a doctoral candidate in the lab of Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, and investigator at the CU Cancer Center and her team saw that while doses of chemotherapy only increase with more severe cancer cases, such as a stage IV instead of stage II, the amount of grape seed extract required actually decreased.


Actually, the power of grape seed extract seems quite remarkable in this research, which was published in the journal Cancer Letters. Molly Derry, a doctoral candidate in the lab of Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, and investigator at the CU Cancer Center and her team saw that while doses of chemotherapy only increase with more severe cancer cases, such as a stage IV instead of stage II, the amount of grape seed extract required actually decreased.

Derry explained:

“It required less than half the concentration of GSE to suppress cell growth and kill 50 percent of stage IV cells than it did to achieve similar results in the stage II cells.”
“We’ve known for quite a while that the bioactive compounds in grape seed extract selectively target many types of cancer cells. This study shows that many of the same mutations that allow colorectal cancer cells to metastasize and survive traditional therapies make them especially sensitive to treatment with GSE.”
​

Amazing Grapes

One of many berry types, grapes were introduced to America over 300 years ago. There are over 8,000 grape varieties with the main types being American and European. With only 100 calories per cup, grapes are a great source of vitamins K and C and are loaded with antioxidants.


Grape seed extract is made from the seed of the grape and is beneficial for a number of cardiovascular conditions such as poor circulation and high cholesterol. The extract has also been found useful in the treatment of diabetes-related eye disease, loss of vision due to aging, and swelling associated with injury. Currently, GSE is being studied in the treatment of leukemia and Alzheimer’s disease.


Interestingly, past research also points to berries as a solution for colorectal cancer and many other cancers. In one study, the growth of new tumors in mice fed black raspberry decreased by 45 percent and the total number of tumors went down 60 percent. Other research found that foods rich in flavanols (berries, grapes, apples) also reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Advanced Cancer and Grape Seed Extract

The bioactive compounds in grape seed extract selectively target many types of cancer cells. With an increase in colorectal cancer, the findings of this study are timely. By the time most people are diagnosed with the disease, it is in the advanced stages. But thankfully, as mentioned, researchers found that it required less grape seed extract to kill advanced cancer cells than it did cells in the early stage. It is thought that the extract kills cancer cells by a process of oxidative stress.

Additional Sources:

MedicalNewsToday
Webmd
NBC News

Grape Seed Extract Outperforms Chemo in Killing Advanced Cancer Cells : Natural Society
​

 

[P.J.]

15 Helpful Uses for Baby Oil

15 Helpful Uses for Baby Oil

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[TD] In contrast to the popular joke, baby oil is not made of babies, it is actually a byproduct of the oil refining process. Baby oil is a fantastic lubricant for massaging and nurturing the skin of the baby, but it has many other uses that can benefit the adult, some of which may surprise you.



Learn about these 15 helpful uses for baby oil![/TD]
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[TD] 1. Stopped ears


Drip a few drops of warm baby oil into the stopped ear. Lay on your side or make sure the ear is in horizontal position, and gently drip. Let it stay like this for a few minutes and then reverse your head and let it dribble out, cleaning the ear with a paper towel.

2. Cracked heels

To treat dry and cracked heels, rub a little baby oil before bed time. Cover your legs with socks to keep the bed sheets and blankets from getting dirty.


3. Removing a stubborn ring

To remove a ring from your finger that just won't budge, use baby oil as a lubricant. Smear a generous amount on your finger and gently start turning the ring, until it slides off.


4. Removing bandages and Band-Aids

If you have sensitive skin, reduce the discomfort by smearing a coat of baby oil on the sticky parts of the bandage. Start peeling the bandage gently, until it is removed.


5. Removing paint

If you've used paint and got dirty, spill some baby oil and rub, then wash with soap and water for full removal of the stain.


6. Removing stickers from bought items


If the price sticker won't come off (or leaves half it behind), smear a bit of baby oil on the sticker until you see it absorb, then wipe with a soft cloth for an immediate and easy removal of the stubborn sticker.


7. Removing make-up

Baby oil can be an efficient tool for removing eye make-up, and also soften the skin around the eyes - doubly useful.

8. Massage oil

Use baby oil to massage parts of the body. Baby oil is refined and add moisture to the skin. It also makes the massage feel much nicer.




9. Preventing stretch marks

Baby oil helps soften the skin and prevents stretch marks during pregnancy.


10. Maintaining moisture

After a hot bath or shower, keep the moisture on your skin and prevent skin dryness by smearing baby oil on your skin while it's still moist. Be sure to smear in the area of the elbows, the knees and the heels.


11. Unraveling knots

If your silver or gold necklace has become a big knot, use baby oil to unravel the knots. Simply drip a bit of the oil directly on the knot, then use sewing needles to gently open the knot. It should be much easier now that the links slide instead of stick together.

12. Aromatic bath oil

Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive cosmetics for the bath, add a few drops of perfume to a 1/4 cup of baby oil and mix. When you step into the bath, shake the bottle well and pour a few drops in.




13. Returning luster to leather items

Return the shine to old handbags, wallets, shoes and belts. Drip a bit of baby oil on a soft cloth and wipe the leather items. After rubbing, remove the leftover oil and rub again with a clean cloth. The items will shine like new!


14. Cleaning stainless steel sings

Drip a bit of baby oil onto a soft cloth and shine the stainless steel sink. You can also use this technique to remove stains from stainless steel electrical appliance and bathroom accessories.


15. Getting rid of water and soap stains on the shower door

If you have a shower door that is constantly stained by water and soap marks that won't come off, a bit of baby oil and a clean cloth should get rid of those for you![/TD]
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BabaMail -15 Helpful Uses for Baby Oil!

 

[P.J.]

The Nutritional Remedies of Different Nations!


The Nutritional Remedies of Different Nations!


Each country has its own wisdom, collected through centuries. It can be wisdome regarding literature, the ways of human interaction, or about how to make the best pasta. It can also be about medicine. Each nation, each people, have their own remedies in which they put stock, and today, we bring you that wisdom, backed by cold, hard scientific facts!


Sri Lanka: Coconut to battle fat


A resident of Sri Lanka eats, on average, about 116 coconuts a year, and the people living in this tropical paradise have the lowest risk of obesity in the world.

The reson? Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids of medium length that absorb swiftly in the body, accelarate the rate of metabolism and calorie burn in the body, and give a lasting sense of being full. A study conducted on the topic found that consuming about 2 spoons of coconut oil a day, 170 gram or 300ml, can help the person lose about 1.3 kg a month.


Austria: Yoga to beat insomnia


The use of yoga to decrease stress is known, but in Austria it is also used to battle insomnia. According to a study by Pensilvenya university, a yoga exercise of about 20 minutes a day is just as useful as taking a sleeping pill.

In addition, the yoga reduces stress, chronic tension and depressed moods within two weeks time. The reason is that the gentle stretching and controlled breathing make the body secrete the GABA neurotransmitter, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.


Indonesia: Ginger to boost cardio health


Indonesia has the highest consumption rate of ginger in the world. Locals don't just throw this tasty root into their foods, the use it to make tea, candy, bread and other food stuffs. They see it as a plant with great benefits for the heart - and are not backed up by science.

Researchers from Stanford claim that half a table spoon of ginger a day will reduce risk of clogged arteries by 27%, and it is also twice as efficient as aspirin at preventing dangerous blood clots.

India: Turmeric to stablizie blood sugar levels

In India, the turmeric is not only a tasty spice, but a medicinal material used to treat high blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that the active ingredient in turmeric - curcumin - reduces and stablizes the levels of sugar in the blood, as well as helps the pancreas secrete insulin when the blood sugar levels rise. One must take at least half a tea spoon a day for results.




Japan: Mushrooms to control cholesterol levels

Edible mushrooms are considered food in Japan, but even more so as medicine. The average Japanese woman consumes about 8 kgs of mushrooms a year. Adding mushrooms to your daily diet can help reduce the levels of cholesterol by up to 30%, according to a study by Pensilveniya university.

England: Mustard to battle muscle pain

Soaking in a hot bath with mustard seeds is a traditional English remedy for pain muscles. The unique build of the mustard causes the body to secrete toxins through the skin pores, improve blood flow, relax tense muscles and help heal damaged tissue.

Germany: Camomile tea to battle gas


This is an old German remedy that now has science backing it up. Stanford University researchers found that sipping 2 glasses of camomile tea a day can reduce that bloated feeling as well actual gasses in the digestion system.

The camomile reduces the secretion of cortisol, a hormone secreted during times of stress and causes stomach cramps.





Russia: Garlic vs. Viral infections


Russians use garlic when they need to battle colds, the flu and most other infectious diseases. A study conducted by the University of Florida recommends consuming one clove of garlic a day.

According to the study, garlic contains organic composites that help fight viral infections, and consuming one clove of garlic a day can decrease the risk of infection by 43%.

Finland: Coffee to battle depression


The Finnish are among the biggest coffee consumers in the world - each of them sips, on average, 1,640 cups of coffee a year (that's more than 4 cups a day). When coffee first arrived in Finland in the 18th century, it was sold as anti-depression medicine.

Drinking 2 cups of coffee a day can reduce depressed moods by 34%, drinking 3 - by 42%. According to the study, the combination of caffeine with the antioxidants found in coffee, energizes the brain and causes it to secrete anti-depression hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

Egypt: Coriander vs. food poisoning


The coriander is one of the oldest spices in the world, and a traditional Egyptian medicine for stomach problems. Now, a study published in the farming and food chemisty journal shows that the seeds of the coriander hasten the healing process after suffering from bowl inflammation and stomach problems.

The coriander kills the bacteria responsible for the stomach pain, including E-Coli and Salmoneal, by creating holes in the outer shell. So next time you have a really upset stomach, mix one spoon of coriander powder in hot water and soak for 5 minutes. Drink 3 glasses of these a day until you feel better.

New Zealand: Honey to battle sinus and throat infections.

Unpasteurized honey is a very common remedy in New Zealand for taking care of inflammations in the sinuses and throat. According to researchers from teh universities of Illinoy and Amsterdam, the natural antibiotics and the enzymes in the unpasteurized honey destroy almost 100% of the germs and viruses - including those that cause throat ache and sinus inflammations.





BabaMail -The Home Remedies of Different Nations!

 

[P.J.]

Mango, the new diabetes and cancer buster

Mango, the new diabetes and cancer buster

(NaturalNews) The most popular fresh fruit in the world, mangoes are a whole lot more than just a delicious, refreshing treat produced by nature. As evidenced by copious scientific research, mangoes are also a powerful medicinal food, as they contain nutrients that can help clear up skin, promote eye health, stave off diabetes, and even prevent the formation and spread of cancer.

Research recently presented at a meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), for instance, revealed that eating mangoes every day can help moderate and even lower blood sugar levels, despite their natural sugar content. This is good news for people with type 2 diabetes who may benefit from consuming mangoes regularly as part of a low-sugar diet.

For their study, researchers tested the effects of mangoes on a group of obese animals, some of whom were given 10 grams of freeze-dried mango every day for 12 weeks. At the end of three months, the blood sugar levels of those animals that consumed mango were compared to those that did not consume mango. Based on the data, mango consumption was found to result in a significant decline in blood sugar levels.

"Although the mechanism by which mango exerts its effects warrants further investigation, we do know that mangoes contain a complex mixture of polyphenolic compounds," says Dr. Edralin Lucas, Ph.D., author of the study.

Similar research out of Australia found back in 2006 that eating mango can also help decrease inflammation and resulting high cholesterol, as well as block the formation of various health conditions included under the banner of metabolic syndrome. In essence, mangoes actually work better than cholesterol drugs at naturally balancing and optimizing cellular function throughout the body.

"We don't know yet how the whole thing's going to play out but we know some of the individual components (of mango) activate these receptors and even inhibit them," said a doctor from University of Queensland about the effects of mango consumption on cellular processes. "That could end up with positive nutritional health benefits for diabetes and high cholesterol."

And again in 2011, researchers from Oklahoma State University found that mango consumption helps lower insulin resistance and improve glucose tolerance in test mice. The same study also found that mangoes help normalize lipid levels throughout the blood, which in turn can help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

Eating mangoes can also help you avoid cancer

But the health benefits of mango do not stop here. Science has identified more than 4,000 different antioxidant polyphenols in the plant kingdom, and many of these polyphenols are present in mangoes. The primary benefit of these polyphenols is that they scavenge damaging free radicals and protect cells against damage, which is believed to facilitate and even promote cancer.

"If you look at [mango] from the physiological and nutritional standpoint, taking everything together, it would be a high-ranking superfood," says Dr. Susanne Talcott, who together with her husband discovered back in 2010 that mango compounds target both colon and breast cancer cells.

"What we found is that not all cell lines are sensitive to the same extent to an anticancer agent. But the breast and colon cancer lines underwent apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Additionally, we found that when we tested normal colon cells side by side with the colon cancer cells, that the mango polyphenolics did not harm the normal cells."

In other words, mango compounds effectively target and eliminate harmful cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone, a phenomenon that is unique to nature and nowhere to be found in pharmaceutical-based medicine. Chemotherapy and radiation, for instance, which are the two most popular conventional treatments for cancer, damage healthy cells along with malignant cells, which is why the treatments are a failure as far as long-term survival is concerned.

Sources for this article include:

How More Mango Could Help Diabetes, Cancer - EmaxHealth

http://www.diabetes.co.uk

AgriLife Today | News and updates about Texas A&M AgriLife









Mango, the new diabetes and cancer buster - NaturalNews.com

 

[P.J.]

12 Reasons Why Apple Cider Vinegar Will Revolutionize Your Health

12 Reasons Why Apple Cider Vinegar Will Revolutionize Your Health

Recently, one of my good friends shared with me her story of how she cured her eczema naturally using apple cider vinegar (ACV). Since she was a young girl, her skin would break out in painful, itchy rashes which she would treat with doctor prescribed and recommended steroid creams. However, these creams had a detrimental effect on her skin over time, and eventually she had to stop using them, being left to deal with the extremely uncomfortable disease. Her quality of life was almost always compromised, admitting to me that she found it difficult being present while living with the ailment.

After doing some research, she came across people`s personal stories about how they cured their eczema and psoriasis with a simple solution of ACV. She decided to give it a shot. In a spray bottle, she diluted a few table spoons of ACV with room temperature water and sprayed her affected area. She said it stung for the first minute, but the results blew her away. In just a FEW DAYS, her eczema break-out had completely vanished. This was all from a cheap, organic, 1 ingredient remedy. While the proper medical studies haven’t been conducted at this point, my friend’s story stood as a first-hand account of the treatment really working. After looking into the matter further, I discovered the massive amount of ACV success stories that were out there. [h=3]What is Organic Apple Cider Vinegar?[/h]

Real organic apple cider vinegar, is made by fermenting pressed apple juice until the sugars turn to vinegar. Importantly, it should be made from organic apples and be unheated, unfiltered and unpasteurized to keep the ‘mother’ intact.

The ‘mother’ in apple cider vinegar is visible as cloudy strings in the bottom of the bottle and is full of beneficial enzymes, pectin and trace minerals. It is worth shaking the bottle each time before using ACV to distribute these elements.

Alongside all of the other health benefits of apple, substances like malic acid are formed in the creation of apple cider vinegar, giving it antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This is a big part of what makes it so good for your skin. Let’s take a look at some of the common benefits of apple cider vinegar to see just how it can revolutionize your health!
[h=3]12 Known Benefits of ACV[/h] 1. Improved Digestion Drinking apple cider vinegar in water can help to naturally improve your digestion. Take a tablespoon of ACV in a big glass of water around 15 minutes before a meal to stimulate digestive juices for better breakdown of your food.

It’s important to use raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother for this and all of the other health benefits listed below.

Filtered and pasteurized vinegars will not have this and lack the enzymes and other nutritional properties in raw ACV that have such a positive effect on the digestive process.

Real apple cider vinegar contains valuable minerals and trace elements, LDL cholesterol lowering pectin, fat burning acetic acid, anti-viral malic acid, live enzymes, amino acids and many other beneficial nutrients. When you drink apple cider vinegar regularly, ideally before each main meal, your digestion improves and you naturally begin assimilating more from your food. This can also reduce hunger and help with losing weight. More on this ahead.


2. Heartburn, Intestinal Problems and Constipation


Regular apple cider vinegar in water is believed to help correct low stomach acid conditions that leads to heartburn. Importantly, straight ACV is very strong and likely to be too powerful for heartburn sufferers, and especially those with ulcers, so make sure you dilute it well.

Apple pectin fiber, found in the mother of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar, soothes the entire gastrointestinal tract, helping to prevent stomach cramps, bloating and gas.

Apple cider vinegar can also be useful as a mild laxative to stimulate peristalsis in cases of occasional constipation. It should not have this effect if your bowel movements are already regular.

3. Prevent Candida and Normalize Intestinal Bacteria


ACV is full of beneficial acids which are believed to help improve the make up of your intestinal flora. These include acetic acid and malic acid, which have antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties and can help control the spread of the candida fungus in your intestines, a common debhilitating problem with many people’s high sugar diets.

4. Strengthen Your Immune System


Your intestinal flora are a big part of your body’s immune system. It makes sense then that improving the conditions for the growth of friendly bacteria with apple cider vinegar can help improve your overall immunity. The malic acid in ACV is also a strong antiviral, perhaps one of the reasons people often say they experience fewer colds when they take apple cider vinegar in water daily.

Additionally, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is said to benefit your lymphatic system by helping to cleanse lymph nodes and break up mucus in the body. Over time this can relieve sinus congestion, reduce colds and alleviate allergies.

5. Regulate Blood Sugar and Aid in Diabetes


Apple cider vinegar is full of acetic acid which appears to slow down the digestion of simple carbohydrates, thus regulating blood sugar levels from the brief highs and longer lows of a high carb diet.

The anti-glycemic effect of ACV has been proven in several studies, including this one that concluded, “vinegar can significantly improve post-prandial insulin and sensitivity in insulin resistant subjects…thus, vinegar may possess physiological effects similar to acarbose or metformin (anti-diabetic drugs). Further investigations to examine the efficacy of vinegar as an antidiabetic therapy are warranted.”

6. High Blood Pressure


Some animal studies have shown that apple cider vinegar may lower high blood pressure and there are many reports in online forums of using it for this purpose.

It’s possible that ACV increases nitric oxide production that helps relax blood vessels, or it may just have a generally beneficial effect on your cardiovascular system that, over time, naturally results in a lowering of high blood pressure.

7. Detoxification


Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in detoxification protocols with good reason. Aside from all the other body cleansing benefits already listed, drinking diluted raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is believed to help detoxify and cleanse your liver.

One tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water before each meal is often recommended as an effective dosage for daily detoxification. Some detoxifying methods may use larger doses, though it’s best to build up to these over time.

8. Weight Loss


Apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid has been shown in studies to suppress the accumulation of body fat and liver lipids. Its pectin content is also thought to slightly reduce your body’s ability to absorb fat.

When you have an apple cider vinegar drink before a meal, as well as improving digestion, it will usually reduce your hunger levels as well, which can only be beneficial for losing weight. Once again, 1 tablespoon in a large glass of water before each meal is the recommended dosage.

Raw ACV may well aid weight loss, but it would be better thought of as part of a larger body fat reduction plan. In all I’ve read on the subject, I believe the most effective first step is to reduce grain-based carbohydrates and eat more, not less, of the right type of foods.

9. Bad Breath


The natural acids in real apple cider vinegar, like acetic and malic acid, can reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.

Using apple cider vinegar for halitosis, you would make it a bit stronger than when drinking it. Add one tablespoon to a third of a cup of water and gargle it for around 20 seconds to minimize bad breath.

10. Skin Benefits


Apple cider vinegar balances your skin’s pH levels and has long been recommended as a skin tonic. It can also help treat dermatological conditions like acne, especially when used both internally and externally regularly.

11. Leg Cramps and Restless Leg Syndrome


Sipping on an apple cider vinegar drink can increase low potassium levels in your body, a suspect in nighttime leg cramps and restless leg syndrome.

12. Stamina and Energy


Improved stamina and energy are harder to measure subjectively, but raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar has long been considered a general health tonic and more energy and greater stamina are commonly reported when drinking it.

This may be a combination of all the other health benefits of ACV already listed. Or it could be due to the powerful alkalizing effect it has on your body when you drink apple cider vinegar daily. Despite being acidic outside the body, ACV, like lemon water, is recognized as a premier alkalizing drink, which reduces acidosis in the body and has been reported to aid in recovering from a wide range of health conditions and diseases.
[h=3]Other Uses For Apple Cider Vinegar[/h] Acne
Athlete’s Foot
Heart Health
Kidney Stones
Nails
Rosacea
Sunburn
Vaginal Irritation
Animal Care
Arthritis
Blood Pressure
Gout
Hair Loss
Sore Throat
Menopause
Acid Reflux
Salad Dressings
Toner
Weightloss
Moles/Scars/Lesions
Cleaning
Energy!



12 Reasons Why Apple Cider Vinegar Will Revolutionize Your Health | Collective-Evolution

 

[P.J.]

Elderberry Extract Outperforms Medication By Inhibiting Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria

Elderberry Extract Outperforms Medication By Inhibiting Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria


Compounds in elderberry bind microorganisms before they can penetrate the walls of cells, thereby inhibiting their ability to spread. The hot tea from the flowers and juice from the berries promotes sweating preferable adding on lemon juice and honey which is soothing for upper respiratory infections. A liquid extract from black elderberry may inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria by 99 percent at highest concentrations, a feat no anti-bacterial drugs can match. The tea is also considered to be anti-rheumatic, laxative and detoxifying.

American Native Indians use the leaves and flowers in antiseptic wash for skin diseases and the berries to dye their hair black and dye the strands of grass they use in their basket designs. Others have used the tea made from the leaves as a diaphoretic (an agent that promotes sweating), the inner bark as a cathartic (an agent for purging the bowels, especially a laxative), the flowers simmered in oil for sunburn, and steeped in water as a compress for headaches. The flowers contain an oil that is used in perfume and cosmetics.

Elderflower water can be used as a wash for dry skin or as a cooling wash for the eyes. According to an ancient recipe, washing your face with elderflower water in the morning and before retiring, leave it there to dry, will remove freckles and hardened skin. American Indians used the leaves also for pain relief which promotes healing of injuries.

Addition of a standardized extract of black elderberry inhibited the growth of the bacteria, Branhamella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pyogenes, two strains often found in association with upper respiratory tract infections, by 70 percent, when used at a concentration of only 10 percent, according to findings published in the open-access BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Ursolic acid is present in many plants including apples and elder flower, and can proect against from obesity and some of its harmful effects.

Elderberry may help treat cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion and possibly making you sweat more. One study suggested that using a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, could shorten the duration of flu by about 3 days. Sambucol also contains other herbs plus vitamin C, so no one knows whether elderberry by itself would have the same effect.


Another preliminary study found that a lozenge with elderberry extract (ViraBLOC) helped reduce flu symptoms when taken within 24 hours of symptoms starting. In the lab, one study suggested that elderberry could kill the H1N1 virus (“swine flu”) in test tubes, but researchers don't know whether it would be effective against H1N1 in people.


“The activities shown by the elderberry liquid extract suggest that additional and alternative approaches to influenza infections might be provided by natural products,” wrote researchers led by Torsten Hain at the university’s Institute for Medical Microbiology.


History of use



A book originally written in 1644 in Latin by Dr Martin Blochwich was subsequently translated into English and German in 1655 and reprinted in 1677.


The handbook, reportedly conceived as a reference guide for medical practitioners who lived in the countryside or villages of Europe, was subsequently forgotten.


Building on these earlier accounts of the potential health benefits of elderberry, the study reports the potential benefits of a liquid extract standardized to contain a minimum of 3.2 percent anthocyanins for immune health.
The German scientists used the microtitre broth micro-dilution assay to assess the extract’s antimicrobial and antiviral activity. At concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent, the extract was tested against two different strains of influenza virus, and three Gram-positive bacteria and one Gram-negative bacterium associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

Results showed (reportedly for the first time) that the extract was effective against Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci (Gram-positive), as well as Branhamella catarrhalis (Gram-negative).


In addition to 70 percent inhibition of all the bacteria at the 10 percent concentration level, when used at the highest concentration a growth inhibition of 99 percent was recorded.

"An interesting finding is that most anti-bacterial drugs do not exhibit reductions in bacteria exceeding 70 percent at full strength, something elderberry can achieve at 10 percent concentration levels," stated Dr. Thomas Horniak commenting on the study.


For the two influenza viruses, inhibition of influenza A was about 30 percent, while influenza B was inhibited by 25 percent, said the researchers.


“The result would suggest that elderberry liquid extract blocks factors on the cell surface needed by [influenza A] for efficient infection of [...] cells,” wrote the researchers.


“Since preliminary results of other investigations indicate an inhibitory effect of elderberry liquid extracts against influenza A and B viruses, it can be concluded that the molecular target of elderberry extract is common to both viral genera,” they added.


In vivo



“Regarding the usability of the elderberry liquid extract for in vivo testings, a compromise between concentration and low viscosity should be found to provide the best possible results,” wrote the German researchers. “For practical purposes, an optimum route of administration would need to be determined and it would have to be decided which strategy to pursue in considering the potential of the extract.”


Sources: biomedcentral.com
umm.edu

Mae Chan holds degrees in both physiology and nutritional sciences. She is also blogger and and technology enthusiast with a passion for disseminating information about health.



Elderberry Extract Outperforms Medication By Inhibiting Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria By Up To 99 Percent

 

[P.J.]

Why You Should Be Eating Watermelon Everyday

Why You Should Be Eating Watermelon Everyday

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of watermelon can help decrease the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, and heart disease. Watermelon also promotes healthier complexions and hair, as well as increasing energy levels.


One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains 43 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate (including 9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber) and 1 gram of fiber. One cup of watermelon will provide 17% of vitamin A, 21% of vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of calcium needs for the day.



Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.



Here are a few of the benefits adding a cup or two of watermelon daily to your diet will bring:


Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, found in abundance in watermelon.


Blood pressure: A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon “reduced ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension”. The study also showed that watermelon consumption improved arterial function.


Cancer: An excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, as well as others, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake, for example, has been linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.


Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.


Hydration: Made up of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelons are a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.


Inflammation: Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient that aids in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, assists in the transmission of nerve impulses, and helps in the absorption of fat. Choline can also alleviate chronic inflammation.


Muscle soreness: Watermelon and its juice have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. Researchers believe this is likely do to the amino acid L-citrulline that watermelon contains.


Skin: Watermelon is fantastic for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.


Please remember to choose organic whenever possible!


Why You Should Be Eating Watermelon Everyday

 

[P.J.]

Eat Grapes for Several Benefits


Eat Grapes for Several Benefits




Grape is a truly magical fruit with numerous health benefits. It helps reduce knee pain, it works on acne and dry skin and also helps boost the immune system. Recent research has now highlighted another important health benefit - eating grapes daily helps improve eyesight.

The findings presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conference in Orlando suggest that regular grape consumption plays a role in improving eye health by protecting the retina from deterioration.

"In mice, the grape-enriched diet provided substantial protection of retinal function which is very exciting," said lead author Abigail Hackam from the University of Miami, Florida.

The retina is the part of the eye that contains the cells that respond to light, known as photoreceptors. The study investigated whether a diet supplemented with grapes could protect the photoreceptors in mice with retinal degeneration.

Mice were either fed a grape-supplemented diet corresponding to three servings of grapes per day for humans or one of two control diets. The results showed that retinal function was significantly protected in the mice consuming the grape-enriched diet.

"Grapes promote eye health from signaling changes at the cellular level to directly countering oxidative stress" said an excited Abigail Hackam. Grape consumption also protects retinal function in an oxidative stress model of degeneration.

Further analysis revealed that the grape diet resulted in lower levels of inflammatory proteins and higher amounts of protective proteins in the retinas.

Improve Yourself Daily !: Eat Grapes for Several Benefits

 

[P.J.]

HydroGel - A New Way to Heal Knees?

HydroGel - A New Way to Heal Knees?


Bad or painful knees are one of the most common causes of pain in the elderly, and can start at quite an early age due to extra stress on the cartilage or due to injury. This damage is rarely healed by the body.

Image: scottchan / freedigitalphotos.net​

Part of the reason this damage doesn't heal well is because the cartilage in the knee gets very little blood flow, which body parts need to fix problems on a cellular level. Part of the standard treatment for knee cartilage healing is to make tiny holes in the area and let the blood pour in to encourage a healing process.


There are two problems with this method. The first is that the new tissue rarely replaces all of the damaged tissue, meaning it is never a complete replacement. The second is that the space may fill with scar tissue instead of new cartilage, which isn't really a solution.


But a new method is seeing light recently, as published in the journal of Translational Medicine, scientists, including biomedical engineer Jennifer Elisseeff from Johns Hopkins University. This method proposes the use of a replacement material, a hydrogel with some special properties.


The gel, which looks a lot like jello and behaves a lot like it too, is injected into the knee as liquid. However, once it is exposed to UV light, it hardens, providing a sort of scaffold for stem cells to attach to and grow on. The way it is built involves many bindings and criss-crossing fibers, to provide a very strong and stable structure.

Process of the hydrogel knee treatment​

To test this, Elisseeff and team tried the method on 15 patients. They poured the liquid hydrogel into the patients' torn cartilage. After that, the surgeons shined the UV light and hardened the polymers in the gel.


The results were very promising, the new cartilage filled 86% of the torn area. This was compared to 3 subjects who were treated in the standard way - for them, only 64% of the torn area was filled.


In addition, the patients who got the hydrogel treatment reported considerably less pain than the control group patients.


At the moment, larger studies are being held testing this method, but results seem promising, says Farshid Guilak, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University, and adds that with the advance of stem cell treatments, the efficiency of this system will only grow, as we will be able to use the body's own cells to facilitate faster growing of cartilage, and get more people out of pain and on their feet.




Source: Malayali Club