Today's Health Tip: Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This article is courtesy of  preventdisease.com

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Only Leads In One Direction - Health

It doesn't have a catchy name or a trendy following to drop a size, but when it comes to your health, it's one of the most effective diets in the world. Proponents of the diet say it can reduce heart disease risk, keep existing cardiac problems in check, reduce blood triglycerides and blood pressure, soothe arthritic joints and even prevent cancer. There's no need to look anywhere but your kitchen.

While each plan has its own twist, all are based on the general concept that constant or out-of-control inflammation in the body leads to ill health, and that eating to avoid constant inflammation promotes better health and can ward off disease, says Russell Greenfield, MD, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"It's very clear that inflammation plays a role much more than we thought with respect to certain maladies," Greenfield stated.

"We always thought anything with an "itis" at the end involved inflammation," he says, such as arthritis or appendicitis. But even the illnesses without an "itis" at the end, such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, even Alzheimer's disease, may be triggered in part by inflammation, he says.

It is becoming increasingly clear that chronic inflammation may be at the root cause of many serious illnesses.

When inflammation persists or serves no purpose, it damages the body and causes illness. Stress, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and exposure to toxins can all contribute to such chronic inflammation, but dietary choices play a big role as well.

Learning how specific foods influence the inflammatory process is the best strategy for containing it and reducing long-term disease risks.

Some of the foods highest on anti-inflammatory nutrients include chia seeds, wild fish, turmeric, ginger, garlic, broccoli, olive oil, grapes, ground flaxseed, papaya, apple peel, blueberries, tea (especially green, white and oolong), sweet potatoes, sage, cinnamon, greens, celery, acai juice, asian mushrooms, walnuts, avocados, hemp seeds, cayenne pepper, kelp and tart cherries.

According to new research from Oregon Health & Science University presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference (ACSM) in San Francisco, tart cherries have the "highest anti-inflammatory content of any food" and can help people with arthritis manage their disease long-term without pain medications.

Compounds extracted from apple peel may also influence expression of key anti-inflammatory properties within the body, suggests data from Germany.

Barry Sears, MD, from The Zone diet fame, calls inflammation a silent epidemic that triggers chronic diseases over the years. "You could feel fine but have high levels of inflammation," he warns.

The average American diet, Greenfield says, includes far too many foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids, found in processed and fast foods, and far too few rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold-water fish or supplements. When that balance is out of whack, inflammation can set in, Sears explains.

Natural melatonin levels slowly drop with age. Some older adults make very small amounts of it or none at all. 

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet is not a diet in the popular sense - it is not intended as a weight-loss program (although people can and do lose weight on it), nor is it an eating plan to stay on for a limited period of time. Rather, it is way of selecting and preparing foods based on scientific knowledge of how they can help your body maintain optimum health. Along with influencing inflammation, this diet will provide steady energy and ample vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids dietary fiber, and protective phytonutrients.

Phytonutrients

• To get maximum natural protection against age-related diseases (including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease) as well as against environmental toxicity, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms.
• Choose fruits and vegetables from all parts of the color spectrum, especially berries, tomatoes, orange and yellow fruits, and dark leafy greens.
• Choose organic produce whenever possible. Learn which conventionally grown crops are most likely to carry pesticide residues and avoid them.
• Eat cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables regularly.
• Drink tea instead of coffee, especially good quality white, green or oolong tea.
• If you drink alcohol, use red wine preferentially.
• Enjoy plain dark chocolate in moderation (with a minimum cocoa content of 70 percent).

Overall, incorporating the foods listed above into your dietary strategy can help you overcome many health obstacles. Don't focus so much on how many of each you eat, but rather eat them all in moderation. Let your body be your teacher and you'll find yourself being drawn to these foods as you learn to enjoy them while satisfying your daily energy requirements.

Today's Health Tip: Sweet Potatoes

This article is courtesy of  healthyfoodplace.com

What Are The Health Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often part of people’s favorite food. This privileged position in the nutritious chain goes back to childhood days when almost every kid had grandma’s delicious sweet potatoes pie or mashed sweet potatoes. So, not only did we choose to name sweet potatoes pies as favorite dish, but we also benefited (and still do) from its nutrients. Here they are.

1. Sweet potatoes are a source of Vitamin C
It is a well known fact that Vitamin C is very important in our daily nutrition, especially when we catch a cold or get the flue. Vitamin C is an important fighter against these season sicknesses; Vitamin C is also good for other bodily functions, like tooth formation, bone formation, acceleration of wound healing, collagen production, blood cell formation and a stress reliever.

2. Sweet potatoes are a source of Magnesium
Magnesium is also a great stress reliever as Vitamin C. It is also good for the heart, blood, arteries, and nerve function.

3. Iron is part of the sweet potatoes nutrition
What iron is good for in our bodies is the white and red blood cell production, great functioning of the immune system, and stress resistance. Interesting, three important benefits of sweet potatoes include anti-stress properties.

4. Sweet potatoes are a source of Vitamin B6
The chemical homocysteine in our bodies is reduced due to the presence of Vitamin B6. It is interesting to notice that Vitamin B6 is a great fighter and preventer of heart attacks.

5. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Potassium
Potassium helps in regulating nerve signals and heartbeats, relaxes the muscle contraction, controls and helps the kidney functions, and reduces swelling.

6. Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars
With natural sugars in our bloodstreams, the body remains high in energy levels without the danger of rise in the levels of sugar in the blood.

7. Sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoids (beta carotene and others)
Carotenoids protect against ageing, fight against cancer and strengthen the eyesight.

Today's Health Tip: Heal Cavities Naturally

This article is courtesy of  naturalnews.com

How to heal cavities naturally

(NaturalNews) The world is slowly waking up to the fact that, when you give the body what it needs, it can heal things we previously thought were impossible. A fine example of what is often deemed as an incurable health problem is dental cavities, but extensive research is now becoming more public about the true nature of tooth decay and the fact that there are proven remedies that can remedy it.

The lies perpetrated about tooth decay

According to the American Dental Association, the reason we have tooth decay is as follows:

"[Tooth decay] occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay."

There are a few problems with this theory, including:

• Groups of indigenous people who had fermentable carbohydrates stuck on their teeth all the time that did not brush or floss were mostly or completely free of tooth decay.
• Bacteria do not consume processed sugar or flour because of the lack of nutrients in them.
• Foods that bacteria like to eat, such as milk, vegetables, meat, fish and fruit, are not commonly implicated in causes of tooth decay.

So if the modern explanation of tooth decay is not accurate, what is actually the cause of tooth decay?

What actually causes tooth decay

Tooth decay, as researched by Dr. Weston Price and other dental pioneers, boiled down to three factors:

• Not enough minerals in the diet.
• Not enough fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in the diet.
• Nutrients not being readily bioavailable, and your intestinal system not properly absorbing them. The presence of phytic acid largely influences this factor.

Over a period of time, if your diet lacks vitamins and minerals from a poor diet and/or contains high levels of phytates (from grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes), the blood chemistry and the ratio of calcium and phosphorous become out of balance, which results in minerals being pulled from bones, causing tooth and bone loss.

So, the long-standing belief that sugar causes tooth decay is true, but as a result of it depleting nutrients from the body, not because bacteria eat it and produce acid that ruins your teeth.

The food remedies that can heal cavities and tooth decay

In order to restore the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in our blood, and to enable minerals to bond to our teeth, it is not enough to just avoid eating too many sweet or processed foods. We must also eat health-building foods, containing copious amounts of minerals and vitamins that will build a glassy hard tooth structure.

Foods to focus on are:

• Coconut oil, grass-fed organic dairy (especially butter), grass-fed meats, seafood and bone broths.
• Organic cooked vegetables (soups with bone broth are ideal).
• Organ and gland meats, like liver.

Limit foods that are high in phytic acid, like grains, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as limiting processed food intake full of processed flours and sugars that upset blood sugar balance.

Supplements to consider are:

• Fermented cod liver oil - very high in fat soluble vitamins A, D and K.
• Magnesium - required to use calcium and phosphorous effectively.
• Gelatin - if you don't have time to make bone broth, this is a good alternative and is great for gums and digestion.

Now go get your pearly white smile back.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.westonaprice.org

http://wellnessmama.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Today's Health Tip: The Uses of Melatonin

This article is courtesy of  preventdisease.com

Melatonin Controls Our Cycles, Mood, Reproduction, Weight and Even Cancer

Melatonin is a wonder hormone that is far too underrated in terms of its dynamic effects on our health. It can control everything from our sleep/wake cycles to our reproduction, weight, mood and even strong anti-aging and anti-tumor effects. Melatonin is found in many foods such as mustard, goji berries, almonds, sunflower seeds, cardamom, fennel, coriander and cherries. However, it also easily absorbed through quality supplementation in therapeutic doses.

Melatonin is found in animals, plants, and microbes. It is a natural hormone segregated by the body and melatonin levels generally increase in the dark at night. In part, your body clock controls how much melatonin your body makes. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise in the mid- to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then drop in the early morning hours.

Light affects how much melatonin your body produces. During the shorter days of the winter months, your body may produce melatonin either earlier or later in the day than usual. This change can lead to symptoms ofseasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression. 

"In patients who had SAD, the duration of melatonin secretion became longer in winter and shorter in summer, just as it occurs in other mammals,'' lead author Dr. Thomas A. Wehr, a research psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, stated. "That could be controlling this panoply of changes that occurs in people when they get depressed in the winter.'' 

Natural melatonin levels slowly drop with age. Some older adults make very small amounts of it or none at all. 

Low Levels of Melatonin Associated With Increased Cancer Risk

Recent research has suggested that low melatonin levels in the body may be linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer. For example, a few studies have found that women who work night shifts for many years (and therefore would be expected to have lower levels of melatonin) seem to have a slightly higher risk of breast and colorectal cancer.

Melatonin has been shown to slow or stop the growth of several types of cancer cells and even treat cancer. Some of the studies have suggested that melatonin may extend survival and improve quality of life for patients with certain types of untreatable cancers such as advanced lung cancer and melanoma. Some studies reported that a small number of cancers went into total or partial remission

Peer-reviewed and published research has shown melatonin offers particularly strong protection against reproductive cancers. Cells throughout your body -- even cancer cells -- have melatonin receptors. So when melatonin makes its nightly rounds, cell division slows. When this hormone latches onto a breast cancer cell, it has been found to counteract estrogen's tendency to stimulate cell growth. 

In fact, melatonin has a calming effect on several reproductive hormones, which may explain why it seems to protect against sex hormone-driven cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, breast, prostate and testicular cancers. GreenMedInfo lists twenty studies demonstrating exactly how melatonin exerts its protective effects against breast cancer.

But melatonin's anti-cancer effects don't stop there. While causing cancer cells to self-destruct, melatonin also boosts your production of immune stimulating substances such as interleukin-2, which helps identify and attack the mutated cells that lead to cancer. The greatest area of melatonin research to date has to do with breast cancer. Some of the more impressive studies include the following:

• The journal Epidemiology reported increased breast cancer risk among women who work predominantly night shifts
• Women who live in neighborhoods with large amounts of nighttime illumination are more likely to get breast cancer than those who live in areas where nocturnal darkness prevails, according to an Israeli study
• From participants in the Nurses' Health Study, it was found that nurses who work nights had 36 percent higher rates of breast cancer.
• Blind women, whose eyes cannot detect light and so have robust production of melatonin, have lower-than-average breast cancer rates
• When the body of epidemiological studies are considered in their totality, women who work night shift are found to have breast cancer rates 60 percent above normal, even when other factors such as differences in diet are accounted for.

Stimulates Beige Fat

Spanish scientists have discovered that melatonin consumption helps control weight gain because it stimulates the appearance of 'beige fat', a type of fat cell that burns calories in vivo instead of storing them. White adipose tissue stores calories leading to weight gain whereas 'beige fat' (also known as 'good or thinning fat') helps regulate body weight control, hence its metabolic benefits.

In the Journal of Pineal Research, scientists from the University of Granada Institute for Neuroscience, the Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, and the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (USA) have revealed, for the first time, the previously unknown enigma of why melatonin has metabolic benefits in treating diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

In earlier publications, the researchers analysed the effects of melatonin on obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with obesity in young obese diabetic Zucker rats--an experimental model of metabolic syndrome.

In view of their most recent results, it seems the key lies in the fact that chronic melatonin consumption not only induces the appearance of 'beige fat' in obese diabetic rats, but also increases its presence in thin animals used as a control group. 'Beige fat' cells are found in scattered lentil-sized deposits beneath the inguinal skin in obese diabetic Zucker rats.

These findings, together with the pharmacologically safe profile of melatonin, mean it is a potentially useful tool both in its own right and to complement the treatment of obesity. Sleeping in the dark and consuming these foodstuffs could help control weight gain and prevent cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity and dyslipidemia.

The study--coordinated by University of Granada lecturer Ahmad Agil--showed that chronic administration of melatonin sensitizes the thermogenic effect of exposure to cold, heightens the thermogenic effect of exercise and, therefore, constitutes excellent therapy against obesity. The fact is that one of the key differences between 'beige fat', which appears when administering melatonin, and 'white fat', is that 'beige fat' cell mitochondria express levels of UCP1 protein, responsible for burning calories and generating heat.

Melatonin has been found to promote health in many other ways:

1. Melatonin can protect against heart disease. It's been shown to increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol and play a role in lowering blood pressure. Melatonin can also protect your heart during a heart attack.
2. There is increasing evidence that melatonin secretion is related tomigraine and headache disorders, Dr. Mario F. P. Peres, of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, in Sao Paulo, and colleagues note in themedical journal Neurology. After 3 months of melatonin supplementation, subjects experience a 50 percent reduction in headache frequency.
3. Melatonin is highly beneficial in those with diabetes. It protects the pancreatic cells, slowing down the progression of this disease. It also has very strong anti-oxidant properties reducing the damage to kidneys, eyes and circulation that is common in those with diabetes.
4. Melatonin protects against Alzheimer's disease and slows down progression in the early stages of the disease. This is due to its strong anti-oxidant properties along with its ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier.
5. Melatonin may help prevent osteoporosis. While further research is needed, early studies suggest that melatonin may prevent bone loss and increase new bone formation.
6. Those who struggle to lose weight may benefit from melatonin. Lack of sleep causes an increase in appetite through disruption of your appetite hormones resulting in the consumption of more food in those who are sleep-deprived.

Why Quality Supplementation is Important

Some reports show that around age 6, melatonin secretions from the pineal gland begin to decrease due to the increased intake of food as we grow (melatonin is thought to be found in all foods). But the melatonin in foods may not be enough to replace the needs in the body, so it is highly recommended to use dietary supplementation as a means of receiving additional melatonin.

There is relatively good evidence that melatonin supplements can influence sleep and fatigue and can help with jet lag and some sleep problems.Melatonin is a well tolerated, non-habit-forming agent which does not produce grogginess. Some research shows that melatonin affects not only how quickly people fall asleep but also the duration and quality of sleep. 

More evidence is coming forward showing that melatonin, when taken as a supplement, can stop or slow the spread of cancer, make the immune system stronger, or slow down the aging process. 

In most cases, melatonin supplementation is safe in both low doses for short-term and long-term use.

How much and what kind of melatonin should you take? 

Life Choice uses the purest source of melatonin in the world. They only use 100% DMF (drug master file) patented pharmaceutical grade raw material; paying 700% more for their raw material than can be purchased without a patent. Why? The reasons are two-fold: first, the material is clinically researched, and secondly, the quality is consistently high with each order. Small batch manufacturing and the selection of raw materials create the difference that your body will notice.

Recommended dosage for adults in 5ml-15ml per day.

Sources: 
oxfordjournals.org
cancer.org
mercola.com
life-choice.net
wiley.com

Today's Health Tip: Beat The Common Cold Naturally

This article is from  naturalnews.com

10 easy, natural remedies for conquering the common cold
(NaturalNews) Persistent coughing, runny nose, stuffed up sinuses, headaches -- these are among the many symptoms that can drag you down and leave you feeling helpless to make it through your day and fulfill your responsibilities when you catch a cold virus. But rather than reach for those chemical-laden cough syrups and mind-numbing antihistamines, why not instead try one or more of these 10 natural remedies for conquering the common cold?

1) Vitamin D. Vitamin D is perhaps the most overlooked, and yet arguably one of the most effective, remedies for treating the common cold. Although it works better as a preventive regimen, taking higher than normal doses of vitamin D3 daily -- some experts recommend taking 10,000 international units (IU) or more of vitamin D3 every day -- can help reduce cold and flu symptoms and get you back to normal health much more quickly than without them. (http://www.lef.org)

2) Apple cider vinegar. Cold viruses tend to put the body into an overly acidic state, which makes it that much more difficult for the immune system to fight disease. But taking apple cider vinegar, a powerful alkalizing food, will help not only kill a cold but also squash its miserable symptoms. Mixing a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water, honey, and lemon, and drinking the concoction several times a day will have you back to health in no time. (http://www.rd.com/slideshows/8-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/)

3) Vitamin C. A powerful immune booster, vitamin C is a go-to remedy for both preventing and treating colds. Some experts recommend taking up to 2,000 milligrams (mg) or more of non-genetically-modified (non-GMO) ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate every two hours while suffering cold symptoms. Other vitamin C options include camu camu and acerola cherry powders, as well as "liposomal" vitamin C preparations. (http://www.naturalnews.com/034591_vitamin_C_mega-dose_healing.html)

4) Honey. A powerful soothing and healing agent, raw honey from untainted bees can go a long way in boosting immunity and treating cold symptoms. Its diverse array of antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial nutrients make honey an excellent cold medicine that mixes well with other cold remedies such as apple cider vinegar and lemon. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

5) Ginger. Another powerful, soothing agent, ginger root is a powerful healer with amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Because it targets stomach upset, those suffering from cold symptoms that involve digestion can experience dramatic relief from taking ginger. Ginger also helps warm the body, which is highly effective at promoting perspiration and the expelling of toxins and other harmful invaders. (http://www.naturalnews.com/030318_cinnamon_colds.html)

6) Zinc. Often sold in syrup or lozenge form for such purposes, zinc has been scientifically shown to help combat the sniffling, sneezing, and coughing symptoms typically associated with colds. Zinc is also a powerful immune-boosting trace element that facilitates the proper function of more than 3,000 proteins in the body, as well as the promotion of healthy digestive function, which is where the bulk of immunity lies. (http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2011/03/16/zinc-keystone-to-immunity)

7) Echinacea. A 2007 study out of the University of Connecticut found that supplementing with echinacea herb not only reduces your chances of developing a cold by more than 50 percent, but can also shorten the duration of cold symptoms by several days. Because it stimulates the immune system and promotes the activation of T-cells, echinacea is an excellent cold remedy, especially when combined with many of the other remedies listed in this report. (http://natsci.edgewood.edu)

8) Neti pot. If stuffed-up sinuses are one of your primary ailments, using a neti pot to clear them out is an easy, natural way to help you get back on your feet. Just fill a sanitized neti pot with warm water and about one teaspoon of sea salt, and gently pour it down your sinuses. Besides clearing out your nasal passages, the cleansing salts will also help eliminate bacteria and other harmful pathogens. (http://www.naturalnews.com/029600_neti_pot_sinus_infections.html)

9) Oil of oregano. Rich in four specific groups of chemicals that synergistically promote healing and strong immunity, essential oil of oregano is unparalleled in its ability to both prevent harmful viruses from taking hold, and eradicating existing viruses such as the common cold. The natural terpene chemicals found in oil or oregano exhibit powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity, while carvacrol, the primary active ingredient in oil of oregano, fight off harmful pathogens. (http://www.naturalnews.com/024685_oregano_oil_of.html)

10) Coconut oil. This elixir from the coconut palm is one of the most powerful, natural antiviral compounds known to man. Coconut oil has an amazing ability to target virtually any virus, including cold viruses. Rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), coconut oil absorbs directly into viral cells where it breaks apart and disintegrates the protective coating of the virus, effectively killing it. Take a tablespoon or two daily of extra virgin coconut oil, particularly at the onset of cold symptoms, can effectively thwart the virus from taking hold and running its course. (http://www.naturalnews.com/026624_oil_coconut.html)

Today's Health Tip: Zinc is Essential

This article is courtesy of  naturalnews.com

Avoid the zinc deficiency trap - Boost health, resiliency and overall well-being with this one essential mineral
(NaturalNews) Did you know that a zinc deficiency can cause over twenty health related issues including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, infertility and Crohn's disease? An often overlooked mineral, zinc plays an important role in a wide range of functions, such as DNA repair and immunity. It's also an essential nutrient for the prevention of the flu and colds. Luckily, a variety of foods are rich in zinc and several methods are available that enhance absorption.

Avoiding disease and protecting health

Zinc is involved in a variety of processes within the body, including:

• Regulating genetic instructions

• Sensitivity of smell and taste

• Metabolism and blood sugar balance

• Immunity

When an individual is deficient in zinc, it often manifests as frequent colds and infections, suppressed appetite, depression, hindered growth in children and impaired sense of taste and smell. According to the George Matelijan Foundation, adequate zinc intake can help prevent and/or heal the following conditions:

• Acne

• Alcoholism

• Alopecia

• Alzheimer's disease

• Anorexia nervosa

• Atopic dermatitis

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy

• Cervical dysplasia

• Common cold

• Crohn's disease

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• Graves' disease

• Herpes simplex

• HIV/AIDS

• Infertility (male)

• Inflammatory bowel diseases

• Influenza

• Macular degeneration

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• PMS

• Psoriasis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Senile cataracts

Research at the Linus Pauling Institute (LPI) in Oregon found that zinc deficiency is a widespread issue and can lead to inflammation, decline of immunity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders. It is estimated that around 40 percent of elderly Americans and up to two billion people worldwide are deficient in the micronutrient.

"The elderly are the fastest growing population in the U.S. and are highly vulnerable to zinc deficiency," said Emily Ho, an LPI principal researcher and associate professor. "They don't consume enough of this nutrient and don't absorb it very well."

Carmen Wong, research associate and coauthor of the study, adds:

"We found that the mechanisms to transport zinc are disrupted by age-related epigenetic changes. This can cause an increase in DNA methylation and histone modifications that are related to disease processes, especially cancer. Immune system cells are also particularly vulnerable to zinc deficiency."

Similarly, research published in The Journal of Nutrition states that 12 percent of Americans do not consume enough zinc. The in vitro studies reveled zinc depletion increases oxidative stress and hinders DNA repair. And the publication Biological Trace Element Research found that low zinc levels are directly linked with depression, while a study in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry discovered adequate zinc prevents osteoporosis. The end conclusion of these studies? Sufficient zinc consumption and proper absorption are absolutely essential for good health.

A zinc-rich diet

As we age, it becomes more difficult to absorb zinc properly. Vegetarians are also at risk due to the fact that meat provides a highly bioavailable form of the mineral. Chicken, beef and seafood are the best sources, especially oysters.

Vegetarian diets also tend to be high in zinc blocking phytates found in grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Research has shown that fermenting whole grains, as in traditional sourdough bread, significantly increases zinc absorption. Soaking beans, nuts and seeds assists in the bioavalibility of the mineral too. An interesting study in Mexico found that, when vegetarians consumed one cup of milk or a half cup of yogurt twice per day with meals, zinc absorption was 50 percent higher in the milk group and 68 percent higher in the yogurt group.

Additional food-based sources of zinc include lamb, turkey, crimini and shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, chard, pumpkin and sesame seeds, miso, spinach and spelt.

Since overconsumption of zinc can cause deficiency in other nutrients such as copper and calcium, using zinc supplements is not recommended unless under the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner.

Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://oregonstate.edu

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://oregonstate.edu

http://science.naturalnews.com

Today's Health Tip: Anti-Aging Foods

This article is courtesy of  hungryforchange.tv

10 POWERFUL ANTI-AGING FOODS YOU CAN FIND AT YOUR GROCERY STORE

It’s always exciting to read about a new anti-aging food with great potential in the area of human health. So many times, however, these foods are exotic, and can be found only in other countries, through specialized programs, or on the Internet through questionable sites.

Fortunately, you don’t have to twist yourself inside out or spend a mint to enjoy the health benefits of anti-aging foods. There are plenty right in your local grocery store. Below are ten that are tasty, easy-to-find, and have shown in studies to have solid potential in preserving youth and vitality.

1. Avocados


Mexican researchers studied the properties of avocado oil on yeast cells, and discovered that the oil allowed the yeast cells to survive exposure to high concentrations of iron, which produces a huge amount of free radicals—even up to the higher levels found in some types of human diseases. Scientists concluded that the oil may possess the same kind of anti-aging properties as olive oil, and could potentially be used to help battle cancer or heart disease.

“Our results are promising,” said lead researcher Christian Cortés-Rojo, “because they indicate that avocado consumption could improve the health status of diabetic and other patients through an additional mechanism to the improvement of blood lipids.”

Avocados are also high in vitamin E, which is essential for glowing skin and hair, and is an alkalizing food—perfect to help counteract today’s highly acidic diets.

2. Walnuts


A study showed that walnuts helped improve blood vessel function in diabetics. Another study from Penn State found that including walnuts and walnut oil in the diet lowered both resting blood pressure and blood pressure responses to stress. New York State researchers also discovered that walnuts help destroy harmful free radical chemicals implicated in dementia, preserve mental skills, and may help delay or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Broccoli


Research from UCLA found that among vegetables, broccoli—specifically, young broccoli sprouts—are the best source of a chemical called “sulforaphane,” a compound that prevents free radicals from breaking down the body and aging you over time. “Our study shows that a chemical present in broccoli is capable of stimulating a wide range of antioxidant defense pathways and may be able to interfere with age-related decline in immune function,” said lead researcher Andre Nel, M.D. Researchers went on to state that broccoli may protect the immune system from typical aging factors like cardiovascular disease, degenerative joint diseases and diabetes. 

4. Blueberries


They’ve got vitamin C, potassium, and lots of antioxidants. Dr. Oz rates them as the “best” anti-aging food. Ranked number one among fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in antioxidant power, blueberries improved short-term memories in aging rats in a USDA study. The flavonoids are believed to be responsible, enhancing neural connections in the brain and stimulating neural regeneration. Another study out of the University of Cincinnati found that drinking a couple cups of blueberry juice each day gave aging memories a boost.

5. Cinnamon


Recent studies have found that cinnamon extract promotes collagen synthesis in skin, rejuvenating cells and activating growth hormone.

The USDA also found that cinnamon extract, which contains antioxidants, could help reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease.

6. Dark Chocolate


Cocoa, the major ingredient of dark chocolate, contains the flavonoid “epicatechin,” and has been found to have nearly twice the antioxidant content of red wine, and up to three times that of green tea. Studies have found that dark chocolate helps protect heart health, regulate blood pressure, reduce risk of death from heart attack, and help prevent age-related dementia.

7. Kidney Beans


Packed with protein, fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium, and more, kidney beans (and most beans, in general), have been called a “superfood” because of their many health benefits. Just one cup of cooked red kidney beans provides a third of the daily recommended intake for folate. The renowned “Seven Countries Study” concluded that eating more legumes could reduce the risk of heart attack by more than 80 percent. Kidney beans are also full of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which are known to have anti-aging properties. According to an analysis by the USDA, red kidney beans contain more “proanthocyanidins” than blueberries, cranberries, and small red beans. 

8. Red Cabbage


According to a USDA study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, red cabbage contains 36 different varieties of the flavonoids called “anthocyanins,” which have been linked to cancer protection. Anthocyanins have also been shown to help inprove heart health and brain function.

9. Pomegranates


These nutritious fruits are a great source of anthocyanins and ellagitannins, both of which are powerful antioxidants. Studies have found the fruit to enhance nitric oxide production in endothelial cells—which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. According to research from the University of Illinois, pomegranate also has potential in helping to prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer, and in helping to retard the growth of cancerous tumors. Pomegranate seed oil was also found to help promote regeneration of skin cells, reducing the visible effects of aging on the skin. 

10. Garlic


Researchers from Denmark found in 1994 that human skin cells exposed to garlic extract were healthier and lived longer than non-supplemented cells. Another animal study in Japan the same year found that mice supplemented with garlic lived significantly longer than those who did not receive garlic. A later 2006 study found that antioxidant-rich aged garlic extract helped prevent cardiovascular disease and lowered the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Today's Health Tip: How To Avoid MSG

This article is courtesy of  blogs.naturalnews.com

How to Avoid Being Secretly Poisoned by MSG

MSG is a neurotoxin that is used as a food additive. It is toxic, inflammatory and causes or contributes to many diseases. It must be eliminated from your diet but avoiding it may not be as easy as you think. Here is what you need to know to avoid it and reverse its damaging effects.

MSG Toxicity

I have often worked with patients who are simply unable to overcome their pain syndromes or weight loss problems despite many effective therapies, diets and exercise. This is most often due to toxicity of one form or another. That is why living a non-toxic lifestyle is vital to achieving wellness.

Toxins must be removed from the foods you consume on a daily basis. MSG is the most common and deceptive toxin found in food. By eliminating MSG and other toxins, I have seen so many patients health conditions, including weight loss resistance, resolve completely.

What is MSG

MSG has been around since the early 1900’s as a flavor enhancer. It is derived from a naturally occurring amino acid – glutamate – but there is certainly nothing natural about it. It is a toxic chemical. In the 1940’s, it was added to food rations for soldiers to add flavor and improve the taste of their bland food. I have not had to eat military rations before but I can imagine that are not particularly tasty.

It has the ability to turn crummy tasting food into what is perceived as scrumptious food. After the early successes, it was then expanded to the general food supply. It was added to everything, including baby foods! It has been a common additive to most low-fat and other diet foods.

Not only does MSG enhance flavor but it increases preference for certain foods to an addictive level. This, along with the sheer pervasiveness of MSG, make it very difficult to avoid.

Symptoms of MSG Poisoning

The general health conscious individual knows that MSG is bad for your health. However, many do not know the extent of the problems it causes. Several scientific studies have rightly suggested that it should be banned as a food additive. Here are just some of the major health concerns.

• Causes flushing of the face and tingling and numbness in the cheeks, neck and arms.
• Causes heart palpitations
• Causes high blood pressure
• Causes pain down the arms
• Causes diarrhea
• Causes severe headaches and migraines
• Causes severe muscle pains
• Passess through the placenta, damaging the brain of developing babies
• Can contribute to hyperactivity in kids (ADHD)
• Depresses the immune system (literally makes you sick)
• It is a neurotoxin, causing brain damage
• Causes nerve damage
• Causes progression of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, ALS
• Damages the retinas
• Can trigger epileptic seizures
• Cause kidney damage
• Causes Liver inflammation and dysplasia (a type of hepatitis and abnormal growth)
• Causes hypothalamic lesions and leptin resistance which
• Leads to central obesity and type 2 diabetes

Many of the studies on MSG’s damaging effects were done with animals. However, the studies have shown that the amounts that people normally consume are enough to cause these problems in people as well.

The Problem of Deceptive Labeling

You may think that all you need to do is read labels. If they list MSG or monosodium glutamate, then you avoid them. I wish it were that simple.

MSG is actually hidden on most labels by other names that the less savvy shopper will not recognize. It is often added to so-called “Natural” health foods. Here are 25 names used by food manufacturers to hide MSG and deceive you.

• autolyzed yeast

• calcium caseinate
• caramelized yeast
• carrageenan
• E621 (E620-625 are all glutamates)
• gelatin
• glutacyl
• glutamate
• glutamic acid
• glutavene
• hydrolyzed corn gluten
• hydrolyzed protein
• hydrolyzed soy protein
• monopotassium glutamate
• monosodium glutamate
• natural flavors
• plant protein extract
• protein concentrate
• sodium caseinate
• sodium glutamate
• soy isolate
• textured protein
• vegetable extract
• yeast extract
• yeast food

These terms are either other words for MSG or other food additives that contain MSG. You must look for these and avoid them.

Reversing MSG Poisoning

1. Eliminate all sources of MSG. Read all labels on packaged food. This is made easy by simply eliminating all processed and packaged food from your diet.
2. Eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. They cause and progress hormonal imbalances, especially with leptin, insulin, and human growth hormone.
3. Use Vitamin C and Ginger root extract. They have been shown to have protective effects against the MSG neurotoxic effect.
4. Transition to an anti-inflammatory diet to reverse the negative hormonal effects and balance your hormones nutritionally.
5. Use high intensity, short duration workouts to balance your hormones through exercise. See: Busting the Top 4 Exercise Myths for more on this.

Question: How has MSG negatively affected you? What have you experienced since eliminating MSG? Sound off in the comments below.

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Resources for this article:

http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/19438927.html

http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/18178378.html

http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/18497735.html

http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/19579948.html

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2005/jul/10/foodanddrink.features3