Today's Natural Cure: Cinnamon

This article is from  naturalnews.com

Cinnamon levels up from common spice to 'super' health food

(NaturalNews) A team of scientists elevated the prized spice, cinnamon, from its culinary applications to a loftier stratum as a promising molecular weapon for combating chronic diseases. Researchers from various fields, including Kiram Panickar, Heping Cao, Bolin Qin and Richard A. Anderson, collaborated in making this significant breakthrough. The results revived ancient interest in the therapeutic benefits of common cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as the "true cinnamon," to modern genomic medicine. Compounds found in cinnamon revealed multiple utility in terms of enhancing the effects of insulin, its antioxidant function, efficacy against inflammation, and its neuroprotective benefits.

Cinnamon polyphenol extract (CPE) regulates a number of genes and exerts a significant influence on the metabolism of glucose. Various studies conducted on human subjects afflicted with metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus also showed the beneficial effects of whole cinnamon and its aqueous extract on the glucose, insulin, lipid profile and anti-oxidant status of the patients.

Experts also posited possible effects of cinnamon compounds on body composition, lean body mass and inflammatory response.

Cinnamon Extract Helps against Dyslipedemia

Patients with metabolic syndrome develop resistance to insulin action, which in turn causes dyslipedemia or abnormal level of lipids in the blood. In most cases, the problem is hyperlipedemia. Cinnamon presents a good potential in lowering lipid levels in both animal and human subjects.

Cinnamon Extract Lowers Systolic Blood Pressure

Agents that are typically employed as an intervention for insulin resistance and/or lower circulating insulin concentration in the blood also tend to lower blood pressure. Such agents include nutrients, nutritional supplements, and drugs. Research conducted on spontaneously hypertensive rats fed with sucrose-containing diet showed that elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is lowered when the rats were given dietary cinnamon. This presents a promising development highlighting the efficacy of cinnamon not only for sucrose-induced high SBP but also for hypertension caused by genetic factors.

Molecular Targets

Based on the aforementioned link between chronic diseases and genetic influences, research is now pursuing genomic targets for therapy. Quantitative research on polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on the expression of genes coding for the glucose transporter (GLUT) and anti-inflammatory tristetrapolin (TTP) families, components of the insulin signal transduction pathway, etc. So far, there are tell-tale signs that the medical hypotheses on selected targets are leaning towards positive results.

Age-Old Super Spice

From its basic ancient uses as treatment for toothache, anti-halitosis or bad breath, medication for the nasty common cold and digestion aid, cinnamon has gone quite a long way. Recent studies also showed that even just the smell of cinnamon or chewing cinnamon gum improves brain function from memory to visual-motor speed, recognition, and attention and focus.

In Closing: Cinnamon Now a Certified "Super" Food

It's no wonder that cinnamon is now a "super" spice being painstakingly developed through genomic medicine to neutralize stubborn chronic diseases that have plagued the modern world. There is voluminous research evidence for its medicinal value and health benefits. Cinnamon doesn't just spice up the gustatory sense. It spices up your health for a better life ahead.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.whfoods.com

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com

http://cinnamonvogue.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

\

Today's Natural Cure: Clove

This article is from  naturalsociety.com

Health Benefits of Cloves: The Super Spice for Healing

The super spice, cloves, comes from a dried bud on the Myrtaceae tree that grows in tropical climates throughout the world, but that originated in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Southern India. The health benefits of cloves are so great that the spice is harvested profusely in Zanzibar and is used in folk-remedies around the world – including Chinese medicine. Over 1000 tons of cloves are imported to the US ever year.

Some Health Benefits of Cloves: Massive Nutritional and Antioxidant Value

This incredible spice has an ORAC value Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) that is through the roof – of over 290,000. That’s a lot of antioxidants.  This herb is also full of manganese, more than almost any other food. Manganese is an important trace mineral for the body because it activates multiple enzymes, particularly anginas which help in the formation of urea. Manganese also form the enzyme peptides which are responsible for the hydrolosis of proteins in the intestines. This mineral helps with lipid metabolism (getting rid of fat) and keeping the nervous system stable (reducing irritability).

Anti-Viral and Anti-Bacterial Properties: Other Health Benefits of Cloves

• Cloves also have anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities, and can even prevent adult onset diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

• Additionally, this amazing spice is able to prevent various allergic conditions and toothaches – just one of many home remedies for toothache.

• Cloves have been used to treat asthma and as an anesthetic.

• Clove oil is even better at repelling mosquitoes than citronella.

• Clove oil can help relieve muscle spasms, as well, so it was used as a natural way to aid in childbirth for centuries.

• Due to its antimicrobial properties, clove oil can treat skin problems like acne and warts.

• Clove oil or clove tea can also help treat insomnia.

This powerful plant can be used in myriad ways to heal the body. Along with other vitamins and minerals like vitamins C, K, and calcium, cloves can treat multiple diseases which are caused by a deficiency in nutrient dense foods – from cardiovascular problems, depression, and even cancer.

Cloves are best when the dried bud is kept in tact and used fresh; however, there are tinctures, dried powders, and even clove teas that can be used on a daily basis. If you can obtain clove whole and grind them yourself, you will be consuming more of the antioxidants and healthful constituents. A hot tea prepared with cloves, cinnamon and bay leaves is incredibly tasty and full of health-restoring properties.

Experience the health benefits of cloves today!

Today's Natural Cure: Black Seed

This article is from  naturalnews.com

Ancient miracle seed tackles asthma, cancer, diabetes and more

(NaturalNews) Who would guess that a tiny black seed could help heal cancer, calm epilepsy and decrease insulin resistance? In fact, Nigella sativa is known as the "seed of blessing," providing natural relief to a wide variety of illness and chronic disease. Remarkable in its ability to rebalance health, this time honored plant is experiencing a modern resurgence in popularity - and for good reason.

Treasured by Egyptian pharaohs, respected by contemporary researchers

Black seed oil featured prominently in ancient cultures and was first recorded approximately 3,300 years ago. A bottle containing the oil was found in the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen since it was believed to be important in the afterlife. And Queen Nefertiti used the oil as a beauty treatment to promote lustrous hair and beautiful skin. Egyptian physicians would prescribe black seed oil for a variety of complaints such as indigestion, headaches, colds and infections. Today, researchers have rediscovered Nigella sativa and recognize its potent healing potential. A few of the maladies this seed helps to alleviate include:

Type 2 diabetes - In animal tests, glucose tolerance and body weight improved when aqueous extracts of the seed were administered orally. Researchers found the extract inhibited intestinal absorption of sugar which in turn reduced blood glucose.

Cancer - Rich in thymoquinone, beta-elemene and beta-sitosterol, the oil of black seed is a fierce anti-cancer agent. It protects against oxidative stress, induces cancer cell death and enhances immunity. Several studies have shown it to be effective against pancreatic, colon and breast cancer.

Epilepsy - A study of 23 children revealed the effectiveness of the seed in reducing the frequency of seizures. During the four week investigation, participants received either a placebo or black seed extract. Those who were given Nigella sativa experienced a significant reduction in refractory seizures.

But that's not all. According to GreenMed Info, black seed is also:

- Anti-inflammatory

- Antibacterial

- Analgesic

- Antifungal

- Antiviral

- Antispasmodic

- Antioxidant

Additionally, Nigella sativa soothes high blood pressure, asthma, ulcers, and acute sore throat and protects against MRSA infections. Moreover, it nourishes the body and assists in curbing fatigue; quiets skin conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis; and treats dysentery, diarrhea, constipation and other digestive disorders.

If you think Nigella sativa is a miracle seed, you just might be right. With such a profusion of ailments that respond to the plant, it truly is an outstanding natural remedy.

Sources for this article include:

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.mskcc.org

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.greenmedinfo.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

Today's Natural Cure: Apple Cider Vinegar

This article is from  naturalnews.com

Appealing health benefits of apple cider vinegar

(NaturalNews) Apple cider vinegar is often looked upon by natural wellness enthusiasts as a panacea for all good things. Taking a tablespoon or two of it every day is said to cure everything from gout to allergies and more. It's said that it is important that the apple cider vinegar you take be organic and have the "mother" in it to be of most benefit to you. The mother is a stringy-looking ball of matter that either floats at the top or settles at the bottom of a bottle of the vinegar and is the source of its sour, fermented taste.

Many companies are now creating apple cider vinegar drinks that contain fruity flavors to mask the sometimes harsh flavor the vinegar has on its own. The age of apple cider vinegar as a health tonic is truly here, and while there is only anecdotal evidence that it actually cures many of the things it is said to, there is also plenty of evidence of definite health benefits in other areas.

Here are some of the best documented and strongest health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

1. It Helps Ease Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea

This is a proven apple cider vinegar cure. The probiotics in the vinegar help ease diarrhea and the pectins from the apples in the vinegar ease stomach cramps. Mix a tablespoon or two in water or your favorite juice to get the best results.

2. It Prevents Indigestion

Another proven health benefit is its ability to stop indigestion before it starts. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and sip it slowly a half hour before you eat something you know will cause you indigestion. You'll be surprised that you feel fine after eating!

3. It Helps Ease Nighttime Leg Cramps

This old folk remedy has a long history of proof to its effectiveness. Simply mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with honey to taste before going to bed and drink it slowly. Those nighttime cramps shouldn't bother you anymore. Do this every night before bed for continuing results.

4. It Drains Your Sinuses

Do you have a stuffy nose due to allergies or some other reason? Fix it with a teaspoon of straight apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. The harshness of drinking the vinegar without any flavoring will help drain your sinuses and clear your nose.

5. It Helps Energize You

Apple cider vinegar is excellent for beating exhaustion. The amino acids it contains counteract the buildup of lactic acid you can get after exercising or other intense physical activity. It's also full of electrolytes that help eliminate that tired feeling. Electrolytes are the same thing that are in sugary sports drinks. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in chilled water has the same energizing effect without the sugar and artificial colors and flavors.

Apple cider vinegar is also good for treating heartburn, easing the pain of arthritis, whitening teeth, and much, much more. There are entire books written on the miracle of apple cider vinegar. Even though many of its supposed benefits only have folklore to back them up, there is enough concrete evidence of its many benefits that many people take it every day as a general health tonic. Anyone looking to maximize their health could definitely benefit from a daily dose of this amazing amber liquid.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.md-health.com

http://altmedicine.about.com

http://wellnessmama.com

Today's Natural Cure: Colloidal Gold

This article is from  naturalsociety.com

Colloidal Gold: Discover the Benefits and Wonders

Much has been written or said about colloidal silver’s powerful antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. But do you know about colloidal gold? It is produced the same way as colloidal silver to create nano-particles of gold that are assimilated into a body’s cells. But for what purpose? Keep reading to discover which health benefits colloidal gold can provide for you.

Unlike colloidal silver, colloidal gold is not considered an antiseptic. Instead, nano-particles of gold offer protection against auto-immune disease and cancer rather than infectious disease.

Despite the CDC publicly announcing flu scare tactics to encourage vaccinations every fall and winter, and despite the propaganda intended to force more childhood vaccinations that are more life threatening than the diseases they “protect against”, most infectious diseases have been declining throughout the industrial world.

In their place, a large array of autoimmune diseases, mostly neurological, have risen dramatically. Many were almost unheard of until vaccination schedules increased dramatically with added industrial toxic overload. Cancer has also increased as a result of our increasingly toxic environment that includes EMF (electromagnetic frequency), nuclear radiation, and agricultural chemical pollutions.

So you see, germs are no longer the main problem now. We’re dealing with a lot of toxic enemies from our technological progress that came at the high cost of decreased health and autoimmune diseases because profits were more important than negative health consequences.

This is where the real value of gold can help.

What Gold Can Do For You

Colloidal gold has anti-inflammatory powers to alleviate pain and swelling among those with arthritis and bursitis. It has also shown promise for rejuvenating glandular systems to provide anti-aging, higher IQ, and pineal gland enhancing possibilities.

It has also been known to be effective for easing the pains and swellings of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, and tendonitis.

Gold has been used historically to treat digestive disorders, circulatory problems, depression, obesity, and burns. It is a catalyst for endorphin-like hormones as well as the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme superoxide-dismutase (SOD). Lately, nano-particle gold has even demonstrated anti-tumor/cancer activity.

The easiest way to take advantage of gold’s health provisions is via tasteless and non-toxic colloidal gold. It can be taken the same way you would take colloidal silver, ingesting orally, sublingually, or nebulizing into the lungs.

Many who use colloidal gold as a tonic report an improved feeling of well being and increased mental clarity and focus.

14 Conditions Colloidal Gold may Remedy or Improve:

• Brain dysfunctions such as mental fog and forgetfulness. NaturalNews reports that research has shown IQ is boosted with colloidal gold.
• Insomnia and inability to relax
• Glandular issues and dysfunction.
• Chills and/or night sweats.
• Hot flashes, including those from hormonal imbalances.
• Obesity
• Digestive disorders
• Drug and alcohol addictions.
• Arthritis and any other joint inflammations.
• Depression, both chronic and SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
• Hypertension, high blood pressure, and muscle tension.
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia).
• Lowered libido and/or sexual dysfunction.
• Cancer

Additional Sources:

DailyMail

LiveStrong

BioPhysica.com

Silver-Colloids.com

Today's Natural Cure: CoQ10

This article is from  naturalhealth365.com

(NaturalHealth365) Nutritional science has proven, without a shadow of a doubt, that a healthy diet loaded with essential nutrients will reduce heart disease risk. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, at about 600,000 deaths per year, the concept of preventative medicine with emphasis on healthy diet and lifestyle habits has caught the attention of health researchers – worldwide.

Eating for a healthy heart

Many epidemiological studies clearly indicate that populations that consumed a healthy diet rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (from fruits and vegetables) had lower risk of chronic disease. Based on these findings, there is a growing interest for superfoods and supplements rich in heart-healthy nutrients and antioxidants. Coenzyme Q10 is one such nutrient which is considered a medical breakthrough in heart health.

Fact: CoQ10 decreases the risk of heart disease due to its biological significance and antioxidant effects.

How does Coenzyme Q10 help the human body?

Coenzyme Q10 is naturally produced in our body and is an essential component of every cell. It is present in large percentage in heart, kidney and liver where the energy demands are high. The primary function of this nutrient is to participate in biochemical chain reactions and generate energy inside the cells.

Being a powerful antioxidant it also aids heart health by:

• Preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
• Protecting DNA and protein from oxidative stress.

• Enhancing blood supply to heart muscles.
• Improving efficiency of the heart muscle.

Clinical evidence proves CoQ10 is good for you

Coenzyme Q10 is responsible for the energy spark in every cell, hence a crucial component of heart muscle. Scores of clinical studies have shown the beneficial effect of coenzyme Q10 in decreasing the risk of heart disease. CoQ10 have been shown to prevent free radical damage and lower episodes of ischemia.

Note: Research has suggested that a CoQ10 deficiency puts you at greater risk for heart failure. Therefore, patients with congestive heart failure have experienced the greatest benefit from CoQ10 supplementation.

Who is at a risk of Coenzyme Q10 deficiency?

Coenzyme Q10 deficiency rises when there is a rapid depletion of body reserves or the synthesis of this powerful antioxidant is stalled under the following conditions:

• Aging
• Smoking
• Exposure to environmental pollutants
• Patients on statin (cholesterol-lowering) drugs
• Certain health conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and cancer
• Unhealthy eating habits or severe malnutrition

How can I naturally boost my Coenzyme Q10 levels?

Consume dietary sources: Increasing foods that contain coenzyme Q10 such as broccoli, Chinese cabbage, spinach, nuts and animal foods like sea fish, shellfish, meat, and chicken help to boost the coenzyme Q10 levels.

Supply Coenzyme Q10 building blocks: In order to produce enough coenzyme Q10 our body needs important raw materials such as aminoacid tyrosine, vitamins – C, B12, B6, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and several trace elements. In fact, a deficiency of these raw materials will impair the body’s capacity to naturally produce coenzyme Q10.

Consider supplements: Patients with heart disease, diabetes and other specific health conditions may benefit from consuming dietary supplements of coenzyme Q10.

Avoid inhibiting agents: Avoiding polluted environments, refraining from smoking etc helps to save body reserves.

Should I supplement or not?

Our body naturally produces enough coenzyme Q10 as long as our food supplies the necessary nutrient building blocks. The demand for this crucial nutrient goes up only under specific health conditions – which may call for dietary supplementation.

Coenzyme Q10 supplements may help to reduce heart disease risk, however the best strategy is to improve dietary sources that are abundant in this nutrient. It is also important to note that the best protection from heart disease comes via wholesome foods and healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and non-smoking.

Dietary supplements are only a part of the protection and can never act as a “magic pill” for any health condition. You and your doctor (as a team) will ultimately be the best way to prevent, even reverse chronic heart disease conditions.

Looking for natural health solutions? Sign up now – for our free, weekly show featuring the greatest minds in natural health and science plus a free gift!

References:
Kochanek KD, Xu JQ, Murphy SL, Miniño AM, Kung HC. Deaths: final data for 2009. National vital statistics reports. 2011;60(3).
Hsin-Chia Hung, Kaumudi J. Joshipura, et.al; Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Risk of Major Chronic Disease, JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst (2004) 96(21): 1577-1584.
Tiano L, Belardinelli R, Carnevali P, Principi F, Seddaiu G, Littarru GP. Effect of coenzyme Q10 administration on endothelial function and extracellular superoxide dismutase in patients with ischaemic heart disease: a double-blind, randomized controlled study. Eur Heart J. Sep 2007;28(18):2249-2255
Fotino AD, Thompson-Paul AM, Bazzano LA. Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on heart failure: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Feb;97(2):268-75.
Sinatra, Stephen T, The Sinatra solution- Metabolic Cardiology 2005 , Basic Health Publications Inc.

Today's Natural Cure: Graviola

This article is from  naturalsociety.com

Guyabano Health Benefits – Revealing Medicinal Properties of an Exotic Fruit

There are many fruit that most people simply don’t know about, and guyabano, also known as soursop and guanabana, is just one of them. While the fruit is not as well known as others and is less researched, guyabano health benefits are still worthy of note. If you want to expand your mind with knowledge of a fruit you probably never knew existed, continue onward to see what guyabano is and what it has to offer.

What is Guyabano?

Guyabano is a fruit that comes from the Graviola tree. Other names for guyabano (name known in the Philippines) include: guanábana (Spanish), graviola (Portuguese), pawpaw (in Brazil), corossol (French), soursop (English), and custard apple (English). The scientific name is annona muricata.

The graviola tree grows in warm tropical areas such as the Philippines and South America. Known as a sedative, a nerve tonic, and used to maintain proper intestinal health, guyabano is just one medicinal tool stemming from the graviola tree. Throughout history, each part of the graviola tree, such as the bark, leaves, roots, fruit, and seeds have been used for medicinal purposes. The seeds have been used to treat nausea and vomiting, while herbal medicine practitioners recommend using the fruit and leaves to relieve stomach distress, pain, cough, asthma, and fever.

Guyabano is known to being rich in vitamin C and B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, but here is a fuller list of what the fruit has to offer.

• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Riboflavin
• Phosphorus
• Thiamine
• Calcium
• Carbohydrates
• Niacin
• Fiber

Guyabano Health Benefits – Cancer Prevention

Unfortunately, research revolving around guyabano’s healing properties is lacking in the scientific world, but so far researchers have been studying guyabano for its ability to protect against cancer and reduce side-effects of chemotherapy.

Since 1976, over 20 independent labs researched Guyabano’s anti-cancer effects following initial research carried out by the National Cancer Institute. The National Cancer Institute found that guyabano’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells. After the 1976 findings, that were apparently never released to the public, other research studies came out with similar conclusions:

• One study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that one chemical in Graviola was 10,000 times more potent than a chemotherapy drug called Adriamycin.

• The Catholic University of South Korea reports that guyabano is not only a threat to cancer cells, but also leaves healthy cells alone. This is not the case with chemo, which target all the cells – much like antibiotics indiscriminately destroying all gut bacteria, good and bad.

• Purdue University found that leaves from the guyabano tree are “killed cancer cells among six human cell lines”. The researchers also found that the leaves were particularly effective for prostate and pancreatic cancers.

One piece of research found on PubMed concluded:

Overall, the compounds that are naturally present in a Graviola extract inhibited multiple signaling pathways that regulate metabolism, cell cycle, survival, and metastatic properties in PC cells. Collectively, alterations in these parameters led to a decrease in tumorigenicity and metastasis of orthotopically implanted pancreatic tumors, indicating promising characteristics of the natural product against this lethal disease.”

While guyabano has something to offer in the world of cancer protection, it’s important to note that studies conducted with guyabano were conducted in what’s known as In Vitro. This means that biological component have been isolated for testing, and this this case, cancer cells were used in test tubes. While it’s helpful to start research somewhere, we are still in need of human clinical trials.

Still, don’t hesitate to chomp down on some soursop (guyabano) for it’s great taste and potential (at the very least) anti-cancer abilities. Plus, here are some other guyabano health benefits.

Other Health Benefits of Guyabano

• Alleviates pain stemming from arthritis, joint and back problems, and rheumatism.

• Prevents urinary tract infections - Guyabano is known for it’s vitamin C content (77% daily value per cup). Vitamin C can help to decrease the amount of harmful bacteria that may be present in the urinary tract.

• Migraine and headache relief – Guyabano contains riboflavin, which could help with headaches.

• May help with anemia – Soursop (guyabano) is rich in iron, which could help with iron deficiency anemia.

• Prevents constipation - Before Rich in fiber, guyabano is one of the many foods to choose if you suffer from constipation.

• Bone health – Guyabano contains copper, a mineral promoting the absorption of bone-benefiting calcium.

• Prevents leg cramps – Potassium in the fruit could help prevent leg cramps.

• Boosts energy levels – Along with vitamin C, guyabano is known to be rich in B vitamins as well. B vitamins are known to help increase energy levels.

Guyabano Benefit Summary – Guyabano can Used for:

• Respiratory issues such as asthma or cough
• Pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Intestinal upset, constipation, and stomach distress
• Fever
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Urinary tract infections
• Lack of energy

In the end, just enjoy the soursop fruit, or, try it if you never have!

Additional Sources:

HealthMad

Hort.Purdue.edu

HealthyEating.SFGate

Today's Natural Cure: Eggs

This article is from  localsustainability.streamshare.com

6 Reasons Why Eggs Are The Healthiest Food on The Planet

Eggs are so nutritious that they’re often referred to as “nature’s multivitamin.”

They also have unique antioxidants and powerfulbrain nutrients that many people are deficient in.

Here are 6 reasons why eggs are among the healthiest foods on the planet.

1. Whole Eggs Are Among The Most Nutritious Foods on Earth

One whole egg contains an amazing range of nutrients.

Just imagine… the nutrients in there are enough to turn a single fertilized cell into an entire baby chicken.

Eggs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, high quality proteins, good fats and various other lesser-known nutrients.

One large egg contains (1):

• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): 9% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 15% of the RDA.
• Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 7% of the RDA.
• Selenium: 22% of the RDA.
• Eggs also contain small amounts of almost every vitamin and mineral required by the human body… including calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, Vitamin E, Folate and many more.

A large egg contains 77 calories, with 6 grams of quality protein, 5 grams of fat and trace amounts of carbohydrates.

It’s very important to realize that almost all the nutrients are contained in the yolk, the white contains only protein.

Bottom Line: Whole eggs are incredibly nutritious, containing a very large amount of nutrients compared to the calorie load. The nutrients are found in the yolks, while the whites are mostly protein.

2. Eggs Improve Your Cholesterol Profile and do NOT Raise Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

The main reason people have been warned about eggs is that they’re loaded with cholesterol.

One large egg contains 212 mg of cholesterol, which is a LOT compared to most other foods.

However, just because a food contains cholesterol doesn’t mean that it will raise the bad cholesterol in the blood.

The liver actually produces cholesterol, every single day. If you eat cholesterol, then your liver produces less. If you don’t eat cholesterol, then your liver produces more of it.

The thing is, many studies show that eggs actually improve your cholesterol profile.

Eggs tend to raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol and they tend to change the LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol to a large subtype which is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease (2, 3, 4).

One study discovered that 3 whole eggs per day reduced insulin resistance, raised HDL and increased the size of LDL particles in men and women with metabolic syndrome (5).

Multiple studies have examined the effects of egg consumption on the risk of cardiovascular disease and found no association between the two (6, 7, 8, 9).

However, some studies do show an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabeticpatients. This needs further research though and probably doesn’t apply on a low-carb diet, which can in many cases reverse type II diabetes (10, 11, 12).

Bottom Line: Studies show that eggs actually improve the cholesterol profile. They raise HDL (the good) cholesterol and increase the size of LDL particles, which should lower the risk of heart disease.

3. Eggs Are Loaded With Choline, an Important Nutrient For The Brain

Choline is a lesser-known nutrient that is often grouped with the B-complex vitamins.

Choline is an essential nutrient for human health and is needed for various processes in the body.

It is required to synthesize the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is also a component of cell membranes.

A low choline intake has been implicated in liver diseases, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders (13).

This nutrient may be especially important for pregnant women. Studies show that a low choline intake can raise the risk of neural tube defects and lead to decreased cognitive function in the offspring (14).

In a dietary survey in the U.S. from 2003-2004, over 90% of people ate less than the daily recommended amount of choline (15)!

The best sources of choline in the diet are egg yolks and beef liver. One large egg contains 113 mg of Choline.

Bottom Line: Choline is an essential nutrient that 90% of people in the U.S. aren’t getting enough of. Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline.

4. Eggs Contain High Quality Proteins With a Perfect Amino Acid Profile

Proteins are the main building blocks of the body and serve both structural and functional purposes.

They consist of amino acids that are linked together, kind of like beads on a string, then folded into complex shapes.

There are about 21 amino acids that the body uses to build its proteins.

The body can not produce 9 of these amino acids, which are deemed as “essential” and must be gotten from the diet.

The quality of a protein source is determined by its relative amounts of these essential amino acids. A protein source that contains all of them in the right ratios is a good source of protein.

Eggs are among the best sources of protein in the diet. In fact, the biological value (a measure of protein quality) is often evaluated by comparing it to eggs, which are given the perfect score of 100.

Bottom Line: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, with all the essential amino acids in the right ratios.

5. Eggs Are Loaded With Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Which Protect The Eyes

There are two antioxidants in eggs that can have powerful protective effects on the eyes.

They are called Lutein and Zeaxanthin, both found in the yolk.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin tend to accumulate in the retina, the sensory part of the eye.

These antioxidants significantly reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration and Cataracts, which are among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness in the elderly (16, 17, 18).

In one study, eating 1.3 egg yolks per day for 4.5 weeks increased blood levels of Zeaxanthin by 114-142% and Lutein by 28-50% (19).

Bottom Line: Eggs are very high in the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which can drastically reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration and Cataracts.

6. Eggs For Breakfast Can Help You Lose Body Fat

Eggs contain only trace amounts of carbohydrates, but plenty of protein and fat.

They score very high on a scale called the Satiety Index, which is a measure of how much foods contribute to satiety (20).

For this reason, it is not surprising to see studies where eating eggs for breakfast leads to fat loss.

In one study, 30 overweight or obese women consumed either a breakfast of eggs or a breakfast of bagels. Both breakfasts had the same amount of calories.

The women in the egg group felt more full and ate less calories for the rest of the day and for the next 36 hours (21).

In another study that went on for 8 weeks, eating eggs for breakfast lead to significant weight improvements compared to the same amount of calories from bagels. The egg group (22):

• Lost 65% more body weight.
• Lost 16% more body fat.
• Had a 61% greater reduction in BMI.
• Had a 34% greater reduction in waist circumference (a good marker for the dangerous abdominal fat).

Not All Eggs Are The Same

It’s important to keep in mind that not all eggs are created equal.

Hens are often raised in factories, caged and fed grain-based feed that alters the final nutrient composition of the eggs. It is best to buy Omega-3 enriched or pastured eggs, they are more nutritious and healthier.

However, conventional supermarket eggs are still a good choice if you can’t afford or access the others.

Take Home Message

To top things off, eggs are cheap, taste awesome and go with almost any food.

Eggs really are an egg-ceptional superfood.

Today's Natural Cure: How To Identify Liver Problems

This article is from  naturalnews.com

How to spot signs of liver damage

(NaturalNews) We've become far too reliant on western medicine's invasive practices to provide feedback to us on how our body is feeling. Instead of looking to medical professionals to tell us how our body is faring, we should pay attention to our body and determine ourselves what it is telling us. An important place to start is the liver, and it always provides unquestionable signs when we are doing it damage.

Signs of liver damage

The liver is a hardy organ and carries much responsibility. It provides us with youthfulness and longevity when it operates effectively, and subjects us to premature aging and shortened life spans when it's not.

Bottom line, the liver is an organ we should bow to and treat with as much respect as possible. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet has done anything but that.

So how do you know if your liver is crying for help? Here are some visible physical signs:

- Puffiness between eyebrows
- Unable to tolerate cold in winter
- Feel feverish and find summer very uncomfortable
- Hemorrhoids
- Coated tongue
- Bad breath
- Excessive sweating
- Dark urine
- Small red 'spots' the size of a pinhead that come and go in various parts on the body
- Skin problems such as eczema, acne, hives, itching, rashes. Skin may have dark pigmentation or spots on face, back of hands, forehead, or around the nose
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin)
- Eye problems (sensitivity to light, moving spots, double vision)
- Whites of eyes become yellow
- Loss of weight
- Obesity
- Sinus and tonsil issues
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Headaches, dizziness, and shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Mental outbursts
- Inability to concentrate

How did this liver damage occur?

Since our liver is a large filter, everything we take must pass through it.

- It stores all the remains of drugs, vaccines, birth control, and prescriptions we have taken throughout our entire lifetime
- The fats from dairy and fried foods, as well as flour products, weaken the liver
- Improper food combining
- Lack of sleep and fatigue will also weaken the liver. If you find you are sleepy after eating, and/or feel wide awake at 1 or 2 a.m., you can be assured you have sustained liver damage

How do we heal the liver?

Quite simply, we clean up our diet and lifestyle to avoid toxins present in our food, air, water, and personal care products.

In addition to that, we should also strongly consider:

- Colonics
- Herbs like milk thistle, artichoke leaf, and dandelion leaf
- High quality probiotics
- Daily exercise (walking, yoga, rebounding)
- Resting more (but not immediately after meals)

Also, learn to let go. The emotion of anger is connected to the liver so do not hold in your anger, or relive or feel any anger towards any situation.

So start loving your liver today, and remove all the things that irritate it. Then, you can enjoy that youthfulness and longevity you deserve.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.disabled-world.com/health/digestive/liver-diseases.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver_disease

http://www.liverdoctor.com/liver/symptoms-of-liver-damage/